Patent Publication Number: US-9834376-B1

Title: Closure components for securing a bag to a container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/086,244 filed Mar. 31, 2016 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/556,087 filed Feb. 26, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. D766,534, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a securing member that secures or traps a bag to a container so that the bag does not fall into the container during use and more specifically to a closure component that secures a bag to a waste container so that the bag does not fall into the waste container when waste is inserted. The waste container may be used for any type of waste, including but not limited to, cat litter, medical waste from hospitals, doctors&#39; offices, home health care personnel and facilities, nursing homes, biohazard laboratories, diapers, general household waste, disposables and the like, and includes a single use bag that is sought to be secured to the container. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Waste disposal devices are common in hospitals, doctors&#39; offices, kitchens and other household locations and other locations where waste is generated and must be disposed of in a sanitary manner. Waste disposal devices are also often used to dispose of household waste, baby diapers, adult disposables, cat litter and other pet waste. 
     Some waste disposal devices include a dispenser that dispenses tubing, and therefore include an internal ring-shaped flange on which a tubular core or cartridge rests and houses a continuous length of flexible, substantially non-resilient plastic tubing. A knot is tied at one end and the continuous tubing is pulled down to the bottom of the pail to form a bag for inserting one diaper after another until the bag is full. When full, you cut the top of the bag with a built in blade and then tie a knot in the open area for subsequent removal. This procedure is once again repeated—tie the knot—fill the bag—remove the bag, etc. When the canister is depleted of bag lengths, one replaces the canister. Canisters are costly and require changing regularly. 
     Another disposal device utilizes a single use bag sealed at one end and is welded to a foldable plastic header at the open end. The header when opened flat rests securely in the pail to accept diapers as they fill up. Once full, the plastic header folds to seal the upper open area and at the same time forms a handle for convenient removal. These polypropylene living hinge headers are wasteful, costly to produce and require welding or bonding them to a one-time use bag. 
     Numerous waste disposal devices exist including those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,612,099, 6,804,930, 6,851,251, 7,086,569, 7,114,314, 7,146,785, 7,316,100, 7,434,377, 7,503,152, 7,503,159, 7,617,659, 7,708,188, 7,712,285, 7,963,414, 8,127,519, 8,215,089, 8,235,237, 8,266,871, 8,973,774 and all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Additionally, innovative waste disposal devices are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/172,715 filed Jul. 14, 2008, now abandoned, Ser. No. 13/172,976 filed Jun. 30, 2011, now abandoned, and Ser. No. 13/270,697 filed Oct. 11, 2011, now abandoned, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     Some of these waste disposal devices include a base defining a waste-receiving compartment and a lid pivotally connected to the base. When the lid is opened, a bag becomes visible and waste is inserted into an opening of the bag. The bag often passes through a membrane that requires force to insert the waste, and also serves to close the bag above the waste providing a barrier to waste and odor outflow. In some waste disposal devices, the bag is actually part of an accordion-folded length of flexible tubing that is housed in a cartridge. 
     Further, some of these waste disposal devices include a step or foot pedal assembly to complement or replace the manual opening and closing of the lid. The foot pedal assembly includes a depressible foot pedal and a spring, and is arranged to cause both opening of the lid when the foot pedal is depressed and closure of the lid when the pressing force is removed. The spring is moved against its bias upon depression of the foot pedal and returns to its original state when the pressing force is removed to thereby cause closure of the lid and rotation of the twisting mechanism. 
     In addition, in some conventional pails, release of the foot pedal or a similar step pedal does not cause twisting of a bag housed in the pail. Rather, when the user steps on the pedal, the lid remains open and no twisting of the bag occurs. The user must close the lid with their hand(s) in order to cause a twist in the bag. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A closure component for securing a bag to a support in a container in accordance with the invention includes an annular portion including an upper wall, an inner circumferential wall extending downward from an inner edge region of the upper wall and an outer circumferential wall extending downward from an outer edge region of the upper wall. An annular channel is defined on an underside of the annular portion by the inner and outer walls and the upper wall. At least one pinch is situated on the inner or outer wall and each pinch includes a pair of slots extending upward from a lower edge of the wall. The slots are spaced apart from one another to enable a solid portion of the wall between the slots to temporarily flex outward. Also, the slots may extend from the lower edge of the wall only partly to the upper wall. One or more pinches may be formed on only the outer wall, on only the inner wall or on one or more of each of the inner and outer walls. The upper wall includes an opening above one or more of the pinches. 
     An optional extension portion extends radially outward from the outer circumferential wall beyond the outer circumferential wall. The extension portion is configured to engage with attachment structure, e.g., via one or more pivot pins, whereby the closure component is pivotable relative to the support when attached to the container via engagement of the extension portion with the attachment structure. An optional flange extends from the outer circumferential wall to enable easier lifting of the closure component from its container-engaged, bag-securing position. 
