Waste-disposal device

Abstract

A waste-disposal device is disclosed with a receptacle defining an inner cavity sized to receive a bag and an empty volume about the bag for air circulation. The receptacle has an upper portion with a central opening for accessing the inner cavity from above, at least one hooking feature for the bag to be hung opened and located about the central opening inwardly from the periphery of the receptacle, and at least one air passage in fluid flow communication with the empty volume. A base portion has a tray for collecting liquid, a bag support below the tray, at least one air passage forming part of a flow path extending from a surrounding environment of the device at the base portion, and defined peripherally with respect to the tray and in fluid flow communication with the at least one air passage of the upper portion via the empty volume.

Description

WASTE-DISPOSAL DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATES APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the priority of United Stated Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 595070, filed on November 1 , 2023, and United Stated Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 562779, filed on March 8, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

[0002] The present application relates to waste-disposal devices for use with a bag and / or a film dispensing cassette and, more particularly but not exclusively, wastedisposal device for the disposal of odorous waste, such as kitchen waste, compostable waste.BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0003] Households may often use bins or other types of closable containers for collecting odorous waste, such as kitchen waste including compostable waste or other organic wastes indoor before disposal. Such waste may be accumulated in these containers for at least a few days at room temperature before being collected by household waste disposal services or otherwise disposed of. Conventional disposable bags such as such as biodegradable bags, or paper bags may be used to facilitate disposal of the waste. These bags are often permeable to gas / moisture. The closable containers may become soiled over time because of moisture build up, hence requiring regular cleaning because of the liquids seeping from the disposable bags. Overtime, there may also result odors due to degradation of the waste, moisture build-up and the lack of air circulation associated with these containers. It is desired to create some wastedisposal devices of more convenient use.SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION

[0004] It is therefore an aim of the present disclosure to provide a novel wastedisposal device.

[0005] In a first aspect, there is provided a waste-disposal device for collecting waste, comprising: a receptacle defining an inner cavity sized to receive a waste bag and defining an empty volume about the waste bag to allow air circulation, the receptacle having a upper portion, a base portion, and a peripheral wall extending between the upper portion and the base portion, the peripheral wall defining a periphery of the receptacle; the upper portion having: a central opening for accessing the inner cavity from above, at least one hooking feature for the waste bag to be hung opened, the at least one hooking feature located about the central opening inwardly from the periphery of the receptacle, at least one air passage in fluid flow communication with the empty volume; and the base portion having: a tray for collecting liquid seeping from the waste bag, a bag support below the tray, at least one air passage forming part of a flow path extending from a surrounding environment of the waste-disposal device at the base portion, the at least one air passage defined peripherally with respect to the tray and in fluid flow communication with the at least one air passage of the upper portion via the empty volume.

[0006] Further in accordance with the above aspect, for example, the bag support includes a waste bag dispenser, the waste bag dispenser configured to receive a plurality of waste bags in an accumulated condition.

[0007] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the waste bag dispenser includes a recess in the base portion.

[0008] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the base portion has a wall defining the recess, an undersurface of the tray facing towards the recess.

[0009] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the recess and the undersurface of the tray define an enclosure to receive the plurality of waste bags in an accumulated condition.

[0010] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the base portion includes alignment features extending upwardly from the wall for engagement with the tray.

[0011] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the wall includes at least one air passage in fluid flow communication with the inner cavity of the receptacle.

[0012] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, a bottom end of the tray is shaped so as to complement a cylindrical geometry of a bag roll.

[0013] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, a bottom end of the tray defines a pair of concavities extending along a width of the tray on opposite sides thereof, each concavity configured to delimit at least partially a top portion of the enclosure when extending along the recess.

[0014] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the base portion has an inner cavity opened toward a ground surface, the inner cavity of the base portion in fluid flow communication with the inner cavity of the receptacle.

[0015] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the bag support is located between an inner cavity of the base portion and a bottom end of the tray.

[0016] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the central opening has a smaller open cross-sectional area than that a transverse open cross- sectional area of the inner cavity.

[0017] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the tray has a depth and a minimum lateral dimension in a direction normal to the depth, the minimum lateral dimension smallerthan a maximum cross-section dimension ofthe central opening.

[0018] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the tray has a total surface area in a plane parallel with respect to the transverse open cross-sectional area of the inner cavity that is greater than the open cross-sectional area of the central opening.

[0019] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the upper portion includes a funnel configured to cover the at least one hooking feature, the funnel having a central opening aligned with the central opening of the upper portion, the funnel configured to engage with a lid of the waste-disposal device.

[0020] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the central opening of the upper portion is defined through a body, a gap is defined along a periphery ofthe funnel and the body, the gap defining an air inlet or outlet in fluid flow communication between empty volume of the receptacle and a surrounding environment of the wastedisposal device.

[0021] In accordance with a second aspect, there is provided a waste-disposal device for collecting waste, comprising: a receptacle defining an inner cavity sized to receive a waste bag and defining an empty volume about the waste bag to allow air circulation, the receptacle having a upper portion, a base portion, and a peripheral wallextending between the upper portion and the base portion, the peripheral wall defining a periphery of the receptacle; the upper portion having: a central opening for accessing the inner cavity from above, at least one hooking feature for the waste bag to be hung opened, the at least one hooking feature located about the central opening inwardly from the periphery of the receptacle, at least one air passage in fluid flow communication with the empty volume; and the base portion having: a tray for collecting liquid seeping from the waste bag, a bag support above the tray, at least one air passage forming part of a flow path extending from a surrounding environment of the waste-disposal device at the base portion, the at least one air passage defined peripherally with respect to the tray and in fluid flow communication with the at least one air passage of the upper portion via the empty volume.

[0022] In accordance with a third aspect, there is provided a method for using a waste-disposal device for collecting waste, the waste-disposal device including a receptacle, the method comprising: removing a tray from a base portion of the receptacle, the tray configured for collecting liquid and having a depth and a minimum lateral dimension normal to the depth, wherein removing the tray includes tilting the tray to orient the minimum lateral dimension of the tray so as to generally align the minimum lateral dimension with a maximum cross-section dimension of a central opening of the receptacle, the central opening located in an upper portion of the receptacle; inserting a plurality of bags in an accumulated condition into the receptacle via the central opening; placing the plurality of bags in the accumulated condition into a recess defined in the base portion, with a free end of a bag of the plurality of bags extending away from the recess; inserting the tray back into the receptacle via the central opening; orienting the tray to have a concavity defined at an underside thereof facing towards the recess containing the plurality of bags in the accumulated condition to define a bag enclosure with the recess; pulling the free end of the bag of the plurality of bags upwardly to pass through the central opening in the upper portion; and hanging open the free end of the bag of the plurality of bags at the upper portion.

[0023] Further in accordance with the above aspect, for example, orienting the tray includes orienting the tray in one of two interchangeable installation orientations, the concavity being one of two concavities defined at the underside of the tray.

[0024] In accordance with a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for using a bag in a waste-disposal device for collecting waste, the method comprising: obtaining atleast one bag having a bottom cross-sectional dimension at a bottom end that is greater than an opening cross-sectional dimension of a central opening at a top end of the wasterdisposal device; inserting a liner within a receptacle of the waste-disposal device, the liner having a minimum liner cross-sectional dimension that is less than the opening cross- sectional dimension, to adapt the at least one bag to the waste-disposal device; hooking a top end of the bag to at least one hook above the central opening such that the bag has the top end open; and extending the bottom end of the bag into the liner, such that a side surface of bag contacts the liner.

[0025] Further in accordance with the fourth aspect, for example, the method further includes: unhooking the top end of the bag from the at least one hook; and pulling the bag upwardly out of the receptacle via the central opening, such that a bottom end of the bag in a filled condition slides along the liner.

[0026] Further in accordance with the above aspects, for example, the method includes opening a lid of the waste-disposal device prior to inserting the liner.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a waste-disposal device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, with a lid thereof opened.

[0028] Fig. 2 is another front perspective view of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 1 , with the lid thereof closed.

[0029] Fig. 3A is a schematic partial representation of a vertical cross-section of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 1 , showing a section of a bag hung thereto.

[0030] Fig. 3B is a partially exploded view of an upper portion of the wastedisposal device of Fig. 1 .

[0031] Fig. 3C is a front perspective view of the upper portion of the wastedisposal device of Fig. 3B.

[0032] Fig. 4 is a side elevation close up view of a base portion of the wastedisposal device of Fig. 1 .

[0033] Fig. 5 is a partially cut out perspective view of the base portion of the wastedisposal device of Fig. 1 , showing some components thereof.

[0034] Fig. 6 is another partially cut out perspective view of the base portion of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 1 .

[0035] Fig. 7 is an exploded view of a bag support of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 1.

[0036] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the bag support of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 1 , according to an embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the base portion of the waste-disposal device of Figs. 1 to 8, according to another embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of parts of the base portion of Fig. 9.

[0039] Fig. 11 is a partially cut out perspective view of the base portion ofFigs. 9-10.

[0040] Fig. 12 is another partially cut out perspective view of the base portion of Figs. 9-11.

[0041] Fig. 13 is a partially cut out elevation view ofthe base portion of Figs. 9-12.

[0042] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the base portion of the waste-disposal device of Figs. 1 to 8, with tray and bag roll, according to another embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the base portion of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 14.

[0044] Fig. 16 is an exploded view ofthe tray used with the base portion of Fig. 14.

