Empty Plastic Bottle Recycling Apparatus and Advertising Platform

Abstract

An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) that is used to captively hold at least one, and preferably multiple, plastic beverage bottles and includes advertising or promotional indicia printed thereon. The BRAAP has a structure which is a strip, or an strip. The panel and strip can be resilient and disposable, and each have at least one, and typically multiple, openings that are each dimensioned to allow a bottle's neck to be inserted and maintained within, or removed from, the opening. When a bottle is inserted into an opening, the BRAAP with the retained bottle, can be stored or transported. When a bottle is pulled from an opening, the bottle neck is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from the BRAAP. The advertising or promotional indicia includes a company name, a coupon, a sport team name, event information, commercial offers, entertainment information, or social media information.

Claims

1. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) comprising a structure having at least one opening, wherein a bottle's neck is inserted into said at least one opening, thereby retaining the bottle on said BRAAP, wherein when the bottle neck is pulled from said at least one opening, the bottle is removed from said structure.

2. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 1 wherein said advertising or promotional indicia is selected from the group consisting of a company name, a coupon, a sport team name, event information, commercial offers, entertainment information, or social media information.

3. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 1 wherein said structure is comprised of a strip with an upper surface and a lower surface.

4. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 1 wherein said structure is comprised of a panel with an upper surface and a lower surface.

5. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 1 wherein said structure is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite or a biodegradable material.

6. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one opening is dimensioned to accept and frictionally retain a bottle's neck.

7. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 6 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least one slit that radially extends outward from an edge of said opening and at least one tab that extends inward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slit and tab allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening, wherein a bottle is inserted downward into said opening from the upper surface of said panel or said strip, or a bottle is inserted upward into said opening from the lower surface of said panel or said strip.

8. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 1 wherein said panel further comprising at least one handle that allows said BRAAP to be gripped and carried.

9. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 8 wherein said handle is comprised of an opening that is dimensioned to allow a human hand to be inserted into the opening and gripped, wherein the opening has an indented slot at the substantial center of an upper edge, wherein the slot allows said BRAAP to be hooked onto and suspended from a protrusion or hook on a wall or surface.

10. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) that is used to captively hold at least one empty plastic beverage bottle and that includes advertising or promotional indicial applied thereon, wherein said BRAAP comprises a structure having at least one opening that is dimensioned to allow an empty bottle's neck to be inserted into said opening or removed from said opening, wherein when a bottle's neck is inserted into said opening, the bottle is retained on said structure, wherein said BRAAP with the retained bottle is stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle's neck is pulled from said opening, the bottle is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said structure.

11. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein said advertising or promotion indicia is selected from the group consisting of a company name, a coupon, sport team name, event information, commercial offers, entertainment information, or social media information.

12. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein said advertising or promotional indicia is applied by application means selected from the group consisting of painting, laser etching, molding, or an adhesive.

13. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein said structure is comprised of a strip.

14. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein said structure is comprised of a panel with an upper surface and a lower surface.

15. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein said advertising or promotional indicia further comprises recycling information, general information, or empty bottle valuation information.

16. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein said BRAAP provides fraud detection by positioning bottles in a static display, wherein a person visually ascertains in three dimensions a recycling cash redemption value band or a manufacturing's identification mark, and is able to count the number of bottles on a strip or panel.

17. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 wherein strip further comprises at least one cavity, located within each cavity is said advertising or promotional indicia.

18. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 14 wherein said panel further comprises at least one cavity, located within each cavity is said advertising or promotional indicia.

19. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 13 wherein said strip further comprises at least one punch-out section, wherein located on each punch-out section is said advertising or promotional indicia.

20. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 19 wherein said panel further comprises at least one punch-out section, wherein located on each punch-out section is said advertising or promotional indicia.

21. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 10 further comprising at least two strips are removably attached together to create a single structure, with a score mark longitudinally extending from an upper edge to a lower edge between said strips, wherein one of said strips is manually pulled away and extricated from other said strip, wherein multiple strips are manufactured, sold and accessed as a single structure, with individual strips removed as needed.

22. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 13 further comprising inter-connecting means for securing multiple strips together, wherein said inter-connecting mean are comprised of a slot located on one distal end of said strip and a tab located at the opposing distal end of said strip, wherein said tab is dimensioned to be inserted into and retained within said slot, wherein a tab from one strip is inserted into a slot on a second strip, thereby connecting two said strips together.

23. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 13 further comprising a numerical indictor of the total number of plastic bottles that are on a strip, wherein said numerical indicator is comprised of indicia that is applied onto a surface of said strip.

24. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 13 wherein multiple, removably-attached-together strips are rolled into a unitary circular structure.

25. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 13 wherein multiple, removably-attached-together strips are folded into a unitary substantially rectangular structure.

26. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 24 wherein the circular structure is placed onto a dispenser, wherein the dispenser is comprised of a base with an upward extending vertical member, wherein located at the center of the rolled circular structure is an opening that extends through from an upper end to a lower end, wherein the circular structure is placed on the dispenser by aligning the lower end opening with the vertical member and sliding the circular structure downward as the vertical member extends upward into the opening, wherein once the circular structure is placed on the dispenser, at least one strip can be pulled and removed from the rolled circular structure as needed.

27. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) that is used to captively hold at least one empty plastic beverage bottle and that includes advertising or promotional indicial applied thereon, wherein said BRAAP comprises a structure having at least one opening that is dimensioned to allow an empty bottle's neck to be inserted into said opening or removed from said opening, wherein when a bottle's neck is inserted into said opening, the bottle is retained on said structure, wherein said BRAAP with the retained bottle is stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle's neck is pulled from said opening, the bottle is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said structure.

28. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said structure is comprised of a strip with an upper surface and a lower surface.

29. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said structure is comprised of a panel with an upper surface and a lower surface.

30. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said structure is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material.

31. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said strip is resilient.

32. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least one slit that radially extends outward from an edge of said opening and at least one tab that extends inward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slit and tab allows panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening wherein a bottle is inserted downward into said opening from the upper surface of said panel or said strip or a bottle is inserted upward into said opening from the lower surface of said panel or said strip.

33. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least two slits that radially extend from an edge of said opening and at least three triangular tabs that extend inward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slits and tabs allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening.

34. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein the empty bottle's neck is inserted into said opening with a bottle cap attached.

35. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein the empty bottle's neck is inserted into said opening without a bottle cap attached.

36. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said structure further comprising at least one handle that allows said BRAAP to be gripped and carried.

37. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said handle is comprised of an opening that is dimensioned to allow a human hand or fingers to be inserted into the opening and gripped, wherein the opening has an indented slot at the substantial center of an upper edge, wherein the slot allows said PBS to be hooked onto and hung from a protrusion on a wall or surface.

38. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein bottles that are inserted into said BRAAP are maintained at a selected angle and orientation to facilitate counting or inspection of the bottles.

39. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 38 wherein the angle are orientation of said BRAAP and the bottles thereon allows an identification mark or valuation mark on the bottles or said BRAAP to be visible.

40. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said strip further comprising sequential numbers at each successive opening, wherein the numbers allow a person to immediately determine the quantity of empty plastic bottles that are on said strip.

41. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said panel further comprising sequential numbers at each successive opening, wherein the numbers allow a person to immediately determine the quantity of empty plastic bottles that are on said panel.

42. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said strip further comprising reinforced sections that allow said strip material to be removed from the perimeter and to increase the structural integrity of said strip, wherein the reinforced sections are comprised of a higher concentration of panel material at selected locations.

43. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said panel further comprising reinforced sections that allow said panel material to be removed from the perimeter and to increase the structural integrity of said panel, wherein the reinforced sections are comprised of a higher concentration of panel material at selected locations.

44. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein bottles are extracted from said strip in a pealing motion.

45. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 27 wherein said structure is folded at least once, wherein said folded structure has a length and width that are less than the length and width of an un-folded structure, wherein said folded structure is placed in or on a package of multiple plastic beverage bottles prior to sale or transportation, wherein when a person purchases a package of plastic bottled beverages, said BRAAP is also present and useable.

46. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) that is used to captively hold a plurality of plastic beverage bottles and that includes advertising or promotional indicia applied thereon, wherein said BRAAP comprises a flexible strip having a plurality of openings, with each opening dimensioned to allow a bottle neck to be inserted or removed, wherein when a bottle neck is inserted into said opening, said BRAAP retains the bottle which is then stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle neck is pulled from said opening, the bottle is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said BRAAP.

47. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein said strip is made of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material.

48. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least one slit that radially extends outward from an edge of said opening and at least one tab that extends inward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slit and tab allows panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening wherein a bottle is inserted downward into said opening from the upper surface of said panel or said strip or a bottle is inserted upward into said opening from the lower surface of said panel or said strip.

49. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least two slits that radially extend from an edge of said opening and three triangular tabs that extend inward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slits and tabs allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening, wherein after a bottle neck is inserted, the slits and tabs captively maintain the bottle on said BRAAP.

50. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein said structure further comprising at least one handle that allows said BRAAP to be gripped and carried.

51. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein said handle is comprised of an opening that is dimensioned to allow a human hand or fingers to be inserted into the opening and gripped, wherein the opening has an indented slot at the substantial center of an upper edge, wherein the slot allows said PBS to be hooked onto and hung from a protrusion on a wall or surface.

52. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 further comprising at least two strips are removably attached together to create a single structure, with a score mark longitudinally extending from an upper edge to a lower edge between said strips, wherein one of said strips is manually pulled away and extricated from other said strip, wherein multiple strips are manufactured, sold and accessed as a single structure, with individual strips removed as needed.

53. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein multiple, removably-attached-together strips are rolled into a unitary circular structure.

54. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 46 wherein multiple, removably-attached-together strips are folded into a unitary substantially rectangular structure.

55. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform that is used to captively hold a plurality of plastic beverage bottles and that includes advertising or promotional indicia applied thereon, wherein said BRAAP comprises a flexible strip having a plurality of openings, with each opening dimensioned to allow a bottle neck to be inserted or removed in a twisting motion, wherein extending inward from an inner perimeter edge of each opening is at least one tab, wherein when a bottle neck is inserted into said opening, said tab flexibly interfaces with bottle cap threads that circumvent the bottle's neck, wherein said tab follows a helix pattern along the threads on the bottle neck, wherein after a tab initially flexibly interfaces with the threads and begins the twisting motion, the tabs will follow the helix pattern, thereby reducing the amount of force necessary to fully insert the bottle neck into said opening, effectively providing assisted insertion of the bottle neck, wherein once a bottle neck is inserted into said opening, said BRAAP retains the bottle which is then stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle neck is twisted out of said opening, the bottle is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said BRAAP.

56. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said advertising or promotional indicia is selected from the group consisting of a company name, a coupon, a sport team name, event information, commercial offers, entertainment information, or social media information.

57. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said advertising or promotional indicia is applied by application means, selected from the group consisting of painting, laser etching, molding, or an adhesive.

58. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said strip is made of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material.

59. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein extending inward from an inner perimeter edge of each opening are at least two tabs.

60. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 59 wherein said tab has a shape that is selected from the group consisting of triangular, square, and semi-circular.

61. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 59 wherein said tab further comprising a serrated edge.

62. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said opening further comprising at least two slits that extend outward from an inner perimeter edge, wherein said slits in combination with said tabs allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening.

63. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said panel further comprising sequential numbers at each successive opening, wherein the numbers allow a person to immediately determine the quantity of empty plastic bottles that are on said panel.

64. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said BRAAP provides fraud detection by positioning bottles in a static display, wherein a person visually ascertains in three dimensions a recycling cash redemption value band or a manufacturing's identification mark, and is able to count the number of bottles on a strip or panel.

65. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said strip further comprising sequential numbers at each successive opening, wherein the numbers allow a person to immediately determine the quantity of empty plastic bottles that are on said strip.

66. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said strip further comprising reinforced sections that extend around the perimeter of an opening to increase the structural integrity of said strip.

67. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 55 wherein said structure is folded at least once, wherein said folded structure has a length and width that are less than the length and width of an un-folded structure, wherein said folded structure is placed in or on a package of multiple plastic beverage bottles prior to sale or transportation, wherein when a person purchases a package of plastic bottled beverages, said BRAAP is also present and useable.

68. An empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform that is used to captively hold a plurality of plastic beverage bottles, wherein said PBRA comprises a flexible strip having a plurality of openings, with each opening dimensioned to allow a bottle neck to be inserted or removed in a twisting motion, wherein extending inward from an inner perimeter edge of each opening is at least one tab, wherein when a bottle neck is inserted into said opening, said tab flexibly interfaces with bottle cap threads that circumvent the bottle's neck, wherein said tab follows a helix pattern along the threads on the bottle neck, wherein after a tab initially flexibly interfaces with the threads and begins the twisting motion, the tabs will follow the helix pattern, thereby reducing the amount of force necessary to fully insert the bottle neck into said opening, effectively providing assisted insertion of the bottle neck, wherein once a bottle neck is inserted into said opening, said PBRA retains the bottle which is then stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle neck is twisted out of said opening, the bottle is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said PBRA.

69. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said strip is made of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material.

70. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein extending inward from an inner perimeter edge of each opening are at least two tabs.

71. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 70 wherein said tab has a shape that is selected from the group consisting of triangular, square, and semi-circular.

72. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said opening further comprising at least two slits that extend outward from an inner perimeter edge, wherein said slits in combination with said tabs allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby enlarging said opening and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening.

73. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said panel further comprising sequential numbers at each successive opening, wherein the numbers allow a person to immediately determine the quantity of empty plastic bottles that are on said panel.

74. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 further comprising inter-connecting means for securing multiple strips together, wherein said inter-connecting mean are comprised of a slot located on one distal end of said strip and a tab located at the opposing distal end of said strip, wherein said tab is dimensioned to be inserted into and retained within said slot, wherein a tab from one strip is inserted into a slot on a second strip, thereby connecting two said strips together.

75. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 further comprising a numerical indictor of the total number of plastic bottles that are on a strip, wherein said numerical indicator is comprised of indicia that is applied onto a surface of said strip.

76. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said BRAAP provides fraud detection by positioning bottles in a static display, wherein a person visually ascertains in three dimensions a recycling cash redemption value band or a manufacturing's identification mark, and is able to count the number of bottles on a strip or panel.

77. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said strip further comprising sequential numbers at each successive opening, wherein the numbers allow a person to immediately determine the quantity of empty plastic bottles that are on said strip.

78. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said strip further comprising reinforced sections that extend around the perimeter of an opening to increase the structural integrity of said strip.

79. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said structure is folded at least once, wherein said folded structure has a length and width that are less than the length and width of an un-folded structure, wherein said folded structure is placed in or on a package of multiple plastic beverage bottles prior to sale or transportation, wherein when a person purchases a package of plastic bottled beverages, said PBRA is also present and useable.

80. The empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform as specified in claim 68 wherein said strip extends around a perimeter of a group of bottles.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) showing a strip that can hold 25 empty plastic bottles, advertising cavities and advertising cut-offs.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a detail view of one of the advertising cavities from FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a folded BRAAP placed on top of a package of multiple plastic bottles.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an orthographic top view of a folded BRAAP placed on top of a package of multiple plastic bottles.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the BRAAP showing a handle, cavities and opening with slits and tabs, and without advertising.

[0035] FIG. 6 is an orthographic view of a bottle being twisted into an opening on the panel or strip, with a tab interfacing with threads on the bottle neck, thereby producing a pulling action around the thread helix which reduces the amount of force necessary to insert the bottle.

[0036] FIG. 7 is an elevational side view of a strip wrapped around a single bottle as an alternate sales or marketing application.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the BRAAP in the strip configuration with multiple bottle openings and having a handle.

[0038] FIG. 9 is an orthographic view of the BRAAP showing empty bottles inserted and retained from both an upper surface and a lower surface of a panel.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the BRAAP in the panel configuration with multiple bottle openings and having a handle.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a top plan view showing structure of multiple strips attached together with a score mark separating each strip, thereby allowing each strip to be individually removed from the structure.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the BRAAP in a strip configuration with multiple bottle openings and having a triangular member on one end and a corresponding end slot on an opposing end to allow the strip to be secured together in a circular orientation.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a top plan view showing a structure of multiple 25 bottle strips attached together with a score mark separating each strip, thereby allowing each strip to be individually removed from the structure.

[0043] FIG. 14 is an orthographic view showing a rolled circular structure of multiple attached strips.

[0044] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of a rolled circular structure on a dispenser.

[0045] FIG. 16 is an orthographic view of a strip wrapped around a group of multiple plastic bottles.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of three strips interlocked together by means of a tab on one end of each strip that is inserted into a slot on an opposite end of each strip.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0047] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose multiple embodiments with various design configurations of an empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus and advertising platform (BRAAP) 10.

[0048] Throughout the world, plastic bottles are the most ubiquitous and widely used articles in the transporting, displaying/selling and consumer use of beverages, such as water, soft drinks and sports drinks. Although plastic beverage bottles are usually recyclable, the number of bottles that are actually recycled is relatively low compared to the number that are used. This is a serious problem because of the sheer number of plastic bottles that are simply thrown away and end up in landfills. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that it takes 450-1000 years for a plastic bottle to biodegrade.

