Empty Plastic Bottle Recycling Apparatus and Advertising Platform
An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) that is used to captively hold at least one, and preferably multiple, plastic beverage bottles and includes advertising or promotional indicia printed thereon. The BRAAP has a structure which is a strip, or an strip. The panel and strip can be resilient and disposable, and each have at least one, and typically multiple, openings that are each dimensioned to allow a bottle's neck to be inserted and maintained within, or removed from, the opening. When a bottle is inserted into an opening, the BRAAP with the retained bottle, can be stored or transported. When a bottle is pulled from an opening, the bottle neck is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from the BRAAP. The advertising or promotional indicia includes a company name, a coupon, a sport team name, event information, commercial offers, entertainment information, or social media information.
The invention generally pertains to bottle holding and carrying devices, and more particularly to an empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) that allows multiple plastic beverage bottles to be quickly and easily inserted into or removed from a structure for storage or transportation prior to recycling, and that provides a platform for multiple types of advertising.
BACKGROUND ARTThroughout the world, the most widely used method of selling and purchasing a fluid product is a plastic bottle. Glass or other materials are also utilized, but typically only for certain fluids, such as those that are corrosive or would otherwise damage a plastic bottle. For beverages, such as water, soft drinks or sport drinks, plastic bottles are the preferred method. In the United States alone it is estimated that fifty billion bottles of water and soft drinks are sold annually.
Although plastic beverages bottles are practical and convenient, there are problems associated with plastic beverage bottles. The most prevalent problem is that it takes 450-1000 years for a plastic bottle to biodegrade. So, most of the plastic bottles that are thrown away and placed into landfills will remain there for centuries. Considering the sheer number of plastic bottles that are being used, the available space required into which disposed bottles are placed is quickly running out.
Additionally, the production of plastic bottles relies heavily on the use of fossil fuels, as well as the use of additional packaging materials such as plastic wrap and cardboard.
In an effort to solve the problems, certain cities now require the segregating of plastic bottles (as well as other materials) for recycling. Also, there is usually a cash redemption value for each plastic bottle to encourage recycling. While this has been somewhat effective, there is still a large number of plastic bottles that are not recycled.
What is needed is an apparatus that would facilitate the quick and easy recycling of empty plastic bottles. Optimally, there will be a way of placing the empty bottles in a clean, secure structure that only requires a minimum of space. The bottles could be collected and stored in a limited area, and then when it is time to take that bottles to a recycling facility, this could be accomplished with minimal effort. Recycling can also be accomplished in less time since there is no need to weigh or count bottles individually. The addition of various types of advertising or promotional indicia would add a lucrative commercial aspect and would be an enticement to use the recycling apparatus.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,363 patent discloses a device for carrying and storing bottles. The device has a older frame utilizing a series of parallel rails inside the frame. The rails form between them uniform gaps and the edges of the rails have edge portions which yield upon introduction of a bottle neck and then squeeze the neck into a locking arrangement when the bottle is moved in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the holder.
The U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,873 patent discloses a beverage container holder having a unitary body with apertures therein adapted to receive containers. A handle is also included for easy hand carrying.
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,427 patent discloses a recycling strip for holding, storing, toting and returning empty recyclable plastic bottles. The strip has a plurality of collar holes distributed uniformly and unilinearly along the strip. The collar holes have a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of a common plastic bottle neck and have radial slits forming collars which enable a bottleneck flange to be engaged in the strip. The strip is used for transporting engaged bottles and can be recycled with the bottles. The strip is loaded into a dispenser which provides means of storing the strip. The dispenser also holds the strip securely so that a bottle may be engaged in the strip. The dispenser also provides an engagement mechanism, which aligns a collar hole in the strip with the collar opening of the dispenser and prevents the strip from uncontrolled travel out of the dispenser and a disengagement mechanism which meters the travel of the strip.
The U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,322 patent discloses a carrier and storage unit for empty beverage bottles. A planar member has a plurality of cup-shaped recesses located in an predetermined array across its surface. Each of the recesses has a bottom wall which is sealed about its periphery to the circular wall of the recess. The recesses have a size and configuration adapted to receive and grip the neck of the beverage bottles, capturing the beverage bottle in secure retention in the carrier and closing the neck of the bottle.
The 2010/0163445 publication discloses a bottle holder having a first bottle-holding surface adapted to hold a plurality of bottles at a first orientation, and a second bottle-holding surface adapted to hold a second plurality of bottles at a second orientation. Each bottle-holding surface includes an aperture adapted to receive a cap end of each bottle, and a slot in communication with the aperture and adapted to support a bottle neck of each of the bottles.