     In some embodiments, one or more detents are formed each on an inner surface of the inner or outer wall in a portion of the wall between the slots of each pinch. The detent may be situated on the portion of the outer wall between the slots when the pinch is formed on the outer wall and projects inward into the channel or on the portion of the inner wall between the slots when the pinch is formed on the inner wall and projects outward into the channel. Each detent may be curved in a horizontal orientation, straight in a horizontal orientation, or a horizontal or vertical rib. The detent may be situated anywhere along the portion of the inner or outer wall between the slots. 
     One or more optional upright tabs may extend upward from the upper wall. Each tab may be associated with a respective pinch. The tab may include a flange and two supports for supporting the flange on the upper wall, and the upper wall includes an opening above the respective pinch and between the supports. Some tabs may include a flange having an inner surface contiguous with an inner surface of the inner wall, and supports extending radially outward from the flange to an outer edge region of the upper wall proximate the outer wall. Other tabs may include a flange having an outer surface contiguous with an outer surface of the outer wall, and supports extending radially inward from the flange to an inner edge region of the upper wall proximate the inner wall. 
     The closure component may be used in combination with a waste container having a support for supporting a bag-securing member, the closure component securing a bag to the support by securing the bag to a projection of the support. The annular portion is thus configured to press the bag against the support by trapping the bag in the channel and engaging with the support such that the projection of the support is pressed into the channel to thereby sandwich the bag between the projection and the annular portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a ring for securing a bag to a container in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the ring shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the ring shown in  FIG. 1  taken along the line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a view showing the ring of  FIG. 1  about to secure a bag to a support in a waste container; 
         FIG. 5  is a view showing the ring of  FIG. 1  securing the bag to the support in the waste container; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view similar to  FIG. 5  but also showing formation of a twist in the bag that can be enabled by rotation of the ring relative to the support of the waste container; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the ring shown in  FIG. 1  secured to the support of the waste container taken along the line  7 - 7  in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a ring for securing a bag to a container in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the ring shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a ring for securing a bag to a container in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a ring for securing a bag to a container in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a ring for securing a bag to a container in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a ring for securing a bag to a container in accordance with the invention without any tabs; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the ring shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a ring for securing a bag to a container in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the ring shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom view of the ring shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a container including a ring for securing a bag to a container in accordance with the invention including an extension rib; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the ring shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a ring for use in, for example, the container shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the container with the ring shown in  FIG. 18  taken along the line  21 - 21  in  FIG. 18 ; and 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a closure component for use in a waste container, including but not limited to the waste containers shown in  FIGS. 4 and 18 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements, a first embodiment of a ring for securing a bag to a support in a container in accordance with the invention is designated generally as  10  and includes an annular portion  12  and two upright tabs  14  that facilitate handling of the annular portion  12  to engage with the support of the container. Annular portion  12  may be circular as shown or have a different shape, e.g., rectangular, square or oval. The shape and size of the annular portion  12  depends on the shape and size of the support of the container in conjunction with which the ring  10  will be used (described with reference to  FIGS. 4-7 ). 
     Annular portion  12  includes an upper wall  16 , an inner circumferential wall  18  extending downward from an inner edge region of the upper wall  16  and an outer circumferential wall  20  extending downward from an outer edge region of the upper wall  16 . A channel  22  is defined on the underside of the annular portion  12  between the inner and outer walls  18 ,  20  and the upper wall  16  (see  FIG. 2 ). The inner and outer walls  18 ,  20  may be concentric so that the channel  22  has a substantially constant width around the circumference of the annular portion  12 . 
     To facilitate removably securing a bag to the support of the container, the outer wall  20  includes one or more spring-like pinches  24 . Each pinch  24  includes two substantially parallel slots  26  that each extend upward from a lower edge  28  of the outer wall  20  thereby providing a solid portion  30  of the outer wall  20  therebetween (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). By mentioning that the slots  26  are substantially parallel to one another, it is intended that this phrase covers embodiments wherein the slots  26  are either exactly parallel to one another or that they may be at a slight angle to one another, i.e., by drawing a line through the center of each slot  26 , the lines would intersect at a small angle, which angle does not detract from their ability to cause the solid portion  30  between the slots  26  to be provided with some flexibility and thereby be able to flex outward during placement of the ring  10  into engagement with a container. 
     The slots  26  extend toward the upper wall  16  but, as shown, do not reach the upper wall  16 , although this is a possibility. The edges of the slots  26  are smooth, or smoothed to avoid sharp edges that may tear a bag. The slots  26  may be formed when molding the ring  10  from a resilient thermoplastic material such as, for example, polypropylene. 
