Combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device

Abstract

A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device is provided. Such device includes a bag type member having an opening at a first predetermined end thereof. Such bag type member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. A first securing mechanism is operably disposed at least one of on and within such bag type member closely adjacent such opening. Such first securing mechanism is for at least one of securing at least a portion of such bag type member in a predetermined position within a predetermined container, maintaining such opening in a closed position, and a combination thereof.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/980,475 filed Oct. 17, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to plastic bags and, more particularly, this invention relates to plastic bags which can be used to securely line garbage cans, refuse containers, and the like and which can also be used to store and transport items and which may also contain at least one of germicide, anti-bacterial agents, deodorizing means, scenting means, and the like, and any combination thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior to the conception and development of the present invention, container liners, such as plastic bags, as are generally well known in the prior art, have been used to store items and to hold garbage and trash. Generally, people have a refuse container for collecting waste and usually such refuse container is lined with a plastic bag such that a user may simply remove the plastic bag when it is filled with trash and replace it with an empty plastic bag for subsequent further waste collection. This process is convenient to the user but often times the plastic bags do not fit properly in the waste container. Furthermore such plastic bags may clash with room decor. Moreover, as trash is deposited into the can the plastic bag lining the can may slide into the can or shift from its intended place thereby allowing garbage to touch the container's surfaces or even fall onto the floor creating an unpleasant mess which must be cleaned up. Therefore there is a need for a device which can be used to line waste containers in a secure manner and which is aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, there is a need for a device which includes a pleasant scent such that the odor of garbage is less noticeable or eliminated. There is also a need for a waste receptacle liner which includes at least one of germicide, an anti-bacterial agent, and a combination thereof for eliminating germs and bacteria.

Specifically of interest to the present invention are the following: Samuel, U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,118 discloses an elastically ribbed bag for lining trash containers which includes a stretchy elastic top to stretch over the mouth of a container and means for effecting a pull tie to secure the bag closed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device. Such portable storage and carrying device includes a bag type member having an opening at a first predetermined end thereof. Such bag type member is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. A first securing mechanism is operably disposed at least one of on and within such bag type member closely adjacent such opening. Such first securing mechanism is for at least one of securing at least a portion of such bag type member in a predetermined position within a predetermined container, maintaining such opening in a closed position, and a combination thereof.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a lining device for lining the interior of a predetermined container such as a trash can, such lining device including means for securing such lining device around the mouth of such predetermined container such that such lining device will remain in place during use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable storage and carrying device which is moldable, flexible, and can be manufactured inexpensively in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, designs, and the like.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a lining device for lining the interior portion of a predetermined object such as a waste receptacle, such lining device including a predetermined scent for at least one of disguising and eliminating waste odor and for providing a fresh and uplifting scent.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable garbage can liner which includes an air freshening means.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a disposable garbage can liner which has been treated with an antibacterial agent to reduce and eliminate germs and bacteria from waste placed within such garbage can liner.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a storage and carrying device for storing and carrying all manner of items including but not limited to clothing, pillows, blankets, toys, household items, trash, and other items as desired by a user, such device including a scenting means for at least one of disguising and eliminating odor emanating from items placed within such device and for providing a pleasant scent, and further including a bacteria and germ reduction means for to reducing and eliminating the number germs and bacteria introduced into and multiplying within such device once predetermined items have been placed within such device.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device which is biodegradable.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the present invention described with some degree of specificity above it should be obvious that additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description of the invention, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention in which a waste receptacle container has been lined with the bag type member and such securing means has been implemented to ensure that such bag type member remains in place.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention in which a drawstring type securing means has been implemented.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the invention according to one embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

Reference is now made, more particularly, to FIGS. 1-4.

A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device, generally designated 10, is provided.

Such portable storage and carrying device 10 includes a bag type member 12 having an opening 14 at a first predetermined end thereof. Such bag type member 12 is manufactured from a first predetermined material and has a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material is biodegradable. It is presently preferred that such first predetermined material is an elastomer. It is presently most preferred that such first predetermined material is plastic. It is presently preferred that such plastic is reinforced.

