Abstract:
An animal resistant insert for a trash container is disclosed. The insert comprises a platform portion bounded by an edge and a flange portion extending from the edge of the platform portion at an angle. The flange portion terminates at a terminal circumference, the terminal circumference being approximately equal to the inner circumference of the trash container. The insert further comprises at least one handle extending from the platform portion. The insert may also comprise a rim of resilient material attached to the terminal circumference of the flange portion and at least one ventilation hole disposed on the platform portion. The invention may further comprise a replaceable cover for sealing and uncovering the ventilation holes

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The invention relates generally to the field of trash container accessories. More specifically, the invention relates to the field of means for preventing animal access to trash in trash containers. More specifically, the invention relates to a trash container insert that prevents animals from accessing trash inside a trash container.  
           [0003]    2. Description of Related Art  
           [0004]    As urban sprawl increases, people&#39;s homes are ever closer to areas inhabited by wildlife. A natural consequence of this intermingling of humans with wild animals is the attraction of scavengers, such as raccoons, foxes, opossums, armadillos and other animals to trash containers stored outside the home. Such containers are often covered by loosely fitting covers or hinged lids for easy opening. Unfortunately, such covers and lids pose little obstacle to animals attracted to food within the containers. Animals are then able to dig through the refuse in the containers, destroying garbage bags in order to reach food remains and littering the surrounding area with garbage. The spilling of garbage out of the bags also makes trash disposal by municipal waste management services difficult—particularly via automated trucks—as loose trash is likely to spill or blow away and litter areas surrounding the collection vehicle. Additionally, loose garbage can adhere to the inside of the trash container, increasing odors, supporting the growth of microorganisms and resulting in other undesirable effects.  
           [0005]    Several means have been employed to prevent animals from accessing trash containers. Such means inhabit two general categories: the use of repellent odors and the use of locking mechanisms. The use of repellent odors usually involves spraying the trash container and/or the bags left inside of it with ammonia or some commercially available repellent that is pungent to animals. Similar effects can be achieved through the use of moth balls. However, ammonia and moth balls can pose health hazards to small children and household pets. Additionally, they may pose hazards to the wild animals, exceeding the goal of merely repelling them.  
           [0006]    Latching and locking mechanisms for trash containers come in many forms, such as those seen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,762 to Gorgi and U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,258 to Sutherlin. These approaches work under the premise that manual manipulation of even simple mechanisms is too difficult for animals that lack thumbs. Most trash containers are made of rigid plastic or some other sturdy material that prevent animals from chewing through their exteriors. Consequently, if the animal is unable to open the lid, the animal will not gain access to the trash inside the container. One drawback of locking mechanisms, though, is that they may pose some hassle for humans who are attempting to deposit garbage into the container; particularly, when it is dark where the trash container is stored. Additionally, users may have to place their garbage on the ground before opening the container, where they do not have a free hand.  