     In some embodiments, the pinches  24  are configured to compensate for draft angles of the support present in conventional and existing waste disposal devices particularly used to dispose of diapers, e.g., of the Playtex DIAPER GENIE® type as well as other manufacturers. 
     A bottom edge region  32  of the outer wall  20 , in that portion  30  between the slots  26 , preferably includes a small bump, ridge or detent  34  on an inner surface  36  (see  FIG. 3 ). The detent  34  may be a half-round bump as more clearly seen in  FIG. 9 . The half-round bump has a curvature that is at a maximum in a center of the portion  30  of the outer wall  20  between the slots  26  and tapers toward the slots  26 . The detent  34  may also be formed by a bump with a straight, non-tapering surface extended into the channel  22  The detent  34  can thus be a ridge that projects a constant depth into the channel  22  from the inner surface  36  of the portion  30  toward the opposite edge of the channel  22 , i.e., the outer surface of the inner wall  18 . 
     This detent  34  adds to the ability of the outer wall  20  to hold and apply pressure to a bag that is operatively sandwiched between the outer wall  20  and a projection of the support of the container to which the bag is secured (see  FIGS. 4-7  discussed below). Also, the detent  34  can compensate for the draft angle issue for both the molded part which requires suitable draft angles, as well as the necessary draft angles of the DIAPER GENIE® insert(s) and possibly other inserts by other manufacturers where a bag may funnel into a waste pail. 
     The position of the detent  34  at the bottom edge region  32  of the outer wall  20 , in that portion  30  between the slots  26 , is not limiting and other positions for the detent  34  are also possible and envisioned as being within the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the detent  34  may be situated anywhere along the outer wall  20  in that portion  30  between the slots  26 . This portion may be referred to as a shutoff area. The detent  34  could be approximately halfway up from the lower edge of the outer wall  20  on the inner surface of the outer wall  20 . 
     With the formation of the pinches  24 , the slots  26  allow the ring  10  to flex outward or spring out locally at the region of the pinches  24  to enable the outer wall  20  to be placed over the bag which is wrapped over the projection of the support of the container to which the bag is secured (in the direction of arrows A in  FIG. 4 ). To this end, the slots  26  should not be spaced apart too far from one another, their height from the lower edge  28  of the outer wall  20  inward toward the upper wall  16  should be sufficient, and the angle of extension toward the upper wall  16  should be the same or very close to one another to enable flexure of the solid portion  30  between the slots  26 . The exact range of distances between the slots  26 , the height of the slots  26  and the angles of extension to enable the slots  26  to flex temporarily can be readily determined by one skilled in the art in view of the disclosure herein, and the identified purpose of the slots  26 . 
     The outward flexure of the outer wall  20  at the area of the pinches  24  is only temporary and the pinches  24  will spring back to their initial state shown in  FIG. 2  after engaging with the bag, at which time, the internal detent  34  will exert force against the projection of the support of the container to which the bag is secured causing a more positive pinch or engagement to the support, with the bag sandwiched therebetween (see  FIG. 7 , discussed below). 
     The tabs  14  extend upward from the upper wall  16  and have an inner surface  38  that may be contiguous with the inner surface  40  of the inner wall  18  of the annular portion  12  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). Each tab  14  includes a flange or flange portion  42  defining the inner surface  38  of the tab  14  and a pair of supports  44 . The flange portion  42  extends along a small circumferential portion of the inner wall  18  and has a depth less than the thickness of the upper wall  16 . The supports  44  extend radially outward from the flange portion  42  to an outer edge region of the upper wall  16  proximate the outer wall  20  (see  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). 
     Tabs  14  may be arranged at the same circumferential locations as pinches  24 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , two tabs  14  are arranged on diametrically opposite parts of the ring  10  and one of the pinches  24  is aligned with each tab  14 . For these pinches  24 , the slots  26  of the pinches  24  are situated slightly inward of each of the supports  44 . One reason for this is because an opening  46  is formed in the upper wall  16  in a position such that edges  48  of the opening  46  substantially align with or are only slightly outward of outer edges  50  of the slots  26  (see  FIGS. 1-3 ). There is thus an opening  46  in the upper wall  16  above at least part of the pinches  24 , and the flange portion  42  is radially inward of the opening  46  (see  FIG. 1 ) and thus the supports  44  must therefore be spaced outward from the slots  26 , and alongside the edges  48  of the opening  46 . 
     By mentioning that the two tabs  14  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  are arranged on diametrically opposite parts of the ring  10 , it is intended that this phrase covers embodiments wherein the tabs  14  are either exactly diametrically opposite one another or that there may be a slight deviation from a 180 degree angle between the radial line extending from a center of the annular portion  12  to the center of each tab. A 180 degree angle would mean that the tabs  14  align with one another. The position of the two tabs  14  is, overall, designed to optimize the ease with which the ring  10  may be used to place it onto a container and remove it from engagement with a container, and a slight deviation from diametrically opposite tabs  14  will continue to allow for such optimal ease of use. 
