Liner Ring Securing Trash Can Liner Without Ties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing liners within containers, such as trash cans, are inefficient and unsightly, often requiring ties or rubber bands that can break or are difficult to use, and do not maintain the container's ornamental design when the liner is in place.
Innovation Solution
A liner ring with a gasket is used to secure the liner within the container by fitting around the liner's opening and forming a seal with the container's inner surface, preventing the liner from disengaging and keeping the liner hidden from view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber bands are used to secure the liner, then the liner can be held in place, but the rubber bands can break if expanded too far or too often and are harder to manually use for larger trash cans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plastic ring as an intermediary device between the liner and the container. The ring receives the liner opening and secures it through mechanical engagement with the container wall, eliminating the need for rubber bands. This intermediary structure provides reliable securing without the operational difficulties of elastic bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the elastic mechanical system (rubber bands) with a rigid plastic mechanical system. The plastic ring uses structural geometry and friction against the container wall to secure the liner, substituting the elastic expansion mechanism with a rigid mechanical engagement system that is more reliable and easier to operate.
2Reliability
If the liner edges are wrapped over the top edge of the container to secure the liner, then the liner can be held in place, but the liner becomes visible on the outside of the trash bin when viewed from the side, making it impossible to see the ornamental design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the plastic ring is positioned inside the container, the liner opening is wrapped around the ring, and the ring itself is secured within the container. This nested arrangement keeps all securing components hidden inside the container, maintaining the external appearance while ensuring reliable liner securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic ring acts as an intermediary element that is hidden within the container interior. It provides the securing function while remaining invisible from the outside, thus preserving the container's ornamental design. The ring mediates between the liner and container wall without compromising aesthetics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The liner ring effectively secures the liner in place without the need for ties or rubber bands, maintaining the container's appearance and preventing the liner from slipping or falling, even when filled with material.
Implementation Method 1
a sealant attached to an outer surface of the liner ring configured to contact an inner surface of the container and form a seal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a liner ring, configured with a wall, to fit within the container so that the liner ring remains in place at a defined distance within the container based on a dimension of the container and a dimension of the liner ring, and a sealant attached to an outer surface of the liner ring configured to contact an inner surface of the container and form a seal is disclosed. Arrangement of a liner with an opening having ends being placed around the liner ring provides for the ends to the opening of the liner being located between the ring liner and container within the container. A system and method are also disclosed.