           [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an effective means that prevents animals from accessing the contents of a trash container, that is simple for humans to operate, and that poses no health hazards to wildlife, humans, or pets.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention provides an insert for a trash container that prevents animals from accessing the contents of the container. The invention overcomes disadvantages of prior inventions and provides other advantages, as described below. The invention is directed to an animal resistant insert comprising a platform portion bounded by an edge and a flange portion extending from the edge of the platform portion at an angle. The flange portion terminates at a terminal circumference, the terminal circumference being approximately equal to the inner circumference of the trash container. The insert further comprises at least one handle extending from the platform portion. The insert may also comprise a rim of resilient material, such as rubber, vinyl or plastic, attached to the terminal circumference of the flange portion and at least one ventilation hole disposed on the platform portion. The invention may further comprise a replaceable cover for sealing and uncovering the ventilation holes. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1A is an illustration of a top perspective view of a rectangular convex embodiment of the invention.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1B is an illustration of a side perspective view of a rectangular convex embodiment of the invention.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2A is an illustration of a top perspective view of a rectangular recessed embodiment of the invention.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2B is an illustration of a side perspective view of a rectangular recessed embodiment of the invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3A is an illustration of a top perspective view of a circular convex embodiment of the invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3B is an illustration of a side perspective view of a circular convex embodiment of the invention.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4A is an illustration of a top perspective view of a circular recessed embodiment of the invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4B is an illustration of a side perspective view of a circular recessed embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0017]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like features are designated by like numbers, the present invention is directed to an apparatus that may be inserted into a trash container to prevent access to the containers contents by animals. For clarity, it will be necessary to briefly describe the features of trash containers to which the description will refer. A rectangular trash container has four sides that connect and cooperate to form a cavity. The container&#39;s sides have a uniform thickness, thereby creating an inner circumference that bounds the cavity. The inner circumference may be uniform, or it may decrease when moving from the cavity mouth to the bottom portion. The rectangular shape may be rounded or squared at the corners. The container has a bottom portion connected with distal ends of each side, thereby acting as a floor of the cavity and creating a cavity mouth at the proximal end of the sides. The container has a lid portion that covers the cavity mouth.  
         [0018]    A circular trash container has a cylindrical shape whose inner volume forms a cavity. The container&#39;s cylinder has a uniform thickness, thereby creating an inner circumference that bounds the cavity. The inner circumference may be uniform, or it may decrease when moving from the cavity mouth to the bottom portion. The container has a bottom portion connected with distal ends of the cylinder, thereby acting as a floor of the cavity and creating a cavity mouth at the opposite end of the cylinder. The container has a lid portion that covers the cavity mouth.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1A is an illustration of a top perspective view of a rectangular convex embodiment of the invention. The insert  100  has a rectangular platform portion  101 . The platform portion is connected with at least one handle  104 , which extends from the platform portion  101 . Preferably, the at least one handle  104  extends perpendicularly from the platform portion  101 . The platform portion  101  is also connected with a flange portion  102 . The flange portion  102  extends from a continuous edge of the platform portion  101  at a uniform angle. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the flange portion  102  extends in the direction opposite the handle  104 .  
         [0020]    The angle between platform portion  101  and the flange portion  102  may be as little as one hundred degrees (100°) and as large as one hundred fifty degrees (150°). The angle is preferably between one hundred twenty (120°) and one hundred fifty (150°) degrees; more preferably, between one hundred thirty-five (135°) and one hundred fifty degrees (150°); and most preferably, one hundred thirty-five degrees (135°). Where the convex embodiment of the insert  100  is used in a trash container of decreasing inner circumference, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a slightly lower angle may be required to allow the insert  100  to be used in such a trash container, without any handle  104  preventing full closure of the lid of the trash container. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the angle may be increased by shortening the straight-line distance  108  between the edge of the platform portion  101  and the terminal circumference  103 , such that the insert  100  must be placed deeper inside such a trash container before contacting the decreasing inner circumference of the container.  
         [0021]    The flange portion  102  forms substantially the same shape as the platform portion  101 , though the circumference of the flange portion  102  is an increasing multiple of the platform portion  101 . This creates a convex space within the bounds of the flange portion  102  and the platform portion  101 . The terminal circumference  103  of the flange portion  102  equals the cavity circumference of a trash container at the container&#39;s cavity mouth. In this way, the insert  100  is held in place frictionally through contact between the flange portion  102  and the inner circumference of the container. Where the cavity circumference of the trash container decreases as one moves toward its bottom portion, the insert  100  is also held in place through the inability for the insert  100  to fit beyond a certain position in the trash container.  
