Trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser

Abstract

A trash receptacle has an open or sealed bottom, an opening at its upper end for the introduction of trash and an inner container. The inner container is fits within the receptacle and has an open top, a closed bottom, a surrounding wall extending from the top to the bottom and at least one tapered wall supporting a bag roll dispenser adjacent a horizontal slit in the wall distance a predetermined above the container bottom. Trash bags joined by perforations and wound on the roll are pulled through the slit and opened to line the container. The trash bags having either a drawtape closure or a pair of bag handles at the top and may be folded in half prior to rolling forming a star-sealed bottom. Hooks or handles at the top of the container or a surrounding lip secure the trash bag to the top of the inner container.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention pertains to waste disposal containers. More particularly, the invention relates to trash receptacles as for use in locations where customers empty trays and dispose of food waste and containers in provided self-serve bins. The invention concerns the receptacles, their containers and the bags used with the liners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Food served in cafeterias, fast food restaurants and institutions is typically provided on trays and includes various types of disposable food containers such as cups, boxes and bags. The food service also usually includes disposable flatware, straws, napkins and wrappers. Most of these institutions utilize a trash receptacle enclosure that is rectangular with a flat top to hold trays. The receptacle enclosure typically has a top-hinged swinging door through which the trash-laden tray is pushed and dumped. The enclosure usually has an inner container made of semi-rigid plastic which is lined with a polyethylene plastic trash bag to contain liquid waste and provide for convenient disposal. As these receptacles tend to fill rapidly in busy locations, the trash bags must be changed frequently. The trash bags also rupture occasionally, which can cause spills inside of the receptacle which can be difficult to clean up. The present invention addresses these problems in a novel and efficient manor.

A variety of systems have been developed for more efficient trash containment, storage and removal. U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,607, issued to Chang, discloses trash tank includes a tank body having an open top, a closed bottom, a horizontally extending slot, and a receiving space. A hollow casing is connected detachably to the tank body adjacent to the horizontally extending slot of the tank body. The hollow casing may receive a rolled-up strip of garbage sacks and has a slit which is communicated with the horizontally extending slot of the tank body.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,809, issued to Shuval, is directed to a small trash container using plastic liner bags which are interconnected perforations and are supplied in a roll which is stored on an exterior wall of the container. The bags are fed into the container through a slot in the lower wall and are manually pulled up to receive the trash. The filled bag is then torn from the roll and a new bag installed.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0102316, issued to Forest, discloses a trash can or receptacle is provided with a container which contains a supply of flexible bags used as a liner for the receptacle. In certain embodiments of the container, the container is permanently attached to the trash receptacle, and in other embodiments the container is detachably connected to the trash receptacle. In certain embodiments of the container, the container is configured to hold a roll of flexible bags which are dispensed through a dispensing slot. In other embodiments of the container, the container is configured to hold a supply of folded flexible bags.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,215, issued to Windle, is directed to an improved waste receptacle and method for disposing of waste is disclosed. The receptacle includes a container portion configured to receive a liner therein. The container includes a pair of liner retainer elements secured to the outside surface on opposite sides of the container. In one embodiment, the liner retaining element includes a pair of spaced flanges protruding from the wall of the container. The liner retaining elements are configured to receive a portion of the liner disposed in the container and prevent the liner from collapsing into the container as waste is placed therein. In another embodiment, the waste receptacle includes a dispenser for storing a plurality of liners. The dispenser is engaged to the wall of the container. In one embodiment, the liners have an initial use that does not include storing waste or lining a waste receptacle. The liners are recycled by storing them in the dispenser, and each is later used as a liner for the waste receptacle as needed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,041, issued to Van Brackle discloses a self dispensing trash liner pail is provided, which consists of a receptacle having a bottom wall and a plurality of upstanding side walls. A dispenser has a top slot formed therethrough. A structure is for retaining the dispenser to the bottom wall of the receptacle. A continuous length of a plurality of separable trash liners are carried as a roll within the dispenser. One trash liner at a time can be pulled out through the slot in the dispenser, be separated and used in the receptacle for the disposal of trash and similar articles.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a trash receptacle for use in fast food and cafeteria environments that includes an outer receptacle enclosure with tray storage on top and a self-closing doorway through which the trays may be emptied. It is a further objective to provide the receptacle with an inner container to serve as a support for plastic trash bags; the container being designed to catch liquid spills should the plastic bag break. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a means to feed bags into the inner container of the receptacle without removing the container from the receptacle enclosure. Finally, it is an objective to provide an inner container capable of retaining liquid spills should the trash bag burst.

