CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/865,909, and filed on Aug. 14, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/186,210, and filed on Jul. 19, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference.
RELATED ART Garbage cans for storing trash are typically lightweight and lined with a disposable trash bag for disposing of the trash when the garbage can is full. The trash bag is typically made of a flexible, lightweight material, such as, for example, plastic. As the trash bag is filled with trash, the trash bag expands such that an outer surface of the bag hugs an inner surface of the garbage can. When the trash bag is full, removal of the trash bag from the garbage often becomes difficult due to the bag being wedged within the can. For example, the can may be lifted from the ground as the user attempts to remove the bag from the can. Accordingly, a user might attempt to remove the bag with one hand while holding the can down with the other hand. Such method of removal is problematic, particularly when the bag is heavy due to a large amount of trash within the bag.
Placement of a new, unused trash bag into the can is often problematic because disposable plastic bags are generally packed in a folded position and placed inside a container such as a box. The disposable bags are often stacked in a sideways position. The walls of the bag typically stick together upon removal due to static electricity. The user may be required to unfold the bag after removing it from the packaging, often by shaking the ends and/or manually separating the ends.
Furthermore, storage of a trash bag dispenser in a separate location from the garbage can consumes storage space which is often limited. Users often store a few new, unused trash bags in the bottom of the garbage can container for easy access when the full trash bag is removed. However, such storage of the new trash bags often results in contamination of the bags when the contents of the full trash bag inadvertently spill or seep into the garbage can. Such contamination is inconvenient and can become costly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an exemplary trash bag dispensing system in accordance with the present disclosure.
FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of an exemplary trash bag dispensing system including a bottom floor in accordance with the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the exemplary trash bag dispensing system of FIGS. 1A and 1B with a trash bag installed.
FIG. 3A is a side cutaway view of the system of FIG. 1B with the drawer and the trash bag dispenser removed. FIG. 3B is a side cutaway view of the system of FIG. 1B with the drawer and the garbage dispenser removed and including a completely elevated floor.
FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the system of FIG. 1A with the drawer and the trash bag dispenser removed.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the trash bag dispensing system of FIGS. 1A and 1B with the drawer and the trash bag dispenser removed.
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the trash bag dispensing system of FIGS. 1A and 1B with a false floor and a dispensing piece.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the trash bag dispensing system depicted in FIG. 6 with the false floor and the dispensing piece installed.
FIG. 8 is a side cutaway view of the trash bag dispensing system of FIG. 6 with the false floor and the dispensing piece installed.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method of using a trash bag dispensing system.
FIG. 10 is a top view of the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B with the lid installed.
FIG. 11A is a top view of a trash bag dispenser containing a prong.
FIG. 11B is a side cutaway view of a trash bag dispenser containing a prong.
FIG. 11C is a side cutaway view of a trash bag dispenser containing a hooked prong.
FIG. 12A is a top view of a trash bag dispensing system containing a prong.
FIG. 12B is a side cutaway view of a trash bag dispensing system containing a prong.
FIG. 12C is a side cutaway view of a trash bag dispensing system containing a hooked prong.
FIG. 13 is top perspective view of an exemplary trash bag dispensing system of the disclosure comprising a prong.
FIG. 14 is a side cutaway view of the operation of an exemplary trash bag dispensing system in accordance with the present disclosure.
FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a gusseted trash bag in accordance with the present disclosure.
FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of a gusseted trash bag with inside surfaces coated with an anti-static substance in accordance with the present disclosure.
FIG. 17 is a top view of a trash bag dispensing system with two prongs extending into the aperture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to trash bag dispensing systems and methods. In one exemplary embodiment, a trash bag dispensing system comprises an integrated garbage can and trash bag dispenser. A portion of the floor is elevated and has an opening for receiving trash bags. A lip of the opening slopes down from the opening to a generally horizontal, flat surface of the elevated floor. A lid may fit over and completely cover the opening and the lip. The lid may be hinged at one location to prevent dislodgement from the surface of the hole. A drawer extends from a wall of the garbage can near the bottom of the garbage can, and the drawer receives a trash bag dispenser containing a plurality of trash bags. When the drawer contains the trash bag dispenser and is in a closed position, the drawer is positioned below the elevated floor and the bags of the dispenser align with the opening such that the bags may extend up into the container through the floor via the opening. In an additional embodiment, the drawer rests on a bottom surface which further prevents the drawer from becoming dislodged when the can is moved. In one embodiment, one or more prongs extend partially across the opening of the top of the dispenser at the point where the trash bags are removed. These one or more prongs make contact with the bags, at least partially unfolding them as they are removed. In an additional embodiment, the one or more prongs extend partially across the opening of the elevated floor. These prongs act to unfold the bags as they are removed from the dispenser. Furthermore, the garbage can is weighted such that removal of a full trash bag from the can or a new trash bag from the dispenser will not likely lift the can from the ground.
