Abstract:
An apparatus for securing a trash bag in a container is disclosed, where the apparatus has a removable and replaceable scented bag retaining element which extends outwardly from the main body of the apparatus. The main body has a pair of spaced channel arms that receive, guide and support the retaining element in proper position against the main body, and the replaceable scented retaining element has a releasable locking tab which is received by and locks within a slot in the main body of the apparatus. A central membrane of the retaining element has a number of slits that form a number of flexible flaps which deform when pressed to received and retain the trash bag. The main body is adhesively mountable to the outer surface of the container.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional application claiming the benefits of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/879,286, filed Apr. 23, 2007 by Michael Kasbohm, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for securing a bag or liner in a container. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus that includes a replaceable scented retainer element which serves the dual function of: (1) maintaining the bag secured around the rim of a container; and (2) masking any malodor associated or generated by the contents of the container. The bag retaining apparatus is secured to the container and prevents the mess and hassle that occurs when a bag falls into the container. 
         [0003]    Containers, such as waste receptacles for disposing of trash, come in a variety of sizes. Garbage bags or container liners used in such receptacles also come in a variety of sizes, and use of a bag that is not properly sized for the container will oftentimes result in a mess. If the bag fails to properly secure around the outside rim of the container, garbage will spill out, causing the outside of the bag or container to become soiled with unpleasant and offensive smelling waste. An additional mess often ensues when one has to reach inside the container full of garbage to retrieve the top of the bag. Not only do the hands get dirty, clothing may get soiled and garbage is oftentimes spilled. If the bag to be used is much larger than the container, there is a large amount of excess bag hanging outside of the container. Such excess baggage is not only unsightly and cumbersome to handle, but is also wasteful, costly and ultimately harmful to the environment. Even when a bag is the correct size for the trash container, the bag sometimes falls into the container when garbage is dropped in. This results in waste being dumped directly into the unlined container, further causing the container to become caked with an unsanitary and noxious residue. 
         [0004]    Another problem is the constant presence of malodor generated by the waste in trash containers. Whether caused by the trash contained within the trash liner, or the residue left in, on or around the container, the offensive and oftentimes noxious odor can permeate the surrounding areas where the containers are kept. While covering the container is helpful in containing the spread of such malodor, the covers are often designed to be loose-fitting, or are discarded altogether for ease of handling and disposing of trash. Moreover, any spillage or left-over residue of waste on the container will continue to ferment and cause unpleasant malodor. 
         [0005]    Many remedies have been previously presented in an attempt to cover up or eliminate the presence of malodor associated with trash containers. In some waste receptacles, deodorizing scent dispensers have been secured to the base or covers of the containers to help mask the unpleasant odor. In others, the liners themselves are designed with fragrance-emitting strips or other means incorporated therein. In still another known device, a liner dispenser is secured to the base of the container which is optionally scented. While these devices have all been reasonably successful in helping to mask malodor, none address the underlining problem of spillage which is oftentimes the cause of the malodor. 
         [0006]    Remedies have also been attempted to prevent spillage of waste by better securing the trash bags in the waste receptacles, but none have heretofore sought to address the continuing presence of the malodor caused by the trash. For instance, one such remedy has been to tape the trash bags to the container. This is very time-consuming and offers no solution to the malodor created by the waste. Moreover, the tape is typically not reusable, and oftentimes results in ripping the bag when it is time to remove the tape to empty the container. Another attempted remedy is to tie the bag when there is an excess amount of baggage hanging over the rim. Still another is to secure the bag to the container using a large elastic band extending therearound. Again, these remedies do not address the issue of the noxious odors created by the waste. Also, these are sometimes daunting tasks for people with arthritic conditions or for kids, whose chores often include taking out the garbage. 
         [0007]    A more recent remedy which solves many of the above problems is the use of a liner cinch similar to that found in my earlier U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,088, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. Here again, however, the means provided for securing the trash liner to the rim of the trash container does not incorporate or contemplate any means for addressing the issue of malodor created by the waste being disposed of. Other holding devices for securing such container liners in waste receptacles can also be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,645,186; 5,911,335; 5,987,708; 6,286,706 and 6,606,717, but none of these devices provide any mechanism for addressing the continuing presence of the offensive malodor associated with the trash. 
