FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device for collecting waste material, particularly a bag for picking up animal faeces such as dog faeces.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

One responsibility of owning a pet such as a dog is picking up faeces deposited by the animal, particularly when deposited in a public place. In many areas there is a local law requirement to pick up animal faeces and, in any case, not picking up animal faeces deposited in public is exceedingly unhygienic.

There are a number of ways in which a pet owner may collect faeces deposited by their pet. Commonly a plastic bag is used. In such an instance, a pet owner inserts their hand into the bag and picks up the faeces, with the bag material acting as a barrier between the user's hand and the faeces. However, the plastic material of such bags is incredibly thin, which means that the pet owner feels both the texture and warmth of the faeces through the bag when picking it up. This is an unpleasant sensation and may deter the owner from picking up faeces in the future.

Another commonly used method of disposing of animal faeces is to use a small scoop to pick up the faeces before transferring it to a bag for disposal. Whilst this method ensures that a user does not experience any unpleasant tactile sensations when picking up the faeces, once the scoop has been used, it is contaminated with animal faeces and presents the user with a problem of where to store it until it can be cleaned. This is particularly problematic when out on a long walk, for example. A scoop also poses the problem that it is a hassle to carry around.

There is therefore a desire for a device for collecting waste material, particularly animal faeces, which overcomes the problems outlined above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a flexible bag for manually picking up waste material, comprising: a support element comprising an interior surface and an outer surface, the interior surface defining an interior region, and wherein the support element comprises a flexible material and a padding material; an opening through which a user inserts their hand into the interior region in use, and; an outer layer covering at least a part of the outer surface of the support element, wherein, in use; an external surface of the bag may be introduced to waste material by the user's hand within the interior region so as to pick up the waste material, whereafter the bag may be inverted over the waste material.

In a preferred example, the interior surface of the support element is defined by the flexible material, with the padding material covering at least a part of the flexible material. The padding material is typically joined to the flexible material, for example by stitching, adhesive bonding or stamping.

The present invention overcomes the problems outlined above in the background section by providing a flexible bag which a user can use to pick up waste material (such as animal faeces) with minimal sensory experience (e.g. texture, moisture and warmth) of the waste material. This is due to the provision of a padding material, which typically is deformable in at least a direction normal to the outer surface of the support element such that tactile perception of the waste material by the user's hand is substantially minimised.

Typically, the outer layer covers at least a part of the outer surface of the support element such that the user's hand may be protected from the waste by three layers - the flexible material, the padding material and the outer layer. Typically, the interior surface of the support element comprises the flexible material, the padding material covers at least a part of the flexible material and the outer layer covers at least a part of the padding material. The flexible material and the padding material of the support element are typically joined together, but may be provided as separate layers. The flexible material is preferably impervious. Here, "impervious" has its usual definition meaning that fluid cannot pass through. The layered structure of the bag also reduces the passage of fluid through the layers of the bag.

Beneficially, the flexible bag of the present invention is easy to transport and dispose of (in contrast to a scoop for example).

Advantageously, the bag comprises an outer layer covering at least a part of the outer surface of the support element. The outer layer acts to prevent damage to the padding material of the support element (for example rips, tears, water damage or the like) which could reduce the effect of the padding material in minimising the sensory experience of the user. In this sense the outer layer may be seen as a "protective layer". Such a bag is typically carried around in the pocket of a user until it is needed, where the bag may be subjected to damage by objects such as keys. The outer layer therefore beneficially reduces the likelihood of the padding material being damaged before it is used.

The outer layer is typically joined to the support element, for example by stitching, adhesive bonding or stamping.

The outer layer may substantially completely cover the outer surface of the support element. However, in preferred embodiments the outer layer only covers a part of the support element such that a region of the support element (typically comprising only the flexible material) extends from the outer layer so as to define a second interior region. Such a second interior region advantageously provides further protection for a user's forearm, as well as increasing the ease with which the bag may be inverted over collected waste material. In an alternative example, the outer layer extends past the interior region defined by the interior surface of the support element so as to define a second interior region. The external surface of the bag that is introduced to the waste material may comprise the outer layer. Alternatively or in addition, the external surface may comprise at least a part of the padding material. In the case where the external surface comprises at least a part of the padding material, this advantageously means that less material is required for the outer layer, thereby minimising material wastage.

For example, in particularly preferred embodiments the outer layer comprises at least one aperture such that at least a part of the padding material is exposed through said aperture. In such a case the exposed padding material forms a part of the external surface of the bag. Such an aperture is particularly advantageous when the padding material comprises an absorbent material, or the bag comprises an absorbent material covering at least a part of the padding material. In such a case, the absorbent nature of the exposed material beneficially means that the waste material is cleared away more efficiently, as any moisture in the waste material is at least partially absorbed. Furthermore, the non-exposed padding material is protected by the outer layer, thus maintaining the integrity of the padding material. Typically, a region of the bag introduced to the waste material in use comprises padding material. The padding material within the region could be covered by the outer layer, or could be exposed through an aperture in the outer layer.

In a further example, the outer layer may be adapted such that, in use, at least one aperture is formed in the outer layer such that the padding material is exposed through said aperture. This advantageously ensures that the padding material is protected by the outer layer until it is in use. The outer layer may comprise at least one removable section that is removed in use such that the padding material is exposed. The removable section may be removably attached to the remainder of the outer layer by a perforated section for example. In another example, the outer layer may comprise a single perforated section that is operable to split and form an aperture in the outer layer when a user inserts their hand into the interior region. The action of a user opening their hand within the interior region tears the perforated section of the outer layer, exposing the padding material.

