Trashcan assembly including bag engaging member

A trashcan assembly includes a container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a rim of the peripheral wall defining an opening extending into the container; and a bag engaging member located in an area of the peripheral wall. The bag engaging member is generally coplanar with the peripheral wall in the area and is configured for receiving a portion of a trash bag for securing the trash bag to an outer surface of the peripheral wall. A trash bag may be extended over the rim and secured to the peripheral wall with the bag engaging member.

II. COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

III. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of trashcan devices is known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,031, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a device having a bottom compartment for holding a roll of trash bags so that the trash bags may be retrieved as needed through an opening extending into the bottom compartment. Another type of trashcan device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,416, which is incorporated herein by reference, which device has a conventional shape and which includes clips that are attachable to a trash bag. The clips are positioned outside of the trashcan to prevent the trash bag from falling back into the trashcan. Another clip assembly for securing a trash bag is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,186, which is incorporated herein by reference.

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, it is believed that a need remains for a simple trashcan assembly that allows a trashcan liner—sometimes referred to as a trash bag—to be secured directly to the trashcan in order to prevent the trash bag from slipping and falling into the trashcan.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features.

In a first aspect of the invention, a trashcan assembly comprises a container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a rim of the peripheral wall defining an opening extending into the container, and a bag engaging member located in an area of the peripheral wall with the bag engaging member being generally coplanar with the peripheral wall in the area and being configured for receiving a portion of a trash bag for securing the trash bag to an outer surface of the peripheral wall. A trash bag may be extended over the rim and secured to the peripheral wall with the bag engaging member.

In another aspect of the invention, a trashcan assembly comprises a container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a rim of the peripheral wall defining an opening extending into the container, a bag engaging member located on the peripheral wall, and a trash bag received within the container and extending over the rim and secured to the peripheral wall with the bag engaging member with a portion of the trash bag extending through the bag engaging member into an interior of the trashcan assembly.

In a feature of this aspect, the trashcan assembly further comprises a trash bag, wherein a portion of the trash bag extends through an aperture of the bag engaging member into an interior of the trashcan assembly. In another feature of this aspect, the trashcan assembly further comprises a plurality of bag engaging members. In accordance with this feature, the plurality of bag engaging members includes two bag engaging members disposed in opposite facing relation with one another. It is preferred that the two bag engaging members are disposed on opposite walls. With regard to this feature, the plurality of bag engaging members includes four bag engaging members. With further regard to this feature, each of the plurality of bag engaging members includes an aperture extending through the peripheral wall and a plurality of slots extending generally radially away from the aperture with a plurality of resiliently flexible sections being defined between adjacent ones of the slots, wherein a portion of the trash bag may be extended into a respective aperture and frictionally secured therein by the sections. In further accordance with this feature, each of the plurality of bag engaging members is biased into a common plane with the peripheral wall. With further regard to the feature, the container is formed of a resilient, semi-flexible plastic, and each of the plurality of bag engaging members includes an arrangement of slits formed in the peripheral wall of the container, wherein portions of a trash bag may be extended into the arrangement of slits and frictionally secured therein by the arrangement. It is preferred that the arrangement of slits includes a star configuration, wherein the slits form fingers that bend inward upon insertion of a portion of a trash bag.

In another feature of this aspect, the trashcan assembly further includes a plurality of tabs, each of the tabs being attached to an inner surface of the peripheral wall with the tabs being spaced from each other and being positioned nearer to the bottom wall than the rim The tabs are configured to secure a trash bag dispensing box adjacent to the bottom wall. In yet another feature of this aspect, the trashcan assembly further comprises a trash bag liner dispenser plate comprising a hinged plate attached to an inner surface of the peripheral wall at a location nearer to the bottom wall than to the rim and having a slot formed therein through which a trash bag liner may be dispensed.

In still yet another feature, the trashcan assembly further comprises a walled compartment disposed adjacent the bottom wall of the container with the compartment containing one or more replacement bag liners therein. In accordance with this feature, the compartment includes a hinging lid and a latch, wherein the lid is lifted for removal or replacement bag liners stored therein. In further accordance with this feature, the compartment includes a lid with a slot formed there through for dispensing of replacement bags. With regard to this feature, the compartment is permanently fixed to the container. With further regard to this feature, the compartment is removably inserted into the container.

In an additional aspect of the invention, a method of making a trashcan assembly configured for receiving a trash bag, comprising the steps of providing a container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall being attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall with a rim of the peripheral wall defining an opening extending into the container; forming an arrangement of slits in the peripheral wall with the arrangement being configured for receiving a portion of the bag and securing the bag to an outer surface of the peripheral wall. A trash bag may be extended over the rim and secured to the peripheral wall by insertion of a portion of the trash bag through the arrangement of slits.

