WO2018118041A1

WO2018118041A1 - Plastic bottle retaining system

Info

Publication number: WO2018118041A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/068024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tommy L. Patton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-12-19
Filing date: 2016-12-21
Publication date: 2018-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 2019-06-19
Also published as: WO2018118133A1

Abstract

A plastic bottle retaining system (PBRS) that is used to eaplivefy hold at least one, and preferably multiple, plastic beverage bottles. The PBRS includes a structure which is a panel, elongated stop- or elongated band. 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 PBRS 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 PBRS. The elongated band is wrapped around a group of bottles to retain the bottles in tight, dose proximity to each other.

Description

PLASTIC BOTTLE RETAINING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention- generally pertains to bottle holding and carrying devices, and more particularly to a plastic bottle retaining system that allows multiple plastic beverage bottles to be quickly and easily inserted into or removed from a structure for storage or transportation.

BACKGROUND ART

Throughout the world, the most widely used method of selling and purchasing a fluid product in a plastic bottle. Glass or other materials are also utilized, but typically only for certain fluids, such as those that are corrosive or would otherwise damage a plastic bottle. For beverages, such as water, soft drinks or sport drinks, plastic bottles are unquestionably the preferred method. In the United States alone it is estimated that fifty billion bottles of water are sold annually.

Although plastic beverages bottles are practical and convenient, especially considering that many people drink the beverage directly from the bottle, there are problems associated with plastic beverage bottles. The most prevalent problem is that it takes 450-1000 years for a plastic bottle to biodegrade. So, most of the plastic bottles are therefore thrown away and placed into landfills will remain there for centuries. Considering the sheer number of plastic bottles that are being used, the available space required into which disposed bottles are placed is quickly running out. The only choice is to create additional landfills, which is some point will no longer be feasible or practical. Additionally, the production of plastic water bottles relies heavily on the use of fossil fuels. Raw plastic must be heated before it can be injected into bottle shaped blow molds, and this heat source is often electricity or natural gas, both of which are produced by fossil fuels. The finished bottles must then be shipped out by trucks or trains, which also burn natural fossil fuels. Add to this the use of additional packaging materials such as plastic wrap and cardboard. Merely producing the bottles has a negative impact on the environment.

In an effort to solve this problem, certain cities now require the segregating of plastic bottles (as well as other materials) for recycling. Also, there is usually a cash redemption value for each plastic bottle to encourage recycling. While this has been somewhat effective, there is still a large number of plastic bottles that are not recycled.

One reason for this is that recycling requires effort on behalf of a person who is recycling. The plastic bottles must be stored until a quantity of them have been acquired, then the bottles must be transported to a recycling facilities, which are often dirty and many people fund un-appealing.

What is needed is a system or device that would facilitate the quick and easy recycling of plastic bottles. Optimally, there will be a way of placing the empty bottles in a clean, secure assembly that only requires a minimum of space. The bottles could be collected and stored in a limited area, and then when it is time to take that bottles to a recycling facility, this could be accomplished with minimal effort.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any literature or patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. patents are considered related:

PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED

4,022,363 Eliassen May 10, 1977

4,651,873 Stolcenberg, et al Jan. 17, 1989

5,267,427 Peterson et al Dec. 7, 1993

5,501,322 Drebushenko Mar. 26, 1996

2010/0163445 Egber Jul. 1, 2010 The 4,022,363 patent discloses a device for carrying and storing bottles. The device has a older frame utilizing a series of parallel rails inside the frame. The rails form between them uniform gaps and the edges of the rails have edge portions which yield upon introduction of a bottle neck and then squeeze the neck into a locking arrangement when the bottle is moved in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the holder.

The 4,651,873 patent discloses a beverage container holder having a unitary body with apertures therein adapted to receive containers. A handle is also included for easy hand carrying.

The 5,267,427 patent discloses a recycling strip for holding, storing, toting and returning empty recyclable plastic bottles. The strip has a plurality of collar holes distributed uniformly and unilinearly along the strip. The collar holes have a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of a common plastic bottle neck and have radial slits forrning collars which enable a bottleneck flange to be engaged in the strip. The strip is used for transporting engaged bottles and can be recycled with the bottles. The strip is loaded into a dispenser which provides means of storing the strip. The dispenser also holds the strip securely so that a bottle may be engaged in the strip. The dispenser also provides an engagement mechanism, which aligns a collar hole in the strip with the collar opening of the dispenser and prevents the strip from uncontrolled travel out of the dispenser and a disengagement mechanism which meters the travel of the strip.