While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior art trash receptacle and container inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above.

(1) A trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, includes a receptacle enclosure. The enclosure has a top, a surrounding wall descending from the top and an opening located adjacent an upper end of the enclosure. An inner container is provided. The inner container is sized and shaped to fit within the receptacle enclosure and has an open top, a closed bottom smaller than the top and a surrounding wall connecting the top and the bottom. The surrounding wall has at least one surface tapering from the open top to the bottom and has a slit located on the tapered surface. The slit is located at a predetermined distance upwards from the bottom.

A plurality of plastic trash bags is provided. The trash bags are sized and shaped to fit substantially within the inner container. The bags are removably attached to one another at perforation lines and wound into a bag roll. A dispenser is provided. The dispenser is sized and shaped to accommodate the bag roll and is affixed to the tapered surface adjacent the slit. The dispenser with the bag roll attached falls within outer dimensions of the open top and dispenses bags from the roll through the slit into the container.

(2) In a variant of the invention, the trash bags include front and rear bag walls and first and second side gussets attached between side edges of the front and rear walls. Top and bottom seams of the bags are perpendicular to the side edges. The bottom seam forms a closed bag bottom. A U-shaped cutout begins at a point on the top seam spaced inwardly from the first side edge, extends downwardly toward the bottom seam, across toward the second side edge and upwardly to the top seam at a point spaced inwardly from the second side edge and forms an open bag mouth with a pair of attached bag handles.

(3) In another variant, the inner container includes a pair of bag handle retaining means located adjacent the open top. The retaining means are sized and shaped to secure the bag handles of the trash bags when located within the inner container.

(4) In still another variant, the bag handle retaining means is a pair of downward facing hooks.

(5) In a further variant, the bag handles retaining means is a pair of handles sized and shaped for lifting of the inner container.

(6) In still a further variant, the trash bags include side gussets that extend inwardly from the side edges to a center of the bag. The bag is folded in half parallel to the side edges prior to sealing the bag bottom, causing the bag bottom to be sealed through eight layers of plastic, thereby providing a stronger bag bottom.

(7) In another variant of the invention, the trash bags include side gussets that extend inwardly from the side edges to a center of the bag. The bag is folded in half parallel to the side edges prior to sealing the bag bottom, causing the bag bottom to be sealed through eight layers of plastic, thereby providing a stronger bag bottom.

(8) In still another variant, the inner container includes a surrounding lip extending downwardly from the open top.

(9) In yet another variant, the trash bags include a drawtape closure located at an upper end of the bags. The closure is sized and shaped to removably engage the surrounding lip of the inner container.

(10) In a further variant, the dispenser includes first and second L-shaped arms. The arms are pivotally mounted adjacent the slit in the inner container. The arms are spaced apart to fit a central opening in the bag roll.

(11) In still a further variant, the dispenser includes a spring clip. The clip is attached to the inner container and located to bear against an outer surface of the bag roll, thereby controlling unwinding of bags from the roll.

(12) In yet a further variant, the dispenser includes a tray attached to the tapered surface of the inner container adjacent the slit. The tray is sized and shaped to hold the bag roll.

(13) In another variant of the invention, the dispenser includes a spring clip, the clip is attached to the inner container and located to bear against an outer surface of the bag roll, thereby controlling unwinding of bags from the roll.

(14) In still another variant, the receptacle enclosure includes a storage area located on the top. The storage area is sized and shaped to accommodate serving trays. A movable covering for the opening is located adjacent an upper end of the enclosure.

(15) In yet another variant, the receptacle enclosure includes a sealed floor to contain spills.

(16) In a further variant, the receptacle enclosure is rectangular and the inner container is sized and shaped to fit therewithin.

(17) In still a further variant, the inner container is rectangular and has at least one tapered wall, the tapered wall supporting the dispenser and bag roll within outer dimensions of the open top.

