Patent Publication Number: US-11661271-B1

Title: Trash liner retainer apparatus

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to trash liner retainers, and more particularly relates, to an apparatus for retaining a mouth portion of a trash liner disposed in a trash receptacle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Trash receptacles are used for collecting waste matter (e.g., kitchen refuse). Plastic films formed into a trash bag are inserted into the trash receptacle for collecting refuse. Usually, the opening of the trash bag is merely folded over an aperture of the trash receptacle to prevent the disruption of the trash bag containing the refuse material. However, in some scenarios, if the opening of the trash bag is oversized compared to the trash receptacle aperture, the opening of the trash bag has to be tied with a knot for snuggly fitting the trash bag over the trash receptacle aperture. Further, rendering the opening of the trash bag exposed and/or flopping loosely on the trash receptacle creates a messy and unattractive appearance which is undesirable as the primary purpose of a trash receptacle is to store waste in a clean and organized manner. 
     Many of the trash bags, currently in use, are merely folded over the opening of the trash receptacle. Such arrangement causes the trash bags to collapse either partially or completely into the trash receptacle, causing interference in disposing of the refuse in the trash bags. Moreover, in such scenarios, a portion of the trash bag may get in contact with the refuse (e.g., liquid waste). As a result, the trash bag and the trash receptacle become unsanitary and require cleaning of the trash receptacle. Due to the unsanitary condition of the trash bag, an individual may get in contact with harmful microorganisms while disposing of the trash bag. Additionally, the trash bag may be susceptible to breakage or tearing due to the stretching of the trash bag while securing the trash bag over the trash receptacle opening. 
     Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus for securing the opening of the trash bag to overcome one or more limitations stated above in addition to providing other technical advantages. 
     SUMMARY 
     Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide trash liner retainer apparatus. 
     In an embodiment, an apparatus for securing a trash liner is disclosed. The apparatus includes a retainer channel disposed on at least a portion of an interior surface proximate to an aperture of a support structure. The retainer channel includes an inner surface defining an interior space within the retainer channel for receiving a mouth portion of the trash liner therein. The apparatus further includes a retainer member. The retainer member includes one or more flange members. Each flange member of the one or more flange members extends from a bottom portion of the retainer member and is oriented along a longitudinal axis of the support structure. The retainer member is configured to removably secure to the retainer channel for retaining the mouth portion of the trash liner therebetween, while an unsecured portion of the trash liner is disposed within the support structure. 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus for securing a mouth portion of a trash liner is disclosed. The apparatus includes a retainer channel disposed on at least a portion of an interior surface proximate to an aperture of a support structure. The retainer channel includes an inner surface defining an interior space within the retainer channel for receiving a mouth portion of the trash liner therein. The apparatus further includes a pair of flexible retainer members. The pair of flexible retainer members includes a first flexible retainer member and a second flexible retainer member. The first and second flexible retainer members are mounted to the inner surface of each sidewall of a pair of sidewalls of the retainer channel such that a portion of the first and second flexible retainer members is oriented parallel or near parallel to a base surface of the retainer channel. Further, a free end of the first and second flexible retainer members is facing toward each other and positioned in close proximity, thus defining a gap therebetween. Furthermore, the first and second flexible retainer members are operated between a collapsed form and a retracted form for retaining the mouth portion of the trash liner within the interior space of the retainer channel. 
     In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for securing a mouth portion of a trash liner is disclosed. The apparatus includes a retainer channel disposed on at least a portion of an interior surface proximate to an aperture of a support structure. The retainer channel includes an inner surface defining an interior space within the retainer channel for receiving the mouth portion of the trash liner therein. The apparatus further includes a retainer member. The retainer includes one or more flange members. Each flange member of the one or more flange members extends from a bottom portion of the retainer member and is oriented along a longitudinal axis of the support structure. The retainer member is configured based on a geometric design of the retainer channel for enabling a snug fit between the retainer member and the retainer channel. Further, the retainer member is configured to removably secure to the retainer channel for retaining the mouth portion of the trash liner therebetween, while an unsecured portion of the trash liner is disposed within the support structure. Furthermore, one or more flange members of the retainer member abuts the inner surface of the retainer channel for removably securing the retainer member to a top portion of the retainer channel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The following detailed description of illustrative embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to a specific device, or a tool and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. 