Typically, the outer layer comprises a flexible impervious material.

Particularly beneficially, the padding material may be deformable in at least a direction normal to the outer surface of the support element such that tactile perception of the waste material by the user's hand is substantially minimised. The padding material may comprise at least one indentation operable to increase the flexibility of the padding material. This ensures that the padding material is flexible enough to be manipulated by a user's hand sufficiently such that the waste material may be picked up. Particularly advantageously, the at least one indentation operable to increase the flexibility of the padding material enables the use of a padding material that has a large thickness relative to that of the flexible material and outer layer, and yet still be flexible enough to be manipulated by a user's hand. The use of a thick layer of padding material beneficially further reduces the tactile sensations experienced by a user.

The surface texture may comprise at least one of ribbing, ridges, corrugations, pimples, netting or spaced apart air pockets. The padding material may have a thickness up to 20mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 15mm.

In one example of the invention, the padding material comprises an absorbent material. This advantageously provides further protection for a user, and further minimises the sensory experience in picking up waste material, which may be moist. The bag may comprise an absorbent material covering at least a part of the padding material. Here the term absorbent means operable to at least partially absorb moisture. The padding material may comprise one or more layers of paper. A preferred padding material is a paper-based tissue material. Tissue not only reduces the sensory experience of the user, but is also absorbent, which aids in completely clearing away waste material, especially when exposed through an aperture in the outer layer. In some embodiments, the padding material may comprise one or more overlapping thin layers of tissue material, typically positioned between the impervious flexible material of the support element and the outer layer. A further advantage of tissue material is that it is light weight. In general, the padding material may comprise at least one of a woven, non-woven or knitted fabric, a paper or cotton-based material, sponge material, material comprising spaced apart air pockets, gel, sand, sawdust, parchment, wool, latex and rubber. The padding material acts to reduce the sensory experience of the user when picking up waste material. Typically the padding material acts as a cushioning element.

The padding material may comprise absorbent powder or be in powdered form.

The bag may comprise sealing means operable to seal the bag after it has been inverted over the waste material. Examples of such sealing means include tie handles, an adhesive strip or a zipper mechanism.

Although the bag may comprise any material including plastic materials such as high density or low density polyethylene; particularly preferably at least one of the flexible material of the support element and outer layer comprises a paper or cotton material. Particularly preferably, both the flexible material of the support element and the outer layer are completely or predominantly formed from a paper or cotton material. Both paper and cotton derive from cellulose and therefore preferably at least one of the flexible material of the support element and the outer layer comprise a material derived from cellulose.

Suitable paper materials include waxed paper and greaseproof paper. The term "waxed paper" in this specification is used to mean paper coated or impregnated on at least one side with wax, oil or resin such that the paper is moisture repellent. The wax may be one of beeswax, plant wax (e.g. soybean wax), paraffin wax or other suitable waxes known in the art. An example of waxed paper that may be used is NorPak MeatPak available from Norpak Corporation, 70 Blanchard Street, Newark, NJ 07105-4702. The term "greaseproof paper" in this specification is used to mean paper that is impermeable to grease or oil, and is typically formed by treating the paper such that the spaces between the paper fibres are smaller than grease molecules. An example of greaseproof paper that may be used is that from The Gourmet Food Wrap Company, UK.

The term "cotton" is used to mean materials formed from natural cotton fibres, including muslin. Similarly to waxed paper, the term "waxed cotton" is used to mean cotton coated or impregnated on at least one side with wax or oil such that it is moisture repellent. The wax may be beeswax, plant wax (e.g. soybean wax), paraffin wax or other suitable waxes known in the art.

The inventor has realised that, in contrast to using conventional plastic materials such as polyethylene, waxed paper and/or waxed cotton can be used to produce a flexible bag which a user can use to pick up waste material (such as animal faeces) with minimal sensory experience (e.g. texture, moisture and warmth) of the waste material. The wax of the material repeals moisture and thus generates an impervious layer so as to prevent moisture from the waste material coming into contact with the user's hand. Moreover, waxed paper is thicker than conventional plastic used for picking up waste material (e.g. dog faeces) and therefore significantly reduces the tactile sensory experience experienced by the user. Simultaneously, the waxed cotton or waxed paper is also thin enough to be of desired flexibility to form the bag. Furthermore, a waste bag made from waxed paper and/or waxed cotton is relatively straightforward and cheap to manufacture.

A further advantage of the use of waxed paper and/or waxed cotton is that once the bag has been inverted over the waste material, the waxed paper and/or waxed cotton may be folded over or twisted in order to seal the bag, with the paper and/or cotton remaining in the folded over or twisted state due to its material properties.

The use of greaseproof paper also beneficially provides an impervious layer and has the same advantages as outlined above for waxed paper and waxed cotton. Preferably the waxed paper/cotton or greaseproof paper is unbleached.

In one embodiment at least one of the flexible material of the support element and the outer layer comprises hemp. Other materials that may be used to form at least one of the flexible material of the support element and the outer layer include parchment, wool, latex (preferably natural latex), rubber and aluminium foil. These have the same advantages as outlined above for waxed paper and waxed cotton, in particular forming an impervious layer. Such materials are preferably unbleached.