For background purposes and indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may be made to the following remaining patents found in the patent search.
In its basic design, the plastic bottle recycling system (BRAAP) is comprised of a structure, typically a strip or panel, having advertising or promotional indicia applied thereon and at least one, and preferable multiple openings. The panel or strip can be made of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material. The panel or strip can also be disposable and resilient. The BRAAP is used to captively hold at least one, and typically a plurality, of empty plastic beverage bottles, such as those used for water, soft drinks or sports drinks. Each of the openings on the panel or strip is dimensioned to allow a bottle's neck to be inserted and maintained within the opening, or removed from the opening. When empty bottles are inserted into the openings, the BRAAP with the retained bottles can be easily stored or transported prior to recycling. When an inserted empty bottle is pulled from the opening, the bottle neck is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from the panel or strip.
In order to provide optimal use of the BRAAP and to maximize space, empty bottles can be inserted into and attached to a panel or strip from the top or bottom. The openings can accept bottles with larger than typical neck diameters by use of slits and tabs that radially extend inward and outward from the edges of each opening, and the tabs interface with threads on a bottle neck to provide assisted insertion of the bottle neck as the bottle neck is twisted into an opening. The slits and tabs allow the material adjacent the opening to flex, thereby enlarging the opening. The panel or strip can be any size or shape to accommodate any number of bottles. The design of the panel and strip creates a BRAAP that is lightweight and easy to manage by a single person, even when filled with bottles. Examples of the type of advertising or promotional indicia that can be applied are: a company name, a coupon, a sport team name, event information, commercial offers, amusement/theme park information, school information, entertainment information or social media information.
Optimally, the BRAAP is utilized to facilitate advertising and promotion, as well as the recycling of plastic beverage bottles by making it quick and easy to collect, store, count and ultimately transport used bottles to a recycling facility.
In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide an empty plastic bottle recycling system that allows multiple plastic beverage bottles to be quickly and easily inserted into or removed from a structure for storage or transportation and as a platform for advertising or promotional information to be disseminated.
In addition to the primary object, it is also an object of the invention to provide an empty plastic bottle recycling system that:
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- can include any type of advertising or promotion information,
- can be used for a variety of plastic beverage bottles,
- can be used by adults and children, young and old,
- is durable and long-lasting,
- can be recycled along with plastic bottles,
- encourages recycling by removing some of the obstacles and concerns,
- can be easily cleaned and re-used,
- is easy to manufacture,
- can be used in conjunction with a proprietary recycling machine,
- is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer's point of view.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose multiple embodiments with various design configurations of an empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) 10.
Throughout the world, plastic bottles are the most ubiquitous and widely used articles in the transporting, displaying/selling and consumer use of beverages, such as water, soft drinks and sports drinks. Although plastic beverage bottles are usually recyclable, the number of bottles that are actually recycled is relatively low compared to the number that are used. This is a serious problem because of the sheer number of plastic bottles that are simply thrown away and end up in landfills. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that it takes 450-1000 years for a plastic bottle to biodegrade.
One of the main reasons for this problem is that many people just do not recycle. Even in locations where recycling is mandated for households, it is extremely difficult to enforce the mandate. Also, some people have excuses to not recycle such as it requires too much time and effort, or there is no space to store bottles before recycling.
The BRAAP 10, as shown in
All of the embodiments and design configurations of the BRAAP 10 include an advertising platform which comprises both advertising and promotional indicia that is located directly on a strip 22 or panel 14, as shown in
To add to the functionality of the advertising platform 62, in addition to placing the indicia 64 directly on the surface on a strip 22 or panel 14, at least one cavity 66, as shown in
The first embodiment of the BRAAP 10, as shown in
The second preferred embodiment of the BRAAP 10 uses a structure 12 comprised of a strip 22, as best shown in
To add to the functionality of the strip 22, as shown in
The panel 14 and the strip 22 can be re-used numerous times, or they can be disposable after a single use or a certain number of uses. It is this variety of characteristics and functional capabilities that make the BRAAP 10 the optimal choice for facilitating the recycling of plastic beverage bottles. The flexibility of use does away with many of the concerns/excuses people use to not recycle plastic bottles.
