Container liner bag band

Abstract

The invention is a bag liner band to secure the exterior, overlapping edges of a bag to a container. The liner is composed of an elastic material with predetermined strength, shape, thickness, circumference and width, handles, and label descriptor.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

An elastic band for securing the outer edges of a container liner bag onto the exterior surface of a trash receptacle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of container liner bags, is very common. For example, liner bags help protect the interior of a container or receptacle from being stained by trash, collecting of liquid at the bottom of the receptacle, and being exposed to harmful trace solvents. Also, liner bags help with the removal of contents in the receptacle. The elimination of residue from the interior of the container helps prevent odors and improves overall cleanliness of both the receptacle and the area around the receptacle.

To line a container, the liner bag is inserted inside the receptacle so that the outer edges of the liner bag extend over the edge of the receptacle's opening and around the circumference. Often times, the liner bag edge will slide up the exterior surface of the receptacle and down into the interior of the receptacle when materials are loaded into it. An elastic retainer band of a sufficient strength to hold the liner bag in place would be helpful in securing the outer edges of the liner bag so that it does not slide down into the interior of the receptacle.

There is also a need for marking trash receptacles in some way to distinguish them by the articles that can be placed in the receptacles, such as for a store in a mall location sharing a common trash disposal area with multiple, otherwise identical receptacles. No known method currently exists for securing a bag liner and designating acceptable contents. Bands can also be used as an advertisement or promotional item, and the band coloration can also be used as a decorative element.

The bag liner bands also need to be convenient to place on and off the receptacle. As such, there is a need for a method of conveniently placing and removing the band on the receptacle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a circular elastic band that fits over the exterior of a container to secure a liner bag to the exterior side of the receptacle. The edge of the liner at the opening to the liner are pulled over the open top of the receptacle leading into interior of the receptacle. The band stretches to fit over the top and friction grips with sufficient strength and frictional force to secure the bag to the side of the receptacle.

The elastic band includes a handle on the side that aids in moving and placing the liner bag on the receptacle, and in removing the band from the receptacle when the liner bag is replaced. The band is a circular band rectangular in shape with sufficient dimensions or made with appropriate materials to secure the liner bag in place. The band can be constructed of rubber, an elastic plastic or silicone-based material, and can be made in various colors.

The band also had a functional descriptor label, which can consist of words or a design, applied to the surface. The label assists with the description of what can be deposited in the container. The word descriptor can also be used for advertising, promotion or decoration with various colors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the invention will become more readily understood from the following detailed description and appended claims when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the band;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the band;

FIG. 2A is a top view of an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a top view of an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 2C is a top view of an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 2D is a top view of an alternate embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a container;

FIG. 4 is a trash receptacle; and

FIG. 5 a cross section of a trash receptacle with the liner in the receptacle and a band securing the liner to the receptacle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of the band. The band 10 is made from an elastic material such as rubber, an elastic polymer plastic, or an elastic silicone-based material. Preferable rubber types include natural rubber and polychloroprene, also known as neoprene. These rubber compounds exhibit good low temperature performance, excellent tear resistance, excellent tensile strength, and high elongation (e.g. stretch). These materials also exhibit superior aspects (e.g. tackiness, rough, not slick) of frictionally gripping the liner bag to the exterior of the container.

The width of the band is preferably between 0.35 to 1.5 inches, which is a sufficient width to provide adequate friction to securely grip the liner to the side of the receptacle. Width of the band may be necessitated by the intended contents of the container, the type of liner bag to be used, or the container to be used with the band. The width range can, if needed, be extended from 0.10 inches to 4 inches.

The band 10 also has a logo, label, or descriptor 15 printed on it proportioned so as to present a desired appearance when placed on a trash receptacle. Alternatively, the band 10 can have an insert so that a logo, label, or descriptor 15 can be attached to the band 10. The band 10 can be made in a variety of colors for aesthetic and decorative purposes. For example, band colors of various shades or contrasts may be pleasing, but can also designate a particular company, political affiliation or group association. The label 15 can also designate the intended contents to the container. For example, if the container is intended to have recycled materials, then the label 15 may state “recyclables,” “paper,” “colored glass,” “clear glass.” Conversely, the label may indicate that the container is intended for non-recyclables with a “non-recyclable” label. As such, the label 15 can function as a descriptor of the contents of the container.

