Abstract:
A one piece clamp for affixing a pliable bag to a container. 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. Embedded in or removably attached to the clamp is a deodorizer.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/120,060, filed Apr. 10, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/877,511, filed Jun. 8, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/373,485, filed Aug. 12, 1999. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention generally relates to clamping devices, and more particularly to a simple, efficient clamp to fasten a plastic trash bag to a rigid container.  
           [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Art  
           [0005]    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 easy removal of the trash. These liners are placed inside the rigid trash container and frequently are attempted to be secured to the container by folding the upper section of the bag over the lip of the container.  
           [0006]    Several disadvantages exist with this arrangement. When garbage is placed in the bag, the bag often detaches from the lip of the container and falls to the bottom of the container, where it becomes another trash item. Attempts to remedy this by closely matching the bag opening with the container opening frequently result in bags that split or tear when folded over the container lip. And a bag that splits, or otherwise detaches from the container fails to perform its primary task of holding the refuse placed within it, and protecting the container from soiling.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    Embodiments of the present invention solve the problem of pliable bags becoming detached from containers. Broadly, the present invention provides for the secure removable fastening of bags to containers and for deodorizing the top area of the containers.  
           [0008]    More specifically, one embodiment of the invention attaches a pliable bag to a container by locating a clip over a portion of the bag and container so that a gripping section of the clip secures the bag against the container. The clip is positioned over the bag and container by applying pressure to the upwardly projecting grip, which causes the arms of the clip to separate sufficiently to be placed over the bag which is layed over the rim of the container. The clip secures the bag and container once pressure is removed from the grip.  
           [0009]    Embodiments of the invention afford users with a number of distinct advantages. First, trash bags no longer need to be folded over container lips, thus avoiding the possibility of tearing 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 or clamp 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. Further, by including a deodorizing aspect, the clamp according to embodiments of the invention makes the handling of trash bags less odorous and less unpleasant. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0010]    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:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the gripping unit positioned over a container lip and bag with a clasping unit shown in phantom and also shown partially installed over the gripping unit;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gripping unit shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clasping unit shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a top view of the gripping unit shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of the gripping unit and a phantom elevation view of the clasping unit shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the gripping unit of the invention;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is a top view of the gripping unit shown in FIG. 6;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the clasping unit for use with the gripping unit of FIG. 6;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is an elevation view of a clasping unit of FIG. 6 shown in phantom and a gripping unit showing the arms in closed gripping position and in spread position in phantom;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative unitary clamp embodiment of the invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 11 is a side view of clamp shown in FIG. 10;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 12 is an end sectional view taken along cutting plane  12 - 12  in FIG. 10;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the FIG. 10 embodiment;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another alternative unitary clamp embodiment of the invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 15 is a top view of the clamp shown in FIG. 14;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 16 is an end sectional view taken along cutting plane  16 - 16  in FIG. 15;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the FIG. 14 embodiment;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 18 is a perspective, exploded view of a further alternative unitary clamp embodiment of the invention including a deodorizing element;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment for a clamp with a deodorizing element, which element is not shown; and  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 20 is another alternative embodiment similar to FIG. 19.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]    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.  
         [0032]    The clamp according to various embodiments of the present invention 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.  
         [0033]    Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a clamp in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustrated and designated generally by the numeral  10 . The clamp has a gripping or clamping unit  15  having two arms or wings  2  that are generally rectangular in shape and may be slightly curved. Each arm has a ribbed inner surface  3  for positively gripping flexible bag  4  and lip  8  of container or vessel  5 . Alternatively, the inner surface can consist of projections, ridges, grooves, cross-hatching or any other suitable configuration. Other embodiments of the gripping unit may have arms split into two or more separate parts. As shown in FIG. 4, this embodiment of gripping unit  15  can have slightly curved arms  2  that approximate the curvature of the container  5 .  
         [0034]    As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, arms  2  are connected by bridge or connector  6 . The bridge has two positioning or locking tabs  7  that engage with clasping unit  20 , shown in FIG. 3. Channeled outer section  9  on each arm  2  is located beneath the locking tabs. The channeled section may be formed with ridges, grooves, or any suitable configuration for engaging with the clasping unit.  
         [0035]    Now referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, an alternative embodiment gripping unit  15  is illustrated. Bridge  6  is narrow to accommodate narrow container lips which might be found on metal garbage cans. In this embodiment, arms  2  are much closer together and can be curved or straight, to accommodate curved containers. In a similar manner, bridge and arm proportions can be individualized to suit distinct containers.  