[0045] Fig. 17 is a sectional view of the base portion of Fig. 14, with tray and bag roll.

[0046] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a lid as used in any of the waste-disposal devices of the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig. 19 is a front perspective view of a waste-disposal device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, with a lid thereof opened.

[0048] Fig. 20 is a rear perspective view of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 19, with the lid thereof closed.

[0049] Fig. 21 is another front perspective view of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 19, with a lid thereof opened.

[0050] Fig. 22 is a partially cut out perspective view of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 19, showing some components thereof.

[0051] Fig. 23 is a side elevation sectional view of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 19.

[0052] Fig. 24 is a front perspective view of a liner of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 19 according to an embodiment.

[0053] Fig. 25 is a partially cut out perspective view of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 19, showing the liner of Fig. 24 installed.

[0054] Fig. 26 is a side elevation sectional view of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 19, With the liner of Fig. 24 installed and the lid closed.

[0055] Fig. 27 is a side elevation sectional view of the waste-disposal device of Fig. 19 according to a variant.DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0056] Referring to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1-2, a wastedisposal device (hereinafter "device") is generally shown at 10. The device 10 may be known as a garbage, a pail, a garbage pail, a trash, etc. The device 10 may be used with any suitable type of waste, including litter waste, kitchen waste, such as compostable waste (a.k.a., compost), or other types of waste, etc.

[0057] In an embodiment, the device 10 is of the type using a bag roll, such as bag roll 100 (Fig. 8), having a plurality of tubular bag connected serially one to another, in a folded condition (e.g., two-fold condition), or bags in an accumulated condition other than as a roll, such as in a cassette. Any bag or any other suitable type of bag dispenser may be used as well with the device 10, such as individual bags as described in United States Patent No. 11 ,987,423, and such as cassettes for example as also described in United States Patent No. 11 ,987,423, and in United States Patent No. 8,959,880, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, in at least some embodiments, the bag(s) may be made of a film or films of biodegradable and / or compostable material, such as starch-based or plant-based materials. For example, depending on the contemplated use and / or waste to be disposed of (e.g., kitchen waste, leftovers, ripened food), the film material may include bio-composites, including combinations of at least some of: cellulose fibers, lignocellulosic fibers, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, polylactic acid (PLA), poly hydroxyalkanotes (PHA), and poly(£-caprolactone) (PCL), as some possibilities. Other film material may be contemplated, such as non biodegradable and / or non compostable material. For example, in some embodiments the film material may include plastics such as polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE or HDPE), bioplastics, polylactic acid, to name a few of numerous possible materials. It may also be contemplated to add functional layers, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), for the film to form an odorbarrier, a nylon layer to reinforce the bag, or a natural fibers layer forming a moisture / fluid barrier.

[0058] Bags, such as biodegradable bags, used to receive waste may be at least partially permeable to gas and / or moisture. When the bag is loaded with moist waste, the outer surface of the bag may become wet if kept in an enclosed area. Some undesirable odors may occur in such damp and closed-off configuration. As such, air circulation about the bag may be desirable. The waste-disposal device 10 defines a partially enclosed area receiving a bag, and, when used with a bag properly sized to fit therein, the device 10 may define an air plenum about the bag so as to allow air circulation about the bag in a partially enclosed area.

[0059] The waste-disposal device 10 has a receptacle having a peripheral wall 11 defining a periphery thereof. The waste-disposal device 10 includes an upper portion 20 including a lid (open position in Fig. 1 and closed position in Fig. 2). The upper portion 20 may support a bag extending into the receptacle, the bag hanging from the upper portion 20. The base portion 30 may be at a bottom of the peripheral wall 1 1. While one continuous peripheral wall 11 is shown, other arrangements are possible such as walls 11 separated by hard edges, posts for supporting a fabric making up the walls, etc. The peripheral wall 1 1 could be considered as a part of the upper portion 20 or base portion 30, or a separate part that extends therebetween. Moreover, while it is said above that the bag is supported by the upper portion 20, this may include a connection of the bag to the top of the peripheral wall 1 1 or upper portion of the receptacle.

[0060] Referring to Fig. 3A, the receptacle defines an inner cavity 12 sized to receive a bag and to define an empty volume 13 (i.e., a clearance, a plenum, a ventilation plenum) about the bag to allow air circulation about the bag. Stated differently, there may be an annular clearance surrounding the filled bag when supported in the manner shown in Fig. 3A. The inner cavity 12 of the receptacle may have a larger volume than a maximum loading volume of the bag so as to maintain the empty volume 13 about the bag even when the bag is loaded at maximal capacity inside the inner cavity 12. The receptacle may thus define the ventilation plenum, by its empty volume 13 (dotted area, Fig. 3A), about the bag that is hung opened and that extend in the inner cavity 12. While the description will refer to a bag roll supplying bags from a bottom of the device 10, it can be observed that the upper portion 20 may lend itself well to the use of a cassette or annular film, such as described in United States Patent No. 8,959,880.

[0061] With additional reference to Fig. 3A and also referring to Fig. 3B, the upper portion 20 has a main body 20A that defines a central opening 21. The central opening 21 extends through the main body 20A. The central opening 21 may receive waste therethrough and / or a length of tubular film or bag, such as a length of bag hung open at the upper portion 20, or a length of tubular film accumulated in a bag dispenser and extending therefrom (if the bag dispenser is present) at the bottom of the device 10. The central opening 21 provides access to the inner cavity 12 from above. In the embodiment shown, the central opening 21 has a generally obround shape or super ellipse shape. Other shapes can be contemplated in other embodiments, such as square, oval, round, ellipse, octagonal, squircle, orotherannular shape. The central opening 21 is smallerthan a transverse cross-sectional area of the inner cavity 12 of the receptacle. The empty volume 13 may be defined, at least in part, as a volume surrounding a virtual solid column having a cross-sectional area corresponding to a periphery of the central opening 21 , although a filled bag may have more of a sausage shape.

[0062] The main body 20A may include one or more hooking features 22 adapted to support a bag hung open from a top open end thereof. In the embodiment shown, the hooking features 22 include a plurality of hooks, here four hooks, but there could be more or less, spaced apart one from each other. The hooks may be defined by lips projecting upwardly from a periphery of the central opening 21. In an embodiment, as shown, the lips extend upwardly from the periphery of the central opening 21 , and bent outwardly therefrom so as to have their respective extremities projecting away from the central opening 21. The lips extending upwardly and outwardly from the central opening 21 may define a concavity that faces outwardly (away from the central opening 21). The hooks could be configured differently in other embodiments. For example, the hooks could only project outwardly, or projects angularly outwardly from the central opening 21 . As shown, the hooking features 22 are located about the central opening 21 , inwardly from the periphery of the receptacle. As alternative to the hooks, rails, pins, a collar, etc. could be used, so long as the bag may be hung open and extend through the central opening 21 and into the receptacle. For simplicity, reference is made to hooking feature(s) 22, but this may include any of the alternatives mentioned above.

[0063] The hooking features 22 may not extend outwardly beyond the periphery of the receptacle, for a lid to enclose the features 22. The main body 20A may include a shoulder surface 23 curving into a ledge 23A, the shoulder surface 23 extending from theperipheral wall 1 1 of the receptacle. The shoulder surface 23 extends inwardly from the peripheral wall 1 1 , towards the central opening 22. The ledge 23A may bound a periphery of the central opening 21. Thus, the central opening 21 is surrounded by the ledge 23A. The central opening 21 may be at least partially delimited by the ledge 23A. As shown, the hooking features 22 may define extensions of the ledge 23A, i.e., the hooking features 22 may extend upwardly from the ledge 23A. The hooking features 22 may thus also delimit at least partially the central opening 21. The hooking features 22 may be integral with the ledge 23A, but this is optional. In other embodiments, there could be only one hooking feature 22. For example, the hooking feature 22 may be a single lip surrounding, at least partially, in some cases a majority of, the central opening 21 . An edge of the ledge 23A may define a continuous lip projecting upwardly, and outwardly to define the concavity as described above, about the central opening 21. A bag could be hung opened by the lip, by stretching the top open end of the bag and folding it onto the lip, thereby holding the top open end of the bag taut (due to plastic and / or elastic deformation of the bag). As another example, the hooking features 22 could include only two hooks on opposite sides of the central opening 21.

[0064] In at least some embodiments, at least one air passage 24 may be defined in the main body 20A. In an embodiment, such air passage 24 is defined in the shoulder surface 23 of the upper portion 20. As shown, the air passage 24, here defined as a plurality of holes through the shoulder surface 23, are located outwardly from the central opening 21. The air passages 24 are located outwardly of the hooking features 22. As shown, the air passage 24 is located between the periphery of the receptacle and the hooking features 22, when viewed in a horizontal plane. Other configurations are possible.

[0065] When the bag is present in the device 10, the air passages 24 in the main body 20A are located outwardly of the bag, and thus are not obstructed by the bag. The air passages 24 are in fluid flow communication with the empty volume 13 of the receptacle. Air may flow, by natural convection, or forced convection, through the air passages 24 in and / or out of the empty volume 13. The air passages 24 may contribute to air circulation about the bag in the inner cavity 12.