         [0022]    As described above, the insert  100  has at least one handle  104  attached to the platform portion  101 . A single handle  104  may be attached to the center of the platform portion  101  or to one edge of the platform portion  101 . Alternatively, two handles  104  may be attached near opposite sides of the platform portion  101 . Preferably, one handle is attached close to one edge of the platform portion  101 , such that the insert  100  need not be pulled out of its position in a trash container all at once. This positioning of the handle  104  prevents a user from encountering the total frictional resistance caused by contact between the inner circumference of the trash container and the entire terminal circumference  103  of the flange portion  102 . More preferably, two handles  104  are placed at opposite sides of the platform portion  101 , such that both handles  104  may be used in inserting the insert  100  into a trash container, and either or both handles  104  may be used to remove the insert  100  from the trash container.  
         [0023]    The insert  100  may also have at least one ventilation hole  105 , which may be located in the flange portion  102 , or in the platform portion  101 . The ventilation holes  105  are intended to prevent vacuum suction caused by, for example, decreases in temperature of any air sealed inside the trash container by the insert  100 . The ventilation holes  105  are also provided to relieve pressure caused by methane gas generation or heating of air sealed inside the container by the insert  100 . The ventilation holes  105  are preferably small enough to prevent mice or other small rodents from passing through them. In order to reduce odor escaping from the ventilation holes  105 , a replaceable cover  106  may be provided. The replaceable cover  106  may comprise any means for uncovering the ventilation holes  105  and then substantially sealing them when they are not needed. For example, the replaceable cover  106  may comprise a durable strip of material having a border that connects with a compatible outline of material surrounding the ventilation holes  105 , such that the two borders connect via hook and loop fasteners.  
         [0024]    As shown in FIG. 1B, a resilient rim  107  may be integrated with the terminal circumference  103  of the flange portion  102 . The rim may comprise, for example, a resilient strip of rubber, plastic, or polymer that improves the fit of the insert  100  in a trash container, by slightly increasing the terminal circumference  103  of the flange portion  102 , and by increasing the amount of friction between the flange portion  102  and the inner circumference of the trash container. The rim  107  may be attached by adhesive or through other suitable means.  
         [0025]    The insert  100  is preferably formed from a rigid material that resists both animal chewing and cracking due to temperature change. The insert  100  may be formed of its various portions and assembled. For example, the platform portion  101 , the flange portion  102 , and the handle(s)  104  may be separately formed and assembled at various seams. Alternatively, the insert  100  may be formed in integral fashion (except for any replaceable cover  106  or rim  107 ), such as a single piece of molded plastic or aluminum material. The insert may have rounded corners that match the dimensions of a trash container&#39;s rounded corners. Alternatively, rounded corners may be used in conjunction with a trash container that has square corners without substantially affecting the utility of the invention. In fact, the small space caused by the rounded corners of the insert failing to fully contact the squared corners of a trash container provides an additional venting means. Alternatively, the insert may have squared corners to fit the corner dimensions of the trash container. Preferably, the rectangular embodiments of the invention insert  100  have rounded corners.  
         [0026]    In order to use the insert  100 , a user places it into a trash container, such that the handle  104  extends toward the cavity mouth of the trash container. This may be done by matching the terminal circumference  103  of the flange portion  102  insert to the inner circumference of the trash container cavity and forcibly sliding the insert  100  down the inner circumference of the trash container to a user-determined level below the cavity mouth of the container, such that it covers the contents of the trash container. Once in place, a barrier is formed between the cavity mouth of the trash container and its contents. Animals will be unable to lift the entire insert  100  out of the can due to its frictional resistance and due to the fact that most animals, such as raccoons and opossums, will have to be standing on the insert  100  to even try. Finally, where an animal&#39;s weight causes the insert  100  to sink into the trash container, the barrier between the animal and the container&#39;s contents will be maintained.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 2A is an illustration of a top perspective view of a rectangular recessed embodiment of the invention. The insert  200  has a rectangular platform portion  201 . The platform portion is connected with at least one handle  204 , which extends from the platform portion  201 . Preferably, the at least one handle  204  extends perpendicularly from the platform portion  201 . The platform portion  201  is also connected with a flange portion  202 . The flange portion  202  extends from a continuous edge of the platform portion  201  at a uniform angle. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the flange portion  202  extends in the direction of the handle  204 . The angle between platform portion  201  and the flange portion  202  may be as little as one hundred degrees (100°) and as large as one hundred fifty degrees (150°). Preferably, the angle is between one hundred (100°) and one hundred thirty-five (135°) degrees. More preferably, the angle is between one hundred thirty-five (100°) and one hundred fifty degrees (150°). Most preferably, the angle is one hundred fifty degrees (150°).  
