Patent Publication Number: US-10329085-B2

Title: Rotationally operable bin liner for use in a refuse receptacle

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to refuse receptacles, and more specifically, a refuse receptacle having a rotationally operable liner that rotates to operate a bag retaining mechanism for the refuse receptacle. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In various waste receptacles, an inner liner is included, where the inner liner is disposed within a decorative outer frame. The liner is fully or partially removable from the decorative outer frame in order to install and remove trash bags for holding waste disposed within the waste receptacle. These bags are replaced typically on a daily basis such that frequent manipulation of the liner within the decorative frame is necessary to replace the trash bags disposed within the liner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, a refuse bin includes a frame defining an interior cavity and a seating structure. A bin liner has a biasing surface that rotationally engages the seating structure to define a recessed first position characterized by the bin liner set within the interior cavity. An elevated second position is characterized by the bin liner being vertically offset from the frame. The first position is vertically and rotationally distal from the second position. A bag retaining mechanism is defined between the frame and the bin liner. The first position defines a secured state of the bag retaining mechanism and the second position defines a maintenance state of the bag retaining mechanism. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a refuse bin includes a bin liner rotationally operable relative to a seating structure to define first and second positions of the bin liner. The second position is rotationally distal from the first position. The refuse bin includes a bag retaining mechanism wherein the first position defines a secured state of the bag retaining mechanism adapted to secure the bin liner to a portion of the bag retaining mechanism and wherein the second position defines a maintenance state of the bag retaining mechanism adapted to separate the bin liner from the portion of the bag retaining mechanism. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a refuse bin includes a bin liner selectively engaged with a seating structure and rotationally operable relative to the seating structure between first and second positions. The second position is rotationally and vertically distal from the first position, wherein the second position is adapted to define a separation of the bin liner from a portion of a bag retaining mechanism. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a refuse bin having a bin liner with at least one biasing surface includes rotating a bin liner within a frame from a recessed first position to an elevated second position. The method also includes placing a bag within the bin liner and over an upper edge of the bin liner in the elevated second position. The method also includes rotating the bin liner from the elevated second position to the recessed first position to secure a portion of the bag between the bin liner and the frame. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a refuse bin having an aspect of the bin liner disposed within a frame in a first position; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the refuse bin of  FIG. 1  taken along line II-II; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the refuse bin of  FIG. 2  showing the inner liner rotated into the second position; 
         FIG. 4  is a first side elevational view of an aspect of a bin liner having a biasing surface disposed at a bottom of the bin liner; 
         FIG. 5  is a second elevational view of the bin liner of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged cross-sectional view an aspect of the bin liner and seating structure in the first position; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an aspect of the bin liner and frame in the first position; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an aspect of the bin liner and seating structure in the second position; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of an aspect of the refuse bin and showing the bin liner in the second position; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternate aspect of the bin liner showing the biasing surface disposed proximate an upper rim of the bin liner; and 
         FIG. 11  is a linear flow diagram illustrating a method for operating a refuse bin incorporating an aspect of the bin liner having one or more biasing surfaces. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-9 , reference numeral  10  generally refers to a refuse bin adapted to receive a bin liner  12  within a frame  14 , where the bin liner  12  is rotationally operable within the frame  14  to define a plurality of rotational positions and various vertical positions of the bin liner  12  with respect to the frame  14 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-9 , a refuse bin  10  includes a frame  14  that defines an interior cavity  16  and a seating structure  18 . The bin liner  12  includes a biasing surface  20  that rotationally engages the seating structure  18  to define a recessed first position  22 . The recessed first position  22  is characterized by the bin liner  12  being disposed within, typically entirely within, the interior cavity  16 . The biasing surface  20  of the bin liner  12  also rotationally engages the seating structure  18  to define an elevated second position  24 , where the recessed