The 5,501,322 patent discloses a carrier and storage unit for empty beverage bottles. A planar member has a plurality of cup-shaped recesses located in an predetermined array across its surface. Each of the recesses has a bottom wall which is sealed about its periphery to the circular wall of the recess. The recesses have a size and configuration adapted to receive and grip the neck of the beverage bottles, capturing the beverage bottle in secure retention in the carrier and closing the neck of the bottle.

The 2010/0163445 publication discloses a bottle holder having a first bottle-holding surface adapted to hold a plurality of bottles at a first orientation, and a second bottle-holding surface adapted to hold a second plurality of bottles at a second orientation. Each bottle-holding surface includes an aperture adapted to receive a cap end of each bottle, and a slot in communication with the aperture and adapted to support a bottle neck of each of the bottles. For background purposes and indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may be made to the following remaining patents found in the patent search.

PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED

2,419,040 Stephanian April 15, 1947

4,232,807 Beier, et al Nov. 11, 1980

4,735,313 Schoenberg Apr. 5, 1988

4,798,286 Muscanelli Jan. 17, 1989

5,267,427 Peterson, et al Dec. 7, 1993

5,501,322 Drebushenko Mar. 26, 1996

2002/0175103 Kraxner Nov. 28, 2002

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In its basic design, the plastic bottle retaining system (PBRS) is comprised of a structure, typically a panel or elongated strip, having at least one, and preferable multiple openings. The panel or strip can be made of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material. The panel or strip can also be disposable and resilient. The PBRS is used to captively hold at least one, and typically a plurality, of plastic beverage bottles, such as those used for water, soft drinks or sports drinks. Each of the openings on the panel or strip is dimensioned to allow a bottle's neck to be inserted and maintained within the opening, or removed from the opening. When bottles are inserted into the openings, the PBRS with the retained bottles can be easily stored or transported. When an inserted bottle is pulled from the opening, the bottle neck is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from the panel or strip.

In order to provide optimal use of the PBRS and to maximize space, bottles can be inserted into and attached to a panel or strip from the top or bottom. The openings can accept bottles with larger than typical neck diameters by use of slits that extend radially from the edges of each opening. The slits allow the material adjacent the opening to flex, thereby enlarging the opening. The panel or strip can be any size or shape to accommodate any number of bottles. The design of the panel and strip creates a PBRS that is lightweight and easy to manage by a single person, even when filled with bottles.

In an alternate design, an elongated band can be wrapped around a group of bottles either attached to a panel or strip or a group of bottles by themselves. The band is placed at the substantial midpoint of each bottle and maintains the group of bottles in tight, close proximity to each other.

Optimally, the PBRS is utilized to facilitate the recycling of plastic beverage bottles by making it quick and easy to collect, store and ultimately transport used bottles to a recycling facility.

In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide a plastic bottle retaining system that allows multiple plastic beverage bottles to be quickly and easily inserted into or removed from a structure for storage or transportation.

In addition to the primary object, it is also an object of the invention to provide a plastic bottle retaining system that:

• can be used for a variety of plastic beverage bottles,

• can be used by adults and children, young and old,

• is durable and long-lasting,

• can be recycled along with plastic bottles,

• encourages recycling by removing some of the obstacles and concerns,

• can be easily cleaned and re-used,

• can be made in a variety of colors or with indicia,

• can be used by individuals and/or by companies,

• is easy to manufacture,

• can be used for empty bottles or full bottles, • is good for the environment,

• can be used in conjunction with a proprietary recycling machine,

• is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer's point of view.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a plastic bottle retaining system (PBRS) in a panel configuration with multiple bottle openings.

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the PBRS in a panel configuration with multiple bottle openings and having a handle.

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of the PBRS in a strip configuration with multiple bottle openings. FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the PBRS 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.

FIGURE 5 is an orthographic view of the PBRS showing bottles inserted and retained from both an upper surface and a lower surface of a panel. FIGURE 6 is an elevational side view of the PBRS showing the elongated strip wrapped around the substantial midpoint of a plastic bottle.

FIGURE 7 is an orthographic view of the PBRS showing a plurality of bottles with an elongated strip wrapped around the bottles.

FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of the PBRS showing a single bottle with an elongated strip wrapped around the bottle, and the bottle located within a case holding a plurality of bottles. FIGURE 9 is an orthographic view of the PBRS showing a plurality of bottles retained on a panel with an elongated band wrapped around the substantial midpoint of the bottles, with the band maintaining the bottles in tight close proximity to each other.

FIGURE 10 is an orthographic view of the PBRS showing a plurality of bottles with an elongated band wrapped around the substantial midpoint of the bottles, with the band maintaining the bottles in tight close proximity to each other.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms that disclose a preferred embodiment with multiple design configurations of a plastic bottle retaining system (PBRS) 10.

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. 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. Some people view recycling as beneath them, a way for poor people to earn money. And other people have excuses as well: it requires too much time and effort, there is no space to store bottles before recycling, and the recycling facilities are often unkempt and in poorly maintained environment.

The PBRS 10, as shown in FIGURES 1-10, provides a solution to almost all of the problems and/or concerns related to recycling plastic beverage bottles. The PBRS 10 allows a person to quickly and easily collect, arrange and store any number of plastic beverage bottles. The PBRS 10 is simple to use; has no moving parts; is economical, both for a manufacturer and consumer/end-users; is clean and is adaptable to space/storage requirements.

The preferred embodiment of the PBRS 10, as shown in FIGURES 1-5, is comprised of a structure 12 that is used to captively hold plastic beverage bottles 70. 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 PBRS 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 FIGURES 1 and 2. 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 PBRS 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 PBRS 10 will be recycled along with the plastic bottles 70.

The second design configuration of the PBRS 10 uses a structure 12 comprised of an elongated strip 22, as shown in FIGURES 3-4. 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 is preferably resilient and can also be made of a flexible material such as rubber. The strip 22 has an upper surface 24 and a lower surface 26, as shown in FIGURES 3-4.

To add to the functionality of the strip 22, as shown in FIGURES 3-4, 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 and 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. With the two ends of the strip 22 are secured together, the strip 22 is in a circular formation. One of the best uses of this capability is to tightly wrap a strip 22 around a bottle 70 and then secure the two ends, thereby maintaining the circularly wrapped strip 22 around the bottle 70 and allowing the strip 22 and bottle 70 to be sold or otherwise presented together as a single unit. Alternately the triangular member 28 can be inserted through one of the opening 32 to secure the two ends of the strip 22 together.

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 PBRS 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.

As shown in FIGURES 1-5, both the panel 14 and the elongated 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 PBRS 10 with the retained bottle(s) can be stored or transported. Even with a multiplicity of bottles 70 on a single PBRS 10, the PBRS 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 PBRS 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. As shown in FIGURES 1-4, each slit 34 radially extends outward from an edge of the opening 32. The slit 34 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.

In order to optimize the functionality of the PBRS 10, and to conserve and effectively use space, bottles can be inserted/removed from both sides of the panel 14 or strip 32, as shown in FIGURE 5. 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 32. Additionally, to increase the retaining 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.

As shown in FIGURE 2, the panel 14 and strip 32 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 a slot 42 that extends through the panel 14 or strip 32. A person simply inserts one or more fingers into the slot 42 and grips.

If desired, multiple panels 14 and/or strip 22 can be inter-locked together by use of attachment means 46 to create larger PBRS 10 which are capable of carrying, storing and transporting a larger number of plastic bottles 70. The attachment means 46 (not shown) can be comprised of snap closure, male and female interfaces, clamps, hook and loop fasteners or any other similar devices.

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 FIGURES 1 and 3, functions as a living hinge and allows the panel 14 to be folded over on itself along the score mark 50. Multiple score marks 50 can be used to fold the panel 14 multiple times into a significantly smaller size.

In an alternate design, the PBRS 10 is comprised of an elongated band 56. As shown in FIGURES 9-10, the band 56 is comprised of a length of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, rubber, a composite, or a biodegradable material. The band 56 is preferably resilient and can be disposable, and like the panel 14 or the strip 22 the band 56, when made of plastic, can be recycled along with bottles 70.