         [0028]    The flange portion  202  forms substantially the same shape as the platform portion  201 , though the circumference of the flange portion  202  is an increasing multiple of the platform portion  201 . This creates a recessed space within the bounds of the flange portion  202  and the platform portion  201 . The terminal circumference  203  of the flange portion  202  equals the cavity circumference of a trash container at the container&#39;s cavity mouth. In this way, the insert  200  is held in place frictionally through contact between the flange portion  202  and the inner circumference of the container. Where the cavity circumference of the trash container decreases as one moves toward its bottom portion, the insert  200  is also held in place through the inability for the insert  200  to fit beyond a certain position in the trash container.  
         [0029]    As described above, the insert  200  has at least one handle  204  attached to the platform portion  201 . A single handle  204  may be attached to the center of the platform portion  201  or to one edge of the platform portion  201 . Alternatively, two handles  204  may be attached near opposite sides of the platform portion  201 . Preferably, one handle is attached close to one edge of the platform portion  201 , such that the insert  200  need not be pulled out of its position in a trash container all at once. This positioning of the handle  204  prevents a user from encountering the total frictional resistance caused by contact between the inner circumference of the trash container and the entire terminal circumference  203  of the flange portion  202 . More preferably, two handles  204  are placed at opposite sides of the platform portion  201 , such that both handles  204  may be used in inserting the insert  200  into a trash container, and either or both handles  204  may be used to remove the insert  200  from the trash container. No handle  204  should extend higher than the terminal circumference  203  of the flange portion  202 .  
         [0030]    The insert  200  may also have at least one ventilation hole  205 , which may be located in the flange portion  202 , or in the platform portion  201 . The ventilation holes  205  are intended to prevent vacuum suction caused by, for example, decreases in temperature of any air sealed inside the trash container by the insert  200 . The ventilation holes  205  are also provided to relieve pressure caused by methane gas generation or heating of air sealed inside the container by the insert  200 . The ventilation holes  205  are preferably small enough to prevent mice or other small rodents from passing through them. In order to reduce odor escaping from the ventilation holes  205 , a replaceable cover  206  may be provided. The replaceable cover  206  may comprise any means for uncovering the ventilation holes  205  and then substantially sealing them when they are not needed. For example, the replaceable cover  206  may comprise a durable strip of material having a border that connects with a compatible outline of material surrounding the ventilation holes  205 , such that the two borders connect via hook and loop fasteners.  
         [0031]    As shown in FIG. 2B, a resilient rim  207  may be integrated with the terminal circumference  203  of the flange portion  202 . The rim may comprise, for example, a resilient strip of rubber, plastic, or polymer that improves the fit of the insert  200  in a trash container, by slightly increasing the terminal circumference  203  of the flange portion  202 , and by increasing the amount of friction between the flange portion  202  and the inner circumference of the trash container. The rim  207  may be attached by adhesive or through other suitable means.  
         [0032]    The insert  200  is preferably formed from a rigid material that resists both animal chewing and cracking due to temperature change. The insert  200  may be formed of its various portions and assembled. For example, the platform portion  201 , the flange portion  202 , and the handle(s)  204  may be separately formed and assembled at various seams. Alternatively, the insert  200  may be formed in integral fashion (except for any replaceable cover  206  or rim  207 ), such as a single piece of molded plastic or aluminum material. The insert may have rounded corners that match the dimensions of a trash container&#39;s rounded corners. Alternatively, rounded corners may be used in conjunction with a trash container that has square corners without substantially affecting the utility of the invention. In fact, the small space caused by the rounded corners of the insert failing to fully contact the squared corners of a trash container provides an additional venting means. Alternatively, the insert may have squared corners to fit the corner dimensions of the trash container. Preferably, the rectangular embodiments of the invention insert  200  have rounded corners.  