FIG. 1A depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary trash bag dispensing system 10. The system 10 comprises a container 12, such as a garbage can, having at least one exterior wall 15, a floor 17, and an upper opening 18. In one embodiment, the container 12 has a plurality of walls 15 that are substantially vertical and will be referred to as “vertical walls.” Note that the system 10 may comprise any suitable rigid material, such as, for example, metal or plastic. In one embodiment, the walls 15 and the upper opening 18 are rounded such that the container 12 forms a generally oval shape, although the container 12 may have other shapes in other embodiments. A rim 19 is formed around the circumference of the opening 18 at an upper edge of the walls 15. The vertical walls 15 form a cavity 21 for receiving a trash bag 20 to be used for holding trash. The trash bag 20 may be secured within the container 12 by draping an upper portion of the bag 20 over the rim 19. In one embodiment, a portion of the floor 17 is elevated within the container 12. In this regard, the floor 17 is elevated relative to the surface on which the trash bag dispensing system 10 rests such that a trash bag dispenser 23 may fit beneath the floor 17 at the base. However, in other embodiments, the entire floor 17 may be elevated from the surface on which the system 10 rests such that only bottom edges of the walls 15 rest upon the surface.
The system 10 further comprises a drawer 25 for receiving the trash bag dispenser 23. The drawer 25 may have a curved outer panel in order to align with the rounded surface of the wall 15. The dispenser 23 may comprise a box in which the disposable trash bags 20 are sold or may comprise any other suitable container for dispensing the trash bags 20. Upon receiving the dispenser 23, the drawer 25 may be inserted into a channel 27 at the base of the system 10 in order to position the dispenser 23 beneath the floor 17. In one embodiment, the channel 27 is dimensioned such that the drawer 25 fits snugly within the channel 27 beneath the floor 17. The channel 27 may have grooves (not shown) or other means for guiding the drawer 25 within the channel 27. In an additional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, channel 27 is defined by a bottom floor 28 onto which drawer 25 rests after insertion into channel 27. In this embodiment, drawer 25 fits within channel 27 and is placed above the bottom floor 28. Such placement prevents movement of drawer 25 relative to the container 12 when the container 12 is moved.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the floor 17 has an aperture 29 for receiving trash bags 20 from the trash bag dispenser 23. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1A, the aperture 29 may be circular in shape. However, the aperture 29 may have other shapes in other embodiments. In one embodiment, the aperture 29 has a diameter of about 1 inch to about 6 inches, but other dimensions are possible in other embodiments. The aperture 29 is positioned such that, when the drawer 25 contains the dispenser 23 and is in the closed position, the trash bags 20 extending from the dispenser 23 are aligned with the aperture 29. Thus, a new bag 20 may be pulled up through the floor 17 via the aperture 29 after a full bag 20 has been removed from the container 12. Once all of the bags 20 are removed from the dispenser 23, the drawer 25 may be opened and the dispenser 23 may be refilled with bags 20 or replaced with a full dispenser 23 in order to restock the trash bag dispensing system 10 with trash bags 20.
Note that a lip 30 extends around the circumference of the opening 29. The lip 30 slopes down from the aperture 29 to a top surface of the floor 17 such that the aperture 29 is elevated slightly above the top surface of the floor 17. In this regard, if the trash bag is filled with trash and is punctured, liquid contents of the bag which spill into the container 12 will be funneled away from the aperture 29 in order to prevent contamination of the bags 20 within the dispenser 23. Liquid contents may also seep through the trash bag 20, and the raised lip 30 prevents such liquid contents from contaminating the bags 20 within the dispenser 23.