     Other pinches  24  do not include an associated tab  14 . By associated, it means that the flange portion  42  of the tab  14  is radially inward of the opening  46  formed above the pinch  24  along the same radial line from a center of the annular portion  12 . Thus, the flange portion  42  of a tab  14  associated with a pinch  24  is inward of and alongside the opening  46  above the pinch  24 . The number of tabs  14  and pinches  24  may be selected as desired, and placement of tabs  14  in association with pinches  24  is an optional feature. Thus, it is possible to include in a ring the same number of tabs  14  and pinches  24  with each tab  14  being associated with a respective pinch  24 , the same number of tabs  14  and pinches  24  with none of the tabs  14  being associated with any of the pinches  24 , the same number of tabs  14  and pinches  24  with only a portion of the tabs  14  being associated with a respective pinch  24 , a higher number of pinches  24  than tabs  14  with either none, only a portion of all of the tabs  14  being associated with a respective pinch  24 , or a lower number of pinches  24  than tabs  14  with either none, only a portion of all of the tabs  14  being associated with a respective pinch  24 . Moreover, it is possible to position the pinches  24  around the circumference of the outer wall  20  as desired, whether with a common spacing therebetween, irregularly spaced or however the user wants. 
     With respect to manufacture of the ring  10 , a preferred manufacturing technique is to injection-mold the ring  10 . Injection molded parts can be produced and ejected from a mold after curing, formation and cooling in view of the presence of a draft or taper. Injection-molded parts cannot come out from the mold unless they are ejected with a certain amount of taper. Sometimes, in order for a part to come out with minimal scraping, tools are constructed with anywhere from about a ¾″ per side draft or even more. This is especially true with parts that are shiny smooth or crystal clear. Parts with about a ⅕″ draft per side (about 5 degrees per side) may have scrape marks or even get stuck in the mold and cause serious interruption in the molding cycle. 
     To address these production issues while still enabling the ring  10  to be made by an injection molding process, the ring  10  is molded with a shutoff thereby eliminating costly cam action injection molds, which allow the internal detent  34  to be formed by steel in the mold going through the opening  46  and thus forming the internal detent  34  with steel meeting it through the bottom. Use of shutoffs in injection molding is common as a practical, economical alternative to side action cam tools (molds). It is possible to form the internal detent  34  and the slots  26  without shutoffs but this can pose molding issues due to the small space to achieve this. 
     Ring  10  may serve a similar function as a closure component shown in FIGS. 45-48 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/709,878 filed May 12, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,555,962, and Ser. No. 14/935,835 filed Nov. 9, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,573,757, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. This closure component, designated  242 A, is free standing and can secure a bag to an insert of a waste container as disclosed therein. 
       FIG. 4  shows the ring  10  in a position in which is about to secure a bag  52  to a support  54  in a waste container  56  (not fully shown). Waste container  56  may be those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/709,878 filed May 12, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,555,962, and Ser. No. 14/935,835 filed Nov. 9, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,573,757. It is noted that the ring  10  is not limited to any particular use, and disclosure of use of the ring  10  in connection with a container and specifically a waste container is a preferred use since waste containers, and even more specifically diaper pails, exist with the structure complementary to the ring  10  to enable the ring  10  to engage with them. 
     Generally, the waste container  56  that can be used with the ring  10  includes the support  54  which is attached thereto and typically supports a cartridge of flexible tubing which forms a plurality of waste-receiving bags. As an example, the bag  52  may be dimensioned to fit existing waste disposal devices, including those specifically adapted for diapers, such as the Playtex DIAPER GENIE® pail, the Playtex LITTER GENIE™ pail and the Munchkin ARM &amp; HAMMER™ pail. The combination of the ring  10  and bag  52  would effectively replace a cartridge or canister of continuous flexible tubing used with such waste disposal devices, as well as replace the foldable single use polypropylene header welded to a single use pleated bag used in some of those waste disposal devices. 
     By appropriate dimensioning and formation of the channel, it is possible to engage the ring  10  with a projection  58  of the support  54  of existing diaper pails while the bag  52  is secured therebetween (see  FIGS. 4 and 7 ). The support  54  is normally used, for example, to support a cartridge of flexible tubing. Such a cartridge of flexible tubing is not shown. The projection  58  may be formed on structure other than a support for a cartridge of flexible tubing. For example, the projection may be part of a molded part of a waste container, e.g., a part that engages with a Munchkin brand waste container with four rigid or flexible tabs. The projection  58  may also be part of a structure that is adapted to engage with conventional waste containers, e.g., in the form of an adapter that enables use of the ring  10 . This retrofit embodiment does not alter the essence of the invention as the projection  58  may either be built into a waste container or provided by structure that can be attached to the an existing waste container. 