         [0033]    In order to use the insert  200 , a user places it into a trash container, such that the handle  204  extends toward the cavity mouth of the trash container. This may be done by matching the terminal circumference  203  of the flange portion  202  insert to the inner circumference of the trash container cavity and forcibly sliding the insert  200  down the inner circumference of the trash container to a user-determined level below the cavity mouth of the container, such that it covers the contents of the trash container. Once in place, a barrier is formed between the cavity mouth of the trash container and its contents. Animals will be unable to lift the entire insert  200  out of the can due to its frictional resistance and due to the fact that most animals, such as raccoons and opossums, will have to be standing on the insert  200  to even try. Finally, where an animal&#39;s weight causes the insert  200  to sink into the trash container, the barrier between the animal and the container&#39;s contents will be maintained.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3A is an illustration of a top perspective view of a circular convex embodiment of the invention. The insert  300  has a circular platform portion  301 . The platform portion is connected with at least one handle  304 , which extends from the platform portion  301 . Preferably, the at least one handle  304  extends perpendicularly from the platform portion  301 . The platform portion  301  is also connected with a flange portion  302 . The flange portion  302  extends from a continuous edge of the platform portion  301  at a uniform angle. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the flange portion  302  extends in the direction opposite the handle  304 .  
         [0035]    The angle between platform portion  301  and the flange portion  302  may be as little as one hundred degrees (100°) and as large as one hundred fifty degrees (150°). The angle is preferably between one hundred twenty (120°) and one hundred fifty (150°) degrees; more preferably, between one hundred thirty-five (135°) and one hundred fifty degrees (150°); and most preferably, one hundred thirty-five degrees (135°). Where the convex embodiment of the insert  300  is used in a trash container of decreasing inner circumference, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a slightly lower angle may be required to allow the insert  300  to be used in such a trash container, without any handle  304  preventing full closure of the lid of the trash container. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the angle may be increased by shortening the straight-line distance  308  between the edge of the platform portion  301  and the terminal circumference  303 , such that the insert  300  must be placed deeper inside such a trash container before contacting the decreasing inner circumference of the container.  
         [0036]    The flange portion  302  forms substantially the same shape as the platform portion  301 , though the circumference of the flange portion  302  is an increasing multiple of the platform portion  301 . This creates a convex space within the bounds of the flange portion  302  and the platform portion  301 . The terminal circumference  303  of the flange portion  302  equals the cavity circumference of a trash container at the container&#39;s cavity mouth. In this way, the insert  300  is held in place frictionally through contact between the flange portion  302  and the inner circumference of the container. Where the cavity circumference of the trash container decreases as one moves toward its bottom portion, the insert  300  is also held in place through the inability for the insert  300  to fit beyond a certain position in the trash container.  
         [0037]    As described above, the insert  300  has at least one handle  304  attached to the platform portion  301 . A single handle  304  may be attached to the center of the platform portion  301  or to one edge of the platform portion  301 . Alternatively, two handles  304  may be attached near opposite sides of the platform portion  301 . Preferably, one handle is attached close to one edge of the platform portion  301 , such that the insert  300  need not be pulled out of its position in a trash container all at once. This positioning of the handle  304  prevents a user from encountering the total frictional resistance caused by contact between the inner circumference of the trash container and the entire terminal circumference  303  of the flange portion  302 . More preferably, two handles  304  are placed at opposite sides of the platform portion  301 , such that both handles  304  may be used in inserting the insert  300  into a trash container, and either or both handles  304  may be used to remove the insert  300  from the trash container.  
