Abstract:
A combination of a trash container and an anchoring system. The trash container includes a body forming an inner cavity and a bottom surface and a ledge extending from the bottom surface. The anchoring system includes a platform having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of suction cups secured to the lower surface of the platform, the plurality of suction cups being configured to secure the platform to a ground surface; and a channel member extending from upper surface of the platform, the channel member forming an elongated channel.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is generally related to trash containers, and more particularly, to a trash container anchor system configured to secure the trash container to the ground during the bag unloading process. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Trash containers are well known in the art and are effective means to store and disposed of waste material.  FIG. 1  depicts a simplified front view of a trash container  101  having a body  103  that forms a cavity configured to hold a trash bag  105  therein. 
     During use, removing the trash bag  105  from the trash container  101  can become a burdensome process due to a vacuum pressure formed in the cavity of the body  103 . Thus, as depicted, a bottom surface  107  of body  103  has a tendency to pivot relative to the ground surface  109 , which in turn could cause spilling of the trash waste material from bag  105 . Difficulty is increased for the elderly and the physically impaired when trying to perform the bag lifting movement while conducting container lift at the same time. Additionally, even if vacuum is eliminated, friction between the bag and the container cavity prevents bag removal, as many containers are relatively light weight and simply lift off of the floor along with attempts to lift the bag from within. A lack of sturdiness of most containers container further inhibit the separation of bag and container, as the container is difficult to hold in a non-flexing posture. 
     Although great strides have been made in the area of trash container and methods to reduce the above-described problems, many shortcomings remain. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a conventional trash container; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of a trash container and anchoring system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a trash container and anchoring system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom oblique view of a base of the anchoring system of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top oblique view of the base of the anchoring system of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of a trash container and anchoring system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged front view of the anchoring system of  FIG. 6 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of a trash container and anchoring system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application. 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional trash containers. Specifically, the system of the present application includes an anchoring system that engages with a trash container and is configured to secure the trash container to a ground surface. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
     The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,  FIG. 2  depicts a front view of a trash container  201  with an anchoring system  203  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that the trash container  201  and operably associated anchoring system  203  overcomes one of more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with the conventional trash containers. 
     In the contemplated embodiment, trash container  201  includes a body  205  that forms a cavity (not shown) configured to receive a trash bag  207  therein. As a force F 1  is applied to container  103 , a vacuum pressure is formed within the cavity, which in turn restricts the deployment of the bag  207 . 
     One of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is the use of anchoring system  203  configured to removably secure the trash container body  205  to the ground surface  109 . In the contemplated embodiment, the anchoring system  203  is secured to a bottom surface  209  of body  205 . It will be appreciated that different types of anchoring systems are contemplated, as will be discussed more fully below. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 3 , one of the embodiments contemplated for an anchoring system is anchoring system  301 , which utilizes a plurality of suction cups  303  configured to secure the trash container  203  to the ground surface  109 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the plurality of suction cups  303  extend from a bottom surface  305  of platform  307 , while an adhesive material  501  is adhered to a top surface  503  of platform  307 . When assembled, the adhesive is applied to a bottom surface  209  of the body  205  of the trash container  203 . 
     Thus, in the preferred embodiment, suctions cups are utilized as an anchoring means to secure the trash container to the ground surface. However, it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments could utilize other types of fastening means such as hook-loop fasteners, clips, clamps, and the like in lieu of the preferred embodiment. Also, it should be appreciated that the anchoring system  201  could incorporate other means to secure the anchoring platform  307  to the trash container body  205 . For example,  FIGS. 6-8  illustrate alternative embodiments wherein the anchoring system is either rigidly or removably secured to the trash container. It will also be appreciated that it is also contemplated having a trash container that includes the suction cups and/or other anchoring means rigidly attached to the bottom surface  209 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of anchoring system  201  is shown. In the contemplated embodiment, anchoring system  601  is configured allow removable engagement of the trash container  203  while the anchoring system  601  remains secured to the ground surface. To achieve this feature, anchoring system  601  includes a plurality of suction cups  701  extending from and secured to a bottom surface  703  of platform  705  and a plurality of channel members secured to and extending from a top surface  709  of platform  705 . 
     In the contemplated embodiment, channel members  707  are configured to form elongated channels  711  configured to receive a ledge  713  configured to secure to the bottom surface  209  of the trash container  203  via an adhesive material  715 . Thus, during use, the channel member and ledge slidingly engage with each other, which in turn allow removal of the trash container from the anchoring system while the anchoring system remains secured to the ground via suction cups  701 . 
     Of course, it should be appreciate that alternative embodiments could utilize different types of fastening means in lieu of the channel and ledge configuration. For example, a clip, snap, hook-loop, and/or other quick release device could be used in lieu of the exemplary embodiment. The unique feature of anchoring system  601  allows removal of the trash container without the need to remove the anchoring system. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of anchoring system  201  is shown. In the contemplated embodiment, anchoring system  801  is configured to engage with a trash container  803  that includes pre-built devices configured to engage with the anchoring system and which allows the trash container to be removed from the anchoring system while the anchoring system remains attached to the ground surface. To achieve this feature, anchoring system  801  includes a plurality of suction cups  809  extending from and secured to a bottom surface  811  of a platform  807  and a plurality of channel members  813  secured to and extending from a top surface  815  of platform  807 . 
     In the contemplated embodiment, channel members  813  are configured to form elongated channels to receive a ledge  817  fixedly attached to the bottom surface  209  of container body  205 . During use, the channel member  813  and ledge  817  slidingly engage with each other, which in turn allow removal of the trash container from the anchoring system while the anchoring system is secured to the ground via suction cups  809 . 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.