An advantage of aluminium foil is that it may be folded over or twisted to seal the bag after waste collection. A particular advantage of the use of paper and/or cotton material is that the material is biodegradable due to paper and cotton both being biodegradable. Advantageously, when the padding material also comprises a biodegradable material (e.g. paper tissue), the bag as a whole is substantially biodegradable. The term "biodegradable" is used to mean that a material is capable of being broken down naturally (e.g. by bacteria or other living organisms) without releasing harmful chemicals.

The external surface of the bag may comprise a waterproof film, wherein the waterproof film is preferably degradable or biodegradable. Particularly preferably, the whole bag is compostable or biodegradable.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a flexible bag for manually picking up waste material, comprising; a first element comprising opposing faces joined together along their periphery so as to define an interior region and an opening through which a user inserts their hand into the interior region in use, and; an outer layer joined to and covering at least a part of the first element wherein, the first element and outer layer both comprise flexible material such that, in use; an externally facing surface of the bag is introduced to waste material by the user's hand within the interior region so as to pick up the waste material, whereafter the bag may be inverted over the waste material.

At least one of the first element and outer layer of the second aspect of the invention may comprise at least one of the materials discussed above in relation to the first aspect of the invention, in particular waxed paper, waxed cotton, greaseproof paper, wool, rubber, latex, parchment, hemp and aluminium foil. Preferably at least one of the first element and outer layer comprises a paper or cotton material such as waxed paper or cotton, or greaseproof paper.

Preferably, at least one of the first element and outer layer is formed from a material that is biodegradable and/or compostable material such that the bag is completely or predominantly formed from a biodegradable and/or compostable material.

Typically, the outer layer covers at least a part of the first element such that the externally facing surface of the bag presented to the waste material comprises the outer layer. This advantageously means that the user's hand is protected from the waste by two layers - the first element and the outer layer - and thus provides additional peace of mind for the user.

Typically, where the outer layer covers only a part of the first element, the part of the first element not covered by the outer layer extends from the region where the outer layer is present and provides extra protection for the forearm of a user, as well as increasing the ease with which the bag can be inverted over the waste material. The material of the first element may comprise a plurality of folds or creases that increase the ease of inverting the material after waste collection. For example, waxed paper or greaseproof paper used to form the first element may be "scrunched" during manufacture to introduce the plurality of folds or creases. These advantageously increase the flexibility of the bag which increases the ease with which the bag can be inverted over the waste material, and is another example of the advantages of using such material. In some embodiments the outer layer substantially completely covers the first element.

In embodiments, the bag comprises a third layer positioned between the first element and the outer layer. The third layer is typically a padding and/or absorbent layer and is operable to reduce the tactile sensation experienced by the user when handling waste material, and may comprise a material adapted to at least partially deform around the waste material. Furthermore, the user's hand is protected from the waste material by three layers, increasing peace of mind. The third layer is preferably biodegradable and/or compostable, and preferably paper-based (e.g. paper tissue). Examples of materials used for the third layer include those set out above in relation to the first aspect.

In particularly preferred embodiments the third layer comprises absorbent material and the outer layer comprises an aperture such that the absorbent material is exposed through the aperture. In such an embodiment, the external surface of the bag introduced to the waste material comprises the exposed absorbent material. This aids in completely clearing away the waste material. Paper tissue, straw and sawdust, amongst others, are all examples of suitable absorbent materials for the third layer.

In some embodiments the bag may comprise a padding material and an absorbent material. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a flexible bag for manually picking up waste material consisting essentially of a paper or cotton material, hemp wool, parchment, latex, rubber or aluminium foil, preferably waxed paper, waxed cotton or greaseproof paper. The bag may comprise one or more layers of said material.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a flexible bag for manually picking up waste material consisting essentially of a biodegradable material. In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a flexible bag for manually picking up waste material, comprising: a flexible impervious material comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior region of the bag; an opening through which a user inserts their hand into the interior region of the bag in use, and wherein; the exterior surface comprises a flexible padding material that, in use, is introduced to waste material by the user's hand within the interior region of the bag so as to pick up the waste material, whereafter the bag may be inverted over the padding material and waste material, and wherein; the flexible padding material is deformable in at least a direction normal to the exterior surface such that tactile perception of the waste material by the user's hand is substantially minimised, and further wherein the padding material comprises an external surface comprising at least one indentation operable to increase the flexibility of the padding material.

The flexible impervious material of the fifth aspect may comprise at least one of waxed paper, waxed cotton, greaseproof paper, hemp, parchment, latex, wool, rubber or aluminium foil as described above. In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a flexible bag for manually picking up waste material, comprising: a support element comprising an interior surface and an outer surface, the interior surface defining an interior region, and wherein the support element comprises an impervious flexible material and a padding material; an opening through which a user inserts their hand into the interior region in use; and a protective layer covering at least a part of the outer surface of the support element, wherein, in use; an external surface of a region of the bag comprising padding material is introduced to waste material by the user's hand within the interior region so as to pick up the waste material, whereafter the bag may be inverted over the waste material.

In embodiments of the invention, the bag may comprise a sub-region within the interior region configured to receive a user's thumb in use. The presence of such a sub-region dramatically increases the dexterity with which the user can manipulate the bag to collect waste material. The sub-region may be formed by opposing sections of at least the first element being joined along a first strip extending inwards from the periphery of the bag. The strip may be substantially straight or curved. The opposing sections may be joined together by stitching, adhesive bonding, stamping or heat sealing. Typically, the corresponding sections of the outer layer and padding layer (where present) are also joined together.