[0066] The upper portion 20 may optionally include a funnel 25, which may be referred to as a rim, spacer, window, as possible names. In at least some embodiments, the funnel 25 is configured to cover the hooking feature(s) 22 of the main body 20A. The funnel 25 may have a peripheral wall that is coplanar with the peripheral wall 11 of thereceptacle. Referring to Fig. 3C, a gap 25A is defined along a periphery of the funnel 25 and the shoulder surface 23. Such gap 25A is in fluid communication with the interior volume 13, and may thus allow air circulation in and / or out of the empty volume 13 through the air passages 24 when the lid 28 (described below) is closed. Stated otherwise, the gap 25A may define an air inlet or outlet for fluid flow communication between the empty volume 13 of the receptacle and the exterior of the device 10, even when the lid 28 is closed. The gap 25A may be continuous over the entire periphery of the funnel 25, but this is optional. Air circulation between the surrounding environment of the device 10 and the empty volume 13 via the air passage 24 may thus be possible even with the presence of the funnel 25. In some embodiments, the air passage(s) 24 may extend through the funnel 25 as well to facilitate air circulation. As shown, the funnel 25 may have a recess 25B in its periphery to define a clearance for receiving part of the actuation mechanism 40 (described below) and hinging features of the lid 28. The funnel 25 may have a central opening 26 aligned with the central opening 21 . The central openings 21 , 26 may have a same shape, but this is optional. The funnel 25 may be removable from the main body 20A or be pivotally connected to a remainder of the upper portion 20, in some variants. The funnel 25 may be deposited onto the main body 20A and held there by gravity. The funnel 25 may be adapted to further retain the top open end of the bag on the hooking features 22. In some cases, the funnel 25 may press the bag against the hooking features 22 (e.g., by gravity). The funnel 25 may include complementary features for receiving the hooking features 22 when the funnel 25 is deposited onto them, for alignment of the funnel 25 therewith, in some cases.

[0067] The upper portion 20 has a hinge member 27 adapted to hingedly connect to a lid 28. The lid 28 is atop the upper portion 30, to close a top end thereof. The lid 28 is displaceable between an opened and closed position to respectively uncover and cover the central opening 21 of the upper portion 20 and funnel 25 (if present). In at least some embodiments, the lid 28 is configured to engage with a top of the funnel 25. The funnel 25 and the lid 28 may have a mating engagement, with complementary features along their respective peripheries, for example. The engagement between the funnel 25 and the lid 28, along their respective periphery may not allow air circulation through the central opening 26 with the exterior of the receptacle when the lid 28 is closed. This may be desirable in most cases to limit emanation of odors from the waste (e.g., compost) deposited in the opened bag held by the hooking features 22. In an embodiment, the lid28 may have a peripheral rim portion having an undersurface of the lid 28 that is shaped complementarily to part of the top of the funnel 25. Such peripheral rim portion is configured to contact a corresponding surface of the top of the funnel 25. Once the lid 28 is closed, there may be no gap extending between the undersurface of the lid 28 at the peripheral rim portion and the corresponding surface of the top of the funnel 25.

[0068] The lid 28 includes a hinge member 29, which connects with the hinge member 27 of the upper portion 20. The hinge members 27, 29 may include male-female couplings, interlocking features, pin-hole arrangement, or any other complementary coupling configuration, for example. The hinge member 27, 29 may allow the lid 28 to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the main body 20A or peripheral wall 11 . Interconnection between the hinge members 27, 29 can be seen in Fig. 3B. In the embodiment shown, the air passage 24 are located in the main body 20A so as to be covered by the lid 28 when the lid 28 is closed. Air circulation between the surrounding environment of the device 10 and the empty volume 13 via the air passage(s) 24 may still be possible even with the closed lid 28 as described above. As observed in Fig. 18, the lid 28 may have a support 28A, such as in the shape of a cage. The support 28A may receive an odorabsorbing pad, that will capture odors emanating from the device 10. The support 28A may have slots to increase exposer of the odor-absorbing pad.

[0069] Referring to Figs. 4-5, the base portion 30 has a ground-engaging portion 31 . The ground-engaging portion 31 may contact the ground when the device 10 stands on the ground. A peripheral wall 31 A of the base portion 30 may define an interface with the ground. In the embodiment shown, edge(s) 31 B of the peripheral wall 31 A may directly contact the ground, though pads or like feet may be present. A recessed area 31 C is defined between the ground and the peripheral wall 31 A along the edge(s) 31 B. As shown, the edge 31 B is elevated from the ground between interfaces of the base portion 30 with the ground to define a ventilation path. Ventilation holes or like vents may be provided in the peripheral wall 31A. There may be more than one recessed area 31 C, e.g., a recessed area 31 C between each, or at least some, of the interfaces between the interfaces of the base portion 30 with the ground.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 5, the base portion 30 defines an inner cavity 32 opened toward the ground. The inner cavity 32 is in fluid flow communication with the surrounding environment of the device 10 via the recessed area 31 C. The inner cavity 32 may receive components of the actuation mechanism (described later) of the device 10. A tray 33 ispositioned above the inner cavity 32. The tray 33 of the base portion 30 may collect liquid seeping from the bag, if moisture builds up on the outer surface of the bag (depending on the type of waste and humidity level thereof). Liquids collected by the tray 33 may be removed by separating the peripheral wall 11 of the receptacle from the base portion 30, for example, in embodiments where the base portion 30 is separable from the peripheral wall 11 of the receptacle. The tray 33 has a peripheral wall 33A and a skirt 33B projecting outwardly from the peripheral wall 33A, with the skirt 33B being seated on the groundengaging portion 31 (a lip or flange could also be used as alternatives). The peripheral wall 33A projects upwardly from a bottom surface of the tray 33C. The tray 33 includes at least one air passage 34 providing fluid flow communication between the inner cavity 32 of the base portion 30 and the empty volume 13 of the receptacle. The air passage(s) 34 is defined peripherally with respect to the tray 33. As shown, the at least one air passage 34 is defined in the skirt 33B of the tray 33. As shown, the air passage(s) 34 is defined by one or more holes defined through the skirt 33B of the tray 33. A fluid path may be defined from the recessed area 31 C at the bottom of the base portion 30, through the inner cavity 32 of the base portion 30, the at least one air passage 34, and up to the at least one air passage 24 of the upper portion 20 via the empty volume 13 of the receptacle. Natural convection, or forced convection, may cause a flow of air inside the receptacle following such flow path, as air close from the ground may be warmed and naturally move up into the receptacle following said flow path.

[0071] Referring to Fig. 6, the base portion 30 includes a bag support 35 receivable in the inner cavity 12 of the receptacle, and seated onto the tray 33. The bag support 35 may contact a bottom closed end of a loaded bag hung from the top at the upper portion 20. As such, weight of the loaded bag may be distributed between the hooking features 22 and the bag support 35, such that the bag may be supported both from the top where it is hung, and from the bottom to prevent and / or limit stretching or tearing of the bag when loaded.

[0072] The bag support 35 may be perforated so as to allow air circulation therethrough, and underneath the bag, even in situations where the bottom closed end of the bag contacts the bag support 35.

[0073] In the embodiment shown, the bag support 35 is suspended peripherally above the tray 33. As shown, the bag support 35 may have a peripheral lip 36, which may be supported by the skirt 33B. As such, a tray cavity 37 l.e., a plenum) may be definedbetween an undersurface of the bag support 35 and the bottom surface 33C of the tray 33. The tray cavity 37 may be in fluid communication with the empty volume 13 of the receptacle through the perforations of the bag support 35. The tray cavity 37 may form part of the air circulation path of the receptacle. The bag support 35 may thus be considered a partition wall separating the empty volume 13 of the receptacle. The bag support 35 may be defined by a perforated panel, or a grate. In the embodiment shown, the bag support 35 is removable from the remainder of the base portion 30. The bag support 35 could be integral with the tray 33, as another possibility.

[0074] In at least some embodiments of the device 10, bag(s) may be dispensed from the base portion 30 of the device 10 and extend upwardly from the base portion 30 to the upper portion 20 where the bag may be hung opened. In at least some embodiments, the bag support 35 may defined a bag dispenser. The waste bag dispenser may be configured to receive a plurality of waste bags in an accumulated condition in the base portion 30. In the embodiment shown, the bag support 35 defines a recess 38 adapted to receive the plurality of bags in an accumulated condition, such as in a roll. The recess 38 may be centrally located with respect to the bag support 35, as shown, but this is optional. The recess 38 may have a shape complementary to that of the plurality of bags in the accumulated condition. In Fig. 7, the plurality of bags are accumulated in a roll (i.e., bag roll 100). The recess 38 may have a generally cylindrical shape, as the bag roll 100. The bag roll 100 may partially or entirely be recessed in the recess 38, depending on the size thereof. Other shape of the recess 38 may be contemplated such as rectangular prismatic shape. The device 10 may be used with a bag roll 100, or bags in an accumulated condition that are placed in the base portion 30 of the device 10. In order to maintain the bag roll 100 in place during unrolling and protect the bag roll 100 from liquid seeping through a filled bag, the bag dispenser may include a retaining cover 39 attached (e.g., clipped, or otherwise removably coupled) to the remainder of the bag support 35. In the embodiment shown, the retaining cover 39 is shaped so as to complement the cylindrical geometry of the bag roll and shield from the liquid of a filled bag. This is only given as an example, since the retaining cover 39, if present, may have other suitable shapes to maintain the bag roll in the recess 38 during unrolling. There could also be more than one bracket, or cover 39 could be made of a plurality of segments, such as segments only at extremities of the bag roll. As shown in Fig. 8, the retaining cover 39 defines a slot 39A at an interface with the bag support 35. The bags from the bag roll 100 may extendthrough the slot. As the bag is pulled out therefrom, the bag roll 100 may unroll while being maintained in the recess 38 via the retaining bracket 39.