As shown in
In order to optimize the functionality of the BRAAP 10, and to conserve and effectively use space, bottles can be inserted/removed from both surfaces of the panel 14 or strip 32, as shown in
As shown in
As previously disclosed, multiple panels 14 and/or strips 22 can be interlocked together, as shown in
Also, as shown in
A strip 22 can be wrapped around a single bottle, as shown in
Alternately, the dispenser can be comprised of a horizontal member (not shown) that is hingedly attached at one end and removably attached at the other end to a surface such as a wall. The removably attached end is disengaged from the horizontal member, thereby allowing the member to swing outward, pivoting on the hinged attachment end. In the outward position, the rolled circular structure can be placed on the horizontal member in the same manner as the structure is placed on the vertical member. Once the circular structure is on the horizontal member, both the structure and the member are swung back into position with the removably attached end secured. One (or more) strips can then be pulled outward/downward and removed from the rolled circular structure as needed.
In order to conserve space when the panel 14 configuration is not in use, at least one score mark 50 can be located on the panel 14. The score mark 50, as shown in
Additionally, the BRAAP 10 provides fraud detection by positioning the bottles in a complete static display. A person can visually ascertain, in three dimensions, the recycling cash redemption value band on each bottle and/or a manufacturer's identification mark. A person can also quickly and easy count the number of bottles on a panel or strip, with every cavity or space in/on a bottle visible. To add to his capability, each panel or strip can include a first numerical indicator 56, as shown in
Another important feature is that crushed plastic bottles cannot be recycled due to possible contamination and because electronic viewers can not recognize a crushed bottle. By allowing a person to view all the bottles on a panel or strip, a quick and accurate identification of crushed bottle(s) can be made when the panel or strip is removed. The bottles are squeezed and can be punctured, which releases any air of residual fluid in the bottle(s). This greatly aids in the subsequent compaction of the bottle(s). Also, the panel or strip can be removed by simply pulling, which results in an opposing force that peels a panel or strip away from the bottle's cap. And finally, to increase the marketability and use of the BRAAP 10, the structure 12 can be folded at least once. A folded structure 54 has a length and width that are less than the length and width of an un-folded structure. As shown in
Although, the BRAAP 10 is highly effective as both a recycling apparatus and an advertising platform, it is feasible to produce a strip 22 or panel 14 without advertising or promotional indicia, as shown in
It should be noted that the use of the BRAAP 10 is not intended to be limited to the uses disclosed herein. It is anticipated that a future addition to the system will include a proprietary machine that facilitates the recycling when any of the designs of the BRAAP 10 is used. The machine will be purpose-built and designed to accept groups of bottles attached to the panel or strip, or retained by the band. The machine will optimally be placed in a clean, well-lit location that is inviting for use. The machine will also be easy and quick to use and will encourage people to use the panel, strip and/or band. Additionally, the machine can be associated with a retail location such as a supermarket, and in cooperation with the supermarket, the machine can dispense tickets or vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or merchandise in the supermarket. Also, proprietary and non-proprietary storage means and apparatus are envisioned. The storage means/apparatus will be a component of and significantly increase the functionality of the system 10 by facilitating the convenient, clean and space-saving storage of empty plastic bottles prior to recycling.
In addition to the advertising and promotional indicia including recycling or non-recycling information, other indicia such as lottery numbers can be used.
Of course, there are just examples of a potential future expansion and use. Other possibilities exist and will become apparent especially as the requirement of addressing the recycling problem is one of the most prevalent issues in the world.
While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) comprising a structure having at least one opening, wherein a bottle's neck is inserted into said at least one opening, thereby retaining the bottle on said BRAAP, wherein when the bottle neck is pulled from said at least one opening, the bottle is removed from said structure.
2. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 1 wherein said advertising or promotional indicia is selected from the group consisting of a company name, a coupon, a sport team name, event information, commercial offers, entertainment information, or social media information.
3. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 1 wherein said structure is comprised of a strip with an upper surface and a lower surface.
4. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 1 wherein said structure is comprised of a panel with an upper surface and a lower surface.
5. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 1 wherein said structure is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite or a biodegradable material.
6. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one opening is dimensioned to accept and frictionally retain a bottle's neck.
7. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 6 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least one slit that radially extends outward from an edge of said opening and at least one tab that extends inward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slit and tab allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening, wherein a bottle is inserted downward into said opening from the upper surface of said panel or said strip, or a bottle is inserted upward into said opening from the lower surface of said panel or said strip.
8. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 1 wherein said panel further comprising at least one handle that allows said BRAAP to be gripped and carried.
9. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 8 wherein said handle is comprised of an opening that is dimensioned to allow a human hand to be inserted into the opening and gripped, wherein the opening has an indented slot at the substantial center of an upper edge, wherein the slot allows said BRAAP to be hooked onto and suspended from a protrusion or hook on a wall or surface.
10. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) that is used to captively hold at least one empty plastic beverage bottle and that includes advertising or promotional indicial applied thereon, wherein said BRAAP comprises a structure having at least one opening that is dimensioned to allow an empty bottle's neck to be inserted into said opening or removed from said opening, wherein when a bottle's neck is inserted into said opening, the bottle is retained on said structure, wherein said BRAAP with the retained bottle is stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle's neck is pulled from said opening, the bottle is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said structure.
11. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein said advertising or promotion indicia is selected from the group consisting of a company name, a coupon, sport team name, event information, commercial offers, entertainment information, or social media information.
12. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein said advertising or promotional indicia is applied by application means selected from the group consisting of painting, laser etching, molding, or an adhesive.
13. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein said structure is comprised of a strip.
14. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein said structure is comprised of a panel with an upper surface and a lower surface.
15. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein said advertising or promotional indicia further comprises recycling information, general information, or empty bottle valuation information.
16. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein said BRAAP provides fraud detection by positioning bottles in a static display, wherein a person visually ascertains in three dimensions a recycling cash redemption value band or a manufacturing's identification mark, and is able to count the number of bottles on a strip or panel.
17. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein strip further comprises at least one cavity, located within each cavity is said advertising or promotional indicia.
18. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 14 wherein said panel further comprises at least one cavity, located within each cavity is said advertising or promotional indicia.
19. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 13 wherein said strip further comprises at least one punch-out section, wherein located on each punch-out section is said advertising or promotional indicia.
20. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 19 wherein said panel further comprises at least one punch-out section, wherein located on each punch-out section is said advertising or promotional indicia.
21. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 further comprising at least two strips are removably attached together to create a single structure, with a score mark longitudinally extending from an upper edge to a lower edge between said strips, wherein one of said strips is manually pulled away and extricated from other said strip, wherein multiple strips are manufactured, sold and accessed as a single structure, with individual strips removed as needed.
22. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 13 further comprising inter-connecting means for securing multiple strips together, wherein said inter-connecting mean are comprised of a slot located on one distal end of said strip and a tab located at the opposing distal end of said strip, wherein said tab is dimensioned to be inserted into and retained within said slot, wherein a tab from one strip is inserted into a slot on a second strip, thereby connecting two said strips together.
23. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 13 further comprising a numerical indictor of the total number of plastic bottles that are on a strip, wherein said numerical indicator is comprised of indicia that is applied onto a surface of said strip.
24. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 13 wherein multiple, removably-attached-together strips are rolled into a unitary circular structure.
25. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 13 wherein multiple, removably-attached-together strips are folded into a unitary substantially rectangular structure.
26. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 24 wherein the circular structure is placed onto a dispenser, wherein the dispenser is comprised of a base with an upward extending vertical member, wherein located at the center of the rolled circular structure is an opening that extends through from an upper end to a lower end, wherein the circular structure is placed on the dispenser by aligning the lower end opening with the vertical member and sliding the circular structure downward as the vertical member extends upward into the opening, wherein once the circular structure is placed on the dispenser, at least one strip can be pulled and removed from the rolled circular structure as needed.
27. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) that is used to captively hold at least one empty plastic beverage bottle and that includes advertising or promotional indicial applied thereon, wherein said BRAAP comprises a structure having at least one opening that is dimensioned to allow an empty bottle's neck to be inserted into said opening or removed from said opening, wherein when a bottle's neck is inserted into said opening, the bottle is retained on said structure, wherein said BRAAP with the retained bottle is stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle's neck is pulled from said opening, the bottle is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said structure.
28. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said structure is comprised of a strip with an upper surface and a lower surface.
29. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said structure is comprised of a panel with an upper surface and a lower surface.
30. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said structure is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material.
31. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said strip is resilient.
32. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least one slit that radially extends outward from an edge of said opening and at least one tab that extends inward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slit and tab allows panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening wherein a bottle is inserted downward into said opening from the upper surface of said panel or said strip or a bottle is inserted upward into said opening from the lower surface of said panel or said strip.
33. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least two slits that radially extend from an edge of said opening and at least three triangular tabs that extend inward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slits and tabs allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening.
34. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein the empty bottle's neck is inserted into said opening with a bottle cap attached.
35. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein the empty bottle's neck is inserted into said opening without a bottle cap attached.
36. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said structure further comprising at least one handle that allows said BRAAP to be gripped and carried.
37. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said handle is comprised of an opening that is dimensioned to allow a human hand or fingers to be inserted into the opening and gripped, wherein the opening has an indented slot at the substantial center of an upper edge, wherein the slot allows said PBS to be hooked onto and hung from a protrusion on a wall or surface.
38. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein bottles that are inserted into said BRAAP are maintained at a selected angle and orientation to facilitate counting or inspection of the bottles.
39. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 38 wherein the angle are orientation of said BRAAP and the bottles thereon allows an identification mark or valuation mark on the bottles or said BRAAP to be visible.
40. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said strip further comprising sequential numbers at each successive opening, wherein the numbers allow a person to immediately determine the quantity of empty plastic bottles that are on said strip.
41. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said panel further comprising sequential numbers at each successive opening, wherein the numbers allow a person to immediately determine the quantity of empty plastic bottles that are on said panel.
42. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said strip further comprising reinforced sections that allow said strip material to be removed from the perimeter and to increase the structural integrity of said strip, wherein the reinforced sections are comprised of a higher concentration of panel material at selected locations.
43. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said panel further comprising reinforced sections that allow said panel material to be removed from the perimeter and to increase the structural integrity of said panel, wherein the reinforced sections are comprised of a higher concentration of panel material at selected locations.
44. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein bottles are extracted from said strip in a pealing motion.
45. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said structure is folded at least once, wherein said folded structure has a length and width that are less than the length and width of an un-folded structure, wherein said folded structure is placed in or on a package of multiple plastic beverage bottles prior to sale or transportation, wherein when a person purchases a package of plastic bottled beverages, said BRAAP is also present and useable.
46. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) that is used to captively hold a plurality of plastic beverage bottles and that includes advertising or promotional indicia applied thereon, wherein said BRAAP comprises a flexible strip having a plurality of openings, with each opening dimensioned to allow a bottle neck to be inserted or removed, wherein when a bottle neck is inserted into said opening, said BRAAP retains the bottle which is then stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle neck is pulled from said opening, the bottle is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said BRAAP.
47. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein said strip is made of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material.
48. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least one slit that radially extends outward from an edge of said opening and at least one tab that extends inward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slit and tab allows panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening wherein a bottle is inserted downward into said opening from the upper surface of said panel or said strip or a bottle is inserted upward into said opening from the lower surface of said panel or said strip.
49. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least two slits that radially extend from an edge of said opening and three triangular tabs that extend inward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slits and tabs allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening, wherein after a bottle neck is inserted, the slits and tabs captively maintain the bottle on said BRAAP.
50. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein said structure further comprising at least one handle that allows said BRAAP to be gripped and carried.
51. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein said handle is comprised of an opening that is dimensioned to allow a human hand or fingers to be inserted into the opening and gripped, wherein the opening has an indented slot at the substantial center of an upper edge, wherein the slot allows said PBS to be hooked onto and hung from a protrusion on a wall or surface.
52. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 further comprising at least two strips are removably attached together to create a single structure, with a score mark longitudinally extending from an upper edge to a lower edge between said strips, wherein one of said strips is manually pulled away and extricated from other said strip, wherein multiple strips are manufactured, sold and accessed as a single structure, with individual strips removed as needed.
53. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein multiple, removably-attached-together strips are rolled into a unitary circular structure.
54. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein multiple, removably-attached-together strips are folded into a unitary substantially rectangular structure.
55. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform that is used to captively hold a plurality of plastic beverage bottles and that includes advertising or promotional indicia applied thereon, wherein said BRAAP comprises a flexible strip having a plurality of openings, with each opening dimensioned to allow a bottle neck to be inserted or removed in a twisting motion, wherein extending inward from an inner perimeter edge of each opening is at least one tab, wherein when a bottle neck is inserted into said opening, said tab flexibly interfaces with bottle cap threads that circumvent the bottle's neck, wherein said tab follows a helix pattern along the threads on the bottle neck, wherein after a tab initially flexibly interfaces with the threads and begins the twisting motion, the tabs will follow the helix pattern, thereby reducing the amount of force necessary to fully insert the bottle neck into said opening, effectively providing assisted insertion of the bottle neck, wherein once a bottle neck is inserted into said opening, said BRAAP retains the bottle which is then stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle neck is twisted out of said opening, the bottle is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said BRAAP.
56. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said advertising or promotional indicia is selected from the group consisting of a company name, a coupon, a sport team name, event information, commercial offers, entertainment information, or social media information.
57. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said advertising or promotional indicia is applied by application means, selected from the group consisting of painting, laser etching, molding, or an adhesive.
58. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said strip is made of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material.
59. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein extending inward from an inner perimeter edge of each opening are at least two tabs.
60. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 59 wherein said tab has a shape that is selected from the group consisting of triangular, square, and semi-circular.
61. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 59 wherein said tab further comprising a serrated edge.
62. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said opening further comprising at least two slits that extend outward from an inner perimeter edge, wherein said slits in combination with said tabs allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening.
63. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said panel further comprising sequential numbers at each successive opening, wherein the numbers allow a person to immediately determine the quantity of empty plastic bottles that are on said panel.
64. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said BRAAP provides fraud detection by positioning bottles in a static display, wherein a person visually ascertains in three dimensions a recycling cash redemption value band or a manufacturing's identification mark, and is able to count the number of bottles on a strip or panel.
65. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said strip further comprising sequential numbers at each successive opening, wherein the numbers allow a person to immediately determine the quantity of empty plastic bottles that are on said strip.
66. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said strip further comprising reinforced sections that extend around the perimeter of an opening to increase the structural integrity of said strip.
67. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said structure is folded at least once, wherein said folded structure has a length and width that are less than the length and width of an un-folded structure, wherein said folded structure is placed in or on a package of multiple plastic beverage bottles prior to sale or transportation, wherein when a person purchases a package of plastic bottled beverages, said BRAAP is also present and useable.
68. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform that is used to captively hold a plurality of plastic beverage bottles, wherein said PBRA comprises a flexible strip having a plurality of openings, with each opening dimensioned to allow a bottle neck to be inserted or removed in a twisting motion, wherein extending inward from an inner perimeter edge of each opening is at least one tab, wherein when a bottle neck is inserted into said opening, said tab flexibly interfaces with bottle cap threads that circumvent the bottle's neck, wherein said tab follows a helix pattern along the threads on the bottle neck, wherein after a tab initially flexibly interfaces with the threads and begins the twisting motion, the tabs will follow the helix pattern, thereby reducing the amount of force necessary to fully insert the bottle neck into said opening, effectively providing assisted insertion of the bottle neck, wherein once a bottle neck is inserted into said opening, said PBRA retains the bottle which is then stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle neck is twisted out of said opening, the bottle is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said PBRA.
69. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said strip is made of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material.
70. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein extending inward from an inner perimeter edge of each opening are at least two tabs.
71. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 70 wherein said tab has a shape that is selected from the group consisting of triangular, square, and semi-circular.
72. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said opening further comprising at least two slits that extend outward from an inner perimeter edge, wherein said slits in combination with said tabs allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening.
73. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said panel further comprising sequential numbers at each successive opening, wherein the numbers allow a person to immediately determine the quantity of empty plastic bottles that are on said panel.
74. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 further comprising inter-connecting means for securing multiple strips together, wherein said inter-connecting mean are comprised of a slot located on one distal end of said strip and a tab located at the opposing distal end of said strip, wherein said tab is dimensioned to be inserted into and retained within said slot, wherein a tab from one strip is inserted into a slot on a second strip, thereby connecting two said strips together.
75. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 further comprising a numerical indictor of the total number of plastic bottles that are on a strip, wherein said numerical indicator is comprised of indicia that is applied onto a surface of said strip.
76. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said BRAAP provides fraud detection by positioning bottles in a static display, wherein a person visually ascertains in three dimensions a recycling cash redemption value band or a manufacturing's identification mark, and is able to count the number of bottles on a strip or panel.
77. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said strip further comprising sequential numbers at each successive opening, wherein the numbers allow a person to immediately determine the quantity of empty plastic bottles that are on said strip.
78. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said strip further comprising reinforced sections that extend around the perimeter of an opening to increase the structural integrity of said strip.
79. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said structure is folded at least once, wherein said folded structure has a length and width that are less than the length and width of an un-folded structure, wherein said folded structure is placed in or on a package of multiple plastic beverage bottles prior to sale or transportation, wherein when a person purchases a package of plastic bottled beverages, said PBRA is also present and useable.
80. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said strip extends around a perimeter of a group of bottles.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 29, 2017
Publication Date: Jun 21, 2018
Inventor: Tommy L. Patton (Oak Glen, CA)
Application Number: 15/637,815