         FIG.  1 A  illustrates an exploded view of an apparatus for retaining a mouth portion of a trash liner, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  1 B  illustrates a sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG.  1 A  and an enlarged portion thereof depicting a portion of a retainer channel, a retainer member, and the trash liner, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  1 C  is a schematic representation of the apparatus of  FIG.  1 A  disposed within a support structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  1 D and  1 E , illustrate a schematic representation of the apparatus of  FIG.  1 A , depicting a lid of the retainer member operable between an open position and a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a schematic representation of an apparatus for securing the mouth portion of the trash liner, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a schematic representation of the apparatus of  FIG.  2 A  operated in an open position for receiving the mouth portion of the trash liner, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 C  is a schematic representation of the apparatus of  FIG.  2 A  operated in a closed position for retaining the mouth portion of the trash liner, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 A  illustrates an exploded bottom perspective view of an apparatus for securing the mouth portion of the trash liner, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a schematic representation of the apparatus of  FIG.  3 A  securing the mouth portion of the trash liner being supported on elongated tubular structures, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 A  illustrates a perspective of an apparatus for securing the mouth portion of the trash liner, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG.  4 A , depicting a pair of flexible retainer members of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  4 C and  4 D  illustrate a stepwise articulation of the pair of flexible retainer members for retaining the mouth portion of the trash liner within a retainer channel of the apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 E  illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG.  4 A  for retaining the mouth portion of the trash liner, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 F  illustrates a sectional view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG.  4 A  for retaining the mouth portion of the trash liner, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate a sectional view of an apparatus for securing the mouth portion of the trash liner, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a sectional view of an apparatus for securing the mouth portion of the trash liner, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. 
     Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments. 
     Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present disclosure. 
     Various example embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to  FIGS.  1 A -lE to  FIG.  6   . 
       FIG.  1 A  illustrates an exploded view of an apparatus  100  for retaining a trash liner  106 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus  100  includes a retainer channel  102  and a retainer member  104 . The apparatus  100  including the retainer channel  102  and the retainer member  104  is configured to retain a mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106 . 
     The trash liner  106 , made from plastic films, paper or other flexible sheet material, can be disposed (e.g., mounted, placed, positioned, secured, etc.) within a support structure  108  for collecting waste matter (or refuse). For example, the support structure  108  may be a trash receptacle. Typically, the mouth portion  106   a  referenced for the open edge or an opening of the trash liner  106  is secured in the retainer channel  102  by removably engaging the retainer member  104 . More specifically, the retainer channel  102  is substantially disposed at a top portion  108   a  of the support structure  108  (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as ‘the trash receptacle  108 ’). Moreover, the retainer channel  102  is dimensioned corresponding to the dimensions of the top portion  108   a  of the trash receptacle  108  for snuggly fitting the retainer channel  102  to the trash receptacle  108 . The mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  is stuffed in the retainer channel  102 . Thereafter, the retainer member  104  is removably secured to the retainer channel  102  for retaining the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  therein, while the remaining portion of the trash liner  106  is disposed within the trash receptacle  108 . As a result, the trash liner  106  disposed in the trash receptacle  108  eliminates manual intervention involved in cleaning the trash receptacle  108 . Additionally, usage of the trash liner  106  in the trash receptacle  108  ensures the hygiene of the trash receptacle  108 , and hence a user and/or an individual is able to safely dispose of the trash liner  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  1 B , is a sectional view of the apparatus  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the retainer channel  102  is configured with a U-shaped structure. It will be apparent that the U-shaped structure of the retainer channel  102  includes a pair of sidewalls  110  and a base surface  112 . As such, each sidewall  110  extends from opposite sides of the base surface  112  along its length. It is to be noted that the sidewalls  110  of the retainer channel  102  align roughly parallel to a longitudinal axis A-A′. The longitudinal axis A-A′ corresponds to a vertical axis of the trash receptacle  108 . Further, the retainer channel  102  includes an inner surface  114  (see, an enlarged portion  120  of  FIG.  1 B ) defining an interior space  116  (see, the enlarged portion  120 ) within the retainer channel  102 . In other words, the area bounded by the sidewalls  110  and the base surface  112  refers to the interior space  116  of the retainer channel  102 . 