[0049] One of the main reasons for this problem is that many people just do not recycle. Even in locations where recycling is mandated for households, it is extremely difficult to enforce the mandate. Also, some people have excuses to not recycle such as it requires too much time and effort, or there is no space to store bottles before recycling.

[0050] The BRAAP 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-17, provides a solution to almost all of the problems and/or concerns related to recycling empty plastic beverage bottles. The BRAAP 10 allows a person to quickly and easily collect, arrange and store any number of empty plastic beverage bottles and at the same time be exposed to and utilized advertising or promotional information that is related to recycling, or is an opportunity to become aware of commercial or non-commercial information or offers. The BRAAP 10 is simple to use; has no moving parts; is economical, both for a manufacturer and consumer/end-users; is clean, is adaptable to space/storage requirements, and can be used as an effective means of disseminating commercial or non-commercial information.

[0051] All of the embodiments and design configurations of the BRAAP 10 include an advertising platform which comprises both advertising and promotional indicia that is located directly on a strip 22 or panel 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Although the BRAAP 10 is functionality directed at recycling, the advertising platform 62 can feature indicia 64 that is recycling and non-recycling related. Examples include a company name, a coupon, a sport team name, event information, amusement/theme park information, school information, commercial offers, entertainment information, or social media information. There are various ways of applying the advertising or promotional indicia 64, including printing, laser etching, molding (either during manufacture or after manufacture) or other similar methods.

[0052] To add to the functionality of the advertising platform 62, in addition to placing the indicia 64 directly on the surface on a strip 22 or panel 14, at least one cavity 66, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and/or at least one punch-out 68, as shown in FIG. 1, can be utilized. The indicia 64 is placed within the confines of the cavity 66, which is preferably molded into the structure 12 during manufacture. The indicia 64 is also placed within the confines of the punch-out 68. A benefit of the punch-out 68 is that a person can quickly and easily remove the punch-out 68 from the strip 22 or panel 14. This allows removable/redeemable advertising or promotional indicia 64 such as a coupon to be utilized. It should be noted that the inclusion of the advertising or promotional indicia greatly extends the utility of the strip 22 or panel 14 which would otherwise be limited to recycling related use.

[0053] The first embodiment of the BRAAP 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-12, is comprised of a structure 12 that is used to captively hold empty plastic beverage bottles 70 prior to recycling. The structure 12 can be used for a single bottle 70, but optimally a plurality of bottles are held on a structure 12. The first design configuration of the BRAAP 10 uses a structure 12 comprised of a panel 14, which can be made in any geometric shape, with square or rectangular preferred, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 13. The actual shape and size of the panel 14 is typically determined by the requirements of use. For example, a single-person household wherein a limited number of plastic bottle are used would not require the same size panel as a restaurant that quickly collects many plastic bottles. Optimally, the BRAAP 10 will be available in a variety of shapes and sizes to fulfill the requirements of various applications/uses. The panel 14 has an upper surface and a lower surface, and can be made of a variety of materials including plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material. Preferably, the panel 14 is made of a lightweight, flexible material that does not require maintenance and can be easily cleaned when necessary. It is envisioned that in one design the panel will be made of recyclable plastic and the BRAAP 10 will be recycled along with the plastic bottles 70.

[0054] The second preferred embodiment of the BRAAP 10 uses a structure 12 comprised of a strip 22, as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 8. The strip 22 can be any length or width, again depending on the requirements of the application or the desire of the user. As with the panel 14, the strip 22 can be made of a variety of materials including plastic, metal, wood, a composite or a biodegradable material. The strip 22 which is preferably resilient and can also be made of a flexible material such as rubber, has an upper surface 24 and a lower surface 26.

[0055] To add to the functionality of the strip 22, as shown in FIG. 12, at one end of the strip is a triangular member 28 and at an opposite end is an end slot 30. The triangular member 28 and end slot 30 can only function when the strip 22 is made of a flexible, resilient material. The two lowest corners of the triangular member 28 are bent inward, and the end slot 30 is dimensioned to allow the triangular member 28 with bent corners to be inserted through the slot 30. Once the triangular member 28 is inserted, the two corners expand back to their original shape, thereby securing the triangular member/one end to the end slot/opposing end. One of the best uses of this capability is to daisy chain or interlock multiple strips 22 together, as shown in FIG. 17.