first position  22  is vertically and rotationally distal from the elevated second position  24 . The elevated second position  24  is characterized by the bin liner  12  being vertically offset from the frame  14 . A bag retaining mechanism  26  is defined between the frame  14  and the bin liner  12 . It is contemplated that the recessed first position  22  defines a secured state  28  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  and the elevated second position  24  defines a maintenance state  30  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-9 , according to the various embodiments, rotation of the bin liner  12  in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, within the seating structure  18  between the first and second position  22 ,  24  rotates the bin liner  12  within the interior cavity  16  and also elevates the bin liner  12  between a plurality of vertical positions. Typically, the first position  22  is defined by a lower and recessed first position  22 , again in either direction, with respect to the seating structure  18 . The second position  24 , which is rotationally distal from the first position  22 , results in the bin liner  12  being elevated within the interior cavity  16  such that at least a portion of the bin liner  12  extends above an upper edge  40  of the frame  14  defining the interior cavity  16 . In this manner, portions of the bin liner  12  can be made accessible to a user when the bin liner  12  is rotated to the elevated second position  24 . In this elevated second position  24 , the user can more conveniently access an upper portion  42  of the bin liner  12  to remove a previously positioned trash bag (not shown) from within the bin liner  12  that may be loaded with trash, recyclables, and other refuse. Additionally, with the bin liner  12  in this elevated second position  24 , the user can easily replace the old bag with a new bag by placing a portion of the bag within the interior space  44  of the bin liner  12  and extending a portion of the bag around the upper rim  46  of the bin liner  12 . When the user rotates the bin liner  12  back to the recessed first position  22 , the bin liner  12  is moved downward, such that a portion of the bag is retained within the bag retaining mechanism  26  and secured between a portion of the bin liner  12  and the frame  14 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-10 , it is contemplated that the seating structure  18  can be incorporated within the interior cavity  16  of the frame  14 . Typically, the seating structure  18  is defined proximate a base  60  of the frame  14 , although the seating structure  18  may be positioned in other portions of the interior cavity  16  for the frame  14 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS. 1-9 , the seating structure  18  can include a seating channel  70  having a primary axis  72  that extends along the seating channel  70 . In such an embodiment, the bin liner  12  can include a base  60  having opposing biasing surfaces  74  that extend toward a bottom ridge  76 . It is contemplated that alignment of a bottom ridge  76  with the primary axis  72  of the seating channel  70  positions the bottom ridge  76  within the seating channel  70  to define the recessed first position  22 . Rotation of the bin liner  12  to the second position  24  serves to rotate the opposing biasing surfaces  74  and the bottom ridge  76  within the seating channel  70 . The opposing biasing surfaces  74  bias the bin liner  12  upward as they slide against the seating channel  70 . This sliding engagement between the opposing biasing surfaces  74  and the seating channel  70  defines a generally upward vertical movement  78  of the bin liner  12  to define a second position  24 . Additionally, it is contemplated that the elevated second position  24  is defined by the bottom ridge  76  of the bin liner  12  being out of alignment with the primary axis  72  of the seating channel  70 . The second position  24  is also defined by the bottom ridge  76  of the bin liner  12  resting on a top surface  80  of the seating channel  70 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-9 , it is contemplated that a seating channel  70  can include a detent portion  90  proximate a top surface  80  of the seating channel  70 . This detent portion  90  can be defined by recesses, indents, apertures, or other structural features that serve to at least partially define the second position  24  of the bin liner  12 . In such an embodiment, engagement of the bottom ridge  76  of the bin liner  12  within the detent portion  90  defined within the top surface  80  of the seating channel  70  serves to substantially secure the bottom ridge  76  in the second position  24 . It is contemplated that this detent portion  90  can also be defined by positive features that extend upward from portions of the seating channel  70 , such that these protrusions, tabs, ridges, inclines, and other features serve to define a resting position of the bin liner  12  in the second position  24 . The use of the detent portion  90  serves to maintain the position of the bin liner  12  in the second position  24  while the user accesses the bag that is positioned within and extends partially around the bin liner  12 . This configuration provides a hands-free positioning of the bin liner  12  with respect to the frame  14 . Additionally, this configuration incorporating the detent portion  90  can allow a single individual using the refuse bin  10  to use both hands to access the bin liner  12 , manipulate the bag within the bin liner  12  and replace the old bag with a new bag as necessary. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-9 , it is contemplated that rotation of the bin liner  12  from the first position  22  to the second position  24  slidably engages opposing biasing surfaces  74  against opposing flanges  100  of the seating channel  70 . This slidable engagement of the opposing biasing surfaces  74  against the opposing flanges  100  serves to upwardly bias the opposing biasing surfaces  74  in a generally upward vertical movement  78 . Additionally, rotation of the bin liner  12  from the second position  24  back to the first position  22  serves to slidably engage the opposing biasing surfaces  74  against the opposing flanges  100  of the seating channel  70 . As the bin liner  12  is rotated back to the first position  22 , the sliding engagement of the opposing biasing surfaces  74  with the opposing flanges  100  biases the bottom ridge  76  in a downward vertical movement  152  back into the seating channel  70  and into alignment with the primary axis  72  to define the recessed first position  22  of the bin liner  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-9 , it is contemplated that the refuse bin  10  can include the bin liner  12  that is rotationally operable relative to the seating structure  18 . In this manner, rotation of the bin liner  12  serves to define first and second positions  22 ,  24  of the bin liner  12 . As discussed above, the second position  24  is adapted to be rotationally distal from the first position  22 . According to the various embodiments, a bag retaining mechanism  26  can be included proximate the bin liner  12 , wherein the first position  22  defines a secured state  28  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . The bag retaining mechanism  26  in the secured state  28  is adapted to secure the bin liner  12  to a portion of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . Movement of the bin liner  12  to the second position  24  serves to define a maintenance state  30  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . This maintenance state  30  is defined by a separation of at least a portion of the bin liner  12  from at least a portion of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . This separation of the bin liner  12  with various portions of the bag retaining mechanism  26  serves to provide access for the user to manipulate the bag within the bin liner  12 . 
     According to the various embodiments, rotation of the bin liner  12  between the first and second positions  22 ,  24  that corresponds to the secured and maintenance states  28 ,  30  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  may be limited to rotation of the bin liner  12  within the frame  14  without substantial vertical translation. Accordingly, the frame  14  and/or the bin liner  12  may include various enlarged portions that are adapted to align in the second position  24  and separate a liner portion  110  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  from a frame portion  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . This separation of the liner and frame portions  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  serve to define the maintenance state  30 , such that the user can access the bag sufficiently to remove and replace the bag as necessary. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-20 , typically, rotation of the bin liner  12  between the first and second positions  22 ,  24  will also result in upward and downward vertical movement  78 ,  152  of the bin liner  12  within the frame  14  such that at least a portion of the bin liner  12  extends above portions of the frame  14 . In this condition, separation of the liner and frame portions  110 ,  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  will occur, indicative of the maintenance state  30  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . When the bin liner  12  is rotated back to the first position  22 , the bin liner  12  is lowered, such that the liner portion  110  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  is placed back into engagement with the frame portion  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  to secure a portion of the bag therebetween. This engagement of the liner and frame portions  110 ,  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  is indicative of the secured state  28  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-10 , it is contemplated that the first position  22  defines a first vertical position  120  with respect to the seating structure  18 . Additionally, the second position  24  of the bin liner  12  serves to define a second vertical position  122  with respect to the seating structure  18 , where a second vertical position  122  is vertically distal, and typically above, the first vertical position  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-9 , it is contemplated that the refuse bin  10  can include the frame  14  that defines the interior cavity  16 . As discussed previously, the bin liner  12  is rotationally operable within the interior cavity  16  to engage the seating structure  18 . It is contemplated that the seating structure  18  can be at least partially defined within the frame  14 . Rotation of the bin liner  12  between the first and second positions  22 ,  24  vertically operates the bin liner  12  within the frame  14  between the first and second vertical positions  120 ,  122 . As discussed above, the second vertical position  122  is typically above the first vertical position  120 . 