It is meant that such device 10 be useful to store and transport predetermined items 15 and also as a liner for the interior of a container such as a waste receptacle container.

A first securing means 16 is operably disposed at least one of on and within such bag type member 12 closely adjacent such opening 14. Such first securing means 16 is for at least one of securing at least a portion of such bag type member 12 in a predetermined position within a predetermined container 18, maintaining such opening 14 in a closed position, and a combination thereof.

It is presently preferred that such first securing means 16 is at least one of an adhesive type securing means, an elastomer type securing means, and a combination thereof. It is presently most preferred that such first securing means 16 is an elastomer type securing means 22. It is presently preferred that such elastomer type securing means includes at least one elastic band 24.

It is meant that such bag type member 12 be placed within such predetermined container 18 and such elastic band 24 be positionable about an outer perimeter of such predetermined container 18 such that such bag type member 12 remains open while partially within such predetermined container 18.

It is presently preferred that at least an interior portion 26 of such bag type member 12 includes at least one of a deodorizing means, a scenting means, a germicide agent, an anti-bacterial agent, and a combination thereof.

It is presently preferred that such device 10 further includes a second securing means 28 disposed at least one of within such bag type member 12, on such bag type member 12, and a combination thereof closely adjacent such opening 14 for securing such opening 14 in a closed position. It is presently preferred that such second securing means 28 is a drawstring type securing means 32.

It is presently preferred that such bag type member 12 includes at least one of patterns, symbols, letters, pictoral designs, and a combination thereof disposed thereon. It is meant that such bag type member 12 be decorative.

It is presently preferred that such bag type member 12 includes indicia 34 formed thereon illustrating predetermined information relating to predetermined subject matter. It is presently preferred that such predetermined subject matter relates to at least one of sports teams, school affiliations, business affiliations, religious affiliations, hobbies, and a combination thereof.

It is meant that such bag type member 12 may be manufactured in a variety of colors, patterns, prints, combination thereof and the like to enable a user to complement and match his or her decor, tastes, style, and the like. For example, such bag type member may be manufactured in bold colors, pastel colors, and many patterns for complementing different rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, infant's and children's rooms, and the like. Furthermore, such styles and colors may include holiday and celebratory themes. However, the device is not meant to be limited as such and may be manufactured in any color and style to reasonably facilitate it's purpose.

While a presently preferred and various alternative embodiments of the present invention have been described in sufficient detail above to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the same it should be obvious that various other adaptations and modifications can be envisioned by those persons skilled in such art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device comprising:

a. a bag type member having an opening at a first predetermined end thereof, said bag type member being manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size; and

b. a first securing means operably disposed at least one of on and within said bag type member closely adjacent said opening, said first securing means being for at least one of securing at least a portion of said bag type member in a predetermined position within a predetermined container, maintaining said opening in a closed position, and a combination thereof.

2. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 1 wherein at least an interior portion of said bag type member includes at least one of a deodorizing means, a scenting means, a germicide agent, an anti-bacterial agent, and a combination thereof.

3. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined material is an elastomer.

4. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined material is plastic.

5. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 4 wherein said plastic is reinforced.

6. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 1 wherein said device further includes a second securing means disposed at least one of within said bag type member, on said bag type member, and a combination thereof closely adjacent such opening for securing such opening in a closed position.

7. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 1 wherein said first securing means is at least one of an adhesive type securing means, an elastomer type securing means, and a combination thereof.

8. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 7 wherein said first securing means is an elastomer type securing means.

9. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 8 wherein said elastomer type securing means includes at least one elastic band.

10. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 6 wherein said second securing means is a drawstring type securing means.

11. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 1 said bag type member includes at least one of patterns, symbols, letters, pictoral designs, and a combination thereof disposed thereon.

12. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 1 wherein said bag type member includes indicia formed on said bag type member illustrating predetermined information relating to predetermined subject matter.

13. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 12 wherein said predetermined subject matter relates to at least one of sports teams, school affiliations, business affiliations, religious affiliations, hobbies, and a combination thereof.

14. A combination container liner and portable storage and carrying device according to claim 1 wherein said first predetermined material is biodegradable.