In a feature of this aspect, the arrangement of slits is formed in a star configuration. In another feature of this aspect, the arrangement of slits is formed with a device configured for punching the arrangement in the peripheral wall of the container. In yet another feature of this aspect, the arrangement of slits is formed with a device configured for cutting the arrangement in the peripheral wall of the container.

In an additional feature, the arrangement of slits is formed prior to a consumer purchasing the container. In a further feature, the arrangement of slits is formed by a consumer after the consumer purchases the container. In still yet another feature, the arrangement of slits includes a circular aperture centrally located relative to the slits, each slit extending in a generally radial direction relative to the circular aperture.

In another aspect of the invention, a trashcan comprises a trash bag that has a top end that defines a mouth and a body having a surrounding wall and a top edge that defines a mouth. An opening is provided on the body adjacent the top edge wherein a portion of the trash bag is inserted through the opening of the body.

In a feature of this aspect, the body further includes fingers extending into the opening, with the fingers separated by spaces. In still yet another feature of this aspect, the portion of the trash bag is adjacent the top end of the trash bag.

In an additional aspect of this invention, a method of securing a trash bag to the mouth of a trashcan comprises providing a trashcan having a body having a surrounding wall and a top edge that defines a mouth with an opening provided on the body adjacent the top edge; positioning a trash bag so as to line the trashcan; and inserting a portion of the trash bag through the opening in order to secure the trash bag in lining disposition relative to the trashcan.

In a feature of this aspect, the step of inserting the portion of the trash bag through the opening comprises inserting the portion of the trash bag from an exterior of the trashcan, through the opening, into the interior of the trashcan.

In another aspect of the invention, a trashcan assembly comprises a container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a rim of the peripheral wall defining an opening extending into the container; and a bag engaging member located in an area of the peripheral wall with the bag engaging member including a housing separate from the peripheral wall with the housing having a surface that is generally parallel to a plane of the peripheral wall in the area and being configured for receiving a portion of a trash bag for securing the trash bag to an outer surface of the peripheral wall. A trash bag may be extended over the rim and secured to the peripheral wall with the bag engaging member.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a trashcan assembly comprises a container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall with a rim of the peripheral wall defining an opening extending into the container; and a bag engaging member located on the peripheral wall with the bag engaging member including a housing having an enclosed interior space The bag engaging member is configured for receiving a portion of a trash bag for securing the trash bag to an outer surface of the peripheral wall, wherein the portion of the trash bag extends through a surface of the housing into the enclosed interior space of the bag engaging member, wherein a trash bag may be extended over the rim and secured to the peripheral wall with the bag engaging member.

In a feature of this aspect, the bag engaging member is adhered to the peripheral wall of the container. In another feature of this aspect, the trashcan assembly further comprises a trash bag. The trash bag is received within the container in lining disposition relative to the container, and further is extended over the rim and secured to the peripheral wall by the bag engaging member with a portion of the bag extending into and residing within the enclosed interior space of the bag engaging member.

In an additional feature, the trashcan assembly further comprises a second bag engaging member located on a side wall of the peripheral wall that is opposite to a side wall on which the first bag engaging member is located. In yet another feature, the bag engaging member includes a housing having a lower wall, an upper wall and a perimeter wall being attached to and extending between the lower and upper walls with the perimeter wall including a front wall and a back wall, the front wall having an aperture extending there through with a plurality of slots extending away from the aperture. A plurality of resiliently flexible sections is defined between adjacent ones of the slots, wherein portions of the bag may be extended into the apertures and frictionally secured therein by the sections. An adhesive is attached to and covering each of the back walls with each of the bag engaging members being attached to the peripheral wall with the adhesive.

In another feature, the bag engaging member has a generally box-like shape with a front and back face with the front face having an arrangement of slits formed therein. The arrangement includes a star configuration, wherein portions of the bag may be extended into the arrangement and frictionally secured therein by the arrangement with the back face containing an adhesive for adhering each of the plurality of bag engaging members to the peripheral wall of the container.

In still yet another feature, the trashcan assembly further includes a plurality of tabs with each of the tabs being attached to an inner surface of the peripheral wall The tabs are spaced from each other and are positioned nearer to the bottom wall than the rim with the tabs being configured to secure a trash bag dispensing box adjacent to the bottom wall. In an additional feature, the trashcan assembly further comprises a trash bag liner dispenser plate comprising a hinged plate attached to an inner surface of the peripheral wall at a location nearer to the bottom wall than to the rim and having a slot formed therein through which a trash bag liner may be dispensed.

