Elastic loop for securing a bag to a trashcan

Abstract

The elastic loop for securing a bag to a trashcan is an elastic cord formed as an endless loop. The loop may be formed in one-piece, or may be a linear cord with its two ends coupled together to form a continuous loop by, e.g., a coupler crimped about opposing ends of the cord. The elastic cord is constructed of a plurality of elastic strands wrapped tightly in a pliable tubular cover. The continuous loop has a circumference less than the circumference of a trashcan for which it is adapted but can be stretched to fit tightly around the trashcan and thereby secure a trash bag to the trashcan.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to devices for securing a disposable bag to a container and, more particularly, to an elastic loop used to secure the open end of a disposable trash bag over the rim of a trashcan, thereby preventing the trash bag from sliding down into the trashcan. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Generally, when a trashcan is used as a refuse receptacle at an indoor or outdoor function, the trashcan is lined with a disposable plastic trash bag. Typically, the bag is inserted into the trashcan with the open end of the bag folded over the rim of the can. A common problem with this arrangement, however, is that the bag often slips down into the trashcan. Often, as refuse is added to the bag, the open end of the bag is pulled into the trashcan and then buried under later added refuse. In such circumstances, emptying the trashcan is more difficult and time consuming. Instead of simply trans...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is an elastic loop that is used to secure a trash bag to a trashcan. The loop is made of a continuous loop of elastic strands that can be stretched tightly around the trashcan to secure the bag tightly. The loop can be used with different sizes of trashcans and prevents the bag from slipping down into the trashcan. It also makes it easier to empty the trashcan and avoids the need to transport the trashcan to a larger container or have to invert it. The loop is made with multiple strands to resist breakage. The invention is affordable, reliable, and effective in achieving its intended purposes."

Problems solved by technology

A common problem with this arrangement, however, is that the bag often slips down into the trashcan.

Often, as refuse is added to the bag, the open end of the bag is pulled into the trashcan and then buried under later added refuse.

In such circumstances, emptying the trashcan is more difficult and time consuming.

However, neither of these devices can be used to quickly and simply secure a bag to a trashcan with a minimal amount of effort, nor is a single embodiment of either device capable of being used with trashcans of different sizes.

The rigid hoop of the '762 patent fits the specific trashcan to which it is attached and requires adequate space and effort to be rotated into position.

Likewise, although the retaining band of the '063 patent is sufficiently expandable to slide over and around the rim of a corresponding trashcan, disposing the band in such a position requires physical effort and, further, a single embodiment of the retaining band cannot be used with more than one size trashcan.

The notable drawback of these devices is that each is adapted to support a plastic bag with handles, such as those used by grocery stores.

Thus, these devices are not suited for securing a conventional trash bag, without handles, to a trashcan.

While useful in holding the bag open, none of the devices can be used with a conventional trashcan.

However, while the Cerniglia patent teaches a device incorporating cords having multiple strands, it does not teach a permanent closed loop; and while the Panel patent teaches an elastic loop formed by crimping the ends of an elastic strand, it does not teach a multi-stranded elastic loop.

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