[0075] Referring to Figs. 9 to 13, another embodiment of the base portion 30 and related components is now described. As shown, the base portion 30’ has a groundengaging portion 31 ’. The ground-engaging portion 3T may contact the ground when the device 10 stands on the ground. A peripheral wall 31 A’ of the base portion 30’ may define an interface with the ground. In the embodiment shown, edge(s) 31 B’ of the peripheral wall 31A’ may directly contact the ground, though pads or like feet may be present. A recessed area 31 C’ is defined between the ground and the peripheral wall 31 A’ along the edge(s) 31 B’. As shown, the edge 31 B’ is elevated from the ground between interfaces of the base portion 30’ with the ground to define a ventilation path. Ventilation holes or like vents may be provided in the peripheral wall 31 A’. There may be more than one recessed area 31 C’, e.g., a recessed area 31 C’ between each, or at least some, of the interfaces between the interfaces of the base portion 30’ with the ground.

[0076] The base portion 30’ defines an inner cavity 32’ opened toward the ground. The inner cavity 32’ may be in fluid flow communication with the surrounding environment of the device 10 via the recessed area 31 C’. The inner cavity 32’ may receive components of the actuation mechanism (described later) of the device 10. The inner cavity 32’ is topped by a top cavity surface 32A’. The top cavity surface 32A’ extends above the ground and joined at its periphery with the peripheral wall 31 A’. The top cavity surface 32A’ may delimit at least in part the inner cavity 32’. The top cavity surface 32A’ may be considered a partition member separating the empty volume 13 of the receptacle and the inner cavity 32’. A tray 33’ is positioned above the inner cavity 32’. The tray 33’ of the base portion 30’ may collect liquid seeping from the bag, if moisture builds up on the outer surface of the bag (depending on the type of waste and humidity level thereof). Liquids collected by the tray 33’ may be removed by removing the tray 33’ from the receptacle. The tray 33' is sized to span over substantially (more than 95%) all of the surface area delimited by the peripheral wall 11 surrounding the inner cavity 12, as an option. In the embodiment shown, the tray 33’ has a periphery that is shaped to generally correspond to the shape of the inner cavity 12 in a transverse plane thereof. In the embodiment shown, the tray 33’ has a rectangular shape (with rounded corners). The tray 33’ could have other shapes corresponding to the shape of the receptacle in variants of the device 10. As shown in Fig. 9, the tray 33’ has a depth and a minimum lateral dimension normal relative to the depth.The minimal lateral dimension of the tray 33’ generally corresponds to that of the inner cavity 12.

[0077] The tray 33’ may be sized to allow its withdrawal from the receptacle through the central opening 21 of the upper portion 20. The tray 33’ may be removed from the receptable by opening the lid 28 of the device 10 (if not already open), removing the funnel 25 (if present), unhooking the bag from the hooking features 22, pulling out the bag (with or without waste) from the receptacle to extract the bag through the central opening 21 to free the exit path through the central opening 21 , and, by tilting the tray 33’, passing the tray 33’ through the central opening 21. The central opening 21 has a smaller open cross-sectional area than a transverse open cross-sectional area of the inner cavity 12. The tray 33’ may have a total surface area in a plane parallel with respect to the transverse open cross-sectional area of the inner cavity 12 that is greater than the open cross- sectional area of the central opening 21 . As such changing the orientation of the tray 33’ to extract the tray 33’ through the central opening 21 may be required because of the overall dimensions thereof. In at least some embodiments, the minimum lateral dimension of the tray 33’ is smaller than a maximum cross-section dimension of the central opening 21 . By tilting the tray 33’ to orient its minimum lateral dimension so as to generally align the maximum lateral dimension of the central opening 21 may thus allow the extraction of the tray 33’. The tray 33’ could be removed from the receptacle by first removing the peripheral wall 11 of the receptacle from the base portion 30’ to gain access to the tray 33’, for example, in embodiments where the base portion 30’ is separable from the peripheral wall 11 of the receptacle. The tray 33’ has a peripheral wall 33A’ and a skirt or flange 33B’ projecting outwardly from the peripheral wall 33A’, with a bottom end 33D’ of the tray 33’ being seated on the top cavity surface 32A’ of the ground engaging portion 31 ’. The peripheral wall 33A’ projects upwardly from a bottom surface 33C’ of the tray 33’. The base portion 3T includes at least one air passage 34’ providing fluid flow communication between the inner cavity 32’ and the empty volume 13 of the receptacle. The air passage(s) 34’ is defined peripherally with respect to the tray 33’. As shown, the at least one air passage 34’ is defined in the top cavity surface 32A’ of the base portion 30’. As shown, the air passage(s) 34’ is defined by one or more holes defined through the top cavity surface 32A’. The top cavity surface 32A’ could have a mesh like structure and / or perforations not only along a periphery thereof but rather across all of the top cavity surface 32A’, in some variants. A fluid path may be defined from the recessed area 31 C’at the bottom of the base portion 30’, through the inner cavity 32’ of the base portion 30’, the at least one air passage 34’, and up to the at least one air passage 24 of the upper portion 20 via the empty volume 13 of the receptacle. Natural convection, or forced convection, may cause a flow of air inside the receptacle following such flow path, as air close from the ground may be warmer and may naturally move up into the receptacle following said flow path. A tray cavity 37’ is also in fluid flow communication with said flow path. As shown, the tray cavity 37’ is opened towards the empty volume 13 of the receptacle so as to collect liquid (if any) seeping from the bag. A tray cover 39’ partially encloses the tray cavity 37’. As shown, the tray cover 39’ extends above the tray cavity 37’. The tray cover 39’ may be secured to the tray 33’, or may be simply seated thereon. Interlocking, clipping (e.g., latch and catch arrangement), slide fit orothertypes of secured engagement of the tray cover 39’ and the tray 33’ may allow the tray cover 33’ to remain affixed to the tray 33’ during manipulation thereof. For example, if a user removes the tray 33’ from the receptacle, the tray 33’ may have to be titled, e.g., up to 90 degrees from its use position, so as to withdraw the tray 33’ from the receptacle. During such operation, the tray cover 39’ may remain attached to the tray 33’, without manually holding the tray cover 39’ for example, thereby limiting the spilling of liquid collected therein (if any). The connection between the tray 33’ and the tray cover 39’ may be a sealed connection to prevent fluid collected in the tray 33’ to seep from between the tray 33’ and the tray cover 39’. The tray cover 39’ has perforations 39A’ allowing fluid flow circulation between the empty volume of the receptacle and the tray cavity 37’. As shown, the perforations 39A’ are centrally located on the tray cover 39’. As shown, the perforations 39A’ are defined in a perforated area of the tray cover 39’ surrounded by a perforation free area extending between the edges of the tray 33’ and the perforated area. The perforation free area may define more than 50% of the tray 33’, in some variants. As such, during manipulation of the tray 33’ liquid bouncing within the tray cavity 37’ due to manipulation of the tray 33’ may be better contained and liquid splatter less likely to occur. In some cases, such wall 39C’ may be dimensioned so as to project downwardly towards a bottom of the tray cavity 37’, leaving less than 50%, in some particular cases less than 10%, of the total height of the tray cavity 37’ about the perforated area unwalled.

[0078] The tray cover 39’ may include a wall 39C’ projecting downwardly and extending about the perforated area of the tray cover 39’. Such wall 39’ may be adaptedto act as a liquid barrier, to further limit liquid spillage from the tray cavity 37’ when the tray 33’ is manipulated and / or tilted during withdrawal of the tray 33’ from the receptacle.

[0079] During withdrawal of the tray 33’ with the tray cover 39’ from the receptacle, via the central opening 21 , collected liquids within the tray cavity 37’ may not leak through the perforations 39A’, unless the level of liquid within the tray cavity 37’ reaches the perforations 39A’.

[0080] The tray cover 39’ may define a surface upon which a bottom closed end of a bag within the receptacle may be supported when the bag contains waste. The tray cover 39’ has a peripheral lip 39B’ engageable with the skirt 33B’ of the tray 33’. The perforation free area of the tray cover 39’ extends between the lip 39B’ and the perforated area surrounded by such perforation free area. The tray cover 39’ may be suspended above the tray cavity 37’ via such peripheral lip 39B’ engaging with the skirt 33B’ of the tray 33’, with or without the present of the secured connection between the tray 33’ and the tray cover 39’, as described above. The tray cover 39’ may be removable or, in some variants, be integral with the tray 33’ so as to permanently cover the tray cavity 37’.

[0081] In some variants, the tray 33’ and tray cover 39’ may be segmented so as to facilitate the withdrawal from the central opening 21 of the upper portion 20. For example, the tray 33’ and tray cover 39’ may be split so as to define separate compartments (i.e., where tray cavity 37’ could be viewed as separate tray cavities 37’) to collect seeping liquids, as described above.