     Referring again to the various aspects of the devices exemplified in  FIGS. 1-10 , a bin liner  12  is adapted to be selectively engaged with a seating structure  18 . The bin liner  12  is selectively and rotationally operable relative to the seating structure  18  between the first and second positions  22 ,  24 . The second position  24  is rotationally and vertically distal from the first position  22 . It is contemplated that the second position  24  is adapted to define a separation of the bin liner  12  from at least a portion of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-10 , the frame  14  of the refuse bin  10  can define the interior cavity  16 . The bin liner  12  is adapted to be rotationally operable within the interior cavity  16  to engage the seating structure  18 . It is contemplated that the seating structure  18  is at least partially defined within the frame  14  and rotation of the bin liner  12  within the first and second positions  22 ,  24  serves to vertically operate the bin liner  12  within the frame  14 . Additionally, the bag retaining mechanism  26  can include the liner portion  110  and the frame portion  112 . It is contemplated that the first position  22  of the bin liner  12  corresponds to the secured state  28  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . The secured state  28  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  is characterized by the liner portion  110  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  engaging the frame portion  112  of the bag retaining mechanisms  26 . Conversely, the second position  24  of the bin liner  12  corresponds to the maintenance state  30  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . The maintenance state  30  is characterized by the liner portion  110  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  being positioned distal from the frame portion  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . As discussed previously, the maintenance state  30  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  is adapted to allow for convenient removal of a bag from the bin liner  12  by hand and without the use of tools. Additionally, the maintenance state  30  serves to allow for removal of the bag without causing any significant damage to the bag as the bag is removed from the bin liner  12  in the second position  24 . When the bin liner  12  is in the first position  22 , the bag is securely retained between the bin liner  12  and the frame  14 , and more specifically between the liner portion  110  and frame portion  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-10 , it is contemplated that the bag retaining mechanism  26  can be defined by various mechanical retaining mechanisms that are defined between the bin liner  12  and the frame  14 . Such retaining mechanisms can include a mating channel  130  and protrusion  132  defined within the bin liner  12  and the frame  14 . In such an embodiment, the protrusion  132  at least partially seats within a portion of the mating channel  130 . In this manner, engagement between the protrusion  132  and the mating channel  130  in the secured position forms an at least partial labyrinth engagement or interference engagement that secures the bag therebetween. According to the various embodiments, the protrusion  132  can include a flexible member or a deflecting portion that can deflect as the bin liner  12  is moved between the first and second positions  22 ,  24 . As the bin liner  12  is moved between the first and second positions  22 ,  24 , a deflecting protrusion  132  can deflect to allow portions of the mating channel  130  to pass thereby, such that the deflecting protrusion  132  can seat within a central portion  134  of the mating channel  130 . It is also contemplated that the protrusion  132  can be rigid and the bin liner  12  can flex to allow for engagement between the mating channel  130  and the protrusion  132 . 
     According to various embodiments, it is contemplated that the bag retaining mechanism  26  can include other interference and/or labyrinth-type engagements that serve to retain the bag between the liner and frame portions  110 ,  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . In this manner, the engagement between the liner and frame portions  110 ,  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  indicative of the secured state  28  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  defines an at least partial securing force that maintains the bin liner  12  within the first position  22 . In such an embodiment, rotational operation of the bin liner  12  may require initial additional force to release the liner portion  110  from the frame portion  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , it is contemplated that the bag retaining mechanism  26  and the seating structure  18  can be defined by the same physical features defined within the bin liner  12  and the frame  14  of the refuse bin  10 . According to the various embodiments, the seating structure  18  can be defined by a substantially helical structure  140  positioned proximate an upper rim  46  of the bin liner  12  and an upper edge  40  of the frame  14 . This substantially helical structure  140  can be in the shape of a mating channel  130  that extends helically around and about the outer wall  142  of the bin liner  12 . As discussed above, this mating channel  130 , in the helical form, can also simultaneously define the liner portion  110  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  that engages and defines an interference fit with the frame portion  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . Accordingly, when the bag is installed on and into the bin liner  12 , the bag can extend around the mating channel  130  of the helical structure  140 . When the helical structure  140  of the liner portion  110  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  engages the frame portion  112 , such as the protrusion  132 , the helical structure  140  allows for a threaded type movement of the bin liner  12  within the frame  14  that secures the bin liner  12  within the frame  14  and also secures the bag between the liner and frame portions  110 ,  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . 