     In an embodiment, the sidewalls  110  may be detachably coupled to the opposite ends of the base surface  112  via conventional mounting means for forming a U-shaped structure of the retainer channel  102 . For example, the base surface  112  and the sidewalls  110  may be configured with the snap-fit arrangement for allowing detachable mounting of the sidewalls  110  to the base surface  112 . Alternatively, the sidewalls  110  may be mounted to the base surface  112  using glue or any other fastening means as per the design feasibility and requirement. In another embodiment, the retainer channel  102  may be configured with a V-shaped structure or any other structural configuration as per design feasibility and requirement. 
     The retainer channel  102  including the interior space  116  is configured to receive the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  therein. More specifically, the retainer channel  102  is disposed on at least a portion of an interior surface  118  proximate to an aperture (see,  108   b  of  FIG.  1 A ) of the trash receptacle  108 . As explained above, the retainer channel  102  is dimensioned in conformity with the dimensions of the interior surface  118  of the trash receptacle  108  to ensure a snug fit between the retainer channel  102  and the trash receptacle  108 . In other words, the trash receptacle  108  may be configured with thickness. To that effect, the retainer channel  102  is configured based on an inner perimeter of the aperture  108   b , thereby allowing a snug fit between the retainer channel  102  and the trash receptacle  108 . 
     The retainer channel  102  may be made of flexible materials such as, but not limited to, high-density polythene, thermoplastic, polycarbonate sheets, and the like. It is to be noted that the retainer channel  102  configured with the flexible materials should possess adequate breakage strength for allowing elastic deformation of the retainer channel  102  during use. Thus, the retainer channel  102  may be distorted while securing the retainer channel  102  to the trash receptacle  108 . It will be apparent that the retainer channel  102  assumes its original state upon releasing pressure on the retainer channel  102 , thus ensuring a snug fit between the retainer channel  102  and the trash receptacle  108 . 
     In an embodiment, the retainer channel  102  may be secured to the interior surface  118  proximate to the aperture  108   b  of the trash receptacle  108  using conventional mounting means such as, but not limited to, bonding, gluing as per feasibility and requirement. In another embodiment, the retainer channel  102  may be an integral part of the trash receptacle  108 . 
     In use, the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  is received in the interior space  116  of the retainer channel  102 . More specifically, the mouth portion  106   a  is folded over the sidewalls  110  and inserted into the interior space  116 . Thereafter, the retainer member  104  is removably secured to the retainer channel  102  for retaining the mouth portion  106   a  within the interior space  116 , while an unsecured portion  122  of the trash liner  106  is disposed within the trash receptacle  108  (as shown in  FIG.  1 C ). The unsecured portion  122  corresponds to a portion of the trash liner  106  extending from the retainer channel  102  upon removably engaging the retainer member  104  with the retainer channel  102 . 
     Further, the retainer member  104  includes one or more flange members  124  (see, the enlarged portion  120 ). Each flange member of the one or more flange members  124  extends from a bottom portion  126  of the retainer member  104  and is oriented along the longitudinal axis A-A′. In other words, the flange member(s)  124  extend from opposite ends of the bottom portion  126  of the retainer members (see, the enlarged portion  120 ). In an embodiment, the length dimension of one of the flange members may be greater than the other flange member (as shown in  FIG.  1 B ). Alternatively, the flange members  124  may be configured with a similar length dimension or any other configuration as per design feasibility and requirement. 
     In one implementation, the flange members  124  configured at the bottom portion  126  may extend along the length of the retainer member  104  (as shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B ), thus forming a unified structure of the retainer member  104 . In another implementation, the flange members  124  may be detachably mounted at the bottom portion  126  via conventional fastening means to form the retainer member  104 . In another implementation, the flange members  124  may be configured at regular intervals at the bottom portion  126  along its length (not shown in figures). 
