DEODORIZED TRASH CONTAINER

Abstract

An open-topped container having a deodorant, an outer surface, an inner surface, and a vent hole extending between the outer surface and the inner surface. The inner surface defines a storage cavity and supports a trash bag, and the outer surface defines an exterior of the container. The deodorant is attached to the outer surface and is sufficiently distal to the inner surface for increasing the storage space within the storage cavity. The storage cavity and the exterior are in communication through the deodorant and the vent hole so as to deodorize the open-topped container and easily remove the trash bag.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/651,266, entitled “E-Z PULL SCENTED TRASH CAN,” filed on Feb. 9, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to trash containers, and more particularly to a deodorized trash container with an increased storage capacity and easy removal of trash bags therefrom.

BACKGROUND

Trash containers play a central role in temporarily storing trash on various sites prior to transportation to waste facilities. These trash containers are pervasively utilized in restaurants, office buildings, hospitals, residences, parks, shopping malls, and various other modern day dwellings.

One known trash container is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,151. This container has a lower sidewall portion with an opening therein for drawing air into the container while a trash bag is removed from the container. Accordingly, the vented container prevents a vacuum from forming between the trash bag and the container and thus decreases the force required to remove the trash bag. This feature is particularly beneficial for somewhat large industrial applications as relatively large trash bags can hold a generally large mass of garbage and thus already be somewhat difficult to lift.

In addition, the lower sidewall portion of this container includes an air freshener and an overhang protrusion. Namely, the air freshener extends from the opening and radially into the container. In this way, the air freshener deodorizes the air, which is drawn into the container and possibly emanating therefrom. The overhang protrusion of the sidewall extends into the container and over the air freshener. Put another way, the air freshener is disposed underneath the overhang protrusion of the sidewall so as to prevent a substantially large mass of trash from crushing the air freshener. However, it will be appreciated that the overhang protrusion can snag the trash bag and tear the bag as it is removed from the container. Alternatively, the overhang protrusion can locally increase stress in the trash bag and therefore cause the trash bag to rupture under the weight of the trash. It is also understood that the overhang protrusion and the air freshener can decrease the amount of available storage space within the container.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a deodorizing trash container that minimizes unpleasant odors typically associated with trash containers, easily releases trash bags secured to the containers, and has a substantially large amount of storage space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is a deodorizing trash container, which is an open-topped container having a deodorant, an outer surface, an inner surface, and a vent hole extending between the outer surface and the inner surface. The inner surface defines a storage cavity and supports a trash bag, and the outer surface defines an exterior of the container. The deodorant is attached to the outer surface and is sufficiently distal to the inner surface for increasing the storage space within the storage cavity. The storage cavity and the exterior are in communication through the deodorant so as to deodorize the open-topped container and easily remove the trash bag.

One advantage of the present invention is that a deodorized trash container is provided that prevents a trash bag from becoming snagged on the container, or torn while the trash bag is removed from the container.

Another advantage of the present invention is that a deodorized trash container is provided that minimizes or masks unpleasant odors typically released from a trash container when a trash bag is removed therefrom.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that a deodorized trash container is provided that evenly supports a trash bag and thus prevents the trash bag from rupturing.

Still another advantage of the present invention is that a deodorized trash container is provided that eliminates a vacuum between the container and a trash bag so as to decrease the force required to remove the trash bag.

Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon considering the following detailed description and appended claims, and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should now be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of the examples of the invention:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a deodorized trash container, according to one advantageous embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the deodorized trash container shown in FIG. 1, as taken along line 2-2;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are partially cutaway frontal views of a deodorized trash container, illustrating a deodorant being attached to the trash container, according to an alternative embodiment of the claimed invention; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of a deodorized trash container, respectively illustrating the container as taken along lines 5A-5A and 5B-5B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in the various views.

The present invention is particularly suited for a deodorized trash container. In particular, the described embodiments detail the container having a trash bag installed therein for storing trash. In this way, the embodiments described herein employ structural features where the context permits. However, various other embodiments are contemplated having different combinations of the described features, having features other than those described herein, or lacking one or more of those features. For instance, the container can be utilized without a trash bag and/or store various other items as desired. It is therefore contemplated that the invention can be carried out in a variety of other modes and utilized for other suitable applications as desired.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a front plan view of a deodorized trash container 10, according to one advantageous embodiment of the claimed invention. As detailed in the description for FIG. 2, the deodorized trash container 10 has a vent hole 12 and a deodorant 14 for minimizing unpleasant odors typically associated with trash, easily removing a trash bag 16 from the deodorized trash container 10, and increasing available storage space within the container 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the deodorized trash container 10 is comprised of an open-topped container 18, a cover 20, the vent hole 12, and the deodorant 14.