In an additional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, a lid 150 fits over and completely covers raised lip 30 (not shown). As exemplified in the top view shown in FIG. 10, lid 150 is dimensioned to conform to the shape of the lip 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 the lid 150 is oval. However, the lid 150 may have other shapes in other embodiments. The lid 150 may comprise any substantial rigid material which is moisture resistant, such as, for example, metal or plastic. When the lid 150 is positioned to cover raised lip 30, the lid 150 protects the trash bags 20 within the dispenser from contamination. In this regard, liquids from a filled trash bag are blocked by lid 150 and, therefore, will not flow through aperture 29 and contaminate bags 20 within dispenser 23. Lid 150 is attached to floor 17 such that it will not detach or dislodge from container 12. Such attachment (not shown) may be accomplished through, for example, a hinge, allowing the lid 150 to be raised and an unused trash bag 20 pulled through aperture 29. The lid 150 may then be returned to it closed position (i.e., completely covering lip 30). As illustrated in FIG. 10, the lid 150 may contain a tab 152. Upward pressure on tab 152 allows for easy removal of the lid 150 from the top of the lip 30.
Furthermore, in one embodiment, the container 12 may be weighted such that the container 12 is not lifted when a full trash bag 20 is removed from the container 12 or when a new trash bag 20 is pulled through the aperture 29. The weight is preferably sufficient to overcome the upward force asserted on the container 12 by lifting of the bag 20, but the precise amount of weight may vary. However, in another embodiment, the system 10 may have one or more nooks (not shown) for receiving a user's foot. Thus, when removal of the full trash bag 20 is desirable, the user may insert his/her foot into the nook in order to exert a downward force on the system 10 which opposes the upward force from the bag 20 and to prevent the system 10 from lifting from the ground as the bag 20 is removed. Other means for preventing the system 10 from lifting from the ground are possible in other embodiments.
FIG. 2 depicts the exemplary trash bag dispensing system 10 with a bag 20 installed. As shown by FIG. 2, the drawer 25 is in the closed position. An end of the trash bag 20 is draped over the rim 19 around the entire circumference of the opening 18, and the remainder of the bag 20 is positioned within the container 12. Thus, any trash that is placed in the opening 18 of the container 12 is captured by the bag 20 for easy removal and disposal, as is the case with conventional garbage cans. Furthermore, when removal of the bag 20 is desired, a user may lift the bag 20 vertically to remove the bag 20 from the container 12. As set forth above, in one embodiment, the integrated system 10 is weighted in order to prevent the system 10 from lifting off of the ground or other surface when the bag 20 is removed from the container 12. However, in another embodiment, the system 10 may have at least one nook (not shown) for receiving a user's foot in order to provide resistance against the upward force of the bag 20 and to allow separation of the bag 20 from the system 10. Still other means for overcoming the upward force of the bag 20 are possible in other embodiments.
Note that, when the drawer 25 is in the closed position and the trash bag 20 is installed in the trash bag dispensing system 10, the trash bag dispensing system 10 closely resembles a conventional garbage can. However, the trash bag dispensing system 10 avoids the drawbacks associated with conventional garbage cans.
FIG. 3A depicts a side cutaway view of the container 12 of FIG. 1B. As shown by FIG. 3A, the container 12 has a generally horizontal floor 17. In one embodiment, as shown by FIG. 3A, a portion 31 of the floor 17, referred to hereafter as the “elevated portion 31,” is elevated with respect to the base of the container 12, although the entire floor 17 may be elevated in other embodiments. Furthermore, the elevated portion 31 may be different sizes and shapes in other embodiments. The elevated portion 31 extends from a wall 15 of the container 12 a given distance into the container 12. The floor 17 also has a portion 34 which is located at the base of the container 12 and is lower than the elevated portion 31, referred to hereafter as the “lower portion 34.” The elevated portion 31 and the lower portion 34 are oriented in a generally horizontal direction and are coupled by one or more vertical interior walls 35. The lower portion 34, the walls 35, and an inner surface of the wall 15 of the container 12 form a trough 37 within the container 12.
FIG. 3B illustrates a container 12 where the entire floor 17 comprises an elevated portion 31. Here, the elevated portion 31 extends from wall 15a to an opposite wall 15b. The floor 17 also has a lower portion 34. The elevated portion 31 and the lower portion 34 are oriented in a generally horizontal direction. In contrast to container 12 illustrated in FIG. 3A, the container 12 described with reference to FIG. 3B does not include a trough 37. Here, container 12 includes a raised projection 36 located in the upper surface of floor 28. The back wall 26 of drawer 25 (FIG. 1B) abuts against projection 36 as the drawer 25 is inserted into channel 27, providing greater stability to the system 10.
