Patent Publication Number: US-7913871-B2

Title: Garbage can and support for use with a liner

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/318,730 entitled “GARBAGE CAN AND SUPPORT FOR USE WITH A LINER” and filed on Dec. 27, 2005 now abandoned for Jack Donald Fisher, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to storage containers. More particularly, the invention relates to containers that are versatile and facilitate filling and removing a liner. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     When utilizing a garbage can to support a plastic garbage bag having a peripheral end portion folded over the top edge of the can, the bag generally adheres to the sidewall of the can even when it is only partially loaded. It is thus often difficult to withdraw the bag due to the adherence thereof to the can sidewall as well as to the vacuum which is created between the bottom of the bag and that of the can when the bag is pulled out of the can. On the other hand, one can hardly do without a garbage can or the like to support a garbage bag, since the bag itself has no body as such and is therefore not self-supporting, and without external support the bag can be loaded only with great difficulty. 
     Moreover, when using plastic garbage bags, care must be taken during the loading in order to prevent sharp objects, such as scrap pieces of wood, small rocks, and the like, from piercing the bags. In addition, the presence of sharp objects typically does not permit the garbage to be compressed inside the bag since otherwise the latter would pierce, thus resulting in one not being able to load the bag to its full capacity. The same also applies to indoor use as household rubbish generally includes sharp items such as pizza boxes, broken glass, open cans, and the like. 
     Many garbage cans have attempted to overcome the deficiencies above by providing garbage cans that incorporate air tubes and/or air holes to decrease the amount of vacuum created when one pulls the trash bag from the garbage can. Others have created collapsible garbage cans that unwrap from the garbage bag. These garbage cans, however, suffer from additional deficiencies. 
     First, holes formed into the garbage can decrease the garbage can strength and liquids and smells may begin to seep there from. Secondly, collapsible garbage cans generally lack the structural integrity to adequately hold trash bags at full capacity as the collapsible garbage cans may unintentionally unwrap. Bag support devices have also been used to protect garbage bags from punctures. The bag support devices have been described as taller than the garbage bags, and use awkward, elongated handles. Because the garbage bag is pulled over the entire length of the bag support device, the garbage bag is still left unprotected from external hazards, such as bushes, shrubs, thorns, etc. 
     From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus and method that supports a liner and facilitates the removal and protection of the liner. The apparatus and method would enable the user to remove the liner from the container without causing suction and without puncturing the liner. Additionally, the apparatus would be easier to clean, have a greater capacity, and would capture spills. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available liner supports. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus and method for releasably providing liner support that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
     The apparatus, in one embodiment, is configured to releasably support a liner and includes a body and a base. The body is configured to receive the liner, which includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a bottom and may be longer in length than the body. The body includes a top opening and a bottom opening, with the area of the top opening being less than the area of the bottom opening, which advantageously enhances the stability of the apparatus. 
     The base comprises an inner surface configured to provide support to a bottom of the liner. The base is releasably attachable to the body at the bottom opening of the body using a compliant latch, the compliant latch disposed on one of the base and the body and configured to interlock with a retention flange, the retention flange disposed on another of the base and the body. Further, because the top opening is smaller than the bottom opening, advantageously, material spilled on the outside surface of the apparatus will be more likely to rest in the base, instead of on the floor around the apparatus. For example, a liquid would flow down the exterior surface of the apparatus to the base instead of dripping on the floor. 
     Additionally, in certain embodiments, the body gradually slopes inward from the bottom opening to the top opening. Advantageously, the slope of the body may provide for easy removal of the liner, wherein separation of the apparatus from the liner does not involve significant vacuum forces as in conventional trash cans and liners. 
     In one embodiment, the liner removably fits inside the body to protect the body from direct contact with soiled objects. This advantageously allows one to fit considerably more material inside the apparatus by compressing the material with forces which may otherwise damage the liner. This adds a further advantage wherein fewer liners are needed for the same amount of material. The liner is longer in length than the body to allow the liner to wrap around the top opening of the body. The base releasably attaches to the body at the bottom opening, which advantageously makes the apparatus easier to clean, avoiding odors, germs, and pests, an advantage especially important for uses such as in hospitals. The inner surface of the base supports the bottom of the liner. 
     In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to store trash. The body may be any shape or size, and may include a lid. Clips may be used to attach the liner to the body. 
     The apparatus, in another embodiment, is advantageously configured to protect the liner from puncture. Specifically, the body protects the liner from puncture when the bottom opening is inserted into the liner first. The base attaches to the body, thus trapping the liner between the base and a lower lip of the body. Securing devices hold the liner in a generally fixed zone about the body to prevent the liner from snagging twigs, limbs, etc. Additionally, the handles remain uncovered to allow easy movement of the apparatus. 
     The handles may be notched to retain the liner. The notch may take any suitable shape, and in one embodiment, the notch is v-shaped. 