     According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the bag retaining mechanism  26  can include other structures that serve to pinch, constrict, compress, retain, hold, or otherwise dispose and secure the bag between the liner and frame portions  110 ,  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . 
     According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the rotational operation of the bin liner  12  within the seating structure  18  causes a rotational movement  150  of the bin liner  12  with respect to the seating structure  18  and also, according to various embodiments, alternative and generally upward and downward vertical movements  78 ,  152  of the bin liner  12  with respect to the seating structure  18 . The result of this rotational movement  150  and vertical movement  78 ,  152  of the bin liner  12  between the first and second positions  22 ,  24  is to selectively separate and engage the liner portion  110  of the bag retaining mechanism  26  and the frame portion  112  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . 
     According to the various embodiments, the incorporation of the opposing biasing surfaces  74  and bottom ridge  76  of the bin liner  12  may function as a deterrent to taking the bin liner  12  from the refuse bin  10  for use as a separate trash container. Because the bin liner  12  includes the bottom ridge  76 , the bin liner  12  does not have a sturdy base  60  that can hold the bin liner  12  upright on its own. Accordingly, the frame  14  is necessary for holding the bin liner  12  upright for use as a trash receptacle. 
     It is also contemplated, according to the various embodiments, that the rotational movement  150  of the bin liner  12  that corresponds to the upward and downward vertical movements  78 ,  152  can be used to gradually raise and lower the bin liner  12  within the frame  14 . In this manner, after a bag has been placed on the bin liner  12 , the bin liner  12  can be slowly lowered from the elevated second position  24  to the recessed first position  22 . Through this slow and gradual movement, air from the interior cavity  16  of the frame  14  can be permitted to slowly pass between the frame  14  and the bin liner  12  as the bin liner  12  displaces the air within the interior cavity  16  of the frame  14 . This is particularly true where the frame  14  includes a solid outer wall that is free of apertures. This displaced air is gradually released such that the force of this displaced air does not separate the bag from the bin liner  12 . Additionally, this displaced air is further prevented from detaching the bag from the bin liner  12  through the minimal upward and downward movement  78 ,  152  as the bin liner  12  operates against the seating structure  18 . Where the frame is solid, the displaced air is only able to be released through the space defined between the bin liner  12  and the frame  14 . Through this minimal and gradual movement of the bin liner  12  within the frame  14 , this displaced air does not blow or otherwise push the bag off from the bag from the bin liner  12  as the bin liner  12  is lowered to the recessed first position  22 . 
     According to various embodiments, the engagement between the bottom of the bin liner  12  and the seating structure  18  disposed in a base  60  of the frame  14  can include other cooperative structures. These cooperative structures can include, but are not limited to, threaded engagements, helical-type engagements, upwardly and downwardly stepped interfaces, combinations thereof, and other similar engagements that allow for the rotational movement  150  and respective upward and downward vertical movement  78 ,  152  of the bin liner  12  with respect to the frame  14 . 