         [0038]    The insert  300  may also have at least one ventilation hole  305 , which may be located in the flange portion  302 , or in the platform portion  301 . The ventilation holes  305  are intended to prevent vacuum suction caused by, for example, decreases in temperature of any air sealed inside the trash container by the insert  300 . The ventilation holes  305  are also provided to relieve pressure caused by methane gas generation or heating of air sealed inside the container by the insert  300 . The ventilation holes  305  are preferably small enough to prevent mice or other small rodents from passing through them. In order to reduce odor escaping from the ventilation holes  305 , a replaceable cover  306  may be provided. The replaceable cover  306  may comprise any means for uncovering the ventilation holes  305  and then substantially sealing them when they are not needed. For example, the replaceable cover  306  may comprise a durable strip of material having a border that connects with a compatible outline of material surrounding the ventilation holes  305 , such that the two borders connect via hook and loop fasteners.  
         [0039]    As shown in FIG. 3B, a resilient rim  307  may be integrated with the terminal circumference  303  of the flange portion  302 . The rim may comprise, for example, a resilient strip of rubber, plastic, or polymer that improves the fit of the insert  300  in a trash container, by slightly increasing the terminal circumference  303  of the flange portion  302 , and by increasing the amount of friction between the flange portion  302  and the inner circumference of the trash container. The rim  307  may be attached by adhesive or through other suitable means.  
         [0040]    The insert  300  is preferably formed from a rigid material that resists both animal chewing and cracking due to temperature change. The insert  300  may be formed of its various portions and assembled. For example, the platform portion  301 , the flange portion  302 , and the handle(s)  304  may be separately formed and assembled at various seams. Alternatively, the insert  300  may be formed in integral fashion (except for any replaceable cover  306  or rim  307 ), such as a single piece of molded plastic or aluminum material.  
         [0041]    In order to use the insert  300 , a user places it into a trash container, such that the handle  304  extends toward the cavity mouth of the trash container. This may be done by matching the terminal circumference  303  of the flange portion  302  insert to the inner circumference of the trash container cavity and forcibly sliding the insert  300  down the inner circumference of the trash container to a user-determined level below the cavity mouth of the container, such that it covers the contents of the trash container. Once in place, a barrier is formed between the cavity mouth of the trash container and its contents. Animals will be unable to lift the entire insert  300  out of the can due to its frictional resistance and due to the fact that most animals, such as raccoons and opossums, will have to be standing on the insert  300  to even try. Finally, where an animal&#39;s weight causes the insert  300  to sink into the trash container, the barrier between the animal and the container&#39;s contents will be maintained.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 4A is an illustration of a top perspective view of a circular recessed embodiment of the invention. The insert  400  has a circular platform portion  401 . The platform portion is connected with at least one handle  404 , which extends from the platform portion  401 . Preferably, the at least one handle  404  extends perpendicularly from the platform portion  401 . The platform portion  401  is also connected with a flange portion  402 . The flange portion  402  extends from a continuous edge of the platform portion  401  at a uniform angle. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the flange portion  402  extends in the direction of the handle  404 . The angle between platform portion  401  and the flange portion  402  may be as little as one hundred degrees (100°) and as large as one hundred fifty degrees (150°). Preferably, the angle is between one hundred (100°) and one hundred thirty-five (135°) degrees. More preferably, the angle is between one hundred thirty-five (135°) and one hundred fifty degrees (150°). Most preferably, the angle is one hundred fifty degrees (150°).  
         [0043]    The flange portion  402  forms substantially the same shape as the platform portion  401 , though the circumference of the flange portion  402  is an increasing multiple of the platform portion  401 . This creates a recessed space within the bounds of the flange portion  402  and the platform portion  401 . The terminal circumference  403  of the flange portion  402  equals the cavity circumference of a trash container at the container&#39;s cavity mouth. In this way, the insert  400  is held in place frictionally through contact between the flange portion  402  and the inner circumference of the container. Where the cavity circumference of the trash container decreases as one moves toward its bottom portion, the insert  400  is also held in place through the inability for the insert  400  to fit beyond a certain position in the trash container.  