With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a bottom surface of the elevated portion 31 and an outer surface of the walls 35 form a channel 27 which extends into the container 12 at a base of the wall 15. The channel 27 extends a given distance into the container 12 beneath the elevated portion 31 of the floor 17. The channel 27 is dimensioned such that the drawer 25 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) will fit within the channel 27 when the drawer 25 is in the closed position. The channel 27 depicted by FIGS. 3A and 3B is generally rectangular in shape, although the channel 27 may have other shapes in other embodiments. Note that the channel 27 shown in FIG. 3A is bordered by the elevated portion 31 on top and by the vertical interior walls 35 on three sides. Thus, the bottom of the channel 27 and the front of the channel 27 beneath the wall 15 are open.
Furthermore, the floor 17 has the aperture 29 which extends vertically through the elevated portion 31 from the channel 27. The aperture 29 has the lip 30 encompassing the circumference of the aperture 29, and the lip 30 slopes downwardly away from the aperture 29 to an upper surface of the elevated portion 31 of the floor 17. Accordingly, any liquid contents which may spill or seep into the container 12 from the trash bag 20 are funneled away from the aperture 29 and into the trough 37, thereby preventing contamination of the bags 20 positioned within the dispenser 23 (FIG. 1A) beneath the elevated portion 17. Note that the system depicted in FIG. 3B does not include a trough 37. The lip 30 and the trough 37 also help to prevent contamination of the surface upon which the container 12 rests if the drawer 25 is removed from the container 12. Note that, although the aperture 29 depicted by FIGS. 3A and 3B is circular in shape, the aperture 29 may be different shapes in other embodiments, such as, for example, rectangular. In such embodiments, the lip 30 surrounds the entire perimeter of the aperture 29 and functions in the same way as when the aperture 29 is circular.
FIG. 4 depicts a bottom perspective view of the container 12 of FIG. 1A. The rim 19 extends past the walls 15 around the entire circumference of the opening 18 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). The rim 19 depicted by FIG. 4 is rounded, although the rim 19 may have different shapes in other embodiments. The channel 27 extends from a wall 15 and is formed by the vertical walls 35 and the bottom surface of the elevated portion 31 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) of the floor 17. In one embodiment, the channel 27 may further comprise a lower floor 28 (FIG. 3B). The lower portion 34 of the floor 17 is generally u-shaped and is coupled to the bottoms of the walls 15 and the walls 35. Thus, the channel 27 and the lower portion 34 define the bottom of the container 12. In an additional embodiment, the lower floor 28 (FIG. 1B) and the lower portion 34 define the bottom of container 12. In one embodiment, the channel 27 is generally rectangular in shape, although other shapes are possible in other embodiments depending on the orientation of the walls 15 and 35 and the lower portion 34.
The container 12 further comprises a plurality of supports 40 on the bottom surface of the lower portion 34 of the floor 17 and/or lower floor 28. In one embodiment, the supports 40 are formed as part of the lower portion 34 and comprise the same material as the container 12, such as, for example, plastic. However, in another embodiment, the supports 40 are attached to a lower surface of the lower portion 34 and comprise rubber, although other materials are possible. In an additional embodiment, supports 40 are also attached to lower floor 28. The supports 40 extend from the bottom surface of the lower portion 34 and/or lower floor 28 and support the weight of the container 12 in order to prevent the bottom surface of the lower portion 34 and/or lower floor 28 from resting directly on the floor, ground, or other surface on which the trash bag dispensing system 10 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) rests. In one embodiment, the supports 40 also grip to the floor, ground or other surface in order to prevent the system 10 from sliding and scratching such surface. While five supports 40 are shown in FIG. 4, other numbers of supports 40 are possible in other embodiments.
FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the container 12 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. As set forth above, in one embodiment, the container 12 is generally oval in shape, although other shapes are possible. The container 12 comprises the floor 17 having the elevated portion 31 and the lower portion 34. In one embodiment (FIG. 3A), the elevated portion 31 extends from a wall 15 of the container 12 towards the opposing wall 15 and is surrounded on three sides by the lower portion 34. The elevated portion 31 may extend different distances and may comprise a different amount of the floor 17 in other embodiments. In an additional embodiment (FIG. 3B), the elevated portion extends the entire length of the container 12. In an additional embodiment, the difference in elevation between the elevated portion 31 and the lower portion 34 forms the trough 37 (FIG. 3A) for capturing liquid which may leak from the bag 20 (FIGS. 1A and 1B).