In other embodiments, the sub-region may be formed by a cut-out portion of the bag such that the sub-region is able to be moved independently from the remainder of the bag.

The bag may comprise a second sub-region on the opposing side of the bag. This advantageously means that the bag may be easily used by both left-handed and right-handed users.

The bag may be shaped so as to define a narrowed section. Specifically, the bag may taper towards the narrowed section which is typically the narrowest part of the bag. In use, the narrowed section preferably corresponds to the position of a user's wrist so as to allow for increased dexterity in the manipulation of the bag.

The bag according to the invention may comprise sealing means operable to seal the bag after it has been inverted over the waste material. The sealing means may comprise an adhesive strip, tie handles or a zipper mechanism.

Preferably, the bag of the invention is completely or predominantly formed from a biodegradable and/or compostable material. In preferred embodiments, the bag is completely or predominantly formed from materials that will biodegrade easily under the conditions found in landfill facilities without releasing harmful chemicals.

The use of such materials discussed above (e.g. paper, cotton, hemp, wool etc.) is particularly beneficial when compared to traditional plastic bags derived from petroleum or natural gas that can take 100s, even 1000s of years to decompose in land-fill sites and remain harmful to the environment during this time. According to the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association, the UK population of dogs in 2017 was 8.5million. Theoretically therefore, the number of plastic bags being used for dog faeces collection exceeds 8.5million daily in the UK alone. The use of such materials in the present invention allows for responsible disposal of waste bags with minimal impact on the environment both in terms of the manufacture of such materials, and their ability to biodegrade or be recycled. Preferably the bag according to the invention is completely or predominantly formed from a natural material derived from plants, animals of the ground in order to minimise the impact on the environment of manufacturing and disposing of the bag. Paper, cotton, wool, parchment, natural rubber and natural latex are examples of natural materials.

In summary the present invention provides a number of advantages over the prior art. Firstly, the layered construction of the bag dramatically reduces the sensory experience of a user when picking up waste material such as dog faeces. The padding material aids with this reduction in sensory experience.

Secondly, in embodiments where absorbent material is exposed to the waste material, the absorbent material acts to absorb moisture and minimise wetting of the bag, as well as aiding in completely clearing the waste material. Thirdly, the use of the materials discussed above (such as waxed paper) allows for responsible disposal of waste bags with minimal impact on the environment. This is particularly advantageous, given current consumer confusion regarding the environmental friendliness of "bioplastics". "Bioplastics" are made from biological sources, rather than petroleum, one example of which is poly-lactic acid (PLA). In many cases decomposition of such bioplastics requires specific conditions, for example high temperature compositing facilities that are not found in household compost bins or landfill sites, giving rise to consumer confusion about the "environmental friendliness" of bioplastics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figures 1 a and 1 b schematically illustrate a bag according to an example of the invention;

Figure 2a and 2b schematically illustrate a bag according to a further example of the invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a further example bag;

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a bag according to a first preferred example of the invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a bag according to a second preferred example of the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the bag according to the second preferred example of the invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the bag according to the second preferred example being used to collect waste material;

Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an inverted bag containing the picked up waste material;

Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a bag according to a second example of the invention;

Figures 10a and 10b are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of a bag according to a third example of the invention;

Figure 1 1 is a magnified view of a padding material comprising a plurality of indentations;

Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a bag according to the invention;

Figure 13 illustrates a further example of the arrangement of a support layer and the padding material, and;

Figures 14 and 15 are further schematic illustrations of a bag according to a further example of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION For simplicity, the following description will be in relation to picking up animal faeces, although the waste bag of the invention may be used to pick up other types of waste material. Furthermore, for ease of description, the following examples will be described in relation to the use of waxed paper. However, as will be appreciated by the skilled person, any of the materials outlined above in the summary section could alternatively or additionally be used to form the elements of the bag, including waxed cotton, greaseproof paper, hemp, wool, parchment, latex and rubber.

An example waste bag 1000 for manually picking up animal faces will now be described with reference to Figure 1 a, which schematically illustrates such a waste bag 1000 in plan view (showing one "face" of the bag); and Figure 1 b which illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of such a bag showing its layered structure. The bag 1000 comprises a first element 10 comprising waxed paper. The first element 10 comprises an interior surface 10a and an exterior surface 10b, as seen in Figure 1 b.

The first element 10 is formed in bag form by sealing two opposing sheets ("faces") of waxed paper around their periphery in order to define an opening 2 through which a user inserts their hand into a first interior region 1 1 . The seam where the two sheets are sealed is schematically shown at 5 in Figure 1 a. Such sealing could be performed by stitching, adhesive bonding, stamping or heat sealing for example.

The bag 1000 further comprises a protective outer layer 20, also formed of waxed paper, covering at least a part of the outer surface of the first element 10. In the present example, the protective layer 20 is provided on both faces of the bag 1000 (as schematically seen in Figure 1 b), but in other examples may be present on only one face. In the present example where the protective layer is formed on both faces of the bag, the protective layer 20 is formed by providing two opposing sheets of appropriately shaped waxed paper and bonding the sheets to the first element at seam 5. The sheet(s) forming the protective layer 20 are typically not bonded to the first element 10 along the edge of the protective layer sheet extending across the face of the first element (shown at 6 in Figure 1 a).