     Further, the retainer member  104  may be made of flexible materials similar to the retainer channel  102 . Thus, the retainer member  104  may exhibit similar mechanical properties as that of the retainer channel  102 . Particularly, the retainer member  104  including the flange members  124  abuts the inner surface  114  of the retainer channel  102  while removably securing the retainer member  104  to a top portion  128  of the retainer channel  102 . Moreover, the retainer member  104  is configured based on a geometric design of the retainer channel  102 , thereby enabling a snug fit between the retainer member  104  and the retainer channel  102 . For example, the geometric design of the retainer channel  102  is selected to be one of a circular/oval shape (as shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 C ). The geometric design of the retainer channel  102  and the retainer member  104  is configured corresponding to the shape of the aperture  108   b  and/or the geometric design of the top portion  108   a  of the trash receptacle  108 . This configuration of the apparatus  100  enables the snug fit between the retainer channel  102  and the trash receptacle  108 . In some embodiments, the structural configuration of the retainer channel  102 , the retainer member  104 , and the support structure  108  may be configured in various geometric designs such as, but not limited to, oval, square, hexagon, pentagon, rectangular, rectangular with rounded corners, or any other geometric or organic shapes, which serve the purposes. 
     Moreover, the retainer member  104  snuggly fits onto the top portion  128  of the retainer channel  102  due to a similar geometric design (as shown in  FIG.  1 C ). In an embodiment, the retainer member  104  may be removably secured to the top portion  128  of the retainer channel  102  via conventional fastening means such as a snap-fit arrangement, or the like. As such, removably securing the retainer member  104  onto the top portion  128  of the retainer channel  102  conceals the mouth portion  106   a  therein (as shown in  FIG.  1 C ). Further, the mouth portion  106   a  retained within the interior space  116  eliminates the loose flopping of the mouth portion  106   a  and enhances the aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the retainer member  104  is detached from the retainer channel  102  for disposal when the trash liner  106  is completely filled with refuse. 
     In one embodiment, the support structure  108  (or the trash receptacle  108 ) may be configured with a freeform shape (i.e. irregular or asymmetrical design). In this case, the retainer channel  102  may be configured to align with the perimeter (either interior or exterior perimeter) of the support structure  108  due to its elastic property, thereby securing the retainer channel  102  to the trash receptacle  108 . 
     In an embodiment, the retainer member  104  may be configured with a lid  130 . The lid  130  may be secured to one end of a top portion  132  of the retainer member  104  (as shown in  FIG.  1 D ). The lid  130  may be secured to the retainer member  104  via a hinge mechanism (see,  138  of  FIG.  1 E ). In an embodiment, the lid  130  may be secured to the retainer member  104  using any other conventional means. The lid  130  may be made of flexible materials as explained above. The lid  130  may be operated in an open position (see,  134 ), prior to securing the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  (as shown in  FIG.  1 D ). Further, the lid  130  may be operated to a closed position (see,  136 ) upon securing the retainer member  104  atop the supporting structure  108  (as shown in  FIG.  1 E ). It is to be noted that the lid  130  operated in the closed position  136  helps in maintaining the hygiene of the surrounding environment while the trash is being stored in the trash liner  106  disposed in the trash receptacle  108 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2 A , the apparatus  200  includes a retainer channel  202  and a retainer member  204 . The configuration of the retainer channel  202  is similar to the configuration of the retainer channel  102  of  FIG.  1 A , and therefore it is not explained in detail for the sake of brevity. As shown in  FIG.  2 A , the retainer member  204  configured in the geometric design of a circular shape may be partitioned along an axis B-B′ into two semi-circular segments (or two symmetrical segments). In this configuration, each segment of the retainer member  204  may be hingedly coupled to the retainer channel  202 . More specifically, a point P on each semi-circular segment of the retainer member  204  defines the one line of symmetry (or reflection symmetry) of the semi-circular segment of the retainer member  204 . Thus, point P may be considered the mounting point of the semi-circular segment of the retainer member  204 . The retainer member  204  may be temporarily mounted to the retainer channel  202  at the point P via a hinge mechanism (see,  208  of  FIG.  2 B ). Particularly, the point P of each semi-circular segment of the retainer member  204  may be secured with one part of the hinge mechanism  208 . Further, the point P of each of the semi-circular segments of the retainer member  204  is positioned at diametrically opposite ends (represented as D 1  and D 2 ) of the retainer channel  202 . Thereafter, each semi-circular segment of the retainer member  204  is secured to the retainer channel  202  via the hinge mechanism  208  (as shown in  FIG.  2 B ). The retainer member  204  hingedly coupled to the retainer channel  202  is operable between an open position (see,  210  of  FIG.  2 B ) and a closed position (see,  212  of  FIG.  2 C ). 