The elevated portion 31 has the aperture 29 extending into the container 12 from the channel 27. The rim 30 encompasses the aperture 29 and slopes down to the elevated portion 31 away from the aperture 29. Thus, if liquid is spilled into the container 12, the liquid will not be funneled into the aperture 29 but will instead be directed away from the aperture 29 and into the trough 37. Accordingly, the bags 20 in the bag dispenser 23 (FIG. 1A) [“bags 20” not shown in FIG. 1B] which are positioned directly below the aperture 29 will likely remain uncontaminated by the spilled liquid. In one embodiment, shown by FIG. 5, the supports 40 are formed as part of the lower portion 34. However, in another embodiment, the supports 40 extend through the lower portion 34 and are held in place by screws (not shown) or other suitable attachment means.
FIG. 6 depicts a top perspective view of the trash bag dispensing system 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B having a false floor 50 and a dispensing piece 52. The drawer 25 is in a closed position. As shown by FIG. 6, the trash bag dispensing system 10 further comprises the false floor 50 having a plurality of legs 54 extending from a lower surface of the false floor 50. The false floor 50 has the same dimensions as the lower portion 34 (FIG. 3A) of the floor 17 (FIG. 1A) in order to allow the false floor 50 to fit around the elevated portion 31 (FIG. 3A) of the floor 17. While the false floor 50 shown in FIG. 6 is generally u-shaped, the false floor 50 may have different shapes in other embodiments depending on the dimensions of the elevated portion 31 and the lower portion 34. The legs 54 are approximately the same length as the vertical interior walls 35 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) in order position the false floor 50 on substantially the same plane as the elevated portion 31 of the floor 17. Thus, when the false floor 50 is installed within the container 12, the elevated portion 31 and the false floor 50 form a flat surface which fills the entire inner circumference of the container 12.
In one embodiment, the trash bag dispensing system 10 further comprises the dispensing piece 52. The dispensing piece 52 is dimensioned to fit over the aperture 29 (FIG. 1A). The dispensing piece 52 shown in FIG. 6 is circular, although other shapes are possible in other embodiments depending on the shape of the aperture 29. In one embodiment, the dispensing piece 52 has at least one slit 56 extending through the dispensing piece 52 for receiving trash bags 20 (FIG. 1A). Thus, when the dispensing piece 52 is positioned over the aperture 29, a trash bag 20 may be pulled up through the slit 56 into the container 12. In one embodiment, the slit 56 is dimensioned such that only one trash bag 20 will pass through the slit 56 at a time, thereby allowing the user to quickly access the bag 20 for placement upon the container 12. In other embodiments, the dispensing piece 52 may have different means for dispensing trash bags 20. Further, in the embodiment shown by FIG. 6, the slit 56 is in the shape of an “X,” but other shapes are possible. As an example, the slit 56 may be circular.
When the dispensing piece 52 is positioned over the aperture 29, the dispensing piece 52 further protects the trash bags 20 within the dispenser 23 from contamination by covering a majority of the aperture 29 and directing the spilled liquid or other trash away from the aperture 29. Furthermore, the false floor 50 may comprise a relatively dense material, such as, for example, steel or other metal or similar material, which may be inexpensive yet adds a sufficient amount of weight to the system 10 in order to overcome the upward force applied to the system 10 when the full trash bag 20 is removed from the container 12 or when a new trash bag 20 is pulled through the dispensing piece 52. Additional weight other than the weight of the false floor 50 may be added to the system 10 in other embodiments.
During the manufacturing process, trash bags 20 are folded, stacked and inserted into a dispenser 23, for example a cardboard box. In general, the folded stacks are inserted into the dispenser 23 in a sidewise orientation such that the top or open end of the trash bag 20 is facing the side of the dispenser 23. The stack of trash bags 20 is compressed to maximize the number of bags 20 that may fit into the dispenser 23. As a result, a trash bag 20 is typically shaken, unfolded and opened before placement into the trash can. This ensures that the sides of bags 20 do not stick together, shrinking the dimensions of bag 20 and causing the discarded materials to overflow out of the container 12.