In another feature, the trashcan assembly further comprises a walled compartment disposed adjacent the bottom wall of the container with the compartment containing one or more replacement bag liners therein. In accordance with this feature, the compartment includes a hinging lid and a latch, wherein the lid is lifted for removal of replacement bag liners stored therein. In further accordance with this feature, the compartment includes a lid with a slot formed there through for dispensing of replacement bags. With regard to this feature, the compartment is permanently fixed to the container. With further regard to this feature, the compartment is removably inserted into the container.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further includes the various possible combinations of such aspects and features.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

FIG. 1Ais a perspective view of a trashcan assembly10in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1Bis a perspective view of the trashcan assembly10ofFIG. 1Awith a plurality of bag engaging members28retaining a bag liner34. The trashcan assembly10includes a container11having a bottom wall12and a peripheral wall14that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall12. A rim16of the peripheral wall14defines an opening18extending into the trashcan assembly10. The peripheral wall14includes a first wall20, a second wall22, a third wall24and a fourth wall26wherein the first20and second walls22are positioned opposite of each other.

InFIG. 1A, the trashcan assembly10is formed from a resilient, semi-flexible plastic material and includes one or more bag engaging members28including arrangements of slits30within one or more walls thereof. Preferably, each arrangement30includes a star configuration and is disposed in proximity to the rim16of the trashcan assembly10. Due to the flexibility of the material and the orientation of the slits in each arrangement30, an opening32inward may be formed at each arrangement30for insertion and retention therein of a bag liner34. The slits form fingers36or teeth that bend inward upon insertion of the bag liner34and that resist withdrawal of the bag liner34when the force used to bend the fingers36inwardly is removed. Indeed, the fingers36preferably return to their original position when the force is withdrawn. By inserting the bag liner34into the trashcan assembly10and extending the top of the bag liner34over the rim16of the trashcan assembly10, portions38of the top of the bag liner34may be inserted into and retained by the arrangement30of fingers36. The portion38of the bag liner34is thereby retained in its extension over the rim16of the trashcan assembly10, and the bag liner34is thereby prevented from falling down within the trashcan assembly10.

The present invention further includes a method of manufacturing a trashcan assembly10by forming the arrangement of slits30in the trashcan assembly10as shown. The arrangement30may be formed with the manufacture of the trashcan or formed thereafter. The arrangement10further may be formed even after purchase of the trashcan by a consumer. In this regard, an aspect of the invention includes a device for punching or cutting an arrangement of slits30for retention of a bag liner34as disclosed with respect to the trashcan assembly10. The device preferably acts as a punch for forming the arrangement of slits30in the trashcan11. Each arrangement of slits30is formed one at a time by the consumer in the desired locations in proximity to the rim16of the trashcan11.

In alternative embodiments, the trashcan assembly10may include one, two, three, four or more sides each having one or more arrangements of slits30for retention of the bag liner34. For example, the trashcan assembly10may include just two opposing arrangements of slits30disposed, respectively, in walls20,22.

FIG. 2Ais a perspective view of a bag engaging member52in the form of a stick-on retention device40for retaining a portion38of a bag liner34in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2Bis a perspective view of a conventional trashcan58and the stick-on retention device40ofFIG. 2Aillustrating attachment of the stick-on retention device40to the trashcan58. A conventional trashcan58generally includes a container60having a bottom wall62and a peripheral wall64that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall62. A rim66of the peripheral wall64defines an opening68extending into the trashcan58. The stick-on device40is generally box-like in shape with a front face42and a back face44. The front face42has an arrangement of slits54formed therein. Each stick-on device40includes at least one arrangement of slits54for receiving and retaining a portion38of a bag liner34. Similar to the arrangement of slits30described herein above, the arrangement of slits54in the stick-on device includes a star configuration. The back face44of the stick-on device40contains an adhesive for adhering the device40to the peripheral wall64of the trashcan58. The Ordinary Artisan will understand that any suitable adhesive may be used to adhere the stick-on device to the trashcan.

Preferably, each device40is capable of adhering to a conventional trashcan58and includes at least one arrangement of slits54for receiving and retaining a portion38of a trash bag liner34. The stick-on device40is advantageous for retrofitting a conventional trashcan58in which the arrangements of slits54cannot be formed or in which a user does not wish to physically form the arrangements of slits54.

Returning toFIG. 1A, the trashcan assembly10optionally includes a refill compartment46disposed adjacent the bottom wall12of the container11that contains therein one or more replacement bag liners. The compartment46has a walled housing56and preferably includes a hinging lid48and latch50. Alternatively, the refill bag liners may be withdrawn through one or more slots formed in the lid of the compartment (not shown) as is conventional for dispensers for trash bag liners. The compartment may be permanently fixed to or integrally formed with the trashcan assembly. Alternatively, the compartment may be removably inserted into the trashcan.