[0082] In at least some embodiments of the device 10, bag(s) may be dispensed from the base portion 30 ‘of the device 10 and extend upwardly from the base portion 30’ to the upper portion 20 where the bag may be hung opened. In at least some embodiments, the bag support 35’ may defined a bag dispenser. The bag dispenser may be configured to receive a plurality of waste bags in an accumulated condition in the base portion 30’. In the embodiment shown, the bag support 35’ defines a recess 38’ adapted to receive the plurality of bags in an accumulated condition, such as in a roll.

[0083] The bag support 35’ is between the tray 33’ and the inner cavity 32’. The bag support 35’ is below the tray 33’ (relative position when the receptacle is in normal use condition and standing). As shown, the recess 38’ may be defined in the top cavity surface 32A’. The recess 38’ may be centrally located with respect to top cavity surface 32A’, as shown, but this is optional. The recess 38’ may have a shape complementary to that of the plurality of bags in the accumulated condition. In Figs. 9-10, the plurality of bagsare accumulated in a roll (i.e., bag roll 100). The recess 38’ may have a generally cylindrical shape, as the bag roll 100. The bag roll 100 may partially or entirely be recessed in the recess 38’, depending on the size thereof. Other shape of the recess 38’ may be contemplated such as rectangular prismatic shape. The device 10 may be used with a bag roll 100, or bags in an accumulated condition that are placed in the base portion 30’ of the device 10.

[0084] The bags, here in a roll, are retained within the recess 38’ by the tray 33’. An undersurface of the tray 33’ faces towards the recess 38’, when the recess 38’ is free of bag roll. As shown, at least part of a bottom end 33D’ of the tray 33’ is shaped so as to complement the cylindrical geometry of the bag roll and shield from the liquid of a filled bag. Stated otherwise, the bottom surface 33D’ of the tray 33’ and the recess 38’ in the top cavity surface 32A’ may define an enclosure 38A’ into which the bags in accumulated conditions can be received. Alignment features 38B’ projects from the top cavity surface 32A’. The alignment features 38A’, here in the form of tabs, extend upwardly from the top cavity surface 32A’ and are adapted to engage with the undersurface of the tray 33’. As shown, when the tray 33’ is seated on the top cavity surface 32A’, the alignment features 38B’ are within the enclosure 38A’. The alignment features 38B’ may have an outline that is complementary to that of the part of the bottom end 33D’ of the tray 33’ that receives them. The alignment features 38B’ may engage opposite ends of the bag rolls, and / or be located at opposite ends of the enclosure 38A’. The alignment features 38B’ could be in other shapes, such as pins, hooks, wedges, slots, holes, or other features allowing a male and female connection and allow an aligned placement of the tray 33’ onto the top cavity surface 32A’. There may be a different number of alignment features 38B’ such as a single alignment feature or more than two. The alignment features 38B’ may not necessarily engaging the enclosure 38A’, since such alignment features 38B’ could be located somewhere else, e.g., peripherally from the recess 38’, in some variants.

[0085] As the bag is pulled out from the enclosure 38A’, the bag roll 100 may unroll while being maintained in the recess 38’ via the tray 33’. As can be seen in Figs. 11 to 13, the bag may be dispensed from the enclosure 38A’ from between the top cavity surface 32A’ and the undersurface of the tray 33’. The bag being dispensed therefrom may extend along the undersurface of the tray 33’, then follow the peripheral wall 33A’ of the tray 33’. The bag may then slip through a peripheral space between the lip 39B’ of the tray cover 39’ and the peripheral wall 11 , up towards the empty volume 13 of the receptacle.

[0086] Returning to Fig. 5, the waste-disposal device 10 includes an actuation mechanism 40, which may consist of linkages ( i.e. , links and joints ) interfaced by a user with a pedal 41 , such as a push arm 42 (seen in Fig. 3B), the push arm 42 for instance held in translation in a shaft 11A of the peripheral wall 11. The pedal 41 is pivotally connected to the base portion 30 of the device 10, via a pivot formation as one possible configuration (separate pivot being another) . A front portion of the pedal 41 projects outwardly from a front side of the receptacle , and is close to the ground, whereby a user may simply press on the exposed portion of the pedal 41 , to open the lid 28 of the device 10. The device 10 may be provided with alternative interfaces, like a hand lever or the like. The actuation mechanism 40 may have a link assembly having one or more links and joints therebetween the cause an opening of the lid 28. The actuation mechanism 40 may have features that are similar to or identical with the actuation mechanism described in U.S. patent application publication no. 2021 / 0354912, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0087] Referring to Figs. 14 to 17, another embodiment of the base portion and related components is now described. As shown, the base portion 30” has a groundengaging portion 31 ”. The ground-engaging portion 31 ” may contact the ground when the device 10 stands on the ground. A peripheral wall 31 A” of the base portion 30” may define an interface with the ground. In the embodiment shown, edge(s) 31 B” of the peripheral wall 31A” may directly contact the ground, though pads or like feet may be present. A recessed area 31 C” may be defined between the ground and the peripheral wall 31 A” along the edge(s) 31 B”. As shown, the edge 31 B” is elevated from the ground between interfaces of the base portion 30” with the ground to define a ventilation path. Ventilation holes or like vents may be provided in the peripheral wall 31 A”. There may be more than one recessed area 31 C”, e.g., a recessed area 31 C” between each, or at least some, of the interfaces between the interfaces of the base portion 30” with the ground.

[0088] The base portion 30” defines an inner cavity 32” (Fig. 17) opened toward the ground. The inner cavity 32” may be in fluid flow communication with the surrounding environment of the device 10 via the recessed area 31 C”. The inner cavity 32” may receive components of the actuation mechanism of the device 10, such as the pedal 41 (Fig. 17). The inner cavity 32” is topped by a wall defining a top cavity surface 32A”. The top cavity surface 32A” extends above the ground and is joined at its periphery with the peripheral wall 31A”. The top cavity surface 32A” may delimit at least in part the innercavity 32”. The top cavity surface 32A” may be considered a partition member separating the empty volume 13 of the receptacle and the inner cavity 32”.

[0089] A tray 33” is positioned above the inner cavity 32”. The tray 33” of the base portion 30” may collect liquid seeping from the bag, if moisture builds up on the outer surface of the bag (depending on the type of waste and humidity level thereof). Liquids collected by the tray 33” may be removed by removing the tray 33” from the receptacle. The tray 33” may be sized to allow its withdrawal from the receptacle through the central opening 21 of the upper portion 20. The tray 33” may be removed from the receptable by opening the lid 28 of the device 10 (if not already in the open position), removing the funnel 25 (if present), unhooking the bag from the hooking features 22 of the bag interface, pulling out the bag (with or without waste) from the receptacle to extract the bag through the central opening 21 to free the exit path through the central opening 21 , and, by tilting the tray 33’, passing the tray 33’ through the central opening 21 . As another possibility, the tray 33” could be removed from the receptacle by first removing the peripheral wall 11 of the receptacle from the base portion 30” to gain access to the tray 33”, for example, in embodiments where the base portion 30” is separable from the peripheral wall 11 of the receptacle. The tray 33” has a peripheral wall 33A” and a flange 33B” projecting outwardly from the peripheral wall 33A”, with a bottom end 33D” of the tray 33” being seated on the top cavity surface 32A”. The peripheral wall 33A” projects upwardly from a bottom surface 33C” of the tray 33”.

[0090] The base portion 31 ” includes at least one air passage 34” providing fluid flow communication between the inner cavity 32” and the empty volume 13 of the receptacle. The air passage(s) 34” is defined peripherally with respect to the tray 33”. As shown, the air passage(s) 34” is defined in the top cavity surface 32A” of the base portion 30”. As shown, the air passage(s) 34” is defined by one or more holes defined through the top cavity surface 32A”. The top cavity surface 32A” could have a mesh like structure and / or perforations not only along a periphery thereof but rather across all of the top cavity surface 32A”, in some variants. A fluid path may be defined from the recessed area 31 C” at the bottom of the base portion 30”, through the inner cavity 32” of the base portion 30”, the at least one air passage 34”, and up to the at least one air passage 24 of the upper portion 20 via the empty volume 13 of the receptacle. Natural convection, or forced convection, may cause a flow of air inside the receptacle following such flow path, as air close from the ground may be warmer and may naturally move up into the receptaclefollowing said flow path. A tray cavity 37” is also in fluid flow communication with said flow path. As shown, the tray cavity 37” is opened towards the empty volume 13 of the receptacle so as to collect liquid (if any) seeping from the bag. A tray cover 39” may partially encloses the tray cavity 37”, and serves as a support surface for the bag. As shown, the tray cover 39” extends above the tray cavity 37”. The tray cover 39” may be secured to the tray 33”, or may be simply seated thereon. Interlocking, clipping (e.g., latch and catch arrangement), slide fit or other types of secured engagement of the tray cover 39” and the tray 33” may allow the tray cover 33” to remain affixed to the tray 33” during manipulation thereof. For example, if a user removes the tray 33” from the receptacle, the tray 33” may have to be titled, e.g., up to 90 degrees from its use position, so as to withdraw the tray 33” from the receptacle. During such operation, the tray cover 39” may remain attached to the tray 33”, without manually holding the tray cover 39” for example, thereby limiting the spilling of liquid collected therein (if any). The connection between the tray 33” and the tray cover 39” may be a sealed connection to prevent fluid collected in the tray 33” to seep from between the tray 33” and the tray cover 39”. The tray cover 39” has perforations 39A” allowing fluid flow circulation between the empty volume of the receptacle and the tray cavity 37”. As shown, the perforations 39A” are centrally located on the tray cover 39”. As shown, the perforations 39A” are defined in a perforated area of the tray cover 39” surrounded by a perforation free area extending between the edges of the tray 33” and the perforated area. The perforation free area may define more than 50% of the tray 33”, in some variants. As such, during manipulation of the tray 33” liquid moving within the tray cavity 37” due to manipulation of the tray 33” may be better contained and liquid splatter less likely to occur.