Turning now to FIG. 11A, a top view of trash bag dispenser 23, an upper surface 41 of the dispenser 23 forms a prong 160, which extends inwards towards the center of the opening 42. FIG. 11B illustrates a side view of trash bag dispenser 23 containing a prong 160. Although the examples illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a prong 160 with a rod-like shape, the present disclosure also contemplates prongs of other shapes. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, prong 160 protrudes inwards at a distance of approximately one half of the diameter of opening 40. The present disclosure contemplates other lengths of prong 160, for instance one that protrudes one-quarter of the diameter of the opening 40. In a preferred embodiment, the prong 160 protrudes no more than three-quarters the diameter of the opening 40. The prong 160 may be of any thickness that provides stability and strength to prevent breaking of the prong 160 during use. In one example, prong 160 is approximately ⅜ inches wide (along the axis designated as “X”), although other thicknesses are contemplated. The prong 160 may be constructed from any material, for example the same materials used to produce lid 150. In other embodiments, prong 160 may be constructed from a flexible or semi-flexible material such as rubber. The trash bag dispenser 23, including prong 160 which extends inwards towards the center of the opening 40, may fit beneath floor 17 at the base of the trash bag dispensing system 10. In an additional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11C, trash bag dispenser 23 includes a hooked prong 162 which curves slightly downwards. In an additional embodiment, the upper surface 41 of trash bag dispenser 43 may contain more than one prong. Turning to FIG. 17, the upper surface of dispenser 23 forms two prongs 160a and 160b which extend inward towards the center of the opening 40. Prongs 160a and 160b may be of any size, shape or construction as described above. Additionally, prongs 160a and 160b may be similarly sized or may be differently sized.
FIG. 11A illustrates one example of prong 160 connected to or as an integral part of the upper surface 41 of trash bag dispenser 23. In additional embodiments, prong 160 may be attached to structures other than the trash bag dispenser 23. FIG. 12A, a top view of container 12, and FIG. 12B, as side view of container 12, provide further illustrations of the prong 160. Here, prong 160 extends from the floor 17 of container 12 and into the aperture 29. FIG. 12C illustrates an embodiment including a prong 162 which is hooked and extends slightly downward. Prongs 160 and 162 contain similar structure and sizing as described above in regards to the prongs 160 and 162 attached to trash bag dispenser 23 (FIG. 11A). Although the prongs 160 and 162 illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C have a rod-like shape, the present disclosure also contemplates prongs of other shapes which may be utilized with container 12. Prongs 160 and 162, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C, protrude inwards at a distance of approximately one-half of the diameter of the aperture 29. Other lengths of prongs 160 and 162 are also contemplated, for instance those that protrude one-quarter of the diameter of the aperture 29. In a preferred embodiment, prongs 160 and 162 protrude no more than three-quarters the diameter of the aperture 29. As described above, the prongs 160 and 162 may be constructed from any rigid, flexible or semi-flexible material, for example the same materials used to produce lid 150. In an additional embodiment, more than one prong may extend from the floor 17 of container 12 and into the aperture 29 (see FIG. 17, described hereinafter). These prongs may contain similar structure and sizing as described above. Additionally, the one or more prongs may be similarly sized or may be differently sized.
In practice, prong 160 or 162 makes contact with a trash bag 20 as it is removed from the dispenser 23 or the aperture 29 by the user. Referring now to FIG. 17, which illustrates two prongs, the prong 160a or 160b applies some resistance to the upward movement of the trash bag 20 out of the dispenser 23 through opening 40 or aperture 29. This resistance is not great enough to rip or tear the trash bag 20, but does act to at least partially unfold the bag as it is drawn out of the dispenser 23 or aperture 29, thus eliminating or reducing the need for the user to shake the bag 20 before use. The prong 160a or 160b aids the user in quickly applying the trash bag 20 to a trash can.
Note that when the prong 160 or 162 is located on the dispenser 23, as shown by FIGS. 11A-11C, it is unnecessary for the container 12 to be used in conjunction with the dispenser 23 for the prong 160 or 162 to facilitate unfolding of trash bags. Indeed, one or more trash bags may be dispensed from the dispenser 23 with the prong 160 contacting the bags being removed to help unfold them. Such bags may be positioned in a conventional trash can as may be desired.