         [0044]    As described above, the insert  400  has at least one handle  404  attached to the platform portion  401 . A single handle  404  may be attached to the center of the platform portion  401  or to one edge of the platform portion  401 . Alternatively, two handles  404  may be attached near opposite sides of the platform portion  401 . Preferably, one handle is attached close to one edge of the platform portion  401 , such that the insert  400  need not be pulled out of its position in a trash container all at once. This positioning of the handle  404  prevents a user from encountering the total frictional resistance caused by contact between the inner circumference of the trash container and the entire terminal circumference  403  of the flange portion  402 . More preferably, two handles  404  are placed at opposite sides of the platform portion  401 , such that both handles  404  may be used in inserting the insert  400  into a trash container, and either or both handles  404  may be used to remove the insert  400  from the trash container. No handle  404  should extend higher than the terminal circumference  403  of the flange portion  402 .  
         [0045]    The insert  400  may also have at least one ventilation hole  405 , which may be located in the flange portion  402 , or in the platform portion  401 . The ventilation holes  405  are intended to prevent vacuum suction caused by, for example, decreases in temperature of any air sealed inside the trash container by the insert  400 . The ventilation holes  405  are also provided to relieve pressure caused by methane gas generation or heating of air sealed inside the container by the insert  400 . The ventilation holes  405  are preferably small enough to prevent mice or other small rodents from passing through them. In order to reduce odor escaping from the ventilation holes  405 , a replaceable cover  406  may be provided. The replaceable cover  406  may comprise any means for uncovering the ventilation holes  405  and then substantially sealing them when they are not needed. For example, the replaceable cover  406  may comprise a durable strip of material having a border that connects with a compatible outline of material surrounding the ventilation holes  405 , such that the two borders connect via hook and loop fasteners.  
         [0046]    As shown in FIG. 4B, a resilient rim  407  may be integrated with the terminal circumference  403  of the flange portion  402 . The rim may comprise, for example, a resilient strip of rubber, plastic, or polymer that improves the fit of the insert  400  in a trash container, by slightly increasing the terminal circumference  403  of the flange portion  402 , and by increasing the amount of friction between the flange portion  402  and the inner circumference of the trash container. The rim  407  may be attached by adhesive or through other suitable means.  
         [0047]    The insert  400  is preferably formed from a rigid material that resists both animal chewing and cracking due to temperature change. The insert  400  may be formed of its various portions and assembled. For example, the platform portion  401 , the flange portion  402 , and the handle(s)  404  may be separately formed and assembled at various seams. Alternatively, the insert  400  may be formed in integral fashion (except for any replaceable cover  406  or rim  407 ), such as a single piece of molded plastic or aluminum material.  
         [0048]    In order to use the insert  400 , a user places it into a trash container, such that the handle  404  extends toward the cavity mouth of the trash container. This may be done by matching the terminal circumference  403  of the flange portion  402  insert to the inner circumference of the trash container cavity and forcibly sliding the insert  400  down the inner circumference of the trash container to a user-determined level below the cavity mouth of the container, such that it covers the contents of the trash container. Once in place, a barrier is formed between the cavity mouth of the trash container and its contents. Animals will be unable to lift the entire insert  400  out of the can due to its frictional resistance and due to the fact that most animals, such as raccoons and opossums, will have to be standing on the insert  400  to even try. Finally, where an animal&#39;s weight causes the insert  400  to sink into the trash container, the barrier between the animal and the container&#39;s contents will be maintained.  
         [0049]    It will be appreciated that the invention may have many embodiments, wherein changes to the configuration of the invention do not cause a departure from its scope. For example, the placement of the handles and ventilation holes on the platform portion of the insert, except to the extent explained herein, do not provide significant additional advantages such as to depart from the scope of the invention.