     It is further contemplated that the bin liner  12  and refuse bin  10  can be made to define various shapes that allow for vertical and rotational movement  150  of the bin liner  12  within the frame  14 . Typically, such a shape will be generally circular or generally arcuate. However, helical shapes can also be used in conjunction with various helically extruded shapes such as a helically extruded polygon where a helically extruded bin liner  12  having an arcuate, irregular or polygonal cross section can be rotationally and operated in a vertical movement within a frame  14  having an interior surface that at least partially matches the helically extruded shape of the bin liner  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-11 , having described various aspects of the refuse bin  10  having the rotationally and vertically operable bin liner  12  that defines the bag retention mechanism, a method  400  is disclosed for operating a refuse bin  10  having the bin liner  12  with at least one biasing surface  20 . According to the method  400 , the bin liner  12  is rotated within the frame  14  from the recessed first position  22  to the elevated second position  24  (step  402 ). Once in the second position  24 , a bag can be placed within the bin liner  12  and over an upper edge  40  of the bin liner  12  while in the elevated second position  24  (step  404 ). As discussed above, in the elevated second position  24 , the upper edge  40  of the bin liner  12  extends above a portion of the frame  14  such that the upper edge  40  of the bin liner  12  is accessible for manipulation of the bag relative to the bin liner  12 . This manipulation can include, but it not limited to, removal, replacement, installation, and other manipulations of the bag with respect to the bin liner  12 . Once the bag is secured to the bin liner  12 , the bin liner  12  is rotated from the elevated second position  24  back to the recessed first position  22  to secure a portion of the bag between the bin liner  12  and the frame  14  (step  406 ). As discussed above, the bin liner  12  and the frame  14  typically define the bag retaining mechanism  26 . The bin liner  12  and the frame  14  each include a liner portion  110  and a frame portion  112 , respectively, of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . 
     According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that the bag retaining mechanism  26  can be defined by a smooth surface of one of the bin liner  12  and the frame  14 , while the other of the bin liner  12  and the frame  14  includes some geometric or physical formation that serves to secure the bag between the bin liner  12  and the frame  14 . 
     According to the various embodiments as exemplified in  FIGS. 1-9 , it is contemplated that a pre-existing frame  14  can be retrofitted to include the disclosed bin liner  12  and the seating structure  18  that serves to operate the bin liner  12  between the first and second positions  22 ,  24 . In such a retrofitting example, the seating structure  18  can be disposed within a base  60  of the existing frame  14  or other portion of the existing frame  14 . The bin liner  12  can be inserted within the interior cavity  16  of the frame  14  to cooperatively engage the seating structure  18  to allow for rotation between the first and second positions  22 ,  24  and to further define the secured and maintenance states  28 ,  30  of the bag retaining mechanism  26 . Accordingly, in such an embodiment, a bin liner  12  and cooperative seating structure  18  can be installed within an existing frame  14  for retrofitting of the existing frame  14  to define various aspects of the refuse bin  10  disclosed herein. 
     According to the various embodiments, the bin liner  12  can be made of various materials that can include, but are not limited to, plastic, metal, composite materials, polymers, combinations thereof and other similar materials. It is further contemplated that the seating structure  18  can be made of various rigid materials that can include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, polymers, combinations thereof and other similar substantially rigid materials that can be adapted to support the weight of the bin liner  12  and refuse disposed therein. It is further contemplated that the bin liner  12  and seating structure  18  can be disposed within a frame  14  made of any one of various materials used for public and private refuse bins  10 . Such materials can include, but are not limited to, stone, concrete, metal, plastic, polymer, combinations thereof and other similar materials used within public spaces for outer frames  14  and decorative frames  14  for various refuse bins  10 . Additionally, it is contemplated that the frame  14  can include a solid outer surface or can include an outer surface that defines one or more apertures through the structure of the frame  14 . Also, by way of example, and not limitation, where the bin liner  12 , seating structure  18  and/or the frame  14  are made of plastic, the bin liner  12 , seating structure  18  and/or the frame  14  can be formed through various forming processes that can include, but are not limited to, roto-molding, thermoforming, injection molding, compression molding, blow molding, combinations thereof and other similar plastic forming processes. 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.