In an additional embodiment, the trash bag dispensing system 10 of the present disclosure may utilize trash bags 20 with a gusset bottom. As illustrated in FIG. 15, a gusseted trash bag 200 contains a flat bottom 202 manufactured by folding or tucking the sides of the bag 200 together. The flat bottom 202 produced by the folding process permits the bag 200 to conform to the flat bottom of the container 12, further preventing leaks and contamination. This construction also allows for greater expansion and loading of the trash bag 20. This construction permits the filled trash bag 200 to maintain an upright position after removal from the container 12. In this embodiment, the user may remove a full bag 200 from the container 12 and set it aside without the threat of the bag tipping over and spilling its contents. In an additional embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, a substance 210 for reducing static electricity is inserted or otherwise positioned within each trash bag 200 before the trash bags 200 are inserted into the dispenser 23. As an example, the inside surface of the trash bag 200 may be coated with a substance 210, for instance a powder-like substance, for reducing static electricity in the trash bag 200. By reducing static electricity, the substance 210 allows for easier unfolding. In one embodiment, the substance 210 has antimicrobial properties or a fragrance to prevent unpleasant odors. In an additional embodiment, the interior surface of trash bag 200 is coated with baking soda or a baking soda-containing material. Other materials may be used to coat the interior surface of trash bags 20 in other embodiments. Although not illustrated in the figures, an anti-static substance 210 may be used with other, non-gusseted trash bags. Here, an anti-static substance, for example baking soda, may be applied to the inside surfaces of trash bag 20 (i.e., a non-gusseted trash bag) before the bag 20 is folded and inserted into a trash bag container 23. The trash bag 20 comes into contact with at least one prong located on the upper surface of the container 23 or at least one prong extending from the floor 17 of container 12. The anti-static substance prevents the interior walls of the bag 20 from sticking together. As a result, the bag more easily unfolds after coming into contact with the prongs. The user may then install the bag onto the appropriate trash can or trash bag dispensing system 12 without the need to shake the bag.
FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the trash bag dispensing system 10 of FIG. 6. The false floor 50 is positioned within the container 12 around the elevated portion 31, and the dispensing piece 52 is positioned over the aperture 29. The false floor 50 is in generally the same plane as the elevated portion 31 such that the false floor 50 and the elevated portion 31 form a substantially flat surface within the container 12. Thus, when a trash bag 20 is installed in the container 12, a bottom surface of the trash bag 20 rests on the flat surface until removal of the trash bag 20 is desired.
Note that no trash bag 20 is installed within the container 12 of FIG. 7, but a new trash bag 20 is extending from the dispenser 23 (FIG. 1A), through the aperture 29, and through the dispensing piece 52 into the container 12. When the trash bag 20 is pulled upward into the container 12, the slit 56 of the dispensing piece 52 hugs opposing sides of the bag 20 in order to ensure that only one bag 20 is dispensed at a time. As set forth above, the weight of the false floor 50 opposes the upward force applied to the system 10 when the bag 20 is dispensed in order to prevent the system 10 from lifting off of the surface on which it rests. However, in one embodiment, as set forth above, the container 12 may have one or more nooks (not shown) for receiving a user's foot thereby opposing the upward force of the bag 20.
FIG. 8 depicts a side cutaway view of the trash bag dispensing system 10 of FIG. 6. Note that, in FIG. 8, the false floor 50 is installed in the container 12 and the dispensing piece 52 is positioned over the aperture 29. Also note that the dispenser 23 is positioned within the drawer 25, the drawer 25 is in the closed position, and the bag 20 is extending from the dispenser 23 to the aperture 29 just below the dispensing piece 52. Thus, when the dispenser 23 is placed in the drawer 25 and the drawer 25 is in the closed position, the bags 20 extending from the dispenser 23 are vertically aligned with the aperture 29. Accordingly, when a new trash bag 20 is desired, the user may reach through the dispensing piece 52 and pull the new trash bag 20 through the aperture 29 and the dispensing piece 52 into the container 12 for installation in the container 12. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 includes an elevated portion 31 which does not extend the entire distance between walls 15 and a trough 37. In other embodiments (not shown) the elevated portion extends the entire distance between walls 15 (i.e., FIG. 3B).
FIG. 13 provides an exemplary embodiment of a trash bag dispensing system 10 including a prong 160 projecting from the floor 17 into the aperture 29. As will be discussed in greater detail below, this prong 160 provides greater resistance to the upward movement of bags 20 as they are removed from dispenser 23 through aperture 29, further unfolding the trash bags 20. Such a hook may be present in any embodiment, including when the prong extends from an upper surface of the dispenser 23, as described above with reference to FIGS. 11A-11C, and when the prong extends from the container 12, as described above with reference to FIGS. 12A-12C.
Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 8, the false floor 50 is level with the elevated surface 31 and covers the entire trough 37. The legs 54 extend generally perpendicularly from a bottom surface of the false floor 50 and each leg 54 is positioned within the corresponding support 40 in order to secure the false floor 50 in place. Furthermore, the dispensing piece 52 assists in diverting spilled liquid from the aperture 29 into the trough 37 beneath the false floor 50. In one embodiment, placement of the false floor 50 around the elevated portion 31 creates a water-tight seal around the trough 37 which prevents liquid from entering the trough 37. In any event, any liquid or other trash which may enter the container 12 when no bag is installed or otherwise does not contaminate the bags 20 within the dispenser 23 but is maintained within the container 12.