(18) In yet a further variant, a trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, includes an open top, a closed bottom smaller than the top and a surrounding wall connecting the top and the bottom. The surrounding wall has at least one surface tapering from the open top to the bottom and has a slit located on the tapered surface. The slit is located a predetermined distance upwards from the bottom. A plurality of plastic trash bags is provided. The trash bags are sized and shaped to fit substantially within the trash container. The bags are removably attached to one another at perforation lines and wound into a bag roll.

A dispenser is provided. The dispenser is sized and shaped to accommodate the bag roll and is affixed to the tapered surface adjacent the slit. The dispenser with the bag roll attached falls within outer dimensions of the open top and dispenses bags from the roll through the slit into the trash container. When the bag roll is attached to the dispenser, the trash container may be placed against either of a wall and another trash container as the bag roll does not protrude outwardly from the tapered surface beyond dimensions of the open top.

(19) In another variant of the invention, the trash bags include front and rear bag walls and first and second side gussets attached between side edges of the front and rear walls. Top and bottom seams are perpendicular to the side edges. The bottom seam forms a closed bag bottom. A U-shaped cutout begins at a point on the top seam spaced inwardly from the first side edge, extends downwardly toward the bottom seam, across toward the second side edge and upwardly to the top seam at a point spaced inwardly from the second side edge and forms an open bag mouth with a pair of attached bag handles.

(20) In still another variant, the trash container includes a pair of bag handles retaining means located adjacent the open top. The retaining means is sized and shaped to secure the bag handles of the trash bags when located within the trash container.

(21) In yet another variant, the bag handles retaining means is a pair of downward facing hooks.

(22) In a further variant, the bag handles retaining means is a pair of handles sized and shaped for lifting of the container.

(23) In still a further variant, the trash bags include side gussets that extend inwardly from the side edges to a center of the bag. The bag is folded in half parallel to the side edges prior to sealing the bag bottom, causing the bag bottom to be sealed through eight layers of plastic, thereby providing a stronger bag bottom.

(24) In yet a further variant, the trash bags further include side gussets that extend inwardly from the side edges to a center of the bag. The bag is folded in half parallel to the side edges prior to sealing the bag bottom, causing the bag bottom to be sealed through eight layers of plastic, thereby providing a stronger bag bottom.

(25) In another variant of the invention, the trash container includes a surrounding lip that extends downwardly from the open top.

(26) In still another variant, the trash bags include a drawtape closure located at an upper end of the bags. The closure is sized and shaped to removably engage the surrounding lip of the trash container.

(27) In yet another variant, the dispenser includes first and second L-shaped arms. The arms are pivotally mounted adjacent the slit in the trash container. The arms are spaced apart to fit a central opening in the bag roll.

(28) In a further variant, the dispenser includes a spring clip. The clip is attached to the trash container and located to bear against an outer surface of the bag roll, thereby controlling unwinding of bags from the roll.

(29) In still a further variant, the dispenser includes a tray attached to the tapered surface of the trash container adjacent the slit. The tray is sized and shaped to hold the bag roll.

(30) In yet a further variant, the dispenser includes a spring clip. The clip is attached to the trash container and located to bear against an outer surface of the bag roll, thereby controlling unwinding of bags from the roll.

(31) In another variant of the invention, the trash container is rectangular and has at least one tapered wall. The tapered wall supports the dispenser and bag roll within outer dimensions of the open top.

(32) In a final variant, the trash container includes a cover for the tapered surface, the cover extending over the attached bag roll and dispenser.

An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention including a receptacle with open bottom, inner container, attached dispenser and bag roll;

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention including a receptacle with sealed bottom;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the inner container, attached dispenser and bag roll;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of gusseted, t-shirt style trash bags wound on a roll;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the trash bags of the FIG. 3 embodiment folded in half prior to formation of the bottom seal wound on a roll;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of gusseted, t-shirt style trash bags in which the gussets extend to a center of the bag wound on a roll;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the trash bags of the FIG. 5 embodiment folded in half prior to formation of the bottom seal wound on a roll;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inner container or trash container illustrating downward facing hooks for retaining the bag handles;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inner container or trash container illustrating trash bags feeding through the slot into the container and being removed from same;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner container or trash container illustrating container handles for retaining the bag handles;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inner container or trash container illustrating a surrounding lip and drawtape bag attached to the lip;

FIG. 11 is a detailed perspective view of the dispenser and bag slot of the inner container or trash container;

FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view of the dispenser, bag roll and spring clip controlling motion of the bag roll on the inner container or trash container;

FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of a tray-type dispenser, bag roll and spring clip on the inner container or trash container;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the trash container illustrating downward facing hooks retaining the bag handles;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the trash container illustrating container handles retaining the bag handles; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the trash container illustrating a cover for the bag roll.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates a trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser 10, including a receptacle enclosure 25, providing the desired features that may be constructed from the following components. The enclosure 25 has a top 30, a surrounding wall 35 descending from the top 30 and an opening 40 located adjacent an upper end 45 of the enclosure 25. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, an inner container 50 is provided. The inner container 50 is sized and shaped to fit within the receptacle enclosure 25 and has an open top 55, a closed bottom 60 smaller than the top 55 and a surrounding wall 65 connecting the top 55 and the bottom 60. The surrounding wall 65 has at least one surface 70 tapering from the open top 55 to the bottom 60 and has a slit 75 located on the tapered surface 70. The slit 75 is located at a predetermined distance 80 upwards from the bottom 60.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, a plurality of plastic trash bags 85 is provided. The trash bags 85 are sized and shaped to fit substantially within the inner container 50. The bags 85 are removably attached to one another at perforation lines 90 and wound into a bag roll 95. A dispenser 100 is provided. The dispenser 100 is sized and shaped to accommodate the bag roll 95 and is affixed to the tapered surface 70 adjacent the slit 75. The dispenser 100 with the bag roll 95 attached falls within outer dimensions 105 of the open top 55 and dispenses bags 85 from the roll 95 through the slit 75 into the container 50.

(2) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the trash bags 85 include front 110 and rear 115 bag walls and first 120 and second 125 side gussets attached between side edges 130, 135 of the front 110 and rear 115 walls. Top 140 and bottom 145 seams of the bags 85 are perpendicular to the side edges 130, 135. The bottom seam 145 forms a closed bag bottom 150. A U-shaped cutout 155 begins at a point 160 on the top seam 140 spaced inwardly from the first side edge 130, extends downwardly toward the bottom seam 145, across toward the second side edge 135 and upwardly to the top seam 140 at a point 165 spaced inwardly from the second side edge 135 and forms an open bag mouth 170 with a pair of attached bag handles 175.

(3) In another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the inner container 50 includes a pair of bag handle retaining means 180 located adjacent the open top 55. The retaining means 180 are sized and shaped to secure the bag handles 175 of the trash bags 85 when located within the inner container 50.

(4) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the bag handle retaining means 180 is a pair of downward facing hooks 185.

(5) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the bag handles retaining means 180 is a pair of handles 190 sized and shaped for lifting of the inner container 50.

(6) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the trash bags 85 include side gussets 120, 125 that extend inwardly from the side edges 130, 135 to a center 195 of the bag 85. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the bag 85 is folded in half parallel to the side edges 130, 135 prior to sealing the bag bottom 150, causing the bag 85 bottom to be sealed through eight layers of plastic 200, thereby providing a stronger bag bottom 150.

(7) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the trash bags 85 include side gussets 120, 125 that extend inwardly from the side edges 130, 135 to a center 195 of the bag 85. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the bag 85 is folded in half parallel to the side edges 130, 135 prior to sealing the bag bottom 150, causing the bag 85 bottom to be sealed through eight layers of plastic 200, thereby providing a stronger bag bottom 150.

(8) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the inner container 50 includes a surrounding lip 205 extending downwardly from the open top 55.

(9) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the trash bags 85 include a drawtape closure 210 located at an upper end 215 of the bags 85. The closure 210 is sized and shaped to removably engage the surrounding lip 205 of the inner container 50.

(10) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the dispenser 100 includes first 220 and second 225 L-shaped arms. As illustrated in FIG. 12, The arms 220, 225 are pivotally mounted adjacent the slit 75 in the inner container 50. The arms 220, 225 are spaced apart to fit a central opening 230 in the bag roll 95.

(11) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the dispenser 100 includes a spring clip 235. The clip 235 is attached to the inner container 50 and located to bear against an outer surface 240 of the bag roll 95, thereby controlling unwinding of bags 85 from the roll 95.

(12) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the dispenser 100 includes a tray 245 attached to the tapered surface 70 of the inner container 50 adjacent the slit 75. The tray 245 is sized and shaped to hold the bag roll 95.