Further, in the example shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b, the protective layer only covers a part of the outer surface of first element 10. The region where the protective layer 20 covers the first element 10 defines a second interior region 21 within the first interior region 1 1 and large enough to substantially enclose a user's hand, as seen in Figure 1 a. In use, a user inserts their hand into the bag and presents an externally facing surface of the bag 1000 to the waste material. Here, the externally facing surface of the bag comprises the outer surface of protective layer 20. The user's hand is therefore advantageously spaced from the waste material by two layers of waxed paper. This not only gives peace of mind to the user that they are "protected" from the waste, but also minimises the sensory experience of handling the waste.

Once the waste has been collected, the user inverts the bag on itself in order to enclose the waste material, and can subsequently dispose of the inverted bag (containing the waste). The bag may be sealed after collection and inversion by sealing means such as tie handles, an adhesive layer or a zipper mechanism. The part of the first element 10 not covered by the protective layer 20 (shown at 12) aids in the inversion of the bag, whilst also providing extra protection for the user's forearm.

The use of waxed paper advantageously creates an impervious barrier to moisture during the collection of the waste material. Waxed paper is also flexible such that the bag can be easily inverted on itself. In some examples, the region 12 of the first element 10 may comprise a plurality of creases or folds to aid in the bag inversion. Figures 1 a and 1 b illustrate an arrangement where the protective layer 20 covers a part of the first element 10 (thus defining region 12 of first element extending "above" the protective layer 20). However, in other examples, the protective layer 20 is adapted to cover substantially the entirety of the first element 10. In such an example the bag may only be large enough to substantially enclose a user's hand, as seen with example bag 2000 schematically illustrated in Figures 2a and 2b.

Figure 3 illustrates a further example of a waste bag 2000 according to the present invention. This bag 2000 has substantially the same construction as the bag 1000 shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b, but further comprises a padding layer 30 positioned between the outer surface 10b of first element 10 and the protective outer layer 20. Together the first element and padding layer form a support element. This layer structure is schematically illustrated in Figure 3, where the padding layer is present on both faces of the bag. However, in some examples the padding layer may only be present on one face of the bag.

The padding layer preferably comprises at least one layer of paper tissue, and may comprise a plurality of overlapping layers of paper tissue. The padding layer is preferably attached to the bag at its periphery via seam 5. However, in some examples where the protective layer 20 is not attached to the first element 10 along edge 6, the padding material may simply be placed in the "pocket" formed by the protective layer. In such a bag 2000 comprising a padding layer 30, in use the user's hand is protected from the waste material by three layers: namely the first element, protective layer and padding layer. This advantageously further minimises the sensory experience of the user and provides improved peace of mind for the user.

Figure 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a waste bag 2000 according to the invention. This bag 2000 comprises a padding layer 30 in the same manner as illustrated in Figure 3. Furthermore, the protective outer layer 20 comprises an aperture 22 such that the padding material 30 is exposed and forms an exterior surface of the bag at the region of the aperture 22. Preferably, the padding material 30 in such an example is absorbent. Such an absorbent padding layer may comprise one or more sheets of paper, or paper tissue, or other suitable materials as described above. In use, the user presents the absorbent padding material exposed through the aperture 22 to the waste material when collecting it. The absorbent padding material 30 is operable to absorb moisture from the animal faeces which further protects the user from the unpleasant sensations associated with picking up the faeces and aids in completely clearing the waste. The bag may comprise an aperture on one or both faces of the bag.

As also seen in Figure 4, the bag 2000 comprises a seam 24 within region 21 that joins together opposing faces of at least the first element (and also preferably the padding material and protective layer 20) so as to form a sub- region shown generally at 24a. The sub-region 24a is operable in use to receive a user's thumb such that the bag may be used in a mitten-like fashion. This advantageously increases the dexterity with which a user may manipulate the bag when collecting waste. The seam 24 is preferably formed by stitching, adhesive bonding, stamping or heat sealing.

In Figure 4, the seam 24 is illustrated as substantially linear and extending inwards from the periphery of the bag. However, other geometries of seam are envisaged (such as curved) that may still form such a sub-region adapted to receive a user's thumb in use.

On the opposing side of the bag is shown an alternative means of forming such a sub-region for a user's thumb. Here the bag comprises a cut-out portion (shown at 26) extending inwards at an angle from the periphery of the bag so as to define sub-region shown generally at 26a into which a user can place his thumb in use. Each of the first element 10, padding layer 30 and protective layer 20 comprise the cut-out portion.

The example bag 2000 illustrated in Figure 4 comprises such sub-regions for receiving a user's thumb on opposing sides of the bag, such that the bag may be used by both left-handed and right-handed users. This is particularly advantageous if the aperture 22 in the protective layer is only present on one face of the bag. The sub-regions may both be of the "seam" variety 24 or of the "cut-out" variety 26, or a mixture as seen in Figure 4. The bag may comprise only one sub-region (for example if both faces of the bag comprise an aperture). Furthermore, any of the example bags described herein may comprise one or more such sub-regions configured to receive a user's thumb in use.

Furthermore, the bag 2000 is shaped so as to vary in width (along the x axis) as a function of length (along the z axis). Preferably, as seen in Figure 4, the bag tapers towards its narrowest width substantially at the point where the protective layer 20 extends to (shown at 15), and then widens out at the part of the bag configured to receive the user's hand. The narrow portion of the bag corresponds to the position of a user's wrist in use, and advantageously provides increased dexterity when using the bag, as well as minimising material usage.