     Replacement of the cartridge of continuous flexible tubing by a single use bag  52  as in the invention is advantageous because it eliminates the need to repeatedly cut and tie the tubing after the waste compartment is full. When using tubing, after the waste compartment is full, the user must cut the tubing, tie the cut end of the tubing to close the tubing with waste in it, and tie the other cut end of the tubing to form a new bottom of a bag, This must occur as long as there is tubing in the cartridge, about 8-10 bags full of waste. The invention alters this by replacing tubing with single use bags  52 , and the multi-use, long-lasting ring  10 . Indeed, it is expected that the ring  10  might be used with hundred or even thousands of bags  52  before it is no longer usable. This also eliminates waste from replacing cartridges of tubing. It also reduces the carbon footprint and saves natural resources that may wind up in landfills. Both the DIAPER GENIE® and Munchkin canisters, as well as Munchkin folding plastic headers are generally not recyclable. As such, when disposed of, they are typically buried with other non-recyclables in landfills through the country. 
       FIG. 6  shows formation of a twist  60  in the bag  52  which can be enabled by rotation of the ring  10  relative to the support  54  of the waste container  56 . The ring  10 , provided it is round such as shown, can be rotated relative to the support  54  to cause a temporary twist, and maybe a knot, in an upper region of the bag  52 . Rotation of the ring  10  is aided by the tabs  14 . To wit, the tabs  14  can be grasped and then turned to cause rotation of the ring  10 . 
     An advantage of rotating the ring  10  to form the twist  60  is that prior to removal of the filled bag with waste down below, the temporary twist  60  will allow the user to keep in (keep down) offensive smell emanating from the waste in the bag  52 . 
     In use, the user could create the temporary twist  60  by rotating the ring  10  relative to the support  54 , then remove the ring  10  and form a more permanent knot in the bag  52 . Soiled diapers, for one example, could be very offensive when dealing with an open bag in the upper region. Forming a temporary twist  60  can significantly minimize this issue. 
     Ring  10  with tabs  14  is designed to simplify use of a waste disposal device, and specifically a diaper pail. Often, with conventional diaper pails using cartridges, changing the cartridge requires physically removing the top/lid assembly, placing and removing the cartridge and then once more snapping the top/lid assembly back in place. Ring  10  with tabs  14  eliminates this application insofar as a single use bag is used, secured to the structure of the diaper pail that will support the cartridge, and the tabs extend upward through the opening of the diaper pail. The tabs  14  are easily accessed through the opening to aid in both engagement and securing of the ring  10  to the projection  58  of the support  54  and release of the ring  10  from engagement with the projection  58  of the support  54  (when the bag  52  is full and needs to be replaced). 
     By suitable position of the tabs  14 , e.g., in diametrically opposite positions as shown in  FIGS. 1-9 and 11 , the tabs  14  can be both grasped and squeezed inward causes the portion of the outer wall  20  between the slots  26  of the pinches  24  associated with the tabs  14  to move outward sufficiently to relax the internal detent  34  and thereby minimize the pinch  24 . This causes the pinch  24  to move from an engaging state with the bag  52  to a slightly disengaging state from the bag  52  for easing removal of the ring  10  from the projection  58 . Application of inward squeezing pressure to the tabs  14 , while beneficial to aid in engagement and disengagement of the ring  10  to the projection  58  of the support  54  is not essential. It is also possible to simply press the ring  10  down to engage it with the projection  58  of the support  54 , and then lift it up to disengage it from the projection  58  of the support  54 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show a ring  70  that has the same number of tabs  14  and pinches  24 , e.g., two diametrically opposite one another, with each tab  14  being associated with a respective pinch  24 . Otherwise, i.e., except for the slots  26  of each pinch  24 , the outer wall  20  of the annular portion  12  is solid, see  FIG. 9 . The positioning of the tabs  14  and associated pinches  24  diametrically opposite one another is a preferred option and the relative placement of the tabs  14  and associated pinches  24  may differ from a diametrically opposite placement. 
       FIG. 10  shows a ring  72  that has the same number of tabs  14  and pinches  24 , e.g., three, with each tab  14  being associated with a respective pinch  24 . Otherwise, i.e., except for the slots  26  of each pinch  24 , the outer wall  20  of the annular portion  12  is solid. The tabs  14  and associated pinches  24  are positioned equiangularly about the circumference of the annular portion  12 , i.e., spaced equiangularly apart from one another. Thus, there is about a 120 degree angle between adjacent radial lines extending from a central axis of the ring  10  to the center of each flange portion  42  of the tabs  14 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a ring  74  that has the same number of tabs  76  and pinches  24 , e.g., two diametrically opposite one another, with each tab  76  being associated with a respective pinch  24 . In this embodiment, the tabs  76  are formed with their outer radial surface  78  contiguous with the outer surface  80  of the outer wall  20 , i.e., a flange portion  82  of each tab  76  is radially outward of the opening  46 . Supports  84  therefore extend inward from the flange portion  82  toward the center of the ring  74 , and end proximate the inner edge region of the inner wall  18 . For tabs  76 , it would be easier for the user to press their fingers against the flange portions  82  and squeeze the tabs  76  toward one another. 