The open-topped container 18 includes a top end portion 22, a bottom end portion 24, and a longitudinal axis 26 extending between the top end portion 22 and the bottom end portion 24. The top end portion 22 has the cover 20 extending thereacross. In this way, the cover conceals trash stored within the open-topped container 18 and traps odors emanating from therein.

This cover 20 is comprised of a lid shell 28 and a swivel door 30 that is pivotally attached to the lid shell 28. However, it is contemplated that the cover 20 can have other suitable constructions and can even be omitted from the deodorized trash container 10.

The open-topped container 18 has a bottom plate portion 32 and a tubular shell portion 34 extending from the bottom plate portion 32. The tubular shell portion 34 increases in diameter from the bottom end portion 24. It is understood that the tubular shell portion 34 provides one generally circular sidewall portion extending from the bottom plate portion 32. However, it is contemplated that the open-topped container 18 can instead have more than one sidewall portion with a variety of other suitable cross-sectional shapes as desired. As shown in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the tubular shell portion 34 diverges from the longitudinal axis 26 distal to the bottom plate portion 32.

With attention now to FIG. 2, the open-topped container 18 has an outer surface 36, an inner surface 38, and the vent hole 12 extending between the outer surface 36 and the inner surface 38. The inner surface 38 defines a storage cavity 40 and supports a trash bag 16. Further, the outer surface 38 defines an exterior 42 and has the deodorant 14 attached thereto with the deodorant 14 extending substantially across the vent hole 12. In this way, the deodorant 14 deodorizes the air as the air is drawn into the open-topped container 18. In particular, a drop in pressure within the cavity 40, e.g. as caused by the removal of the trash bag 16, produces a flow of air from the exterior 42 through the deodorant 14 and the vent hole 12 and into the cavity 40.

In this embodiment, the deodorant 14 is attached to the outer surface 36 of the open-topped container 18 by one or more snap-fit fasteners. In particular, the snap-fit fasteners include a tubular resilient arm 44 extending from the deodorant 14 with an annular detent barb 46 protruding radially outward from the tubular resilient arm 44. To that end, the tubular resilient arm 44 extends through the vent hole 12 with the annular detent barb 46 contacting the inner surface 38 of the open-topped container 18. As shown in FIG. 2, the annular detent barb 46 is received within a recess 48 in the inner surface 38 of the open-topped container 18. Put another way, the deodorant 14 and the annular detent barb 46 are sufficiently distal to the inner surface 38 for enhancing the storage space of the open-topped container 18 and preventing the trash bag 16 from becoming snagged by the deodorant 14 and/or the detent barb 46.

Also, as best shown in FIG. 1, the tubular shell 34 extends substantially straight from the bottom plate portion 32 and thus is smoothly contoured for easily removing the trash bag 16 from the open-topped container 18 without becoming snagged onto or torn by the tubular shell 34.

Also in this embodiment, the outer surface 36 of the open-topped container 18 has a pair of linear resilient arms 50 extending therefrom with a pair of linear detent barbs 52. In this way, during installation, the deodorant 14 forces the linear resilient arms 50 outward until the deodorant 14 is received between the linear resilient arms 50 and the linear detent barbs 52 secure the deodorant 14 to the outer surface 36 of the open-topped container 18.

It is contemplated that the snap-fit fasteners can instead have various other suitable constructions rather than the linear detent barb 52, the linear resilient arm 50, the tubular resilient arm 44, and the annular detent barb 46.

For instance, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 through 5B, the snap-fit fastener is a cam fastener 54 having a length (L) (shown in FIG. 5A) and a width (W) (shown in FIG. 5B), which is substantially less than the length (L). Furthermore, the vent hole 12 is sized for receiving the cam fastener 54, which upon rotation of the deodorant 14 attaches the cam fastener 54 to the outer surface 36 of the open-topped container 18.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 5A and 5B, the deodorant 14 is comprised of a plastic clam-shell housing 56 with a pair of opposing shell portions 58a, 58b and a series of channels 60 therein. These channels 60 have a porous deodorizing material 62 therein. In this embodiment, the porous deodorizing material 62 is a scented fibrous material. However, the deodorizing material 62 can be unscented and/or comprised of a variety of other materials as desired. Also, the tubular resilient arm 44 defines a hollow core 64 in communication with the channels 60. Accordingly, the deodorant 14 directs air through the channels 60, the deodorizing material 62, and the hollow core 64 and into the cavity 40 of the open-topped container 18.