     In use, the retainer channel  202  hingedly coupled to the retainer member  204  may be disposed in the trash receptacle  108 . The hinge mechanism  208  may include flex hinges of negligible thickness. Thus, the hinge mechanism  208  prevents hindrance to the apparatus  200  while securing the apparatus  200  to the trash receptacle  108 . In other words, the hinge mechanism  208  adapts suitably for securing the retainer channel  202  to the trash receptacle  108 . It is to be noted that the functionality of the hinge mechanism  208  is not affected, upon securing the retainer channel  202  to the trash receptacle  108 . Further, the retainer member  204  (both the semi-circular segments) is operated in the open position  210  for allowing insertion of the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  within the retainer channel  202 . It is to be noted that the hinge mechanism  208  (e.g., the flex hinges) provides a sufficient degree of movement for operating the retainer member  204  in the open position  210  in order to allow insertion of the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  within the retainer channel  202 . Further, upon securing the mouth portion  106   a  within the retainer channel  202 , the retainer member  204  is operated in the closed position  212  (as shown in  FIG.  2 C ). More specifically, the retainer member  204  includes one or more flange members (see,  206  of  FIG.  2 A ) of the retainer member  204  similar to the retainer member  104 . The flange members  206  abuts the inner surface of the retainer channel  202  while securing the retainer member  204  to the retainer channel  202  (or operated in the closed position  212 ). 
       FIG.  3 A  illustrates an exploded bottom perspective of an apparatus  300  for securing the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus  300  includes a retainer channel  302  and a retainer member  308 . The retainer channel  302  and the retainer member  308  are similar to the retainer channel  102  and the retainer member  104 , respectively. As shown, the retainer channel  302  is configured with a plurality of slots  304  (exemplarily depicted to be three slots) at regular intervals at a bottom portion  306  of the retainer channel  302 . The slots  304  allow insertion of one ends  310   a  of a plurality of elongated tubular structures  310 . The dimensions of the elongated tubular structures  310  are configured in conformity with the dimensions of the slots  304  for allowing a snug fit of the elongated tubular structures  310  within the slots  304 . In an embodiment, the bottom portion  306  of the retainer channel  302  may be permanently affixed with the elongated tubular structures  310 . It is to be noted that the number of the elongated tubular structures  310  is dependent on the number of slots  304  configured at the bottom portion  306  of the retainer channel  302 . 
     Upon securing the elongated tubular structures  310  within the slots  304 , the elongated tubular structures  310  are oriented along a vertical direction ‘V 1 ’ for supporting the retainer channel  302  above the ground (as shown in  FIG.  3 B ). In other words, the apparatus  300  securing the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  is raised off a supporting surface (such as a floor) by the elongated tubular structures  310  (as shown in  FIG.  3 B ). Additionally, the elongated tubular structures  310  may include supporting bushes  312  secured to another ends  310   b  of the elongated tubular structures  310 . The supporting bush  312  ensures stability when the apparatus  300  supported on the elongated tubular structures  310  is raised off the supporting surface. 
     Further, the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  is secured in the retainer channel  302  by securing the retainer member  308  on top of the retainer channel  302  (as shown in  FIG.  3 B ). As shown in  FIG.  3 B , the unsecured portion  122  of the trash liner  106  is allowed to flex in a space between the plurality of elongated tubular structures  310  supporting the retainer channel  302 . It will be apparent that the retainer channel  302  can also be supported on the floor with only two elongated tubular structures  310  secured to the appropriate slots  304  which allows balancing of the apparatus  300  when the elongated tubular structures  310  are oriented along the vertical direction ‘V 1 ’. In an embodiment, the retainer channel  302  mounted with the elongated tubular structures  310  may be secured within a trash receptacle (such as the trash receptacle  108 ). 
     Referring to  FIG.  4 A , an apparatus  400  includes a retainer channel  402  adapted to be secured within a trash receptacle (such as the trash receptacle  108 ). The retainer channel  402  secured within the trash receptacle  108  is configured to secure the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4 B , a sectional view of a portion of the retainer channel  402  along an axis C-C′ of the apparatus  400  is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The configuration of the retainer channel  402  is similar to the retainer channel  102  of  FIG.  1 A . As shown, the retainer channel  402  is configured with a U-shaped structure. It will be apparent that the U-shaped structure of the retainer channel  402  includes a pair of sidewalls  414  and a base surface  406  of the retainer channel  402 . As such, each of the sidewalls  414  extends from opposite sides of the base surface  406  along its length. 