         [0008]    While separate remedies for the problems of waste spillage and the associated malodor are available, incorporating such conventional remedies obviously requires timely and costly use of multiple spill prevention and malodor devices, or separate methods to address these problems; this is extremely inefficient. Hence, it is evident that there is a distinct need for a low-cost, efficient and easy-to-use alternative which will simultaneously address both the underlying problems of waste spillage and the offensive and unpleasant malodor associated therewith. It is with this in mind that I have developed the present invention as hereafter described and claimed. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is designed to overcome the above problems associated with container liner bags using a single, low-cost and easy-to-use apparatus which will simultaneously maintain the bag secured around the rim of the container, and mask any malodor associated or generated by the contents of the container. The present invention comprises an apparatus for securing a trash bag in a container where at least a portion of the apparatus constitutes a removable and replaceable scented bag retaining element. Although it is contemplated that the entire apparatus may be constructed as such, in one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a main body member that is mountable on an outer surface of the container, and a separate removable and replaceable scented retaining element. In this embodiment, the main body member has a pair of outwardly extending spaced arms which form a pair of channel members. These channel members are designed to receive and guide the replaceable scented retaining element into proper supported position against the main body member of the apparatus. 
         [0010]    The replaceable scented retaining element is preferably constructed of a fragrance-emitting plastic material, such as a scent-impregnated polyethylene. It has a releasable locking tab which is received by and locks within a slot formed in the main body of the apparatus. The outer edge portions of the retaining element are slidably received and guided by the channeled arms of the main body member to cause the locking tab of the retaining element to engage the main body member in releasable locking relation. The retaining element further includes a central membrane which has a number of generally radially extending slits formed therein. These slits define a plurality of flexible flaps juxtaposed in closely adjacent relation which, when depressed, are designed to receive and retain a portion of a trash bag being pushed therethrough. 
         [0011]    A trash bag is preferably secured by adhesively mounting the main body member of the apparatus to the outside wall of a container, although the main body could be formed as a part of the container, and other means of attachment are also contemplated. With a retaining element of desired fragrance properly locked in place, the bag is then placed in the container and a small section of the top of the bag is pushed through the opening in the membrane formed by the slits. The bag is then fit around the entire rim of the container. Finally, more of the bag is pulled through the membrane until the bag is tight around the container. The bag is now held secure by the flaps of the membrane. Depending on the desire or need to replace an existing retaining element with one having a new or fresher scent, the locking tab may be readily released with a relatively light pulling force, and the retaining element removed. Once removed, the old retaining element may simply be disposed of and replaced with a new one. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    These and other objects and advantages of the invention will more fully appear from the following description, made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention as seen from the top front. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , showing the removable retaining element thereof. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the main body member of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a rear elevational view of the main body member of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , showing the preferred form of adhesive mounting thereof. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the removable retaining element of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the removable retaining element of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the removable retaining element of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a vertical cross sectional view taken along lines  8 - 8  of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a bag secured within a container by the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates an apparatus  10  for securing a bag in a container made according to the present invention. The apparatus  10  generally includes a main body member  12 , a retaining element  30  having a central membrane  32  (seen in  FIG. 6 ), and a mounting member  60  (seen in  FIG. 4 ). As discussed in detail hereafter, at least a portion of the apparatus  10  is constructed to emit a pleasant scent to help mask malodor typically associated with trash receptacles. Although it is certainly contemplated that the entire apparatus  10  could be constructed as a readily replaceable scented one-piece unit, in the preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the main body member  12  and retaining element  30  are constructed as separate elements, at least a portion of which is constructed of a scent-emitting material. 
         [0023]    As shown, the main body member  12  has a front surface  14  and a back surface  16  (seen in  FIG. 4 ). In the preferred embodiment, the main body member  12  is approximately 40.0 mm wide, 70.0 mm tall, and 1.5-2.0 mm thick, but these dimensions could be changed without departing from the spirit of the invention. As seen best in  FIG. 2 , a pair of spaced arms  18  and  20 , which function to support the retaining element  30  when engaged, extend outwardly from the front surface  16  of the main body member  12 . 
