Method and apparatus for vacuum release of a trash bag in a waste container

Abstract

A method and apparatus prevents vacuum restraint during removal of a plastic trash bag liner from a trash container. The side wall of the trash container includes a vent port near the bottom of the container, and a flapper valve attached above the vent port on the inside of the container covers the port with a covering element while the trash bag rests. When the trash bag is filled and thereafter lifted out of the trash container, the covering element lifts to open the vent port and cause an inflow of air under the trash bag to prevent a vacuum forming.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving trash receptacles by preventing vacuum restraint of a trash bag during removal. In particular, the invention prevents vacuum restraint by introducing air to the trash receptacle through a valve during removal of the bag.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Trash containers for collecting trash and waste often are typically lined with plastic trash bags. Once the container is full, the plastic trash bag lining the container is removed to clean and empty the container. However, the weight and volume of the trash bag often fills the entire volume of the container, especially the lower portion of the container. During the filling of the trash bag, air is pressed out of the container from below the bag and the bag begins to press against the walls of the container. When removing the trash bag, the bag remains pressed against the container sometimes forming an air lock seal that creates a vacuum ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Another object is to cheaply incorporate a vacuum relief system into existing trash containers, while also providing a system that incorporates into new trash containers without greatly increasing the cost of manufacture. Thus, another object is to use preexisting stock components for construction.

[0013]Still another object is to provide a vacuum relief method and apparatus that does not effect the volume or effectiveness of the container by negatively impacting the nesting of the plastic liner in the trash container, reducing the capacity of the container, or causing trash bags to snag and tear within the container.

Problems solved by technology

However, the weight and volume of the trash bag often fills the entire volume of the container, especially the lower portion of the container.

Such vacuum causes a restraint that makes removal of a bag more difficult, particularly for weak and infirm individuals.

This conduit likely increases the cost of construction of the container or requires aftermarket modification with lose parts that remain separable from the container.

Such an open air vent to the top of a trash container also has the potential for release odors from the bottom of the container.

These baffles modify the interior shape of the container or add to the complexity and cost of manufacture of the container itself.

These holes remain open during use of the container and provide potential for leakage of liquid waste from the container and release of odors.

In some cases the holes may be covered by the liner and create a seal that does not rapidly relieve a vacuum restraint when removing the bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,717 to LeVasseur provides a large enough vent with a grill structure, but does not provide a valve or closure for the vent.

Further, the vent may be blocked by the bag, causing a temporary vacuum restraint.

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