In the bag 2000, the first element 10 comprises an adhesive strip 400 proximal to the opening 2 configured to seal the bag once the waste has been collected and the bag inverted. However, other sealing means may be used such as tie handles or a zipper mechanism for example. In other examples, the bag may not comprise sealing means.

A further preferred embodiment of a waste bag 3000 for manually picking up animal faeces will now be described with reference to Figure 5, which schematically illustrates such a waste bag; and Figure 6, which illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of said waste bag 3000. The waste bag 3000 comprises a "pocket" (shown generally at 1010) which comprises a padding material 200, with the pocket 1010 being positioned within an outer bag 1020. The outer bag 1020 comprises an aperture 380 through which a region of padding material 200 of the pocket is exposed.

The pocket 1010 comprises a support layer 100 comprising an impervious flexible material. The support layer 100 has an interior surface 3a and an outer surface 1 a. The interior surface 3a defines an interior region 50 of the pocket large enough to substantially enclose a user's hand. The support layer 100 typically comprises waxed paper, although other materials are envisaged as described above. The support layer 10 may be formed by stitching, heat sealing or bonding two sheets of such material around their periphery in order to create a seam, as is known in the art. The pocket comprises an opening 70 through which a user inserts their hand into the interior region 50 of the pocket. The impervious nature of the support layer 100 prevents moisture seeking through the material and contacting a user's hand. The pocket 1010 further comprises a padding material 200 which extends over at least a portion of the outer surface of the support layer 100. Together the support layer 100 and the padding material 200 form a support element making up the pocket 1010. In the example bag 3000 of Figures 5 and 6, the padding material extends over substantially the whole of the area of the outer surface 1 a of support layer 100, although in other examples the padding material extends over only a part (for example half) of the outer surface 1 a of the support layer 100.

The outer bag 1020 comprises, similarly to the pocket 1010, an impervious flexible material 300 (waxed paper in this example) which has an interior surface 330 and an outer surface 310. The outer bag 102 may be formed by stitching, heat sealing or bonding two sheets of such material around their periphery in order to create a seam (shown at 130 in Figure 1 ), as is known in the art. The interior surface 330 defines a second interior region 350 of the waste bag 3000 and an opening 370. The outer surface 310, together with the exposed region of padding material, defines an external surface of the waste bag 3000.

The outer bag 1020 comprises an aperture 380 through which the padding material 200 of the pocket 1010 is exposed. In the present example, the aperture is formed in an otherwise complete outer bag 300, although in other examples separate spaced apart protective layers of material may be bonded to the pocket in order to define such an aperture 380. In the present example, the pocket 1010 is attached to the interior surface 330 of the outer bag 1020 such that the waste bag 3000 is a unitary member. The pocket may be attached to the outer bag by stitching or adhering the padding material 200 to the interior surface 330 of the outer bag, using a pressure sensitive adhesive for example. Alternatively, the pocket 1010 and outer bag 1020 may be bonded together by a stamping process as is known in the art. This is particularly useful if the padding material 200 covers only a part of the outer surface 1 a of the support layer 100 of the pocket 1010, wherein the exposed area of the support layer 100 may be bonded with the interior surface of the outer bag (as shown in Figure 12).

In other examples, the pocket 1010 and outer bag may be provided as separate parts.

The bag may comprise more than one aperture.

In order to use the bag 3000, a user first inserts his or her hand into the interior region 50 of the pocket 1010. The user then directs the exposed section 220 of padding material 200 towards the animal faeces to be picked up and moulds the padding material 200 around the faeces 500, thereby enclosing it within the padding material 200, as schematically shown in the cross-sectional side view of Figure 7. Once the faeces 500 has been collected, the user, holding onto the faeces, withdraws their hand through the opening 70 of the pocket and through the opening 370 of the outer bag, thereby inverting the bag 3000 over the padding material and collected faeces. The faeces is now safely contained within the inverted bag 3000, as illustrated schematically in the cross-sectional view of Figure 8. The tie handles 90 may then be tied to seal the inverted bag, and the bag can be disposed of either straight away or carried until the next available disposal opportunity. Other means of sealing the bag 3000 are envisaged, such as a zipper. In other examples, the bag may not comprise any sealing means. The padding material 200 is deformable in at least a direction normal to the outer surface 1 a of the support layer 100. In other words, the padding material is deformable such that its thickness h (i.e. the distance is extends from the outer surface of the support layer 100) is reduced when pressure is applied to it. The thickness h of the padding material is typically between 0.1 mm and 15mm. The padding material may comprise a number of different materials such as woven, knitted or non-woven fabrics, sponge-like material, material comprising spaced apart air pockets (such as Bubblewrap®), a plurality of layers of paper towel adhered together, gel, sand or sawdust. A preferred padding material is at least one layer of paper-based tissue material. In some examples, a plurality of overlapping layers of paper-based tissue material may be used.

As described above, the padding material 200 is deformable in at least a direction normal to the outer surface of the support layer 100. This means that when a user places the padding material 200 upon the faeces 500 to be picked up, the padding material 200 deforms substantially around the faeces, thereby minimising the tactile sensations experienced by the user. Additionally, the padding material will deform around the user's fingers and hand, further minimising the tactile sensations experienced by the user. In this way, the padding material acts as a cushioning element.

