Flexible clamp device

Abstract

A one piece clamp for affixing a pliable bag to a container. The device can be deformed to an open position and normally assumes a closed position. While in the closed position, the clamp is in condition to secure a bag to a container. The clamp may be deformed to place it in position on the lid of a container, and to allow release of the bag from the container. Embedded in or removably attached to the clamp is a deodorizer.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . For use with a container formed with an open top surrounded by a rim, the container normally having a removable lid, a clamp for affixing a pliable bag to the container, the clamp comprising; 
 a unitary grabbing device selectively capable of an open position and a closed position, said grabbing device comprising; 
 spaced opposing arms interconnected by a bridge element which extends between said arms, said arms each having a distal edge extending from said bridge element, said arms having spaced confronting faces which are normally about parallel to each other in the closed position; and  
 means on one of said arms for providing a deodorizing effect;  
 wherein said grabbing device is substantially U-shaped and is shaped and configured to affix the bag against the container rim when forced over the bag overlaying the container rim, and to release the bag from a container rim when the distal edge of one of said arms of said grabbing device is pulled away from the container rim.  
   
     
     
         2 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein said bridge element is shaped and configured with a width corresponding to the width of the rim of the container to which it is intended to engage.  
     
     
         3 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein said confronting faces of said arms are found with irregularities to facilitate positive engagement with a bag on a container rim.  
     
     
         4 . The surface feature of  claim 3 , wherein said irregularities are semispherical bumps.  
     
     
         5 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein said confronting faces of said arms are formed with a plurality of parallel ridges along the width of the arms.  
     
     
         6 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein said bridge element is shaped and configured for positioning visual information thereon.  
     
     
         7 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein the arms converge toward one another at said distal edges.  
     
     
         8 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein said deodorizing effect is provided by a flat deodorizing element and said one arm has an exterior surface shaped and configured to removably receive said flat element.  
     
     
         9 . The clamp of  claim 8 , wherein said one arm has a recess for receiving said deodorizing element.  
     
     
         10 . The clamp of  claim 8 , wherein said one arm has a bracket for removably receiving said deodorizing element.  
     
     
         11 . The clamp of  claim 9 , wherein said deodorizing element is removably, adhesively applied to said one arm.  
     
     
         12 . The clamp of  claim 10 , wherein said bracket forms a groove extending outwardly from said exterior surface.  
     
     
         13 . The clamp of  claim 10 , wherein said bracket is configured as a plurality of tabs behind which said deodorizing element is removably secured.  
     
     
         14 . The clamp of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said clamp is integrally formed with the deodorizing material.  
     
     
         15 . For use with a container formed with an open top surrounded by a rim, the container normally having a removable lid, a clamp for affixing a pliable bag to the container, the clamp comprising: 
 a unitary grabbing device configured to be positioned over the bag and container rim, said grabbing device comprising two spaced legs pivotally connected to a bridge element and extending therefrom, at least one of said legs having an extended lip on an edge distal from said bridge element; and    means on one of said arms for providing a deodorizing effect;    wherein said grabbing device is substantially U-shaped and is shaped and configured to affix the bag against the container rim when forced over the bag overlaying the container rim, and to release the bag from a container rim when the distal edge of one of said arms of said grabbing device is pulled away from the container rim.    
     
     
         16 . The clamp of  claim 15 , wherein said bridge element is shaped and configured with a width corresponding to the width of the rim of the container to which it is intended to engage.  
     
     
         17 . The clamp of  claim 15 , wherein said confronting faces of said arms are found with irregularities to facilitate positive engagement with a bag on a container rim.  
     
     
         18 . The clamp of  claim 15 , wherein said confronting faces of said arms are formed with a plurality of parallel ridges along the width of the arms.  
     
     
         19 . The clamp of  claim 15 , wherein said bridge element is shaped and configured for positioning visual information thereon.  
     
     
         20 . The clamp of  claim 15 , wherein said deodorizing effect is provided by a flat deodorizing element and said one arm has an exterior surface shaped and configured to removably receive said flat element.  
     
     
         21 . The clamp of  claim 20 , wherein said one arm has a recess for receiving said deodorizing element.  
     
     
         22 . The clamp of  claim 20 , wherein said one arm has a bracket for removably receiving said deodorizing element.  
     
     
         23 . The clamp of  claim 21 , wherein said deodorizing element is removably, adhesively applied to said one arm.  
     
     
         24 . The clamp of  claim 22 , wherein said bracket forms a groove extending outwardly from said exterior surface.  
     
     
         25 . The clamp of  claim 22 , wherein said bracket is configured as a plurality of tabs behind which said deodorizing element is removably secured.  
     
     
         26 . The clamp of  claim 15 , wherein at least a portion of said clamp is integrally formed with the deodorizing material.  
     
     
         27 . For use with a container formed with an open top surrounded by a rim, the container normally having a removable lid, a clamp for affixing a pliable bag to the container, the clamp comprising: 
 a unitary grabbing device configured to be positioned over the bag and container rim, said grabbing device comprising two spaced legs pivotally connected to a bridge element and extending therefrom, each said leg and said bridge element having generally flat interior and exterior surfaces; and    means on one of said surfaces for providing a deodorizing effect;    wherein said grabbing device is substantially U-shaped and is shaped and configured to affix the bag against the container rim when forced over the bag overlaying the container rim, and to release the bag from a container rim when the distal edge of one of said arms of said grabbing device is pulled away from the container rim.