FIG. 3is another perspective view of a trashcan assembly100in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 4is a perspective view of the trashcan assembly100ofFIG. 3with a trash bag liner34inserted and retained therein.FIG. 7is a side cross-section view of a bag engaging member118taken along the line7-7inFIG. 4, which bag engaging member118serves to retain the trash bag liner34. The trashcan assembly100generally comprises a container101that has a bottom wall102and a peripheral wall104that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall102. A rim106of the peripheral wall104defines an opening108extending into the container101. The peripheral wall104includes a first wall110, a second wall112, a third wall114and a fourth wall116wherein the first and second walls110,112are positioned opposite of each other.

A plurality of bag engaging members118are positioned on the peripheral wall104. Each of the bag engaging members118is configured for receiving a portion38of a trash bag liner34, preferably a pliable plastic trash bag, and secures the bag34to an outer surface105of the peripheral wall104. Each of the bag engaging members118includes an aperture120extending through the peripheral wall104and a plurality of slots122extending radially away from the aperture120. A plurality of resiliently flexible sections126is defined between adjacent ones of the slots122. Because the sections126are resiliently flexible, the sections126are biased into a common plane with the peripheral wall104. Portions38of the bag34may be extended into the apertures120and frictionally secured therein by the sections126. The plurality of bag engaging members118preferably includes at least two bag engaging members and, in other embodiments, preferably one engaging member is located on each of the first, second, third and fourth walls. However, in contemplated variations of the invention, a single bag engaging member118may be utilized.

FIG. 5is a partially cut-away perspective view of a trashcan assembly111. The trashcan assembly111is similar to that ofFIGS. 3 and 4, but further includes a plurality of tabs130disposed on an inner surface107of the peripheral wall104. Each of the tabs130is attached to an inner surface107of the peripheral wall104. The tabs130are spaced apart from each other and are positioned nearer to the bottom wall102than the rim106. The tabs130are configured and arranged to secure a trash bag dispensing box adjacent to the bottom wall102. The box is positioned on the bottom wall102and bags are removed from the box while the box is retained on the bottom wall102by the tabs130. It is preferred that the box be a conventional dispensing box of the type purchased at a grocery store or other retail establishment such as Wal-Mart, Target or K-Mart.

FIG. 6is a partially cut-away perspective view of a trashcan assembly similar to that ofFIG. 5, but having an alternative design accommodating a trash bag liner dispenser. Specifically, the trashcan assembly113ofFIG. 6includes a hinged plate132attached to the inner surface107of the peripheral wall104for holding down a trash bag dispensing box. The hinged plate132has a slot134formed therein through which a trash bag liner34may be dispensed.

FIG. 8is another perspective view of a trashcan assembly200, andFIG. 9is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a bag engaging member202taken along the line9-9inFIG. 8. The trashcan assembly200generally comprises a container201that has a bottom wall222and a peripheral wall224that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall222. A rim226of the peripheral wall224defines an opening228extending into the container201.

The bag engaging member202includes a housing204having a lower wall206, an upper wall208, and a perimeter wall210that is attached to and extends between the lower206and upper walls208. The perimeter wall210includes a front wall212and a back wall214. The front wall212has an aperture216extending there through. A plurality of slots218extends away from the aperture216in radial directions, and a plurality of resiliently flexible sections220is defined between adjacent ones of the slots218. Portions38of a bag liner34may be extended into the respective apertures216of the two bag engaging members202and frictionally secured therein by the resiliently flexible sections220. An adhesive is attached to and covers each of the back walls214. The bag engaging members202are attached to the peripheral wall224of the container201with the adhesive.

Generally, in use in accordance with the present invention, a trash bag34is placed in a respective container11,60,101,201and extended over a respective rim16,66,106,226. The trash bag34may then be secured to a respective peripheral wall14,64,104,224with one or more respective bag engaging members28,52,118,202. The bag engaging members28,52,118,202prevent the trash bag34from falling into the container11,60,101,201, even when trash is placed within the container11,60,101,201with great force.

With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification, are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

A trashcan assembly in accordance with the invention may be utilized as a residential trash container such as, for example, trash containers found in kitchens. A trashcan assembly in accordance with the invention may also be used for commercial trash containers such as, for example, trash containers found in offices. The trashcan assembly further has utility in use in large trash containers for receiving and holding yard debris such as leaves, and has particularly utility when bagging leaves.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.