Abstract:
A clamp for affixing a pliable bag to a container and to control the crawling insect population at or near the container. The clamp contains an insect bait station on one surface thereof. The device can be deformed to an open position and normally assumes a closed position. While in the closed position, the clamp is in condition to secure a bag to a container. The clamp may be deformed to place it in position on the lid of a container, and to allow release of the bag from the container.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention generally relates to clamping devices, and more particularly to an efficient clip device to fasten a plastic trash bag to a rigid container, where the clip includes an insect bait station to control crawling insects. 
   2. Discussion of the Related Art 
   Virtually all human activity results in the generation of some refuse or waste. The sanitary storage and collection of waste is a hallmark of a civilized society. People generally store waste, or trash, in relatively small containers ranging anywhere from one to 55 gallons in size. Plastic or paper liners, or bags, are frequently used in an effort to keep these containers clean, and to facilitate removal of the trash. These liners are placed inside the rigid trash container and frequently are fastened to the container by folding the upper section of the bag over the lip of the container. 
   Several disadvantages exist with this arrangement. When garbage is placed in the bag, the bag often detaches from the lip and falls to the bottom of the container, where it becomes another trash item. Attempts to remedy this by closely matching the size of the bag opening with the size of the container opening frequently result in bags that split or tear when folded over the container lip. A bag that splits, or otherwise detaches from the container fails to perform its primary tasks of holding the refuse placed within it, and protecting the container from soiling. 
   It is also well known that refuse or waste from human activity attracts flying and crawling insects. Residual organic matter on the waste can provide sustenance for these insects, giving them the opportunity to grow and proliferate. Often this occurs in undesirable locations, especially where trash containers are located in living areas. 
   In addition, many devices containing poisonous bait to control crawling insects are known. They exist in numerous shapes, sizes and configurations. In general, the insects are attracted to the bait and when it is consumed, the insect dies. The bait also may be carried back to a group of insects, and when the group feeds on the bait they die. Generally, these bait stations contain the bait securely so that it does not become dislodged from the device during normal use. Such bait stations are preferably constructed so that no bait is accessible to a child attempting to probe the device with a stick or other object. More specifically, the bait stations are constructed so that insects have easy access to the bait, that being the primary purpose of these devices. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention solves the problems of pliable bags becoming detached from containers, and the undesirability of the existence of crawling insects at the container. Broadly, the present invention provides for the secure removable fastening of bags to containers, while at the same time controlling the crawling insect population. 
   More specifically, according to one embodiment of the invention, a pliable bag is attached to a container by locating a clip over a portion of the bag and container lip or rim so that a gripping section of the clip secures the bag against the container. The clip is positioned over the bag and container rim by applying pressure to an upwardly projecting grip, which causes the arms of the clip to separate sufficiently to be placed over the bag that is laid over the rim of the container. The clip secures the bag and container once pressure is removed from the grip. 
   The clip also includes an insect bait station on at least one surface. The bait station is made up of a bait poisonous to crawling insects and it also provides a passage for the insect to detect and consume the bait. In one embodiment, the bait station is on the top of the clip. However, in embodiments where the container has a lid, the bait station is more preferably located on an exposed arm of the clip. 
   Devices constructed according to the invention afford users a number of distinct advantages. First, trash bags no longer need to be sized to match the size of the container opening, thus avoiding the possibility of tearing the bags. Second, the bag remains securely attached to the container lip at all times and thus can perform its intended functions of containing refuse and protecting the container from being soiled by the refuse. Additionally, the clip according to some embodiments of this invention has a low profile so that when it is in use it does not interfere with use of the container cover to close the top of the container. All embodiments also provide the ability to control crawling insect populations at the same time. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The objects, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description, when read in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the clamping device of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing an alternate form of the insertion barrier; 
       FIG. 3  is an end sectional view taken along cutting plane  3 — 3  in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom elevation view of one embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the clip positioned over a container lip and bag; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention where the insect bait station is located on one of the gripping arms; and 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 1  invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. In the following paragraphs, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. 
   The clamping device according to various embodiments of the present invention includes an insect bait station that allows crawling insects to enter, consume the bait and die. It also provides a quick and reliable way to secure or fasten a pliable bag to a container by using two gripping arms and a clasp that forces the gripping arms to removably hold the bag against the container. The clamp also has a low profile that permits container lids to fit over the container without interfering with the clamp. The clamp is also easy to use and inexpensive. In some embodiments the clamp achieves flush mounting to the container rim. In additional embodiments, the clamp can be curved along its horizontal axis, thereby providing that the bag is secured to the container in an enhanced manner. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a device in accordance with the invention is illustrated and designated generally by numeral  10 . Bridging element  11  has top surface  13  and connects two arms or legs,  23  and  24 . The distal edge of arm  23  is shown with extended lip  12 . That lip is shaped and configured to facilitate removal of the clamp from the container rim. The bridging element temporarily deforms when outward pressure is applied to extended lip  12 , thereby enabling arms  23  and  24  to be forced (splayed) apart slightly. 