Also, in this embodiment, the bottom end portion 24 of the open-topped container 18 has a foot brace flange 66 extending radially outward therefrom. The foot brace flange 66 extends between two to six inches from the periphery of the tubular shell portion 34 for the container 18. Accordingly, a user may step on the foot brace flange 66 while he lifts the trash bag 16. In this respect, the trash bag 16 can be more easily removed from the trash container 10.

It will be appreciated that the flange 66 can instead extend directly from the bottom plate portion 24. Also, it is understood that the flange 66 can extend from one or more smaller portions of the container 18 rather than from the entire periphery of the container 18. It is further contemplated that the foot brace flange 66 can be sized larger or smaller than the range of two to six inches. In this way, a wheelchair-bound individual can readily roll his wheelchair onto the flange 66 and easily remove the trash bag 16.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood, of course, that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A deodorized trash container comprising:

an open-topped container having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a vent hole extending between said outer surface and said inner surface;

said inner surface defining a storage cavity and supporting a trash bag;

said outer surface defining an exterior; and

a deodorant attached to said outer surface and sufficiently distal to said inner surface for increasing storage space within said storage cavity;

said storage cavity and said exterior in communication through said deodorant for deodorizing said open-topped container and easily removing said trash bag from said open-topped container.

2. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 1 wherein said deodorant extends substantially across said vent hole.

3. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 1 wherein said deodorant is attached to said outer surface by at least one snap-fit fastener.

4. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 3 wherein said at least one snap-fit fastener is at least one resilient arm extending from said outer surface of said open-topped container with said at least one resilient arm having a detent structure securing said deodorant to said outer surface.

5. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 3 wherein said at least one snap-fit fastener is at least one resilient arm extending from said deodorant and through said vent hole with said at least one resilient arm having a detent structure contacting said inner surface and securing said deodorant to said outer surface of said open-topped container.

6. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 5 wherein said detent structure is releasably attached to a recess formed within said inner surface.

7. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 1 wherein said deodorant is attached to said outer surface by a cam fastener.

8. A deodorized trash container comprising:

an open-topped container comprised of a bottom plate portion and at least one sidewall portion extending from said bottom plate portion;

said at least one sidewall portion and said bottom plate portion having an outer surface and an inner surface;

said inner surface defining a storage cavity and supporting a trash bag;

said outer surface defining an exterior; and

a vent hole extending between said outer surface and said inner surface;

a deodorant attached to said outer surface and sufficiently distal to said inner surface for increasing storage space within said storage cavity;

said storage cavity and said exterior in communication through said deodorant and said vent hole for deodorizing said open-topped container and easily removing said trash bag from said open-topped container;

said at least one sidewall portion extending substantially straight from said bottom plate portion and minimizing stress on said trash bag.

9. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 8 wherein said open-topped container has a longitudinal axis with said at least one sidewall portion extending from said bottom plate portion and diverging from said longitudinal axis.

10. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 8 wherein said at least one sidewall portion is a tubular shell increasing in diameter from said bottom plate portion.

11. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 8 wherein said deodorant extends substantially across said vent hole.

12. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 8 wherein said open-topped container is further comprised of a foot brace flange extending radially outward from at least one of said bottom plate portion and said sidewall portion.

13. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 8 wherein said deodorant is attached to said outer surface by at least one snap-fit fastener.

14. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 13 wherein said at least one snap-fit fastener is at least one resilient arm extending from said outer surface of said open-topped container with said at least one resilient arm having a detent structure securing said deodorant to said outer surface.

15. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 14 wherein said at least one snap-fit fastener is at least one resilient arm extending from said deodorant and through said vent hole with said at least one resilient arm having a detent structure contacting said inner surface and securing said deodorant to said outer surface of said open-topped container.

16. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 4 wherein said detent structure is releasably attached to a recess formed within said inner surface.

17. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 8 wherein said deodorant is attached to said outer surface by a cam fastener.

18. A deodorized trash container comprising:

an open-topped container comprised of a bottom plate portion and a tubular shell portion extending from said bottom plate portion;

said open-topped container having a top end portion and a bottom end portion with said bottom plate portion therein;

said open-topped container having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a vent hole extending between said outer surface and said inner surface;

said vent hole and integrated within said bottom end portion of said open-topped container;

said inner surface defining a storage cavity and supporting a trash bag;

said outer surface defining an exterior; and

a deodorant attached to said outer surface and sufficiently distal to said inner surface for increasing storage space within said storage cavity;

said storage cavity and said exterior in communication through said deodorant and said vent hole for deodorizing said open-topped container and easily removing said trash bag from said open-topped container.

19. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 18 wherein said bottom end portion of said tubular shell portion has said vent hole therein.

20. The deodorized trash container recited in claim 4 wherein said inner surface has a recess with a detent structure of said deodorant therein.