         [0024]    Arms  18  and  20  form respective guide channels  22  and  24  that act to receive and guide the retaining element  30  into proper engaging position relative to the main body member  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the main body member  12  also includes a recess  26  with a central slot opening  28  that provides additional support and means for releasably locking the retaining element  30  thereto, as will be discuss in further detail below. While not specifically shown, it is noted that an additional supporting means similar to arms  18  and  20  could also be provided for carrying some form of a separate disinfecting means, such as an ant-bacterial, anti-fungal or anti-mold agent. 
         [0025]    In the preferred embodiment, the main body member  12  and retaining element  30  of apparatus  10  are each separately manufactured as a one-piece injection-molded unit made of plastic. The main body member  12  is preferably constructed of a relatively rigid plastic, such as polypropylene or ABS plastic. The retaining element  30 , on the other hand, is preferably constructed of a softer, more flexible low density polyethylene, or other flexible plastic or blend thereof, to enhance its flexibility and longevity during extended use. While some form of plastic is the preferred material of manufacture, it is certainly possible that one or more of the various components of the present invention could be made with other materials such as fiberglass, wood or metal without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0026]    The retaining element  30  shown in  FIG. 2  is constructed to be readily removable from the main body member  12 . Preferably, at least the retaining element  30  is constructed from a plastic material which is impregnated upon manufacture with a masking fragrance. This is accomplished by incorporating a scent additive in bead or liquid form directly into the base resin of the plastic material as it is prepared. Depending on the desired strength and longevity of the scent, the material let-down ratio (i.e., percentage by weight of scent additive to polyethylene) may be adjusted accordingly. It is contemplated that a let-down ratio between the approximate range of 1% and 10% should be adequate for most applications. 
         [0027]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the retaining element  30  extends substantially perpendicular from the front surface  14  of the main body member  12  when connected therewith. The retaining element  30  extends across the entire width of the main body member  12  and extends out approximately 38.0 mm. The retaining element  30  extends from the main body member  12  approximately one-third ( 1 / 3 ) of the way down from the top thereof. In the preferred embodiment shown, the retaining element  30  is generally semi-circular in shape, but could also be rectangular, octagonal, or many other shapes without departing from the spirit of the invention. Other than the central membrane  32 , which will be discuss in more detail later, the major portion of the retaining element  30  is approximately 3.0-4.0 mm thick, which gives it some rigidity. For additional support and rigidity, an outer rail  34  extends around the peripheral edge of the retaining element  30 , and abuts with arms  18  and  20  of the main body member  12  when connected thereto. 
         [0028]    As shown best in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the end portion  36  of retaining element  30  which engages and connects to the main body member  12  has a peripheral shoulder  38  comprising opposite side shoulder elements  38 A and  38 B, and end shoulder element  38 C. In the preferred embodiment shown, shoulder  38  has a reduced thickness approximating 1.5 mm, which is just slightly less than the width of guide channels  22  and  24 . This facilitates slidable insertion of side shoulder elements  38 A and  38 B within respective guide channels  22  and  24  for proper positioning and connection to the main body member  12 . To further facilitate insertion of side shoulder elements  38 A and  38 B within respective guide channels  22  and  24 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , shoulder corners  37  are tapered toward end shoulder element  38 C. 
         [0029]    As seen in  FIGS. 5 and 8 , a generally L-shaped locking tab  40  extends outwardly and downwardly from the end shoulder element  38 C. The end  42  of locking tab  40  is radiused to facilitate ease of engagement with main body member  12  for locking thereto. To further facilitate ease of engagement, the lower edge  44  of slot  28  that is engaged by end  42  of the locking tab  40  during insertion is also beveled. 
         [0030]    As shown best in  FIG. 2 , in order to connect the scented retaining element  30  to the main body member  12 , the side shoulder elements  38 A and  38 B of the retaining element  30  are inserted within the respective channels  22  and  24  of arms  18  and  20  of the main body member  12 . Shoulder elements  38 A and  38 B are slid inwardly toward the main body member  12  until the end shoulder element  38 C is received within recess  26  and the locking tab  40  enters the open slot  28  in the main body member  12 . The L-shaped locking tab  40  then engages the edge  44  of slot  28  and snaps into locking engagement therewith, as shown in  FIG. 8 . It will be appreciated that, while the above describes the preferred construction for engaging and locking the retaining element  30  to the main body member  12 , other means of interlocking such members are available without departing from the invention herein. For instance, it is contemplated that the retaining element  30  could alternatively be designed with a pair of spring-loaded locking arms designed to lockably engage the main body member  12 . 
