Elasticized Funnel for Dumping of Paper Shredder Waste Bin

Abstract

A nylon fabric funnel having an elastic band encased in the nylon, with a stretchability of approximately 20%, at the upper inlet opening of the funnel, adapted for secure attachment to a paper shredder waste bin. The lower discharge end of the funnel is placed in the second receptacle, hanging freely, allowing for controlled flow of the shredded paper from a paper shredder waste bin to a second receptacle. A storage bag comprised of nylon fabric, houses the funnel securely, via Velcro strips adapted to allow for bag closure, as well as the attachment of the bag to the outside chassis of the paper shredder machine, when the funnel is not in use.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. A nylon fabric funnel comprising a tubular member defined by an upper inlet opening comprising a 2 inch wide elastic band encased in the nylon; the inlet opening having a circumference of approximately 30 inches and having a stretchability factor of approximately 20%, and a lower non-elasticized discharge opening having a circumference of approximately 26 inches, for the transfer of shredded paper from a paper shredder receptacle into a second receptacle, wherein said tubular member has a length of approximately 24 inches, allowing shredded paper to have an unobstructed flow through said tubular member from said inlet to said outlet.

4. A nylon fabric funnel comprising a tubular member defined by an upper inlet opening comprising a 2 inch wide elastic band encased in nylon; the inlet opening having a circumference of approximately 40 inches and having a stretchability factor of approximately 20%, and a lower non-elasticized discharge opening having a circumference of approximately 27 inches, for the transfer of shredded paper from a paper shredder receptacle into a second receptacle, wherein said tubular member has a length of approximately 24 inches, allowing shredded paper to have an unobstructed flow through said tubular member from said inlet to said outlet.

5. The nylon fabric funnel defined in claim 3 and claim 4 further comprising a nylon fabric storage bag configured to house said funnel, with a diameter of approximately 9 inches wide by 12 inches long by 2 inches deep.

6. The storage bag defined in claim 5 further comprising Velcro strips configured for secure closure of said storage bag, and to affix said bag to the outside casing of a paper shredder.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is an Assembled View. This is a front view perspective of the funnel unit. The description is as follows: [0024] 1. Nylon static free fabric is recommended for the funnel [0025] 2. Seam stitching is located on the outside of the funnel and bag to provide a smooth interior so shredder paper passes easily through the funnel. [0026] 3. Stitching to hold 2 elastic band [0027] 4. Stitching to hold seams outside at bottom of funnel to provide smooth exit from funnel. [0028] 5. 2 elastic band (not visible in Assembled View) that is encased in a one piece nylon fabric funnel that is gathered at the top to allow for stretch. The nylon fabric forms a funnel beneath the elastic band.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an Exploded View. This perspective identifies the elastic band at the top of the funnel. The parts are sewn together to make up the one piece funnel unit. The description is as follows: [0030] 1. Nylon static free fabric is recommended for the funnel [0031] 2. Seam stitching is located on the outside of the funnel to provide a smooth interior so paper shreds/confetti pass easily through the funnel. [0032] 3. 2 elastic band that is encased at the top of the one piece fabric funnel

[0033] FIG. 3 is a three quarter view of the Bag. This demonstrates where the folded funnel unit is stored in between uses. It also shows the where the Velcro strips are located that keep the bag closed at the top; and the Velcro strips at the back to keep the bag attached to the outside of the paper shredder. The description is as follows: [0034] 1. Nylon static free fabric is recommended for the bag [0035] 2. The bag seam is located on the back of the bag [0036] 3. Bag hem seam located below Velcro [0037] 4. Two Velcro strips on the back side of the bag for attachment to the paper shredder when the funnel is not in use. [0038] 5. Stitching to attach Velcro strips [0039] 6. Four Velcro strips located on the inside of the bag mouth. Two on each side of the mouth and two (not visible from this view) to close bag when not in use. [0040] 7. Stitching to attach Velcro strips.

[0041] This is not the only embodiment of the instant invention. Alternatively: [0042] Any smooth, static-free fabric that would not prevent the movement of shredded paper down the funnel could be used. [0043] The size of the funnel can vary depending on the size of the shredder waste bin. In one version, the funnel was about 15 wide across the top opening, the funnel taper was about 24 long and the opening at the funnel exit was about 8 wide. [0044] The storage bag can vary depending on the size of the shredder waste bin. In one version, the bag dimensions were about 9 wide, 12 long and 2 deep. [0045] The storage bag can be of a different shape and construction provided it can affix directly to the paper shredder without blocking any vents that may be on the paper shredder casing. [0046] The number of Velcro strips to affix the bag to the shredder can vary depending on the size of the shredder waste bin. [0047] The elasticized funnel is not restricted to shredded paper dumping alone. It could be used to assist the transfer of other items, such as packing materials from a shipping box, or sand from a kitty litter box into a trash bin or other locationprovided the elasticized upper end of the funnel fits snugly around the receptacle that is being dumped, and the items being dumped are small enough to exit the funnel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] The present invention is a fabric funnel, preferably nylon, having an elastic band incased in the fabric at the upper inlet end of the funnel for frictional attachment to a paper shredder waste bin, to prevent shredded paper from spilling out of the shredder waste bin when emptying the bin. The funnel stores in a fabric bag which attaches via Velcro strips to the outside of a paper shredder between uses.

[0049] The principle objective to the invention is to provide a way to empty a shredder waste bin without requiring additional clean up. Many paper shredders for home/office use have a square or rectangular shaped, four sided waste bin. The bin has a higher profile on the front facing side of the bin, than the three other sides of the bin that fit into the shredder cavity. The uneven shape of the bin presents a challenge to empty it without the contents spilling over. As the bin is angled to be emptied, the shredded paper does not flow out evenly, which can cause a shredded paper mess, requiring additional clean up.

[0050] Another object of the invention is to offer an alternative to purchasing the one-time use plastic bags that can be inserted inside the shredder waste bin. These often do not fit snugly (due to the odd shape of the bin). Or, for shredders that have a four even-sided waste bin, the bags often fall into the bin or come away from the sides of the bin during shredding. This can cause shredded paper to drop into the bin itself, or outside the binagain, requiring additional clean up. Additionally, these plastic bags can be expensive to purchase, and must be replaced when the consumer runs out.

[0051] Still another object of the invention is to offer an alternative to using plastic disposable bags, in an effort to reduce the amount of plastic products in landfills.

[0052] As presented, two sizes are observed to fit small to medium and medium to large paper shredders. However, the funnel and the storage bag may be made in a variety of different sizes.