(13) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the dispenser 100 includes a spring clip 235, the clip 235 is attached to the inner container 50 and located to bear against an outer surface 240 of the bag roll 95, thereby controlling unwinding of bags 85 from the roll 95.

(14) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the receptacle enclosure 25 includes a storage area 250 located on the top 30. The storage area 250 is sized and shaped to accommodate serving trays (not shown). A movable covering 260 for the opening 40 is located adjacent the upper end 45 of the enclosure 25.

(15) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, the receptacle enclosure 25 includes a sealed floor 265 to contain spills.

(16) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the receptacle enclosure 25 is rectangular and the inner container 50 is sized and shaped to fit therewithin.

(17) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inner container 50 is rectangular and has at least one tapered wall 270, the tapered wall 270 supporting the dispenser 100 and bag roll 95 within outer dimensions 105 of the open top 55.

(18) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, a trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser 275, includes an open top 280, a closed bottom 285 smaller than the top 280 and a surrounding wall 290 connecting the top 280 and the bottom 285. The surrounding wall 290 has at least one surface 295 tapering from the open top 280 to the bottom 285 and has a slit 300 located on the tapered surface 295. The slit 300 is located a predetermined distance 305 upwards from the bottom 285. A plurality of plastic trash bags 85 is provided. The trash bags 85 are sized and shaped to fit substantially within the trash container 275. The bags 85 are removably attached to one another at perforation lines 90 and wound into a bag roll 95.

A dispenser 100 is provided. The dispenser 100 is sized and shaped to accommodate the bag roll 95 and is affixed to the tapered surface 295 adjacent the slit 300. The dispenser 100 with the bag roll 95 attached falls within outer dimensions 310 of the open top 280 and dispenses bags 85 from the roll 95 through the slit 300 into the trash container 275. When the bag roll 95 is attached to the dispenser 100, the trash container 275 may be placed against either of a wall (not shown) and another trash container 275 as the bag roll 95 does not protrude outwardly from the tapered surface 295 beyond dimensions of the open top 280.

(19) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the trash bags 85 include front 110 and rear 115 bag walls and first 120 and second 125 side gussets attached between side edges 130, 135 of the front 110 and rear 115 walls. Top 140 and bottom 145 seams of the bags 85 are perpendicular to the side edges 130, 135. The bottom seam 145 forms a closed bag bottom 150. A U-shaped cutout 155 begins at a point 160 on the top seam 140 spaced inwardly from the first side edge 130, extends downwardly toward the bottom seam 145, across toward the second side edge 135 and upwardly to the top seam 140 at a point 165 spaced inwardly from the second side edge 135 and forms an open bag mouth 170 with a pair of attached bag handles 175.

(20) In another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the trash container 275 includes a pair of bag handle retaining means 180 located adjacent the open top 55. The retaining means 180 are sized and shaped to secure the bag handles 175 of the trash bags 85 when located within the trash container 275.

(21) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the bag handle retaining means 180 is a pair of downward facing hooks 185.

(22) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the bag handles retaining means 180 is a pair of handles 190 sized and shaped for lifting of the trash container 275.

(23) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the trash bags 85 include side gussets 120, 125 that extend inwardly from the side edges 130, 135 to a center 195 of the bag 85. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the bag 85 is folded in half parallel to the side edges 130, 135 prior to sealing the bag bottom 150, causing the bag 85 bottom to be sealed through eight layers of plastic 200, thereby providing a stronger bag bottom 150.

(24) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the trash bags 85 include side gussets 120, 125 that extend inwardly from the side edges 130, 135 to a center 195 of the bag 85. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the bag 85 is folded in half parallel to the side edges 130, 135 prior to sealing the bag bottom 150, causing the bag 85 bottom to be sealed through eight layers of plastic 200, thereby providing a stronger bag bottom 150.

(25) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the trash container 275 includes a surrounding lip 205 that extends downwardly from the open top 280.

(26) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the trash bags 85 include a drawtape closure 210 located at an upper end 215 of the bags 85. The closure 210 sized and shaped to removably engage the surrounding lip 205 of the trash container 275.

(27) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the dispenser 100 includes first 220 and second 225 L-shaped arms. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the arms 220, 225 are pivotally mounted adjacent the slit 75 in the trash container 275. The arms 220, 225 are spaced apart to fit a central opening 230 in the bag roll 95.