     Additionally, the apparatus may be reversible. That is, the body may be provided with a latchable base and a latchable lid so that the base may be positioned either with the small opening facing up or with the large opening facing up, 
     A method of the present invention is also presented for providing support to the liner. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a body with a top opening having less area than a bottom opening, the body gradually sloping from the bottom opening to the top opening, inserting the bottom opening into an opening of the garbage bag, gathering the opening of the garbage bag and sides of the garbage bag about the bottom opening of the body, attaching a base to the bottom opening with a securing device, securing the garbage bag and sides of the garbage bag to a lower portion of the body, filling the body with objects, when filled, removing the base and letting contents drop into the liner, and removing the body from the liner. 
     The method may also include the step of securing the garbage bag sides to the lower portion of the body with the same securing device that is used to attach the base to the body. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
     These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate an exploded, front, and perspective view respectively of an apparatus for supporting a liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A-2E  illustrate side views of bases according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate an exploded, front, and perspective view of respectively an apparatus for supporting a liner with a wheel assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate an exploded, front, and perspective view respectively of an apparatus for supporting a liner with a wheel assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate an exploded, front, and perspective view respectively of an apparatus for supporting a liner having an octagonal shape according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate an exploded, front, and perspective view respectively of a rectangular shaped apparatus for supporting a liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 7A-7C  illustrate an exploded, front, and perspective view respectively of an apparatus for supporting a liner that opens from a side to expose the liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate an exploded, front, and perspective view respectively of an apparatus for supporting a liner that splits in half to expose the liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9A-9C  illustrate a method of removing a body of the apparatus from a filled liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  illustrate a method of using a body of the apparatus to protect the liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an apparatus for supporting a liner with a lid integral to the body according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 12A-12B  are perspective views illustrating a lid having an aperture and a revolving cover according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12C  is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for supporting a liner covered with the lid of  FIGS. 12A-12B  according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13A  is a side view illustrating an apparatus for supporting a liner with handles configured to grip the liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13B  is a plan view illustrating an apparatus for supporting a liner with handles configured to grip the liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 13C-13G  are plan views illustrating handles configured to grip the liner according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view illustrating an attachable handle configured to grip the liner according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view illustrating an apparatus for supporting a liner having a body with a stepped exterior according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded side view illustrating an apparatus for supporting a liner having a body with a rounded exterior according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 17A-17C  illustrate a cross section view of one embodiment of an apparatus for supporting a liner having a compliant latch for a base; 
         FIGS. 18A-18D  illustrate cross section views of embodiments of an apparatus for supporting a liner having a waterproof seal; and 
         FIGS. 19A-19D  illustrate cross section views of embodiments of an apparatus for supporting a liner having a compliant latch for a lid. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
       FIGS. 1A-1C  depict an apparatus  10  for supporting a liner  22 , such as a trash bag, a laundry bag, or the like. The apparatus  10  may be used to store any kind of object or material such as trash, laundry, leaves, rocks, dirt, branches, etc. Accordingly, the apparatus  10  may be a trash can, a laundry basket, a storage bin, or other type of container in certain embodiments. For explanation purposes, and not to be taken as limiting in its application, the apparatus  10  will be described as a trash can  10  for storing trash, generally, trash commonly removed from a home or yard. 
     In one embodiment, the trash can  10  comprises a body  12 , a base  14 , and a cover, or lid  16 . The body  12  includes a top opening  18  and a bottom opening  20 . In one embodiment, the area of the top opening  18  is less than the area of the bottom opening  20 . In the depicted embodiment, the body  12  gradually slopes inward from the bottom opening  20  to the top opening  18  to create a funnel, or conical-shaped body  12 . Of course, the body  12  may have other shapes as well. 
     In certain embodiments, a bottom lip  21  may run perpendicular to the base  14  to allow the base  14  to easily fit over the bottom lip  21 . Similarly, a top lip  23  may run perpendicular to the lid  16  to allow the lid  16  to easily fit over the top lip  23 . 
     The body  12  may slope or otherwise progress inward from the bottom opening  20  to the top opening  18 . In one embodiment, the body  12  slopes inward from the bottom opening at more than 90 degrees with respect to a horizontal axis of the base  14 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1B  by angle α. In a further contemplated embodiment, the body  12  slopes inward at an angle α that is approximately 110 degrees. 
     The body  12  may be configured to receive a liner  22 . The liner  22  includes an outer surface  24 , an inner surface  26 , and a bottom  28 . The liner  22 , in certain embodiments, removably fits inside the body  12  to protect the body  12  from direct contact with soiled objects. To enable the liner  22  to fold over the body  12 , the body  12  may be shorter in length than the length of the liner  22 . In one embodiment, a liner securing device, such as a series of clips (not shown), attached to an outer surface of the body  12 , releasably secure upper edges of the liner  22  to the body  12 . In operation, a user pulls the liner  22  between the clips and the body  12  to hold the liner  22  thereto. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are numerous methods and devices for securing the liner  22  to the body  12 . 