[0091] The tray cover 39” may include a wall 39C” projecting downwardly and extending about the perforated area of the tray cover 39”. Such wall 39” may be adapted to act as a liquid barrier, to further limit liquid spillage from the tray cavity 37” when the tray 33” is manipulated and / or tilted during withdrawal of the tray 33’ from the receptacle. In some cases, the wall 39C” may be dimensioned so as to project downwardly towards a bottom of the tray cavity 37”, leaving less than 50%, in some particular cases less than 10%, of the total height of the tray cavity 37” about the perforated area unwalled.

[0092] During withdrawal of the tray 33” with the tray cover 39” from the receptacle, via the central opening 21 , collected liquids within the tray cavity 37” may notleak through the perforations 39A”, unless the level of liquid within the tray cavity 37” reaches the perforations 39A”.

[0093] The tray cover 39” may define a surface upon which a bottom closed end of a bag within the receptacle may be supported when the bag contains waste. The tray cover 39” has a peripheral lip 39B” engageable with the flange 33B” of the tray 33”. The perforation free area of the tray cover 39” extends between the lip 39B” and the perforated area surrounded by such perforation free area. The tray cover 39” may be suspended above the tray cavity 37” via such peripheral lip 39B” engaging with the flange 33B” of the tray 33”, with or without the present of the secured connection between the tray 33” and the tray cover 39”, as described above. The tray cover 39” may be removable or, in some variants, be integral with the tray 33” so as to permanently cover the tray cavity 37”.

[0094] In some variants, the tray 33” and tray cover 39” may be segmented so as to facilitate the withdrawal from the central opening 21 of the upper portion 20. For example, the tray 33” and tray cover 39” may be split so as to define separate compartments (i.e., where tray cavity 37” could be viewed as separate tray cavities 37”) to collect seeping liquids, as described above.

[0095] In at least some embodiments of the device 10, bag(s) may be dispensed from the base portion 30” of the device 10 and extend upwardly from the base portion 30” to the upper portion 20 where the bag may be hung opened. In at least some embodiments, a bag support 35” may defined in the base portion 30” to act as a bag dispenser. The bag dispenser may be configured to receive a plurality of waste bags in an accumulated condition in the base portion 30”. In the embodiment shown, the bag support 35” defines a recess 38” in the top cavity surface 32A” adapted to receive the plurality of bags in an accumulated condition, such as in a roll.

[0096] The bag support 35” is between the tray 33” and the inner cavity 32”. As shown, the recess 38” may be defined in the top cavity surface 32A”. The recess 38” may be located off of the center with respect to top cavity surface 32A”, as shown, but this is optional. The recess 38” may have a shape complementary to that of the plurality of bags in the accumulated condition. In Figs. 14-15, the plurality of bags are accumulated in a roll (i.e., bag roll 100). The recess 38” may have a generally hemi-cylindrical shape, as the bag roll 100. The bag roll 100 may partially or entirely be recessed in the recess 38”, depending on the size thereof. Other shape of the recess 38” may be contemplated suchas rectangular prismatic shape. The device 10 may be used with a bag roll 100, or bags in an accumulated condition that are placed in the base portion 30” of the device 10.

[0097] The bags, here in a roll, are retained within the recess 38” by the tray 33”. An undersurface of the tray 33” faces towards the recess 38”. As shown, at least part of a bottom end 33D” of the tray 33” is shaped so as to define a volume accommodating the bags and shielding the bags from the liquid of a filled bag. Stated otherwise, the bottom surface 33D” of the tray 33” and the recess 38” in the top cavity surface 32A” may define an enclosure into which the bags in accumulated conditions can be received. As best seen in Fig. 17, the bottom surface 33D” is configured so as to allow the installation of the tray 33’ in two interchangeable orientations (180 degrees rotation), both allowing, with the recess 38”, to define such enclosure for receiving the bags in accumulated conditions. As shown, the bottom surface 33D” may be symmetrically shaped relative to a median plane MP. In the embodiment shown, the bottom surface 33D” at a bottom end of the tray 33” defines a concavity extending along its width (e.g., left to right with reference to the receptacle of the device 10), on opposite sides thereof (front and rear sides, with reference to the receptacle of the device 10). These concavities are both configured to delimit, at least partially, a top portion of the enclosure receiving the bags in accumulated conditions, interchangeably. Such configuration of the bottom surface 33D” allowing an interchangeable installation orientation of the tray 33” and complementarity with the geometry of a bag roll and recess 38” may enhance user-friendliness of the tray 33” and device 10. Alignment features 38B” project from the top cavity surface 32A”. The alignment features 38B”, here in the form of tabs, extend upwardly from the top cavity surface 32A” and are adapted to engage with the undersurface of the tray 33”. As shown, when the tray 33” is seated on the top cavity surface 32A”, the alignment features 38B” on opposite sides of a trough portion 33E” (Fig. 16) of the tray 33”, the through portion 33E” also referred to as a central portion. The alignment features 38B” may have an outline that is complementary to part of the surface of the bottom end 33D” they contact. The alignment features 38B” on the side of the recess 38” may engage opposite ends of the bag rolls, and / or be located at opposite ends of the enclosure. The alignment features 38B” could be in other shapes, such as pins, hooks, wedges, slots, holes, or other features allowing a male and female connection and allow an aligned placement of the tray 33” onto the top cavity surface 32A”. There may be a different number of alignment features 38B” such as a single alignment feature or more than two. The alignment features 38B”may not necessarily engage the enclosure, since such alignment features 38B” could be located somewhere else, e.g., peripherally from the recess 38”, in some variants. Some alignment features 38” may serve as tongues to hold the trough portion 33E”. In some variants, the alignment features 38B” may be absent.

[0098] As the bag is pulled out upwardly from the recess, the bag roll 100 may unroll while being maintained in the recess 38” via the tray 33”. As can be seen in Figs. 14, 15 and 17, the bag may be dispensed from the recess 38” from between the top cavity surface 32A” and the side edge of the tray 33”, through a peripheral space between the lip 39B” of the tray cover 39” and the peripheral wall 1 1 , up towards the empty volume 13 of the receptacle. This arrangement reduces friction between the bag and the tray 33”. In a variant, it is possible to tilt the tray 33” to access the recess 38”, for instance to insert a new bag roll 100 in the recess 38”. It is therefore possible not to have to remove the tray 33” to insert a new bag roll 100 in place.

[0099] According to the above, an exemplary use of the device 10 can be described as follows. In order to replace / install a bag roll, such as bag roll 100, (or bags accumulated in a condition other than a roll) for the device 10, the tray 33” may be removed from the receptacle. As mentioned above, removal of the tray 33” from the receptable may be achieved through an exit path defined through the central opening 21 at the upper portion 20 of the device 10. Tilting of the tray (33’, 33”) may be necessary to enable the passage of the tray 33” through the central opening 21 . The tray 33” could be tilted or otherwise oriented so as to have its length (dimension in the front-rear direction) generally aligned with the maximum dimension of the central opening 21 . In some embodiments, where the central opening 21 has an oval / obround shape, such maximum dimension may coincide with the largest section / diameter of the central opening 21 . In variants, with a square or rectangular shaped central opening 21 , such maximum dimension may coincide with a diagonal of the central opening 21 (dimension between opposite corners of the central opening 21 . A bag roll 100 may be inserted into the receptacle through the central opening 21 (with or without prior removal of the funnel 25), and placed in the recess 38” at the base portion 30. A free end of a bag from the bag roll 100 may be pulled and placed alongside the inner surface of the peripheral wall 11 of the receptacle. The tray 33” may then be inserted back into the receptacle, through the central opening 21 (with or without the presence of the funnel 25) and oriented so as to have one of the concavities of its bottom surface 33D” facing towards the recess 38” containing thebag roll 100. The tray 33” may then be seated onto the top cavity surface 32A” of the base portion 30”. The free end of the bag can be pulled upwardly and passed through the central opening 21. Once deployed open, the bag may then be hung opened at a bag interface (e.g., hooking features 22). The funnel 25 (if present), can be engaged onto the bag interface before the lid 28 is closed. It should be understood that the above description is not limited to the variants described with reference to the double-prime referenced features.

[0100] In embodiments having a bag roll such as bag roll 100, the bag roll 100 may include a plurality of tubular bag connected serially one to another, in a folded condition (e.g., two-fold condition). The bag roll 100 may be one with the configuration, including bag configuration, described in US patent no. 11 ,639,248, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. The bag roll 100 may be sized to fit within the recess 38 of the bag dispenser. For example, in at least some embodiments, the recess (38, 38’, 38”) has a width corresponding to a width of the bag / bag roll, the width corresponding to the two-fold configuration width of the bag (as described in US patent no. 11 ,639,248).