At least one handle 20 is also molded into or otherwise attached to the band 10. The handle 20 can be used to move and maneuver the receptacle and also help in removing the band 10 or putting the band 10 in place. The handles can be a “tab” type handle that allows for gripping between the thumb and fore finger. Alternatively, the handle can be an elongated “rope” type handle that allows for gripping any number of ways, or a “grip” handle that can be grasped by the fingers fitting through an opening and secured by the opposing thumb.

FIG. 2 shows an overhead view of the band. The band 110 will preferably have a thickness of between 0.1 and 0.33 inches. This provides suitable ruggedness, obtains a friction coefficient of elasticity of at least 2, and exerts a sufficient force on the bag. The stretched circumference of the band 110 will preferably be within the range of two to six feet. The band 110 also includes a handle 120 as shown.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show different configurations for the handles. FIG. 2A shows four handles 121 on the band 111. The handles 121 can be attached to the band 111 or molded into the band 111 as an integral structure. Each handle 121 can be grasped between the thumb and forefinger on a “tab” or “flap” extending horizontally from the side of the bands, or it can be grasped by a hand with the fingers passing through the handle and gripped by the opposing thumb.

FIG. 2B shows another embodiment for four handles 122 that are basically straps or extensions from the band 112. Each extension structure can be grasped in the hand or by the fingers in a number of ways. Alternatively, the straps can be loops of material and grasped using the loop by the hand.

FIG. 2C shows two handles 123 attached to the band 113 that are molded or attached to the band 113. Each handle can be attached to band 113 or molded into the band 113 as an integral structure. Each handle 123 can be grasped between the thumb and fore finger on a “tab” or “flap” extending horizontally from the side of the bands. Alternatively, the handle can have a “grip” grasped by the fingers fitting through an opening and secured by the opposing thumb.

FIG. 2D shows two straps 124 attached to the band 114 that are molded or attached. Each handle can be attached to the band 124 or molded into the band 124 as an integral structure. Each extension structure can be grasped in the hand or by the fingers in a number of ways. The various handle embodiments can be made from a variety of materials that include the identical material as the band, rope, plastic, leather, and even wood or metal.

FIG. 3 shows a liner bag. The liner bag 230 is made from a relative thin material such as plastic, cloth, paper, polypropylene, or polyethylene. Typically, the form of the liner is roughly a cylinder with an open top 235 and a solid bottom 240. Materials are deposited into the open top 235 of the liner 230. When placed into a receptacle, the liner 230 being flexible can be configured into whatever shape the interior of the receptacle forms. The band can also be pre-shaped to conform to the exterior shape of the container. For example, the band can have a pre-shape square, oval, or triangle shape to mold to the exterior of the container.

FIG. 4 is a container, and the container 350 can be constructed from any material that forms a strong, rigid or resilient structure. Examples of materials that can be used include plastic, metal, concrete, stone aggregate, and wood. A container has an open top 355, an exterior lip 360 around the top 355, a body 365, a solid, closed bottom 370, and a hollow interior. Receptacles generally are cylindrical or rectangular in shape and configuration, but they can have a number of different shapes (e.g. square, oval, etc.).

FIG. 5 shows a cross section of a trash receptacle with the liner in the receptacle and a band securing the liner to the receptacle. The liner edge 434 is folded over the exterior lip of the trash receptacle 465 with the edge 434 extending down the exterior of the trash receptacle 465. The band 410 expands to tightly friction fit over the exterior of the trash receptacle 465 and secure the edge 434 in place. The band 410 includes a handle 420 and a descriptor label 415. The handle 420 can be any of the types described above such as a “tab”, a “flap”, a “loop”, or a “grasp” type of handle.