In the first application, the band 56 is used in combination with a panel 14, as shown in FIGURE 9, or a strip 22. When a plurality of bottles 70 are inserted through the openings 32 on, and attached to, a panel 14 or strip 22, the band 56 is wrapped around the bottles at each bottle's substantial midpoint. Once in place, the band 56 retains the group of bottles in tight, close proximity to each other. In the second application, the elongated band 56 is used alone, as shown in FIGURE 10. A plurality of bottles of arranged in group and the band 56 is wrapped around the bottles at each bottle's substantial midpoint. The band 56 retains the bottles 70 together in tight close proximity to each other, in the same manner as the first application. In order to add to the functionality of the band 56 in both applications, adjustable securing means 60 can be utilized. The securing means 60 allow the bands length to be selectively altered depending on the number of and size of the bottles that are being retained. The adjustable securing means 60 can be comprised of a variety of devices, including a buckle, a snap closure, a hook and loop fastener, a tie or any similar device. It should be noted that the use of the PBRS 10 is not intended to be limited to the users 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 PBRS 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 elongated 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. Of course, this is just one example 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.

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.

Claims

1. A plastic bottle retaining system (PBRS) comprising a structure having at least one opening, wherein a bottle's neck is inserted into said at least one opening and held on said PBRS, wherein when the bottle neck is pulled from said at least one opening, the bottle is removed from said panel.

2. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 1 wherein said structure is comprised of a panel with an upper surface and a lower surface.

3. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 1 wherein said structure is comprised of an elongated strip with an upper surface and a lower surface.

4. The plastic bottle retaining system 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.

5. The bottle retaining system as specified in claim 4 wherein said structure is disposable.

6. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one opening is dimensioned to accept and frictionally retain a bottle's neck.

7. The plastic bottle retaining system 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, wherein the slit 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.

8. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 6 wherein a bottle is inserted downward into said opening form the upper surface of said panel or said strip.

9. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 6 wherein a bottle is inserted upward into said opening form the lower surface of said panel or said strip.

10. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 1 wherein said panel further comprising at least one handle that allows said PBRS to be gripped and carried.

11. A plastic bottle retaining system (PBRS) that is used to captively hold at least one plastic beverage bottle, wherein said PBRS comprises a structure having at least one opening that is dimensioned to allow a bottle's neck to be inserted and maintained within said opening, or removed from said opening, wherein when a bottle is inserted into said opening, said PBRS with the retained bottle is stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle is pulled from said opening, the bottle neck is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said PBRS.

12. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 1 1 wherein said structure is comprised of a panel with an upper surface and a lower surface.

13. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 11 wherein said structure is comprised of an elongated strip.

14. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 11 wherein said structure is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material.

15. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 11 wherein said structure is disposable.

16. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 11 wherein said elongated strip is resilient.

17. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 1 1 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least one slit that radially extends outward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slit 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.

18. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 11 wherein said at least one opening further comprises at least two slits that radially extend from an edge of said opening, wherein the slits allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening .

19. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 13 wherein said panel or said strip further comprising at least one handle that allows said PBRS to be gripped and carried.

20. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 1 1 wherein the bottle is comprised of a recyclable plastic water or soft drink bottle

21. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 11 wherein the transportation of said PBRS is to a recycling facility.

22. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 11 wherein said panel further comprising score marks that extend from side to side, wherein the score marks function as a living hinge that allow said panel to be folded to a smaller size.

23. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 11 further comprising attachment means for inter-locking multiple structures together, wherein the attachment means are selected from the group consisting of snap closures, male and female interfaces, clamps or strips of hook and loop fastener.

24. A plastic bottle retaining system (PBRS) that is used to captively hold a plurality of plastic beverage bottles, wherein said PBRS comprises a geometrically-shaped, flexible panel having a plurality of openings, with each opening dimensioned to allow a bottle' neck to be inserted or removed, wherein when a bottle is inserted into said opening, said PBRS with the retained bottle is stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle is pulled from said opening, the bottle neck is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said PBRS.

25. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 24 wherein said panel is made of material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material.

26. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 24 wherein said panel is disposable.

27. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 24 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least one slit that radially extends outward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slit allows panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening.

28. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 24 wherein said at least one opening further comprises at least two slits that radially extend outward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slits allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening.

29. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 24 wherein said panel further comprising at least one handle that allows said PBRS to be gripped and carried.

30. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 24 wherein said at least one handle is comprised of a slot that extends through said panel, wherein a person inserts at least one finger into the slot.