   Although lip  12  is shown across the entire distal edge of arm  23 , it is also contemplated herein that lip  12  could, for example, extend only along a portion of this distal edge. In addition, it is also contemplated herein that lip  12  could be on the distal edges of both arms. This embodiment of the invention also comprises any other structure, including a tab or block for example, on the distal edge of the arms, which would be suitable to facilitate removal of the clamp from the container. It is also contemplated that the length of lip  12  can vary, depending on the amount of leverage desired. It is generally understood that the longer the lip, that is, the further it extends from leg  23 , the greater the amount of leverage that is available. 
   Inward projections  25  are preferably staggered along the inner surfaces of arms  23  and  24 . The projections are preferably rounded so as to prevent tearing of the bag. Alternatively, the inner surfaces of arms  23  and  24  can have ribbed or other non-smooth configurations. For example, it is also contemplated herein that the inner surfaces of the arms can have projections, ridges, grooves, cross-hatching, or any other suitable configuration that might occur to those skilled in the art to be able to provide sufficient retention while not promoting unacceptable tearing of the bag. 
     FIGS. 1 and 2  show bait station  16  on the top surface of the bridging element. The bait station has a bait receiving position such as well  17 , in which poisonous insect bait material  18  is placed. Well  17  has openings  26  which expose lateral portions of the bait and allow insect access. 
   Cover  14  is placed on top surface  13  of the bridging element, thereby covering the bait station and protecting, for example, children from coming into contact with the bait. Pegs  20  in the cover engage with holes formed in bosses  19 , thereby forming an interference fit and a relatively tight connection. Any other suitable engagement arrangement is also contemplated herein, so long as the connection is relatively tight. Openings  22 , located on one or both ends of cover  14 , allow crawling insects access to the bait station. Insertion barrier  15  is positioned approximately in front of openings  22  and serves to prevent the insertion of an elongated element or probe into the device and into the bait. This is particularly designed for child safety. Further,  FIGS. 1 and 2  show that well openings  26  are positioned on an axis perpendicular to openings  22 , thereby making access to the bait by children even more difficult and unlikely. In  FIG. 1 , insertion barrier  15  is generally a rectangular element placed in front of opening  22 . In  FIG. 2 , insertion barrier  15  is generally V-shaped, and could be any other suitable shape which serves to deflect any object that might be inserted through openings  22 . 
   Top surface  21  of cover  14  is also preferably shaped and configured for the placement thereon of visual information, such as instructions for use. In one embodiment, the top surface is flat. In addition to script, graphical information can be placed on the top surface. 
     FIG. 3  is an end sectional view of clamp  10  taken along cutting plane  3 — 3  of  FIG. 1 . Examples of placement of inward projections  25  are shown, together with a clear view of extended lip  12 . Cover  14  is shown placed on top of the bridging element and well  17 .  FIG. 4  is a bottom view of clamp  10 , also showing extended lip  12  and the placement of inward projections  25 . Also if desired, clamp  10  can be of the same, or at least approximately the same, color as the container to which it is secured. This color can be applied during or after manufacture, according to procedures well known to those skilled in the art. 
     FIG. 5  shows placement of clamp  10  holding bag  30  over rim  32  of a container. Crawling insects  36  are shown entering the device at openings  22 . In this embodiment, the bait station is placed on top of the clamp. 
   However, in embodiments where the container has a relatively close-fitting lid, the bait station is more preferably located on an exposed arm of the clip. For example,  FIG. 6  shows an embodiment of the invention where bait station  16  and cover  14  are located on arm  23 . When engaged on the lip of a container, the bait station is on the outside edge of the container. This embodiment allows the placement of a cover on the container since the bait station and cover do not then interfere with each other. 
   In use, embodiments of the invention are merely pushed or forced down so that the arms engage the bag surface overlapping the rim of the container. The clamp as shown in  FIGS. 1–6  is relatively rigid. Arms  23  and  24  may be parallel, or approximately parallel in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, one example of which is shown in  FIG. 7 , arms  23  and  24  may be converging so that they are forced apart slightly when put into an engaging position with the bag and container. This embodiment provides greater securing to the container. 
   In the embodiments disclosed herein, the only upward projection of the device when engaged on the container is the combined thickness of bridging element  11  and cover  14 . It is also contemplated that the clamp may be positioned on the container so that arm  23  and lip  12  are on the outside of the container so that when removal is desired, the user does not necessarily come into contact with the contents of the container. Alternatively, lip  12  may be placed on the inside of the container. Lifting lip  12  allows the clamp to be easily removed and at the same time the clamp nestles in the user&#39;s hand. 
   Certain preferred embodiments have been described above. It is to be understood that a latitude of modification and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and that these modifications and substitutions are within the literal scope, or are equivalent to the claims that follow. Accordingly, the following claims should be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the intent and scope of the invention herein described.