The descriptor label 415 typically can be a company name or design, a person's name, a building name, a department name, an office designation, an address, or a classification of contents (e.g. paper, glass, plastic, recyclable, metal, wood, organic, household, yard or garden, biological, medical, toxic, flammable, hazardous, etc.). This descriptor label 415 is very helpful in designating contents, and it can also be useful in advertising or used for company slogans. Coloring and wording can be added to the band 410 to provide a decorative aspect.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to preferred embodiments, it will be readily understood that minor changes in the details of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A band for securing a liner onto a receptacle, comprising:

an elastic band having a stretched circumference of between two and six feet, a thickness of between 0.10 and 0.33 inches, and a width of 0.35 to 1.5 inches;

a handle extending from the elastic band that can be grasped to move the band over the top of the receptacle or move the receptacle; and

a displayed label on the exterior surface of the band when the band is placed on the receptacle.

2. The band of claim 1 wherein the elastic band is constructed from rubber material.

3. The band of claim 1 wherein the elastic band is constructed from an elastic polymer plastic material.

4. The band of claim 1 wherein the elastic band is constructed from an elastic silicone-based material.

5. The band of claim 1 wherein the displayed label on the elastic band includes a logo or slogan for a company.

6. The band of claim 1 wherein the displayed label on the elastic band includes a classification for intended receptacle contents.

7. The band of claim 1 wherein the elastic band is colored.

8. A method for securing a liner onto a receptacle, comprising the steps of:

sliding an elastic band past the outer opening of a receptacle to secure overlapping edges of the liner to an outer surface proximate to an opening in the receptacle;

providing a handle extending from the elastic band to maneuver the band over the top of the receptacle or move the receptacle; and

displaying a label on the exterior surface of the band.

9. The method for securing a liner onto a receptacle of claim 9 wherein the elastic band has a pre-formed shape corresponding to the exterior cross-sectional shapes of the receptacle.

10. The method for securing a liner onto a receptacle of claim 9 wherein the elastic band has thickness of between 0.10 and 0.33 inches.

11. The method for securing a liner onto a receptacle of claim 9 wherein the elastic band has a width of between 0.35 and 1.5 inches.

12. The method for securing a bag liner onto a receptacle of claim 9 wherein the label designates an intended contents identifier.

13. The method for securing a container liner onto a trash receptacle of claim 12 wherein the label comprises an insert on the elastic band.

14. The method for securing a container liner onto a trash receptacle of claim 12 wherein the intended contents can be classified in at least one of:

paper;

glass;

plastic;

recyclable;

metal;

wood;

organic;

household;

yard or garden;

biological;

medical;

toxic;

flammable; and

hazardous.

15. A method for securing a liner to a container comprising the steps of:

sliding a stretched elastic band past the edge of the outer opening of the trash receptacle, said receptacle having a top opening with a circumference of between two feet and six feet, an edge around the top opening, and an exterior surface; and having a bag liner having an open end into the receptacle and overlapping the open end of the liner over the edge of the top opening of the receptacle; wherein said band is contracted to frictionally secure the overlapping edge of the liner to the exterior side of the receptacle proximate to the top of the receptacle, said elastic band having an unstretched thickness of between 0.10 and 0.33 inches and a width of between 0.35 and 1.5 inches and providing a handle extending from the elastic band.

16. The method for securing a bag liner onto a receptacle of claim 15 wherein the elastic band is made from natural rubber material.

17. The method for securing a bag liner onto a receptacle of claim 15 wherein the elastic band is made from polychloroprene material.

18. The method for securing a container liner onto a trash receptacle of claim 15 wherein the band has a label that describes its content classification.

19. The method for securing a bag liner onto a receptacle of claim 18 wherein the content classification includes at least one of:

paper;

glass;

plastic;

recyclable;

metal;

wood;

organic;

household;

yard or garden;

biological;

medical;

toxic;

flammable; and

hazardous.

20. The method of securing a bag liner of claim 15 wherein the band is pre-formed into the exterior cross-sectional shape of the receptacle.