The padding material 200 may be adhered to the outer surface of the support layer 100 through stitching or the use of a pressure sensitive adhesive, or may alternatively be attached to the outer surface of the support layer 100 through a stamping process as is known in the art. In some examples, the padding material may be integral to the support layer. In some examples the padding material 200 may be formed so as to define a bag in its own right, and subsequently lined with the flexible impervious material of the support layer 100 and the protective material 300. In further examples, the padding material 200 may extend across an aperture in the impervious support layer 100 as schematically illustrated in Figure 13. In general, the support layer and the padding material define a support element, and the pocket comprises said support element.

Typically the exposed area 220 of the padding material 200 has an area substantially large enough to contain animal faeces, for example at least 100cm ² . In other words the aperture 380 has an area substantially large enough to contain animal faeces, for example at least 100cm ² .

The extension of the outer bag material 300 past the opening 70 of the pocket 1010 so as to define interior region 350 means that the user's forearm is protected during the picking up of animal faeces as it is enclosed within the second interior region 350. In alternative examples, the support layer 100 extends beyond the padding material so as to define second interior region 350.

Figure 9 illustrates a further example waste bag 4000. Here, the pocket 1010 comprises a support layer 100 and a padding material 200 substantially completely covering the outer surface 1 a of the support layer 100 as described in Figure 5. However, in the example of Figure 9, the outer bag material 300 covers substantially the whole of the padding material, such that no aperture is defined. The waste bag 4000 is used in the same manner, with the user inserting their hand into the interior region 50 of the pocket, picking up the faeces and then inverting the bag 4000 over the collected faeces as before. In this instance, the exterior surface of the bag contacting the faeces is comprised substantially completely of the outer bag material 300 as no aperture is present. However, the padding material 200 still acts to reduce the tactile sensations experienced by the user.

Advantageously, the outer bag material 300 in the example waste bag 4000 acts to protect all of the padding material 200 from rips, tears, water damage or the like, which could reduce the effect of the padding material in minimising the tactile sensations experienced by the user when handling faeces. The user's hand is also protected from the faces by a further layer (i.e. the outer bag material).

A further difference between the waste bag 4000 seen in Figure 9 and the waste bag 3000 described in Figure 5 is that in the waste bag 4000, the outer bag material 300 does not extend past the opening 70 of the pocket (i.e. no second interior region 350 is defined). This allows for a more compact waste bag 4000 with less material waste. Figures 10a and 10b are cross-sectional side views of a further example waste bag 5000. The waste bag 5000 has a similar structure to the waste bag 3000 described with reference to Figure 5; however, the outer bag material 300 comprises a removable section 390. Before use, the outer bag material 300 substantially completely covers the padding material 200 in order to protect it from rips, tears, water damage or the like. This is particularly advantageous when the waste bag 5000 may be kept in a user's pocket alongside objects such as keys or pens which could damage the padding material. In use, the user removes the removable section 390 of the outer bag so as to reveal a region 220 of the padding material through aperture 380 in the outer bag formed by removal of the removable section 390. The removable section 390 is formed by perforation section 400 in the outer bag material, although other means of forming a removable section 390 are envisaged. For example, the outer bag material 300 may comprise a single perforated section such that it "splits open" when a user inserts their hand into the interior region of the bag in order to reveal the padding material. The action of the user opening their hand in order to manipulate the waste material acts to tear the perforated section and expose the padding material. Although the aperture 380 described with reference to Figures 4, 5 and 10b is a single aperture, in other examples the padding material may be exposed through more than one aperture, for example a series of holes in the outer bag (acting as a protective layer). The examples where the padding material is exposed are particularly advantageous when the padding material is absorbent (or comprises an absorbent layer), as the waste material may be cleaned up more efficiently due to the absorption of moisture. In any of the above-described examples, the padding material may comprise one or more indentations, which are typically formed in its outer surface (i.e. the surface proximal to the waste material to be picked up and distal to the support layer). Figure 1 1 is a magnified view of a padding material 200 comprising a plurality of indentations in its outer surface, shown generally at 230. These indentations ensure that the padding material is flexible enough to conform to the support layer 100, and ensure that it is flexible enough to pick up animal faeces. The indentations typically exhibit themselves as an outer surface texture of the padding material 200, which could in general include textures such as ribbing, ridges, corrugation, pimples, netting or the like. In the case of a Bubblewrap® type material, the pockets of air act as the surface texture.

The use of such a surface texture beneficially enables the padding material 200 to have a relatively large thickness h relative to that of the material of the support layer 100 and outer bag (protective) material 300, and yet still be flexible enough to be manipulated by a user's hand in order to pick up faeces. The fact that the padding material 200 may have a large thickness h advantageously reduces the tactile perception of animal faeces when a user picks up the faeces, as will be explained below.

Furthermore, such a surface texture, particularly when present on an exposed section 220 of padding material that is introduced to the faeces, advantageously improves the grip on the faeces, minimising slippage and ensuring that the faeces is picked up in a clean and efficient manner.

The surface texture may substantially completely cover the padding material, or may be formed only on a part of the padding material, for example the exposed section 220 in example waste bags where the padding material is exposed.