     Additionally, the apparatus  400  includes a pair of flexible retainer members  410 . The pair of flexible retainer members  410  includes a first flexible retainer member  412   a , and a second flexible retainer member  412   b . The first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  are mounted to an inner surface  408  of each sidewall  414  of the retainer channel  402  and located at a top portion  404  of the retainer channel  402 . The first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  are mounted to the inner surface  408  of each sidewall  414  such that a portion of the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a ,  412   b  configured for securing the trash liner  106  is oriented parallel to the base surface  406  of the retainer channel  402  (as shown in  FIG.  4 B ). Examples of the flexible materials used in the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  may be rubber or flexible plastic, or the like. In an embodiment, the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  may be detachably mounted to the retainer channel  402  via conventional mounting means such as bonding, gluing, or any other mounting means as per design feasibility and requirement. In another embodiment, the retainer channel  402  may be configured with a groove or channel (not shown in figures) in the sidewalls  414 . Further, the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  may be configured with suitable securing means based on the dimensions of the groove configured in the sidewalls  414  for enabling mounting of the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  to the retainer channel  402 . 
     Further, a free end  416  of the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  is facing toward each other and located in close proximity and defines a gap  418  i.e. a narrow channel therebetween (as shown in  FIG.  4 B ). As shown in  FIG.  4 B , the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  mounted to the inner surface  408  and oriented parallel to the base surface  406  are positioned at the same height in the retainer channel  402 . In an embodiment, the first flexible retainer member  412   a  may be positioned at a height slightly less than the height of the second flexible retainer member  412   b  or vice-versa. 
     In use, at least one of the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  is operated in a collapsed form (see,  420  of  FIG.  4 C ). For illustration purposes, a user&#39;s hand operating at least one of the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  is shown in  FIG.  4 C . Moreover, operating either of the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  in the collapsed form  420  alters the gap  418 , thereby allowing insertion of the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  within an interior space  422  of the retainer channel  402  (as shown in  FIG.  4 C ). In other words, operating at least one of the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  in the collapsed form  420  widens the gap  418 , thus allowing the user to insert the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  within the interior space  422  defined in the retainer channel  402  (as shown in  FIG.  4 C ). Thereafter, the user may release the pressure on the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  for securing the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  in the interior space  422  of the retainer channel  402  (as shown in  FIG.  4 D ). More specifically, the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  attain a retracted form  424  from the collapsed form  420  upon releasing the pressure from the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  (as shown in  FIG.  4 D ). The first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  operated in the retracted form  424  from the collapsed form  420  retains the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  in the interior space  422  of the retainer channel  402  (as shown in  FIG.  4 D ). This configuration of the apparatus  400  eliminates the usage of the retainer member as explained with references to  FIGS.  1 A- 3 B  for securing the trash liner  106 . 
     In an embodiment, the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  may be the integral components of the retainer channel  402  (as shown in  FIG.  4 E ). In other words, the U-shaped structure of the retainer channel  402  may be configured with the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  at the top portion  404  of the retainer channel  402 . This configuration of the retainer channel  402  corresponds to a partially closed channel at the top portion  404  while maintaining a narrow opening (i.e. the gap  418 ) therebetween (as shown in  FIG.  4 E ). The retainer channel  402  may be integrally configured with the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  using casting and molding techniques. 
     In another embodiment, the first and second flexible retainer members  412   a , and  412   b  are configured along a length of an outer surface  426  of the sidewall  414  oriented towards the interior of the support structure  108  (as shown in  FIG.  4 F ). It is to be noted that the pair of flexible retainer members  410  configured on the outer surface  426  of the sidewall  414  is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A′ of the trash receptacle  108 . 
       FIG.  5 A  illustrates a sectional view of a portion of an apparatus  500  for securing the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus  500  includes a retainer channel  502  and a retainer member  504 . As shown, the retainer channel  502  is configured with a J-shaped configuration or an L-shaped configuration. The retainer channel  502  may be made of materials similar to the materials of the retainer channel  102  of  FIG.  1 A . 