         [0036]    Clasping or clinching unit  20  is illustrated in FIG. 3 and is shown in position and in phantom in FIG. 1. The clasping unit is generally U-shaped with an upper surface  11  and two arms or sides  12 . In a preferred embodiment, the distal end of each arm terminates in a curled segment  13  that extends the entire width of the arm. Alternatively, the curled section may reside at only one or more sections of each arm  12 . Curled section  14  is located at the upper end of each arm  12  and, in some embodiments, may only reside at one or more sections of the arm.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of clasping unit  20 . Upper surface  11  is narrow to match the narrow bridge gripping unit shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Arms  12  are now much closer together to engage channel section  9 .  
         [0038]    As shown in FIG. 1, container  5 , having a relatively wide, reverse curved lip or rim, is engaged by arms  2  near container lip  8 . In one embodiment of gripping unit  15  and arms  2  are splayed or spread, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, to permit easy positioning of the gripping unit over a container. Clasping unit  20  then closes the clip over the bag and the container lips as seen in FIG. 9, the narrow gripping unit is illustrated with the arms shown in the gripping position and in the spread position in phantom. The arms pivot about living hinges  16  that does not fatigue, and thus the arms can be repeatably cycled from the disengaged, or spread position, to the gripping position many times without failure. If desired, arms  2  may be normally biased to the spread position for ease of positioning over the container lip.  
         [0039]    Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, clasping unit  20  is positioned over bridge  6  and curled segments  13  are positioned to engage the gripping unit. The clasping unit, which is preferably made of spring steel, forces arms  2  into the gripping position to firmly trap or secure bag  4  against container  5  when forced downwardly to the final position with curled segments  13  seated in bottom depressions  9 . Upper curled section  14  provides gripping projections to enable the clasping unit to be pulled upwardly to disengage the clamp from the bag and container. In a preferred embodiment, the clasping unit is muti-positionable along the channeled outer section. This allows for variable clamping force against the container and for quick and easy removal of clamp  10  from the container.  
         [0040]    The gripping unit and the clasping unit can be formed of plastics, spring steels, fiberglass, rubber, polyurethane or other suitable materials.  
         [0041]    With reference now to FIGS. 10, 12, and  13 , another embodiment of the invention is shown and will be referred to as a clamp. Clamp  30  is a unitary device having bridge  29  which is generally rectangular in shape, and elongated arms  31 ,  32 . This configuration can be used with straight arms, or curved arms as shown in FIG. 10. Grip element  33 ,  34  are formed to have sufficient height to allow manual deformation so that arms  31 ,  32  can be spread slightly as needed to be placed over the bag and container lid. However, the height of the grip elements is such that it does not interfere with the use of a lid on the container. Inwardly projections  35 ,  36  are staggered along a horizontal axis on the inner surfaces  37 ,  38  of arms  31 ,  32 , respectively. The projections are preferably rounded so as to prevent tearing of the bag. Alternatively, arms  31 ,  32  can consist of a ribbed inner surface, such as shown in FIG. 2, for securing a flexible bag to the rim of a container or vessel. It is also contemplated herein that inner surfaces  37 ,  38  can have projections, ridges, grooves, cross-hatching or any other suitable configuration known to those skilled in the art to be able to provide sufficient retention while causing no unacceptable tearing of the bag.  
         [0042]    The relative height of the arm  31  and grip element  33  are shown in FIG. 11. The relative placement of bridge  29  is shown clearly in FIGS. 11 and 12. In a particularly preferred embodiment the height of grip  33  is about 0.28 inch above bridge  29 , the bridge is about 0.075 inch thick and arms  31 ,  32  extend about 0.662 inch below bridge  29 .  
         [0043]    In one embodiment the clamp  30  is unitary and may be formed as a single piece of suitable plastic. The plastic material should be relatively rigid but be slightly deformable to enable arms  31 ,  32  to be spread slightly by applying pressure to opposed grip elements  33 ,  34 , and return to their original relative positions when the pressure on the grip elements is released. An example of a plastic that will satisfy the requirements of the invention is a copolymer polypropylene.  
         [0044]    In the embodiment of FIGS.  10 - 13 , the unitary clamp consists of semi rigid bridge  29 , which will temporarily deform when pressure is applied on grip elements  33 ,  34 , thereby slightly separating arms  31 ,  32  for attachment to a bag and container. Material  41 , at the junction of the bridge and arms creates the requisite compromise between rigidity and elasticity such that the bridge serves the function of the hinge and lock as in the FIGS. 1 and 6 embodiments. Once pressure is removed from the grip elements, the clamp immediately returns to its original shape, thus providing sufficient pressure to secure the bag to the container.  