[0101] In use, when a bag hung opened to the upper portion 20 is loaded with waste and a user wishes to replace the loaded bag with a new bag, the user may unhook the top open end of the hung bag and pull the bag through the central opening 21 of the upper portion 20. It may therefore be desirable that the bag does not stretch transversely when loaded so as to pass through the central opening 21 more conveniently when pulled up therethrough. In some embodiments, the bag for use in the device 10 may be specifically sized so as to have a tubular maximal cross-sectional area in an unstretched condition (e.g., when loaded with waste) that is at most that of the central opening 21 of the upper portion 20. In at least some embodiments, such a bag for use in the device 10 may be as described in international patent application no. PCT / CA2023 / 051294 filed sept. 29, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Upon pulling the loaded bag, the subsequent bag attached at a trailing end of the loaded bag may be pulled upwardly, whereby the bag roll 100 may unroll. The loaded bag may be detached from the subsequent bag (e.g., tearing lines defined between the bags so as to facilitate detachment), for the subsequent bag to be hung opened to the upper portion 20.

[0102] While in the above example references are made to a bag roll, a plurality of bags may be in an accumulated condition different from a roll, including folded, such asfolded in an accordion-like fashion, zig-zag, or otherwise packed. In some embodiments, the bag dispenser may be adapted to receive a film-dispensing cassette as in U.S. patent publication no. 2021 / 0354912. The bag(s) may thus be pulled out from such a filmdispensing cassette received on and / or coupled to the bag dispenser.

[0103] Referring to Figs. 19 to 26, a variant of the device 10 and related components is now described. Like features will not be fully described for brevity, but as can be seen, the variant shown has corresponding / similar features as those described above. The device 10’ can be conveniently used as a countertop pail in view of its relatively compact dimensions. The peripheral wall 1 T is configured similarly as the peripheral wall 11 discussed above, but with a reduced height. The inner cavity 12’ of the device 10’ is thus sized to receive a smaller volume of waste. Because of the smaller dimensions, bags sized for this variant may have a smaller length than the bags sized to fit in the device 10. Similarly as described above with respect to the device 10, the device 10’ may define an air plenum about the bag so as to allow air circulation about the bag in a partially enclosed area. The inner cavity 12’ is sized to receive a bag and to define an empty volume 13’ (i.e., a clearance, a plenum, a ventilation plenum) about the bag to allow air circulation about the bag. Stated differently, there may be an annular clearance surrounding the filled bag when supported at the upper portion 20’ of the device 10’. The inner cavity 12’ of the receptacle may have a larger volume than a maximum loading volume of the bag so as to maintain the empty volume 13’ about the bag even when the bag is loaded at maximal capacity inside the inner cavity 12’. The receptacle may thus define the ventilation plenum, by its empty volume 13’ (like the dotted area in Fig. 3A), about the bag that is hung opened and that extend in the inner cavity 12’.

[0104] The device 10’ is shown in Fig. 19 in an open state, showing the central opening 21 ’, with the funnel 25’, itself having a central opening 26’ in the upper portion 20’. The central opening 2T is smaller than a transverse cross-sectional area of the inner cavity 12’ of the receptacle. The empty volume 13’ may be defined, at least in part, as a volume surrounding a virtual solid column having a cross-sectional area corresponding to a periphery of the central opening 2T, although a filled bag may have more of a sausage shape.

[0105] As shown in Fig. 20, a hook 20H’ projects from a rear of the main body 20A’. The hook 20H’ defines a channel with a spacing that is sized to receive a peripheral edge of a larger bin, or upper edge of a kitchen cabinet, for example, for suspending thedevice 10’. The device 10’ could also be used sitting on a countertop (or other support surface). The hook 20H’ is located at a rear of the device 10’ in the variant shown, but such hook 20H’, if present, could be located somewhere else along the periphery of the device 10’ (e.g., front or sides).

[0106] Referring to Fig. 21 , the main body 20A’ may include one or more hooking features 22’ adapted to support a bag hung open from a top open end thereof. In the embodiment shown, the hooking features 22’ include a plurality of hooks, here four hooks, but there could be more or less, spaced apart one from each other. The hooks may be defined by lips projecting upwardly from a periphery of the central opening 2T. In an embodiment, as shown, the lips extend upwardly from the periphery of the central opening 21 ’, and bent outwardly therefrom so as to have their respective extremities projecting away from the central opening 2T. The lips extending upwardly and outwardly from the central opening 2T may define a concavity that faces outwardly (away from the central opening 21 ’). The hooks could be configured differently in other embodiments. For example, the hooks could only project outwardly, or projects angularly outwardly from the central opening 21 ’. As shown, the hooking features 22’ are located about the central opening 2T, inwardly from the periphery of the receptacle. As alternative to the hooks, rails, pins, a collar, etc. could be used, so long as the bag may be hung open and extend through the central opening 2T and into the receptacle. For simplicity, reference is made to hooking feature(s) 22’, but this may include any of the alternatives mentioned above.

[0107] The hooking features 22’ may not extend outwardly beyond the periphery of the receptacle, for a lid to enclose the features 22’. The main body 20A’ may include a shoulder surface 23’ curving into a ledge 23A’, the shoulder surface 23’ extending from the peripheral wall 11 ’ of the receptacle. The shoulder surface 23’ extends inwardly from the peripheral wall 11 ’, towards the central opening 2T. The ledge 23A’ may bound a periphery of the central opening 2T. Thus, the central opening 2T is surrounded by the ledge 23A’. The central opening 21 ’ may be at least partially delimited by the ledge 23A’. As shown, the hooking features 22’ may define extensions of the ledge 23A’, i.e., the hooking features 22’ may extend upwardly from the ledge 23A’. The hooking features 22‘ may thus also delimit at least partially the central opening 2T. The hooking features 22’ may be integral with the ledge 23A’, but this is optional. In other embodiments, there could be only one hooking feature 22’. For example, the hooking feature 22’ may be a single lip surrounding, at least partially, in some cases a majority of, the central opening 2T. Anedge of the ledge 23A’ may define a continuous lip projecting upwardly, and outwardly to define the concavity as described above, about the central opening 21 ’. A bag could be hung opened by the lip, by stretching the top open end of the bag and folding it onto the lip, thereby holding the top open end of the bag taut (due to plastic and / or elastic deformation of the bag). As another example, the hooking features 22’ could include only two hooks on opposite sides of the central opening 21 ’.

[0108] As shown, at least one air passage 24’ may be defined in the main body 20A’. In an embodiment, such air passage 24’ is defined in the shoulder surface 23’ of the upper portion 20’. As shown, the air passage 24’, here defined as a plurality of holes through the shoulder surface 23’, are located outwardly from the central opening 21 ’. The air passages 24’ are located outwardly of the hooking features 22’. As shown, the air passage 24’ is located between the periphery of the receptacle and the hooking features 22’, when viewed in a horizontal plane. Other configurations are possible.

[0109] When a bag is present in the device 10’, the air passages 24’ in the main body 20A’ are located outwardly of the bag, and thus are not obstructed by the bag. The air passages 24’ are in fluid flow communication with the empty volume 13’ of the receptacle. Air may flow, by natural convection, or forced convection, through the air passages 24’ in and / or out of the empty volume 13’. The air passages 24’ may contribute to air circulation about the bag in the inner cavity 12’.

[0110] Referring to Fig. 22, the inner cavity 12’ is in fluid flow communication with air passage(s) 44’ in the base portion 40’. In the embodiment shown, the air passages 44’ are generally axially aligned with respective air passages 24’ in the upper portion 20’. Other configurations could be contemplated, with more or less air passages 24’, 44’, or non aligned air passages 24,’, 44’. The base portion 40’ defines an inner cavity 42’ opened toward the ground. The inner cavity 42’ is in fluid flow communication with the surrounding environment of the device 10’ via the recessed area 41 C’.

[0111] Still referring to Fig. 22 and with additional reference to Fig. 23, the base portion 40’ includes a tray 43’ that may collect liquid seeping from the bag, if moisture builds up on the outer surface of the bag (depending on the type of waste and humidity level thereof). In the variant shown, the tray 43’ is an integral part of the base portion 40’ and cannot be separated from a remainder of the base portion 40’. Liquids collected by the tray 43’ may be removed by separating the peripheral wall 11 ’ of the receptacle from the base portion 40’, for example. Cleaning of the tray 43’ can also be performed manually,by passing through the central opening 21 ’. In view of the more limited depth of the receptacle, this can be relatively easily achieved, without having to disassemble the base portion 40’ from the peripheral wall 11 ’. The tray 43’ has a peripheral wall 43A’ that projects upwardly from a bottom surface 43C’ of the tray 43’ to define a recessed area. The air passage(s) 44’ is defined peripherally with respect to recessed area, in a skirt 43B’ of the tray 43’ projecting outwardly from the peripheral wall 43A’.