     The retainer channel  502  includes a first end  502   a  and a second end  502   b . In an embodiment, the first end  502   a  may be detachably mounted to the interior surface  118  of the trash receptacle  108  such that the second end  502   b  is positioned at the same height as the top end of the trash receptacle  108 . Further, at least the portion of the interior surface  118  proximate to the aperture and the retainer channel  502  (J-shaped configuration) forms a passageway  506  therebetween. The passageway  506  is configured for receiving the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  therein. In another embodiment, the first end  502   a  of the retainer channel  502  may be secured to the trash receptacle  108  using conventional means such as casting and molding techniques. 
     The retainer member  504  includes a first portion  504   a  and a second portion  504   b . The first portion  504   a  may be configured based on the dimensions of a length (represented by ‘L’) of the passageway  506  in a horizontal direction, thereby ensuring a snug fit of the retainer member  504  to the retainer channel  502 . Further, the second portion  504   b  corresponds to a flange member. As shown, the retainer member  504  is configured to include one flange member, and further the retainer member  504  may include more than one flange member (e.g., two flange members as shown in  FIG.  1 A ) therefore, it should not be taken to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In use, the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  is secured within the passageway  506 . Thereafter, the retainer member  504  is secured to the retainer channel  502  by abutting the second portion  504   b  to at least a portion of the trash liner  106  overlapping on a portion of an outer surface  508  of the retainer channel  502  (as shown in  FIG.  5 A ). 
     In an embodiment, the retainer member  504  may be configured with a curved profile (as shown in  FIG.  5 B ). Specifically, the first portion  504   a  and the second portion  504   b  may be integrally formed with a curved profile based on the dimensions of the length ‘L’ of the passageway  506 , thus ensuring a snug fit of the retainer member  504  to the retainer channel  502  (as shown in  FIG.  5 B ). Further, the operability of the retainer member  504  configured with the curved profile (as shown in  FIG.  5 B ) is similar to the operability of the retainer member  504  configured with vertical and horizontal planes, and a corner (as shown in  FIG.  5 A ). 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a sectional view of a portion of an apparatus  600  for securing the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus  600  includes a retainer channel  602  and a retainer member  604 . 
     The retainer channel  602  is configured with a U-shaped configuration. Particularly, the retainer channel  602  includes a pair of sidewalls (i.e. a sidewall  606   a  and a sidewall  606   b ). The sidewalls  606   a  and  606   b  are configured with unequal length dimensions. As shown in  FIG.  6   , the length dimension of the sidewall  606   a  is relatively less than the length dimension of the sidewall  606   b . In other words, the side walls  606   a  and  606   b  are configured with unequal length dimensions. Further, the retainer channel  602  is mounted to the interior surface  118  proximate to the aperture of the trash receptacle  108  such that the top end of the sidewall  606   a  and the trash receptacle  108  is maintained at the same height and the sidewall  606   b  exceeds the length of the trash receptacle  108  (as shown in  FIG.  6   ). Further, the sidewalls  606   a  and  606   b  of the retainer channel  602  configured with the U-shaped configuration form a passageway  608  in the retainer channel  602 . The mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  is disposed in the passageway  608 . 
     The retainer member  604  may be configured based on the dimensions of the retainer channel  602 . In an example, the retainer member  604  is configured with an inverted U-shaped structure. Particularly, the retainer member  604  includes one or more flange members (collectively referred for a flange member  610   a  and a flange member  610   b ). As shown, the length dimension of the flange member  610   a  is greater than the length dimension of the flange member  610   b . In other words, the flange members  610   a  and  610   b  are configured with unequal length dimensions. It is to be noted that the length dimension of the flange member  610   a  is configured based on the length dimension of the portion of the sidewall  606   b  exceeding the length of the trash receptacle  108 . In use, the mouth portion  106   a  of the trash liner  106  is secured within the retainer channel  602 . Thereafter, the retainer member  604  is secured to the retainer channel  602  such that the flange member  610   b  abuts at least a portion of the trash liner  106  overlapping on a portion of an outer surface  612  of the retainer channel  602  (as shown in  FIG.  6   ). In an embodiment, the lower end of the flange member  610   a  may include securing means such as, but not limited to, adhesive or any other securing means for securing onto the top end of the trash receptacle  108 . 
     Various embodiments of the disclosure, as discussed above, may be practiced with steps and/or operations in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations, which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the disclosure has been described based upon these exemplary embodiments, it is noted that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions may be apparent and well within the scope of the disclosure. 
     Although various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are described herein in a language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.