[0056] The panel 14 and the strip 22 can be re-used numerous times, or they can be disposable after a single use or a certain number of uses. It is this variety of characteristics and functional capabilities that make the BRAAP 10 the optimal choice for facilitating the recycling of plastic beverage bottles. The flexibility of use does away with many of the concerns/excuses people use to not recycle plastic bottles.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1-13, both the panel 14 and the strip 22 have at least one, and preferably multiple, openings 32. Each opening 32 is dimensioned to allow a bottle's neck to be inserted and maintained within the opening 32, or removed from the opening 32. When a bottle(s) 70 is inserted into an opening 32, the BRAAP 10 with the retained bottle(s) can be stored or transported. Even with a multiplicity of bottles 70 on a single BRAAP 10, the BRAAP 10 is still light enough to be carried by, and managed by, one person, even a child or elderly individual. When an inserted bottle 70 is pulled from an opening 32, the bottle's neck easily comes out of the opening, thereby allowing the bottle 70 to be removed from the BRAAP 10. In order to allow the opening 32 to accept bottle necks that may be larger than the typical size, each opening 32 can have one or more slits 34 and tabs 36. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, each slit 34 radially extends outward from an edge of the opening 32 and the tabs 36, which are preferably triangular shaped, extend inward partially into the opening 32 from the edge. The slits 34 and tabs 36 allows the panel 14 or strip 22 material adjacent to the opening 32 to flex, thereby enlarging the opening 32 and facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than the opening 32. The slits 34 and tabs 36 then apply pressure onto the bottle's neck, thereby captively maintaining the bottle on the panel or strip. The tabs 36 also interface with the threads on a bottle's neck and provide an assisted insertion of the bottle neck into the opening as the neck is twisted into the opening 32.

[0058] In order to optimize the functionality of the BRAAP 10, and to conserve and effectively use space, bottles can be inserted/removed from both surfaces of the panel 14 or strip 32, as shown in FIG. 9. A bottle can be inserted downward into an opening 32 from the upper surface 16,24 of the panel 14 or strip 32, or a bottle can be inserted upward into an opening 32 from the lower surface 18,26 of the panel 14 or strip 22. Additionally, to increase the recycling capability, a concave or convex dimple (not shown) can be located above or below each opening, depending on how a bottle is inserted from the upper or lower surface.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3-5, 9, 10 and 13, the panel 14 and strip 22 can each also have an integral or non-integral handle 40 to facilitate the gripping carrying of the structure 12. Preferably, the handle 40 is comprised of an opening 42 that extends through the panel 14 or strip 22. A person simply inserts one or more fingers into the opening 42 and grips. Additionally, the handle opening 42 can have an indented slot 44 located at the substantial center of an upper edge. The slot 44 allows the BRAAP 10 to be hooked onto and suspended from a protrusion or hook on a wall or other surface. The slot 44 on the opening 42 also allows a panel 14 or strip to be hung from common household fixtures, such as a doorknob.

[0060] As previously disclosed, multiple panels 14 and/or strips 22 can be interlocked together, as shown in FIG. 17, to create a combined larger BRAAP 10 which is capable of carrying, storing and transporting a larger number of plastic bottles 70. The attachment means (not shown) can be comprised of snap closure, male and female interfaces, clamps, hook and loop fasteners or any other similar devices.

[0061] Also, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, at least two of the strips can be removably attached together to create a single structure, with a score mark 50 longitudinally extending from an upper edge to a lower edge between the strips. One of the strips is manually pulled away and extricated from another strip. Multiple strips can be manufactured, sold and accessed as a single structure, with individual strips removed as needed.

[0062] A strip 22 can be wrapped around a single bottle, as shown in FIG. 7, or a strip 22 can be wrapped around a group of multiple bottles, such as a 12-pack, as shown in FIG. 16. For convenience multiple strips can be rolled into a unitary, circular structure 74, as shown in FIG. 14, or folded into a unitary, substantially rectangular structure (not shown). To add to the functionality of a rolled circular structure, a dispenser 76 can be utilized. The dispenser 76, as shown in FIG. 15, is comprised of a base with an upward extending vertical member located at the center of the rolled circular structure is an opening that extends through from an upper end to a lower end. The rolled circular structure is placed on the dispenser by aligning the lower end opening with the vertical member and sliding the circular structure downward as the vertical member extends upward into the opening. Once the circular structure is placed on the dispenser, one (or more) strips can be removed from the rolled circular structure as needed.