In one exemplary embodiment, assume that the container 12 is generally oval in shape and comprises plastic. Also assume that the elevated portion 31 of the floor 17 extends from a first wall 15a of the container 12 to a second and opposite wall 15b of container 12. Further assume that the drawer 25 has a curved outer panel which aligns with the curved surface of the walls 15a and 15b while the drawer rests upon floor 28 of channel 27 (FIG. 3B), and the dispenser 23 comprises a box in which the trash bags 20 are packaged. Also assume that the aperture 29 is circular and has the lip 30 extending around the circumference of the aperture 29. Assume also that aperture 29 includes one or more prongs 160 or 162 extending from its edges towards its center. Finally assume that the false floor 50 is generally u-shaped and is sufficiently weighted to prevent the trash bag dispensing system 10 from lifting off of the surface when a trash bag 20 is removed from the container 12 or the dispenser 23.
The trash bag dispenser 23 having new trash bags 20 is positioned within the drawer 25 when the drawer 25 is in an open position, as shown by block 100 of FIG. 9. A new trash bag 20 extends partially from the dispenser 23 in a vertical direction. The drawer 25 is transitioned by hand to a closed position such that the new trash bag 20 extending from the dispenser 23 is vertically aligned with the aperture 29 of the elevated portion 31 of the floor 17, as shown by block 102. When installation of the new trash bag 20 in the container 12 is desired, the user opens the lid 150 covering the aperture, reaches through the dispensing piece 52 and through the aperture 29 in order to grab the new trash bag 20 and pull the bag 20 upward through the aperture 29 and the dispensing piece 52 into the container 12, as shown by block 104. The trash bag 20 comes into contact with one or more prongs 160 or 162 extending from the edges of the aperture 29 partially towards the center of the aperture 29. The prongs 160 or 162 cause friction on the bag 20 as it is pulled through the aperture 29, causing the bag to unfold, allowing easy installation of the bag. The dispensing piece 52 ensures that only one bag 20 is pulled into the container 12 at a time. The user then closes the lid 150 covering the aperture. The user may then install the trash bag 20 in the container 12 such that an upper portion of the trash bag 20 drapes over the rim 19 of the container 12 around the entire circumference of the rim 19, as shown by block 106. Trash may then be placed or thrown into the trash bag 20 while the bag 20 is installed in the container 12.
Now assume that the trash bag 20 is completely filled with trash. Once the trash bag 20 is filled with trash, the user removes the upper portion of the bag 20 from over the rim 19 and lifts the bag 20 from the container 12. The weight of the trash bag dispensing system 10 opposes the upward force placed on the inner surface of the container 12 by the trash bag 20 such that the bag 20 is disengaged from within the container 12 without lifting the trash bag dispensing system 10 from the ground during removal, as shown by block 108. The bag 20 is easily removed from the container 12 and disposed of.
Now assume that the trash bag 20 is ripped during removal and spills liquid contents into the container 12. The lip 30 extending around the aperture 29 directs the liquid away from the aperture 29 such that the liquid does not contaminate the new trash bags 20 within the dispenser 23. In addition, the lid 150 covering the aperture also prevents contamination by any liquids. Any liquid which spills directly onto the dispensing piece 52 is directed away from the aperture 29 by the dispensing piece 52 and lid 150.
Once the full trash bag 20 is removed from the container 12, the user may open the lid of the aperture 150 and check to see whether any new trash bags 20 remain in the dispenser 23, as shown by block 110. If at least one new trash bag 20 remains in the dispenser 23, the user may reach into the container 12 and pull a new trash bag 20 up through the aperture 29 and the dispensing piece 52 into the container 12, as shown by block 104. The user may then install the trash bag 20 in the container, as shown by block 106. Such process is repeated until no new trash bags 20 remain in the dispenser 23.
Now assume that all of the new trash bags 20 have been removed from the dispenser 23, as shown by block 110. The user transitions the drawer 25 by hand to the open position and removes the dispenser 23 from the drawer 25, as shown by block 112. The user then places a new dispenser 23 having new trash bags 20 in the drawer 25 when the drawer 25 is in the open position, as shown by block 100. The user then transitions the drawer 25 to the closed position such that the new trash bag 20 extending vertically from the dispenser 23 is vertically aligned with the opening 29, as shown by block 102. The user may then resume the process of removing the new trash bags 20 from the dispenser 23 and installing the bags 20 in the container 12. Accordingly, a trash bag dispensing system 10 which avoids the drawbacks associated with conventional garbage cans is provided.
