Garbage can and support for use with a liner

Abstract

An apparatus and method for releasably supporting a liner, such as a trash bag or laundry bag, within a container, such as a trash can or laundry basket. The apparatus includes a body and a base. The base includes a top opening and a bottom opening, with the area of the top opening being less than the area of the bottom opening. Additionally, the body gradually slopes inward from the bottom opening to the top opening. The body is configured to receive a liner, which removably fits inside the body to protect the body from direct contact with soiled objects.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 024,133 entitled “GARBAGE CAN AND SUPPORT FOR USE WITH DISPOSABLE BAGS” and filed on December 27 for Jack Donald Fisher, which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to storage containers. More particularly, the invention relates to containers that are versatile and facilitate filling and removing a liner. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] When utilizing a garbage can to support a plastic garbage bag having a peripheral end portion folded over the top edge of the can, the bag generally adheres to the sidewall of the can even when it is only partially loaded. It is thus often difficult to withdraw the bag due to the adherence thereof to the can sidewall as well as to the vacuum which is created between the bottom of the bag and that ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] The apparatus, in one embodiment, is configured to releasably support a liner and includes a body and a base. The body is configured to receive the liner, which includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a bottom and may be longer in length than the body. The body includes a top opening and a bottom opening, with the area of the top opening being less than the area of the bottom opening, which advantageously enhances the stability of the apparatus.

[0013] Additionally, in certain embodiments, the body gradually slopes inward from the bottom opening to the top opening. Advantageously, the slope of the body may provide for easy removal of the liner, wherein separation of the apparatus from the liner does not involve significant vacuum forces as in conventional trash cans and liners.

[0014] In one embodiment, the liner removably fits inside the body to protect the body from direct contact with soiled objects. This advantageously allows one to fit considerably more material inside the apparatus by compressing the material with forces which may otherwise damage the liner. This adds a further advantage wherein fewer liners are needed for the same amount of material. The liner is longer in length than the body to allow the liner to wrap around the top opening of the body. The base releasably attaches to the body at the bottom opening, which advantageously makes the apparatus easier to clean, avoiding odors, germs, and pests, an advantage especially important for uses such as in hospitals. The inner surface of the base supports the bottom of the liner.

[0016] The apparatus, in another embodiment, is advantageously configured to protect the liner from puncture. Specifically, the body protects the liner from puncture when the bottom opening is inserted into the liner first. The base attaches to the body, thus trapping the liner between the base and a lower lip of the body. Securing devices hold the liner in a generally fixed zone about the body to prevent the liner from snagging twigs, limbs, etc. Additionally, the handles remain uncovered to allow easy movement of the apparatus.

Problems solved by technology

It is thus often difficult to withdraw the bag due to the adherence thereof to the can sidewall as well as to the vacuum which is created between the bottom of the bag and that of the can when the bag is pulled out of the can.

On the other hand, one can hardly do without a garbage can or the like to support a garbage bag, since the bag itself has no body as such and is therefore not self-supporting, and without external support the bag can be loaded only with great difficulty.

In addition, the presence of sharp objects typically does not permit the garbage to be compressed inside the bag since otherwise the latter would pierce, thus resulting in one not being able to load the bag to its full capacity.

These garbage cans, however, suffer from additional deficiencies.

First, holes formed into the garbage can decrease the garbage can strength and liquids and smells may begin to seep there from.

Secondly, collapsible garbage cans generally lack the structural integrity to adequately hold trash bags at full capacity as the collapsible garbage cans may unintentionally unwrap.

The bag support devices have been described as taller than the garbage bags, and use awkward, elongated handles.

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