31. A plastic bottle retaining system (PBRS) that is used to captively hold a plurality of plastic beverage bottles, wherein said PBRS comprises an elongated strip having a plurality of openings, with each opening dimensioned to allow a bottle's neck to be inserted or removed, wherein when a bottle is inserted into said opening, said PBRS with the retained bottle is stored or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle is pulled from said opening, the bottle neck is released, thereby allowing the bottle to be removed from said PBRS.

32. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 31 wherein said strip is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, a composite, or a biodegradable material.

33. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 31 wherein said stirp is disposable.

34. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 31 wherein said strip is resilient.

35. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 31 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least one slit that radially extends outward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slit allows panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening.

36. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 31 wherein said at least one opening further comprises at least two slits that radially extend outward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slits allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening.

37. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 31 wherein said strip further comprising at least one handle that allows said PBRS to be gripped and carried.

38. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 34 wherein said at least one handle is comprised of a slot that extends through said panel, wherein a person inserts at least one finger into the slot.

39. A plastic bottle retaining system (PBRS) that is used to captively hold a plurality of plastic beverage bottles, wherein said PBRS comprises an elongated band that functions in combination with a structure that maintains a plurality of plastic beverage bottles, wherein said structure is comprised of a panel or an elongated strip, with said panel or said strip having a plurality of openings into which a bottle's neck is inserted, wherein once a plurality of bottles have been inserted into the openings, which are dimensioned to accept and hold a bottle's neck, the bottles are maintained on said structure, wherein said elongated band is wrapped around the bottles at each bottle's substantial midpoint, thereby retaining the bottles in tight, close proximity to each other.

40. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 39 wherein said elongated band is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, rubber, a composite, or a biodegradable material.

41. The plastic bottle reteining system as specified in claim 39 wherein said band is disposable.

42. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 39 wherein said band is resilient.

43. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 39 wherein said band further comprising adjustable securing means that allows said band's length to be selectively altered depending on the number of, and size of, the bottles that are being retained.

44. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 43 wherein the adjustable securing means are selected from the group consisting of a buckle, a snap closure, a hook and loop fastener or a tie.

45. A plastic bottle retaining system (PBRS) that is used to captively hold a plurality of plastic beverage bottles, wherein said PBRS comprises an elongated band that is wrapped around a plurality of bottles, at each bottle's substantive midpoint, wherein once in place around a plurality of bottles, said band retains the bottles together in tight close proximity to each other, thereby creating a unified group of bottles that can be carried, stored or transported as a single unit.

46. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 45 wherein said elongated band is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, rubber, a composite, or a biodegradable material.

47. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 45 wherein said band is disposable.

48. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 45 wherein said band is resilient.

49. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 45 wherein said band further comprising adjustable securing means that allows said band's length to be selectively altered depending on the number of, and size of the bottles that are being retained.

50. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 49 wherein the adjustable securing means are selected from the group consisting of a buckle, a snap closure, a hook and loop fastener or a tie.

51. A plastic bottle retaining system (PBRS) that is used to captively hold at least one plastic beverage bottle, wherein said PBRS comprises an elongated strip having at least one opening that is dimensioned to allow a bottle's neck to be inserted or removed and when inserted the bottle is retained on said strip, wherein said elongated strip is made of a flexible material that allows said strip to be circularly wrapped around the substantial midpoint of said bottle, wherein said strip is maintained in the wrapped around state by securing means that are integral with said strip, wherein said strip is removed from said bottle and a bottle is inserted into said opening and thereby retained on said strip, said PBRS with the retained bottle is stored, or transported, wherein when an inserted bottle is pulled from said opening, the bottle neck is released, thereby allowing the bottle to disengage from said PBRS.

52. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 51 wherein the flexible material is selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, wood, rubber, a composite or a biodegradable material.

53. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 51 wherein said strip is disposable either alone or along with a plastic bottle.

54. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 51 wherein said at least one opening further comprising at least one slit that radially extends outward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slit allows panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening.

55. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 51 wherein said at least one opening further comprises at least two slits that radially extend outward from an edge of said opening, wherein the slits allow panel material adjacent to said opening to flex, thereby facilitating the insertion of a bottle neck that is larger than said opening.

56. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 51 wherein the securing means for maintaining said strip circularly wrapped around the bottle are selected from the group consisting of a tab and slot, an integral triangular member that is inserted into one of said openings, a snap closure, or male and female detents.

57. The plastic bottle retaining system as specified in claim 51 wherein a bottle with said elongated strip wrapped around the bottle is placed within a group of multiple bottles.