[0112] As mentioned above, the device 10’ can be used with a bag hung opened via the hooking features 22’. However referring to Figs. 24 to 26, the device 10’ may include a liner 50’ receivable in the receptacle through the central opening 21 ’. As shown, the liner 50’ has a cross-section that generally corresponds to that of the central opening 21 ’. The liner 50’ is optionally used as a function of the cross-sectional dimensions of the bag that will be used in the device 10’. Once inserted into the receptacle, the liner 50’ may serve to receive waste, with or without deployed bag therein. It is understood that the advantages of the air plenum and air circulation within the device 10’ when used with a properly sized bag as described herein may not be as present when the device 10’ is used in such alternate way. However, this alternate use of the device 10’ with such a liner 50’ may provide more versatility to the device 10’ for users doing their own compost, or for temporary alternate utilization of the device 10’ (e.g., temporarily accumulating heavy kitchen wastes or liquid wastes that would not hold well into conventional compost bags). Moreover, the alternate use of the device 10’ with the liner 50’ facilitates removal of a bag having cross-sectional dimensions greater than that of the central opening 2T.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 24, the liner 50’ has a liner opening 5T, with an upper lip 52’ extending peripherally about the liner opening 5T. As shown, the upper lip 52’ may flare upwardly, but this is optional. The liner 50’ has a minimum liner cross-sectional dimension that is less than the open cross-section of the central opening 21 ’. The liner 50’ may have a maximum cross-sectional dimension that is greater than the central opening 21 ’. As can be seen in Fig. 26, the liner opening 51 ’ may be sized to receive a skirt 25A’ of the funnel 25’. The skirt 25A’, which extends peripherally about the central opening 26’ of the funnel 25’ and downwardly from a top of the funnel 2A’ engages into the liner opening 51 ’. The funnel 25’ may thus cover the lip 52’ of the liner 50’. Such configuration may prevent waste deposited into the liner 50’ to soil the upper lip 52’ thereby limiting risks to get dirty hands when manipulating the liner 50’ for removal from the receptacle. Returning to Fig. 24 and with additional reference to Fig. 25, the liner 50’ may have atleast one handle 53’ at a periphery thereof. In the embodiment shown, the handle 53’ extends from the upper lip 52’. A pair of handles 53’ may also be contemplated, for example on opposite sides of the liner opening 51 ’. The handle 53’ shown is defined by a tab 53A’ projecting downwardly from the upper lip 52’. This is only one possibility, as the handle 53’ could include a hooks, pins, or differently shaped tabs, for example. As shown in Fig. 25, the handle 53’ may engage between hooking features 22’ of the upper portion 20’ of the device 10’. Users could place a bag into the liner 50’, and use the hooking features 22’ above the central opening 2T and at the surrounding of the upper lip 52’ to hang the bag open. The bottom end of the bag may thus extend into the liner 50’, such that a side surface of the bag contacts the liner 50’.

[0114] Referring to Fig. 27, a variant of the tray 43’ is shown. The bottom surface 43C” of the tray 43” has an elevated portion 44” and a recessed portion 45” extending about the elevated portion 44” to act as a gutter. The elevated portion 44” is perforated, similarly as the tray cover 39” of Fig. 16. The perforations 46” of the elevated portion 44” may allow air circulation under the bottom end of the bag and / or limit contact between the bottom end of the bag and a wall, where moisture may build up and cause liquid seeping from the bottom end of the bag. If moisture were nevertheless to build up and create liquid seeping from the bottom end of the bag, liquid accumulated within the bag may tend to migrate towards corners or peripherally away from the center of the bag because of the elevated profile of the bottom surface 43C’ at the center and the surrounding recessed portion 45”. The perforations 46” may allow fluid flow communication therethrough, from the inner cavity 42’ of the base portion 40’ to the inner cavity 12’ of the receptacle to promote air circulation about the bag.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A waste-disposal device for collecting waste, comprising: a receptacle defining an inner cavity sized to receive a waste bag and defining an empty volume about the waste bag to allow air circulation, the receptacle having a upper portion, a base portion, and a peripheral wall extending between the upper portion and the base portion, the peripheral wall defining a periphery of the receptacle; the upper portion having: a central opening for accessing the inner cavity from above, at least one hooking feature for the waste bag to be hung opened, the at least one hooking feature located about the central opening inwardly from the periphery of the receptacle, at least one air passage in fluid flow communication with the empty volume; and the base portion having: a tray for collecting liquid seeping from the waste bag, a bag support below the tray, at least one air passage forming part of a flow path extending from a surrounding environment of the waste-disposal device at the base portion, the at least one air passage defined peripherally with respect to the tray and in fluid flow communication with the at least one air passage of the upper portion via the empty volume.

2. The waste-disposal device as defined in claim 1 , wherein the bag support includes a waste bag dispenser, the waste bag dispenser configured to receive a plurality of waste bags in an accumulated condition.

3. The waste-disposal device as defined in claim 2, wherein the waste bag dispenser includes a recess in the base portion.

4. The waste-disposal device as defined in claim 3, wherein the base portion has a wall defining the recess, an undersurface of the tray facing towards the recess.

5. The waste-disposal device as defined in claim 4, wherein the recess and the undersurface of the tray define an enclosure to receive the plurality of waste bags in an accumulated condition.

6. The waste-disposal device as defined in any one of claims 4 and 5, wherein the base portion includes alignment features extending upwardly from the wall for engagement with the tray.

7. The waste-disposal device as defined in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the wall includes at least one air passage in fluid flow communication with the inner cavity of the receptacle.

8. The waste-disposal device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a bottom end of the tray is shaped so as to complement a cylindrical geometry of a bag roll.

9. The waste-disposal device as defined in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a bottom end of the tray defines a pair of concavities extending along a width of the tray on opposite sides thereof, each concavity configured to delimit at least partially a top portion of the enclosure when extending along the recess.

10. The waste-disposal device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base portion has an inner cavity opened toward a ground surface, the inner cavity of the base portion in fluid flow communication with the inner cavity of the receptacle.11 . The waste-disposal device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the bag support is located between an inner cavity of the base portion and a bottom end of the tray.

12. The waste-disposal device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the central opening has a smaller open cross-sectional area than that a transverse open cross-sectional area of the inner cavity.

13. The waste-disposal device as defined in claim 12, wherein the tray has a depth and a minimum lateral dimension in a direction normal to the depth, the minimum lateral dimension smaller than a maximum cross-section dimension of the central opening.

14. The waste-disposal device as defined in any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the tray has a total surface area in a plane parallel with respect to the transverse open cross-sectional area of the inner cavity that is greater than the open cross-sectional area of the central opening.

15. The waste-disposal device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the upper portion includes a funnel configured to cover the at least one hooking feature, the funnel having a central opening aligned with the central opening of the upper portion, the funnel configured to engage with a lid of the waste-disposal device.

16. The waste-disposal device as defined in claim 15, wherein the central opening of the upper portion is defined through a body, a gap is defined along a periphery of the funnel and the body, the gap defining an air inlet or outlet in fluid flow communication between empty volume of the receptacle and a surrounding environment of the wastedisposal device.

17. A waste-disposal device for collecting waste, comprising: a receptacle defining an inner cavity sized to receive a waste bag and defining an empty volume about the waste bag to allow air circulation, the receptacle having a upper portion, a base portion, and a peripheral wall extending between the upper portion and the base portion, the peripheral wall defining a periphery of the receptacle; the upper portion having: a central opening for accessing the inner cavity from above, at least one hooking feature for the waste bag to be hung opened, the at least one hooking feature located about the central opening inwardly from the periphery of the receptacle, at least one air passage in fluid flow communication with the empty volume; and the base portion having:a tray for collecting liquid seeping from the waste bag, a bag support above the tray, at least one air passage forming part of a flow path extending from a surrounding environment of the waste-disposal device at the base portion, the at least one air passage defined peripherally with respect to the tray and in fluid flow communication with the at least one air passage of the upper portion via the empty volume.

18. A method for using a waste-disposal device for collecting waste, the wastedisposal device including a receptacle, the method comprising: removing a tray from a base portion of the receptacle, the tray configured for collecting liquid and having a depth and a minimum lateral dimension normal to the depth, wherein removing the tray includes tilting the tray to orient the minimum lateral dimension of the tray so as to generally align the minimum lateral dimension with a maximum cross-section dimension of a central opening of the receptacle, the central opening located in an upper portion of the receptacle; inserting a plurality of bags in an accumulated condition into the receptacle via the central opening; placing the plurality of bags in the accumulated condition into a recess defined in the base portion, with a free end of a bag of the plurality of bags extending away from the recess; inserting the tray back into the receptacle via the central opening; orienting the tray to have a concavity defined at an underside thereof facing towards the recess containing the plurality of bags in the accumulated condition to define a bag enclosure with the recess; pulling the free end of the bag of the plurality of bags upwardly to pass through the central opening in the upper portion; and hanging open the free end of the bag of the plurality of bags at the upper portion.

19. The method as defined in claim 18, wherein orienting the tray includes orienting the tray in one of two interchangeable installation orientations, the concavity being one of two concavities defined at the underside of the tray.

20. A method for using a bag in a waste-disposal device for collecting waste, the method comprising: obtaining at least one bag having a bottom cross-sectional dimension at a bottom end that is greater than an opening cross-sectional dimension of a central opening at a top end of the waster-disposal device; inserting a liner within a receptacle of the waste-disposal device, the liner having a minimum liner cross-sectional dimension that is less than the opening cross-sectional dimension, to adapt the at least one bag to the waste-disposal device; hooking a top end of the bag to at least one hook above the central opening such that the bag has the top end open; and extending the bottom end of the bag into the liner, such that a side surface of bag contacts the liner.21 . The method as defined in claim 20, further including: unhooking the top end of the bag from the at least one hook; and pulling the bag upwardly out of the receptacle via the central opening, such that a bottom end of the bag in a filled condition slides along the liner.

22. The method as defined in any one of claims 20 and 21 , including opening a lid of the waste-disposal device prior to inserting the liner.

Images