In some examples, the padding material may be at least partially covered (for example at the exposed section 220) by an absorbent layer. Such an absorbent layer may comprise a woven, knitted or non-woven fabric or a paper-based product, such as tissue or that used for kitchen towel. The absorbent layer is operable to absorb moisture from the animal faeces which further protects the user from the unpleasant sensations associated with picking up the faeces. Such an absorbent layer may be attached to the padding material through means of a pressure sensitive adhesive, or through a stamping process as described above. The padding material and absorbent layer may be joined together prior to being incorporated into the bag.

Alternatively, the padding material itself may comprise an absorbent material. In a further example, the padding material may be at least partially covered by a waterproof (e.g. hydrophobic) film, which is preferably biodegradable. More preferably, the entire bag is comprised of biodegradable or degradable material.

Various methods of manufacturing a bag according to the present invention have been discussed above. A particularly efficient method of manufacturing such a bag may be used when the support layer 100 and the protective layer 300 are comprised of the same material, such as waxed paper. In such a case, a single sheet of waxed paper (for example) may be provided, with a padding material (such as tissue paper or kitchen towel) applied onto a part of a surface of the sheet. The uncovered area of the sheet may then be folded over the padding material such that the padding material is sandwiched between two layers of polyethylene or paper. This structure may then be sealed as appropriate and formed into a bag as described above. Such a method of manufacture may be used in any of the above embodiments.

Figure 14 illustrates a further example of a waste bag 5000, which does not comprise protective material 300 such that the padding material is always exposed. Here, the padding material 200 covers at least a part of the support layer 100. The padding material 200 may be adhered to the outer surface 1 a of the support layer 100 through the use of stitching, a pressure sensitive adhesive, or may alternatively be attached to the outer surface 1 a of the support layer 100 through a stamping process as is known in the art. In some examples, the padding material may be integral to the support layer. In some examples the padding material 200 may be formed so as to define a bag in its own right, and subsequently lined with the flexible impervious material of the support layer 100. In further examples, the padding material 200 may extend across an aperture in the impervious support layer 100 as schematically illustrated in Figure 13.

The padding material is deformable in at least a direction normal to the exterior surface of the bag 5000. In other words, the padding material 200 is deformable such that it height h (i.e. the distance is extends from the exterior surface of the bag) is reduced when pressure is applied to it. The height h of the padding material is typically between 0.1 mm and 15mm. The padding material may comprise a number of different materials such as woven, knitted or non-woven fabrics, sponge-like material, material comprising spaced apart air pockets (such as Bubblewrap®), a plurality of layers of paper towel adhered together, gel, sand or sawdust. Advantageously, the exterior surface of the padding material 200 comprises one or more indentations, shown generally at 230. These indentations ensure that the padding material is flexible enough to conform to the exterior surface of the bag 4000, and ensures that it is flexible enough to pick up animal faeces. The indentations typically exhibit themselves as an exterior surface texture of the padding material 200, which could in general include textures such as ribbing, ridges, corrugation, pimples, netting or the like. In the case of a Bubblewrap® type material, the spacing between adjacent pockets of air acts as the surface texture. In the example bag 5000 seen in Figures 14 and 15, the surface texture is a series of ridges 220 within the exterior surface of the padding material 200.

The use of such a surface texture beneficially enables the padding material 200 to have a relatively large thickness h relative to that of the material of the support layer 100, and yet still conform to the exterior surface of the bag, especially when faeces is being picked up. The fact that the padding material 200 may have a large thickness advantageously reduces the tactile perception of animal faeces when a user picks up the faeces.

As described above, the padding material is deformable in at least a direction normal to the exterior surface of the bag. This means that when a user places the padding material 200 upon the faeces 500 to be picked up, the padding material 200 deforms substantially around the faeces, thereby minimising the tactile sensations experienced by the user. Additionally, the padding material will deform around the user's fingers and hand, further minimising the tactile sensations experienced by the user.

Furthermore, as described above, the surface texture of the padding material increases its flexibility. This aids in both picking up the animal faeces (as can be seen in Figure 7) and the deforming of the material around the faeces and user's hand so as to minimise the tactile sensations. Moreover, the surface texture 230 of the padding material 200 enables it to have a large thickness h relative to the bag material 100 and yet still be flexible enough to conform to the exterior surface of the bag and enable the faeces to be easily picked up. The ability to use a padding material 200 having a relatively large thickness h further reduces the tactile sensations experienced by the user, and furthermore reduces the heat sensation from the faeces that is felt by a user. As described above, the padding material extends over at least a portion of the exterior surface 1 a of the support layer 100. Typically the padding material 200 has an area substantially large enough to contain animal faeces, for example at least 100cm ² . In some examples, the padding material may be at least partially covered by an absorbent layer. Such an absorbent layer may comprise a woven, knitted or non-woven fabric or a paper-based product, such as tissue or that used for kitchen towel. The absorbent layer is operable to absorb moisture from the animal faeces which further protects the user from the unpleasant sensations associated with picking up the faeces. Such an absorbent layer may be attached to the padding material through means of a pressure sensitive adhesive, or through a stamping process as described above. The padding material and absorbent layer may be joined together prior to being affixed to the exterior surface 1 a of support layer 100.

Alternatively, the padding material itself may comprise an absorbent material. In a further example, the padding material may be at least partially covered by a waterproof (e.g. hydrophobic) film, which is preferably biodegradable. More preferably, the entire bag is comprised of biodegradable or degradable material.

A preferred padding material is paper-based tissue material. In some examples, a plurality of overlapping layers of paper-based tissue material may be used.