         [0031]    In the preferred embodiment shown, the scented retaining element  30  may be removed for replacement by simply pulling it outward from the main body member  12 , which will cause the locking tab  40  to flex upwardly and become disengaged from the edge  44  of slot  28 . Alternatively, while pulling outward on retaining element  30 , one may also apply light upward pressure against the end portion  36  of the retaining element  30 , so as to help urge the locking tab  40  up and over edge  44 . Therefore, depending on the desire or need to replace an existing retaining element with one having a new or fresher scent, the locking tab  40  may be readily released with a relatively light pulling force, and the retaining element  30  removed. Once removed, the old retaining element may simply be disposed of and replaced with a new one. 
         [0032]    As shown best in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the retaining element  30  includes central membrane  32  which is designed for receiving and securing the bag. In the preferred embodiment shown, the central membrane  32  is a rectangular membrane, but it is certainly contemplated that it may take on other configurations without departing from the invention herein. A plurality of slits  46  are provided in the central membrane  32  which dissect the membrane  32  into four substantially equal generally triangular-shaped flaps  48 . The central membrane  32  is preferably made of the same material as the rest of the retaining element  30 , but is somewhat thinner than its surrounding portions to allow the flaps  48  to be more easily deformed for receiving and retaining the bag. In the preferred embodiment, the central membrane  32  is approximately 1.0 mm thick, as opposed to the 3.0-4.0 mm thickness of the remainder of retaining element  30 . As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , the flaps  48  are beveled downward toward the slits  46  at their outermost edges  50 . The beveled edges  50  encourage and assist the trash bag through the opening created in membrane  32  when the flaps  48  are depressed. 
         [0033]    As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , secured to the back surface  16  of the main body member  12  is a mounting member  60 . In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the mounting member  60  is an adhesive two sided tape  62  which is designed to adhere to numerous surfaces, such as plastic and rubber from which trash containers are typically made. A protective adhesive release strip  64  is carried by and should be removed from the mounting member  60  prior to it being adhered to a container. It should be noted that other means for mounting the main body member  12  could also be used without departing from the invention herein. For instance, the main body member could be formed integrally with the container. Alternatively, a pair of small screws could be attached to the apparatus  10  for fastening to the container, or it could be sonic welded, riveted or secured by other relatively permanent means to the container. 
         [0034]      FIG. 9  illustrates the manner in which the bag retaining apparatus  10  of the present invention may be utilized with an exemplary waste container  52 . The waste container  52  has a plurality of side walls  54  and an upper rim (not seen) connecting the side walls. By removing the adhesive release strip  64  from the mounting member  60 , the apparatus  10  may be adhered to the outside of one of the side walls  54  of the container  52 , preferably near its upper rim. A scented retaining element  30  of desired fragrance may be properly locked in place against the main body member  12  either before or after securing the apparatus to the container  52 . 
         [0035]    Once the apparatus  10  has been secured to the container  52 , a plastic bag  56  is provided and placed into the container  52 . A small portion of the bag  56  is then pushed through the central membrane  32  of the retaining element  30  by displacing the flaps  48 . The displacement of the flaps  48  is made easier due to their relative thinness. The bag  56  is then fit around the entire rim of the container  52 . Once this is done, more of the bag  56  is pulled through the membrane  32  until the bag  56  is tight around the rim of the container  52 . The bag is now secured in the container. Since the retaining element  30  is readily removable, it may be replaced at any time with a new one, depending on the desire or need for a new or fresher scent. 
         [0036]    As is evident from the above, the present invention provides a low-cost, efficient and easy-to-use apparatus which will simultaneously address both the underlying problems of waste spillage and the offensive and unpleasant malodor associated therewith. Given the low cost to manufacture the scented retaining element  30 , the entire unit is disposable, and once the intensity of the fragrance emitted therefrom wears off and decreases to an unacceptable level, it may simply be removed and replaced with a new one. 
         [0037]    It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the parts without departing from the scope of the invention which comprises the matter shown and described herein and set forth in the appended claims.