         [0045]    Referring now to FIGS.  14 - 17 , another alternative embodiment of the invention, a clamp  50 , is shown. In this embodiment the clamp achieves flush mounting to the container rim. The clamp has no projection that extends above the rim of the container. In addition, clamp can be curved along its horizontal axis, thereby providing that the bag is secured to the container in an enhanced manner.  
         [0046]    Bridging element  52  has top surface  60  and connects two arms or legs,  53  and  55 . The distal edge of arm  53  is shown with extended lip  56 . That lip is shaped and configured to facilitate removal of the clamp from the container rim. Bridging element  52  temporarily deforms when outward pressure is applied to extended lip  56 , thereby enabling arms  53  and  55  to be forced (splayed) apart slightly.  
         [0047]    Although lip  56  is shown across the entire distal edge of arm  53 , it is also contemplated herein that lip  56  could, for example, extend only along a portion of this distal edge. In addition, it is also contemplated herein that lip  56  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  56  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  53 , the greater the amount of leverage that is available.  
         [0048]    Inward projections  58  are preferably staggered along a horizontal axis of inner surfaces  54  of arms  53  and  55 . The projections are preferably rounded so as to prevent tearing of the bag. Alternatively, the inner surfaces of arms  53  and  55  can have a ribbed or other non-smooth configuration. 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.  
         [0049]    Top surface  60  is also preferably shaped and configured for the placement of visual information thereon. In one embodiment, the top surface is flat. As shown in FIG. 15, script  62  is positioned on the top surface. In addition to script, graphical information can be placed on the top surface.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 16 is a sectional view of clamp  50  taken along section line  16 - 16  of FIG. 15. Placement of inward projections  58  and extended lip  56  are shown. FIG. 17 is a bottom view of clamp  50 , also showing the placement of inward projections  58  and extended lip  56 . Also if desired, clamp  50  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.  
         [0051]    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.  14 - 17  is relatively rigid. Arms  53  and  55  may be parallel, or approximately parallel in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, arms  53  and  55  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.  
         [0052]    In the embodiments disclosed herein, the only upward projection of the device when engaged on the container is the thickness of bridging element  52 . It is also contemplated that the clamp may be positioned on the container so that arm  53  and lip  56  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  56  may be placed on the inside of the container. Lifting lip  56  allows the clamp to be easily removed and at the same time the clamp nestles in the user&#39;s hand.  
         [0053]    Referring now to FIG. 18, there is shown another embodiment of the invention. Clamp  70  is shown which includes an air freshener or deodorizer  78 . While the basic clamp configuration shown here is that of FIG. 14, it should be understood that any embodiment of the invention can be configured with a deodorizing element. A deodorant or air freshener is particularly appropriate when the clamp is used on a kitchen trash container.  
         [0054]    Clamp  70  is formed with bracket  74  attached to or formed on the exterior wall of arm  72 . The bracket provides a groove or gap  76  into which deodorizer card or strip  78  is removably secured. As its air freshener-effect diminishes, strip  76  can be replaced. While bracket  74  is shown on arm  72 , it could also be included on arm  80 , or on the exterior walls of both arms. Deodorizer  78  could comprise, for example, a porous deodorizer card holding a deodorizing compound. While bracket  74  is shown as an addition to the outside surface of one leg of the clamp, it could actually be part of an additional thickness of the leg itself, so it is merely a pocket on the leg. The groove or gap would look the same but the side and bottom edges of the gap would constitute the outside surface of that clamp leg.  
         [0055]    An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 19. In this embodiment, the deodorizer element is contemplated to be removably, adhesively secured in recess area  82  in arm  80 . It may be referred to as a “peel-and-stick” element. The depression or recess area could be alternatively formed in the exterior wall of arm  72 , or in both arms. By way of example only, recess area  82  may nominally have dimensions of 2.5×0.5×0.08 inch. Of course, different size clamps could have different size recess areas in which the deodorizer would reside.  
         [0056]    A further alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 20. Here depression  88  is formed as in FIG. 19, but the deodorizer element can be a relatively rigid element, as in FIG. 18. The deodorizer element would be inserted behind tabs  90 , possibly snapped into place. The deodorizer is as easily removed and replaced as before. Recess  88  could as well be formed in arm  72 , or in both arms.  
         [0057]    Rather than having a separate deodorizer element, clamp  70  may be molded with deodorizing content, that is, the scented material is embedded therein.  
         [0058]    Note also that the deodorizer element could be secured to or embedded in top surface  92  of bridging element  94 , or any other surface of the clamp. That is, the clamp effectively has six generally flat surfaces; the inside and outside surfaces of the two legs and the bridging element.  
         [0059]    The main purpose of the deodorizer is to provide a fresh scent where it would be most welcome in respect to a trash container.  
         [0060]    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.