       FIG. 12  shows a ring  86  with three tabs  76  such as shown in  FIG. 11  but arranged like tabs  14  in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  also show the presence of a small radius on the flange portions  82  when they meet with the upper wall  16  of the annular portion  12 . This small radius is a result of the injection molding process. 
     It should be clear that the different tabs  14 ,  76  disclosed above may be used in any of the configurations of tabs  14 ,  76  shown in  FIGS. 1-12  and there is no limitation to specific tabs in specific locations. A different number of tabs  14 ,  76  may be used in a ring in accordance with the invention, whether only a single tab or four or more tabs. The tabs  14 ,  76  should extend upward from the upper wall  16  a distance of an inch or so to enable the fingers of the user to engage with the flange portion  42  and be able to effectively press inward or outward to increase the space between the solid portion  30  of the outer wall  20  between the slots  26  and the inner wall  18  and thereby more easily allow the ring  10  to be pressed onto the projection  58  and to more easily allow the ring  10  to be disengaged from a state securing the bag  52  to the projection  58 . The circumferential length of the flange portion  42  may also be about one inch or so for a ring  10  designed for a conventional diaper pail. A large diameter annular portion may have larger flanges, in both their circumferential length and height. The specific dimensions of the flanges relative to the annular portion could be readily ascertainable by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains in view of the identified purpose of the flanges disclosed herein. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , it is also possible to construct a ring in accordance with the invention without any tabs. This embodiment of a ring  92  is similar to the ring  70  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  but is missing tabs  14 . The bottom view of ring  92  is the same as the bottom view of ring  70  ( FIG. 9 ). Ring  92  is used slightly differently than ring  70  in that there are no tabs to aid in placement of the ring  92  onto a container or removal of the ring  92  from engagement with a container. Nonetheless, the ring  92  is still engageable with the container by pressing the ring  92  against the projection of the container. The user can grasped the annular portion  12  of the ring  92  and press down on the upper wall  16  against the container. Removal of the ring  92  from the container is facilitated by grasping the annular portion  12  and lifting it upward, possibly by pushing the lower edge of the outer wall  20  upward. 
     The other rings disclosed herein, that include tabs  14 , may also be fabricated without tabs. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 15-17 , the position of the detent  34  is also not limited to the inner surface of the outer wall  20  as shown most clearly in  FIGS. 3 and 9 , and it could also be formed on the outer radial surface of the inner wall  18 , i.e., that surface defining the channel  22 .  FIGS. 15-17  show a ring  94  which is similar to ring  60  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  except that the slots  26  are formed on the inner wall  18  and a detent  96  is formed on the outer surface  98  of the inner wall  18  in that portion  100  between the slots  26  (see  FIG. 17 ). It is also possible to form the detent  96  on the outer surface  98  of the inner wall  18  and the slots  26  on the outer wall  20 , or vice versa. Detent  96  is shown as having a straight orientation along the inner surface  98  of the portion  100  between the slots  26  in the inner wall  18  (see  FIG. 17 ). It could have a curved orientation or be formed as a horizontal or vertical rib. 
     The detent  34  could be a vertical rib on the outer surface of the inner wall  18 , which may be substantially parallel with the slots  26  on the outer wall  20 . In this position, the detent  34  will still serve its intended purpose and pinch a bag when present in the channel  22  and aid in keeping the bag from falling inward as it fills up with waste. 
     Detent  34  is therefore possibly constituted by a vertical or horizontal rib, a half round bump, or more generally, anything that can be formed where steel meets steel in an injection mold and can be released to form variations with little or preferably no interference when the part is cooled, opened and freely ejects the formed part. 
     As an aside, the detent  34  can be formed by any accumulation of material during the injection molding process in alignment with a shutoff opening  46 , discussed below, that is formed by steel clamping down, ejecting thermoplastic material that in a reasonable time (e.g., between about 15 to about 30 seconds for example) cools and opens up to eject the part. As known to those skilled in injection molding manufacturing, straight up and down steel with a proper taper and no interference can thus form anything in the inner wall  18  or outer wall  20  from one or more detents  34  in parallel (or offset as long as there is a gap), one or more vertical lines parallel to the outer slots  26 , a horizontal rib, or one that is interrupted, in parallel or offset (as long as there is a gap). It is even possible to have, for example, two, preferably vertical slots and one detent therebetween in the inner wall  18 , as mentioned above. 