(28) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the dispenser 100 includes a spring clip 235. The clip 235 is attached to the trash container 275 and located to bear against an outer surface 240 of the bag roll 95, thereby controlling unwinding of bags 85 from the roll 95.

(29) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the dispenser 100 includes a tray 245 attached to the tapered surface 295 of the trash container 275 adjacent the slit 75. The tray 245 is sized and shaped to hold the bag roll 95.

(30) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the dispenser 100 includes a spring clip 235, the clip 235 is attached to the trash container 275 and located to bear against an outer surface 240 of the bag roll 95, thereby controlling unwinding of bags 85 from the roll 95.

(31) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the trash container 275 is rectangular and has at least one tapered wall 320. The tapered wall 320 supports the dispenser 100 and bag roll 95 within outer dimensions 310 of the open top 280.

(32) In a final variant, as illustrated in FIG. 16 the trash container 275 includes a cover 325 for the tapered surface 295, the cover 325 extending over the attached bag roll 95 and dispenser 100.

The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser 10 and trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser have been described with reference to particular embodiments. Other modifications and enhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, comprising:

a receptacle enclosure, said enclosure having a top, a surrounding wall descending from said top and an opening disposed adjacent an upper end of said enclosure;

an inner container, said inner container being sized and shaped to fit within said receptacle enclosure and having an open top, a closed bottom smaller than said top, a surrounding wall connecting said top and said bottom;

said surrounding wall having at least one surface tapering from said open top to said bottom and having a slit disposed on said tapered surface, said slit being disposed a predetermined distance upwards from said bottom;

a plurality of plastic trash bags, said trash bags being sized and shaped to fit substantially within said inner container, being removably attached to one another at perforation lines and wound into a bag roll;

a dispenser, said dispenser being sized and shaped to accommodate said bag roll and being affixed to said tapered surface adjacent said slit; and

said dispenser with said bag roll attached falling within outer dimensions of said open top and dispensing bags from said roll through said slit into said container

2. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said trash bags further comprise:

front and rear bag walls, first and second side gussets attached between side edges of said front and rear walls;

top and bottom seams perpendicular to said side edges, said bottom seam forming a closed bag bottom; and

a U-shaped cutout beginning at a point on said top seam spaced inwardly from said first side edge, extending downwardly toward said bottom seam, across toward said second side edge and upwardly to said top seam at a point spaced inwardly from said second side edge and forming an open bag mouth with a pair of attached bag handles.

3. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 2, wherein said inner container further comprises a pair of bag handle retaining means disposed adjacent said open top, said retaining means being sized and shaped to secure said bag handles of said trash bags when disposed within said inner container.

4. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 3, wherein said bag handles retaining means comprise a pair of downward facing hooks.

5. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 3, wherein said bag handles retaining means comprise a pair of handles sized and shaped for lifting of said inner container.

6. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said trash bags further comprise:

side gussets extending inwardly from said side edges to a center of said bag; and

said bag being folded in half parallel to said side edges prior to sealing said bag bottom, causing said bag bottom to be sealed through eight layers of plastic, thereby providing a stronger bag bottom.

7. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 2, wherein said trash bags further comprise:

side gussets extending inwardly from said side edges to a center of said bag; and

said bag being folded in half parallel to said side edges prior to sealing said bag bottom, causing said bag bottom to be sealed through eight layers of plastic, thereby providing a stronger bag bottom.

8. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said inner container further comprises a surrounding lip extending downwardly from said open top.

9. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 8, wherein said trash bags further comprise a drawtape closure disposed at an upper end of said bags, said closure being sized and shaped to removably engage said surrounding lip of said inner container.

10. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said dispenser further comprises:

first and second L-shaped arms, said arms being pivotally mounted adjacent said slit in said inner container; and

said arms being spaced apart to fit a central opening in said bag roll.

11. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 10, wherein said dispenser further comprises a spring clip, said clip being attached to said inner container and disposed to bear against an outer surface of said bag roll, thereby controlling unwinding of bags from said roll.

12. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said dispenser further comprises a tray attached to said tapered surface of said inner container adjacent said slit, said tray being sized and shaped to hold said bag roll.

13. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 12, wherein said dispenser further comprises a spring clip, said clip being attached to said inner container and disposed to bear against an outer surface of said bag roll, thereby controlling unwinding of bags from said roll.

14. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said receptacle enclosure further comprises:

a storage area disposed upon said top, said storage area being sized and shaped to accommodate serving trays; and

a movable covering for said opening disposed adjacent an upper end of said enclosure.

15. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said receptacle enclosure includes a sealed floor to contain spills.

16. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said receptacle enclosure is rectangular and said inner container is sized and shaped to fit therewithin.

17. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 1, wherein said inner container is rectangular and has at least one tapered wall, said tapered wall supporting said dispenser and bag roll within outer dimensions of said open top.

18. A trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, comprising:

an open top, a closed bottom smaller than said top, a surrounding wall connecting said top and said bottom;

said surrounding wall having at least one surface tapering from said open top to said bottom and having a slit disposed on said tapered surface, said slit being disposed a predetermined distance upwards from said bottom;

a plurality of plastic trash bags, said trash bags being sized and shaped to fit substantially within said trash container, being removably attached to one another at perforation lines and wound into a bag roll;

a dispenser, said dispenser being sized and shaped to accommodate said bag roll and being affixed to said tapered surface adjacent said slit;

said dispenser with said bag roll attached falling within outer dimensions of said open top and dispensing bags from said roll through said slit into said trash container; and

whereby, when said bag roll is attached to said dispenser, said trash container may be placed against either of a wall and another trash container as the bag roll does not protrude outwardly from said tapered surface beyond dimensions of said open top.

19. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 18, wherein said trash bags further comprise:

front and rear bag walls, first and second side gussets attached between side edges of said front and rear walls;

top and bottom seams perpendicular to said side edges, said bottom seam forming a closed bag bottom; and

a U-shaped cutout beginning at a point on said top seam spaced inwardly from said first side edge, extending downwardly toward said bottom seam, across toward said second side edge and upwardly to said top seam at a point spaced inwardly from said second side edge and forming an open bag mouth with a pair of attached bag handles.

20. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 19, further comprising a pair of bag handles retaining means disposed adjacent said open top, said retaining means being sized and shaped to secure said bag handles of said trash bags when disposed within said trash container.

21. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 20, wherein said bag handles retaining means comprise a pair of downward facing hooks.

22. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 20, wherein said bag handles retaining means comprise a pair of handles sized and shaped for lifting of said container.

23. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 18, wherein said trash bags further comprise:

side gussets extending inwardly from said side edges to a center of said bag; and

said bag being folded in half parallel to said side edges prior to sealing said bag bottom, causing said bag bottom to be sealed through eight layers of plastic, thereby providing a stronger bag bottom.

24. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 19, wherein said trash bags further comprise:

side gussets extending inwardly from said side edges to a center of said bag; and

said bag being folded in half parallel to said side edges prior to sealing said bag bottom, causing said bag bottom to be sealed through eight layers of plastic, thereby providing a stronger bag bottom.

25. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 18, further comprising a surrounding lip extending downwardly from said open top.

26. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 25, wherein said trash bags further comprise a drawtape closure disposed at an upper end of said bags, said closure being sized and shaped to removably engage said surrounding lip of said trash container.

27. The trash receptacle with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 18, wherein said dispenser further comprises:

first and second L-shaped arms, said arms being pivotally mounted adjacent said slit in said trash container; and

said arms being spaced apart to fit a central opening in said bag roll.

28. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 27, wherein said dispenser further comprises a spring clip, said clip being attached to said trash container and disposed to bear against an outer surface of said bag roll, thereby controlling unwinding of bags from said roll.

29. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 18, wherein said dispenser further comprises a tray attached to said tapered surface of said trash container adjacent said slit, said tray being sized and shaped to hold said bag roll.

30. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 29, wherein said dispenser further comprises a spring clip, said clip being attached to said trash container and disposed to bear against an outer surface of said bag roll, thereby controlling unwinding of bags from said roll.

31. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 18, wherein said trash container is rectangular and has at least one tapered wall, said tapered wall supporting said dispenser and bag roll within outer dimensions of said open top.

32. The trash container with attached bag roll and dispenser, as described in claim 18, further comprising a cover for said tapered surface, said cover extending over said attached bag roll and dispenser.