[0063] Alternately, the dispenser can be comprised of a horizontal member (not shown) that is hingedly attached at one end and removably attached at the other end to a surface such as a wall. The removably attached end is disengaged from the horizontal member, thereby allowing the member to swing outward, pivoting on the hinged attachment end. In the outward position, the rolled circular structure can be placed on the horizontal member in the same manner as the structure is placed on the vertical member. Once the circular structure is on the horizontal member, both the structure and the member are swung back into position with the removably attached end secured. One (or more) strips can then be pulled outward/downward and removed from the rolled circular structure as needed.

[0064] In order to conserve space when the panel 14 configuration is not in use, at least one score mark 50 can be located on the panel 14. The score mark 50, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, either functions as a separation line from which multiple attached strips can be pulled apart, or functions as a living hinge that allows the panel 14 to be folded over on itself along the score mark 50. Multiple score marks 50 can be used to separate multiple strips from each other or to fold the panel 14 multiple times into a significantly smaller size.

[0065] Additionally, the BRAAP 10 provides fraud detection by positioning the bottles in a complete static display. A person can visually ascertain, in three dimensions, the recycling cash redemption value band on each bottle and/or a manufacturer's identification mark. A person can also quickly and easy count the number of bottles on a panel or strip, with every cavity or space in/on a bottle visible. To add to his capability, each panel or strip can include a first numerical indicator 56, as shown in FIG. 1, that shows the total number of bottles a particular size strip or panel can maintain, a second numerical indicator 58, as also shown in FIG. 1, that shows the current redemption value amount of a panel or strip with all attached bottles, manufacturer identification instructions for use, and/or other pertinent related information.

[0066] Another important feature is that crushed plastic bottles cannot be recycled due to possible contamination and because electronic viewers can not recognize a crushed bottle. By allowing a person to view all the bottles on a panel or strip, a quick and accurate identification of crushed bottle(s) can be made when the panel or strip is removed. The bottles are squeezed and can be punctured, which releases any air of residual fluid in the bottle(s). This greatly aids in the subsequent compaction of the bottle(s). Also, the panel or strip can be removed by simply pulling, which results in an opposing force that peels a panel or strip away from the bottle's cap. And finally, to increase the marketability and use of the BRAAP 10, the structure 12 can be folded at least once. A folded structure 54 has a length and width that are less than the length and width of an un-folded structure. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the folded structure 54 is placed in or on a package of multiple plastic beverage bottles prior to sale or transportation. A person who purchases a package of plastic bottle beverages, also receives the BRAAP 10.

[0067] Although, the BRAAP 10 is highly effective as both a recycling apparatus and an advertising platform, it is feasible to produce a strip 22 or panel 14 without advertising or promotional indicia, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 8 and 12. Without the advertising or promotional indicia, the functionality of the strip 22 or panel 14 is limited to recycling related uses such as collection, storage and transportation of empty plastic bottles. Other uses can also be realized such as the counting or inspection of empty plastic bottles. While the removal of the advertising and promotional indicia does narrow the utility of the invention, an empty plastic bottle recycling apparatus is still an effective, valuable and unique propriety concept.

[0068] It should be noted that the use of the BRAAP 10 is not intended to be limited to the uses disclosed herein. It is anticipated that a future addition to the system will include a proprietary machine that facilitates the recycling when any of the designs of the BRAAP 10 is used. The machine will be purpose-built and designed to accept groups of bottles attached to the panel or strip, or retained by the band. The machine will optimally be placed in a clean, well-lit location that is inviting for use. The machine will also be easy and quick to use and will encourage people to use the panel, strip and/or band. Additionally, the machine can be associated with a retail location such as a supermarket, and in cooperation with the supermarket, the machine can dispense tickets or vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or merchandise in the supermarket. Also, proprietary and non-proprietary storage means and apparatus are envisioned. The storage means/apparatus will be a component of and significantly increase the functionality of the system 10 by facilitating the convenient, clean and space-saving storage of empty plastic bottles prior to recycling.

[0069] In addition to the advertising and promotional indicia including recycling or non-recycling information, other indicia such as lottery numbers can be used.

[0070] Of course, there are just examples of a potential future expansion and use. Other possibilities exist and will become apparent especially as the requirement of addressing the recycling problem is one of the most prevalent issues in the world.

[0071] While the invention has been described in detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.