     It is also possible to have detents on both the inner and outer walls  18 ,  20  in order to create the best combination for balance and pinch. Common to all is the added pinch for positive further keeping the bag from falling inward as it fills up with waste. 
       FIGS. 18-21  show an embodiment similar to  FIG. 12  wherein a ring  88  includes a support or extension rib  90  formed on the outer radial surface  78  of the tab  76 , but does not include the pinches  24  (which are optional in this embodiment). Such an extension rib  90  may be formed on both tabs  76  as shown, or only one tab  76 , and the extension rib  90  may also be used in the embodiment of  FIG. 12 , and any of the other embodiments disclosed herein. The purpose of the extension rib  90  is to enhance the securing of the bag  52  against the support  54  (see  FIG. 21 ). 
     The extension rib  90  may extend along a portion of the outer radial surface  78  of the tab  76 , from a lower edge region (but not starting at the lower edge  104 ) upward to a location proximate to but not entirely at the upper edge of the outer radial surface  78  of the tab  76  (as shown in  FIG. 19 ). Alternatively, the extension rib  90 A may extend along a portion of the outer radial surface  78  of the tab  76  from a location above the outer wall  20  to a location proximate to but not entirely at the upper edge of the outer radial surface  78  of the tab  76  (as shown in  FIG. 20 ). 
     Alternatively, the extension rib  90  may extend along a portion of the outer radial surface  78  of the tab  76 , from the lower edge  104  upward to a location proximate to but not entirely at the upper edge of the outer radial surface  78  of the tab  76 . In this embodiment, the extension rib  90  will be pressed by a pail top  102  of the waste container  56  against a portion of the bag  52  that is draped over the projection  58  onto the upper surface of the support  54 . The extension rib  90  snaps under the opening of the pail top  102  and engages with the bag  52  to exert pressure against the bag  52  to trap it against the support  54 , e.g., a positive trapping of the bag  52 . 
     The extension rib  90  may extend only from the upper wall  16  upward to a location proximate to but not entirely at the upper edge of the outer radial surface  78  of the tab  76 . The size of the extension rib  90 , its height, width and length, are designed to prevent interference with the ability of the pinch  24  to flex outward when the tab  76  is pressed inward. 
     Extension rib  90  is tapered, i.e., the length in the radial direction at the top  106  of the extension rib  90  is the largest and is gradually reduced to a lowest length in the radial direction at the bottom  108  of the extension rib  90  (see the tapered edge  112  in  FIG. 21 ). Tapering of edge  112  enables the ring  88  to enter the pail opening freely, i.e., it can enter into a hole  110  in the pail or container  56  into which the ring  88  will be seated without interference. Once fully entered, the extension rib  90  is often able to snap fractionally under the pail openings and thus put pressure downward on the bag, etc. (see  FIG. 21 ). A small, optional and maybe not necessary, radius in the upper region of the extension rib  90 , i.e., at the top  106  of the extension rib  90  where it has the largest length in the radial direction, could improve release of the ring  88  when squeezing the tabs  76  inward. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18-21 , there are two extension ribs  90 ,  90 A on opposite side of the ring  88 . There may be any number of extension ribs  90 ,  90 A, from a minimum of two, to stably support the pail top  102  of the container  56 . Additional extension ribs  90 ,  90 A may be useful, but are not required. 
     Rings  10 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  86 ,  88 ,  92 ,  94  may have a unitary construction, and be formed from a single piece of homogeneous material. The injection molding method of manufacture described above is one such technique that enables the ring  10  in its entirety to be formed as a single piece during manufacture. 
       FIG. 22  shows an embodiment of a closure component  120  similar to ring  92  shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  and the same reference numbers for features common in both embodiments are used. Closure component  120  also lacks an upright tab or tabs but is still engageable with the container by pressing the closure component  120  against the projection of a waste container. The user can grasped the annular portion  12  of the closure component  120  and press down on the upper wall  16  against the container. Removal of the closure component  120  from the container is facilitated by grasping the annular portion  12  and lifting it upward, possibly by pushing the lower edge of the outer wall  20  upward. 
     Differing from ring  92 , closure component  120  includes an optional flange  122  extending from an outer circumferential surface  124  of the closure component  120  in a radial direction from a center axis  126  of the closure component  120 . The flange  122  may extend straight outward so that it is entirely between a virtual plane defined by the upper surface  128  of the annular portion  12  of the closure component  120  and a virtual plane defined by the lower surface  130  of the annular portion  12  of the closure component  120 . Flange  122  may be integral with the closure component  120  and has a curved form providing seamless junctions with the outer circumferential surface  124  of the closure component  120 . Flange  122  is used like upright tabs disclosed herein, namely, to aid in lifting of the closure component  120  upward out of engagement with the container to thereby enable access to a bag retained between the closure component  120  and the container. 
     Another optional feature of closure component  120  is an extension portion  132  which is used to attach closure component  120  to an attachment structure on a base of an insert for a waste container (without flange  122  and extension portion  132 , closure component  120  is like ring  92 ). In this regard, reference is made to FIGS. 37-44 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/413,163 filed Jan. 23, 2017, incorporated by reference herein. These embodiments show an insert for a waste container that includes a closure component pivotally connected to an annular disc portion of the insert or to the waste container by an attachment structure. In the former case, the attachment structure can include one or more pivot pins  134  configured to be mounted between the extension portion  132  and a support part of the annular disc portion elevated from an upper surface thereof. Pivot pin(s)  134  may be integral with the closure component  120  or formed separate therefrom and attached thereto. The attachment structure is thus elevated in a common direction from the annular disc portion as bag-engagement edges of the annular disc portion. Also, the exemplifying attachment structure is typically between an exposed outer edge of the annular disc portion, which is defined by an outer edge region and faces away from the aperture defined by the insert, so that the attachment structure is situated between the exposed outer edge of the annular disc portion and any bag-engagement edges defined by the annular disc portion. 
     Extension portion  132  also extends from the outer circumferential surface  124  of the closure component  120  in a radial direction from the center axis  126  of the closure component  120 , The extension portion  132  may extend straight outward so that it is entirely between the virtual plane defined by the upper surface  128  of the closure component  120  and the virtual plane defined by the lower surface  130  of the closure component  120 . Indeed, the upper surface defined by an upper wall  136  of the extension portion  132  may be contiguous with the upper surface  128  of the annular portion  12  of the closure component  120 . 
     Extension portion  132  optionally has curved edges providing seamless junctions with the outer circumferential surface  124  of the closure component  120 . Extension portion  132  also preferably includes side walls  138  having one or more apertures to enable the one or more pivot pins  134  to extend into and/or therethrough to enable pivotal attachment of the closure component  120  to attachment structure described above. As shown, a pivot pin  134  extends from each opposing side wall  138 , i.e., it may be molded with a boss on opposite sides. Instead of a pivot pin, a right angle X-shaped member can serve the same purpose. Generally, such a member with be referred to as a pivot member. 
     The pivot member or pivot members extend beyond the side walls  138  to enable attachment of the extension portion  132  to a support of the container. It is possible to form a pivot pin or pivot pins integral with or fixed to the extension portion  132  so that each exposed end can be pressed into a corresponding notch defined by the attachment structure. Any such attachment technique for attaching two components together in a pivotal manner, i.e., to enable the closure component  120  to pivot relative to the insert, may be used in the invention with the attachment location being on the extension portion  132 . The pivot axis may be defined through the extension portion  132  or through part of the attachment structure on the container. 
     Extension portion  132  may be provided in all of the embodiments of rings disclosed herein. That is, each and every embodiment disclosed herein that does not include an extension portion may be provided with an extension portion to enable its attachment to an insert via attachment structure. Also, although  FIG. 22  shows a pinch and its slots on the outer circumferential wall, they may be situated on the inner circumferential wall. 
     Accordingly, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22  should be considered to include as its essential features, only one pinch  24 , whether formed on the outer circumferential surface  124  or the inner circumferential surface  140  of the annular portion  12  of the closure component  120 , with the opening  46  in the upper wall  16  in a general location above the pinch  24 . As above, the opening  46  is formed in the upper wall  16  in a position such that edges  48  of the opening  46  substantially align with or are only slightly outward of outer edges of the slots  26 . One or more additional pinches  24  are optional, along with associated openings  46 , as well as the flange  122  and extension portion  132 . Flange  122  represents means for easing lifting of the closure component  120  and may be substituted for by an upright tab, or two or more upright tabs, or two or more flanges, or other structure known to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains or obvious modifications of the disclosed embodiments herein. Extension portion  132  represents means for enabling pivotal attachment of the closure component  120  to a support in the container or on an insert into the container. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 22 , the pinch  24  is shown on the outer circumferential wall  124  in solid lines. In this case, a respective detent may be provided on an inner surface of the outer circumferential wall  124  in a portion of the outer circumferential wall  124  between the slots  26  of each pinch  24 , with the detent projecting inward from the outer circumferential wall  124  into the channel. If the pinch  24  is on the inner circumferential wall  140  (see the dotted lines in  FIG. 22 ), then a respective detent may be provided on an outer surface of the inner circumferential wall  140  in a portion of the inner circumferential wall  140  between the slots of each pinch, with the detent projecting outward from the inner circumferential wall  140  into the channel. Although it is possible to provide one pinch on the inner circumferential wall and another on the outer circumferential wall, providing multiple pinches on either the outer circumferential wall or the inner circumferential wall is a preferred construction. 
     While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.