     The base  14  releasably attaches to the body  12  at the bottom opening  20 . In done embodiment, securing devices  32  secure the base  14  to the body  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the securing devices  32  extend perpendicular to the base  14  a predetermined distance and are designed to flex over the bottom lip  21  of the body  12  and enter slots  36  to hold the base  14  to the body  12 . It is recognized, however, that the securing devices  32  may be incorporated directly into side walls  38  of the base  14 , rather than extending perpendicular therefrom. When the base  14  is attached to the body  12 , an inner surface  30  of the base  12  supports the bottom  28  of the liner  22  to prevent the liner  22  from ripping when loaded. 
     In one embodiment, the base  14  comprises at least one foot rest (not shown) protruding outward from the base  14  to allow the user to stand on the foot rest while the user lifts the body  12  therefrom. Advantageously, the user is not required to bend down and release the base  14  from the body  12 . 
     The lid  16  is designed to removably attach to the body  12  to maintain the objects within the trash can  10  and prevent odors from escaping therefrom. The lid  16  may include a handle  33  to facilitate removal of the lid  16 , and the lid  16  may be secured to the body  12  with one or more securing devices  32 . 
     Because the lid  16  and the base  14  may be secured to the body  12 , the trash can  10  is, in one embodiment, reversible. That is, the trash can  10  may be used alternatively with either the top opening  18  or the bottom opening  20  facing up to receive objects for storage within the trash can  10 . In this embodiment, handles may be formed in the lid  16  or the base  14  in a recessed manner such that the trash can  10  may stand flat on either the lid  16  or the base  14 . 
       FIGS. 2A-2E  illustrate the base  14  having various embodiments of securing devices  32 . The securing devices  32  may also be used to fasten the lid  16  to the body  12 . Each base  14  may include a handle  40 . Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2B , as described above with respect to  FIG. 1 , the securing devices  32  extend perpendicular to the base  14  a predetermined distance. The securing devices  32 , of this embodiment, are designed to flex over the bottom lip  21  (See  FIG. 1 ) of the body  12 , slide over the bottom lip  21 , and enter slots  36  (See  FIG. 1 ) to hold the base  14  to the body  12 . 
     The securing devices  32  of  FIG. 2A  include foot latches  42 , which allow the user to step on top of the foot latch  42  to release the securing device from the slots  36 . Additionally, the securing devices  32  may be hingedly, pivotably, or rotatably attached to the base  14  to allow the user to disengage the securing devices  32  from the body  12  and move the securing devices  32  away from the body  12  to facilitate the removal of the base  14  from the body  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2C , the securing device  32  may be a buckle type device configured to latch onto the body  12 . Specifically, hoops  44  rotatably connect to the base  14  and attach to posts (not shown) on the body  12 . The hoops  44  may be tightened using well known buckle techniques. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2D , the base  14  is shown configured to form a tight friction fit with the body  12 . The body  12  fits into the base  14  and friction prevents the body  12  and the base  14  from separating until the user applies a force strong enough to detach the base  14  from the body  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2E , the base  14  is shown including threads  46  to screw onto the body  12 . The threads  46  may be internal or external, depending on the corresponding threads on the body  12 . 
       FIGS. 3A-4C  illustrate trash cans  10  having an optional wheel assembly to facilitate movement thereof according to various embodiments of the present invention. Specifically referring to  FIGS. 3A-3C , a wheel base  48  removably attaches to a bottom  50  of the base  14 . The wheel base  48  may be permanently attached, or may be attached using any suitable mechanism, including the mechanisms described above in certain embodiments. The wheel base  48 , in the illustrated embodiment, includes a post and a pair of wheels  52  connected together via a single axel  56 . The axel  56  connects to the wheel base  48  through a pair of axel blocks  58 . 
     The wheel base  48  of  FIGS. 4A-4C  comprises a plurality of swivel wheels  60  or casters. The swivel wheels  60  connect to the wheel base  48  with well known attachment devices. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are various wheel configurations available. 
       FIGS. 5A-6C  illustrate alternative embodiments of the trash can  10 . Specifically,  FIGS. 5A-5C  show the trash can  10  having an octagonal-shaped body  12 , base  16 , and corresponding lid  16 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  show the trash can  10  having a rectangular shape. One skilled in the art will recognize that the illustrated embodiments are not intended to be limiting. Rather one skilled in the art will recognize that there are innumerable shapes and sizes of trash cans  10  that can be used.  FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate further suitable shapes. 
       FIGS. 7A-8C  illustrate an apparatus  10  for supporting a liner that facilitates removal of the liner  22  with a releasable seam  35  in the side of the body  12 . Specifically,  FIGS. 7A-7C  show the body  12  configured to open on a side  62  to expose the inner side of the body  12 . A securing device  64  may be used to hold the body  12  closed. The body  12 , may comprise a flexible material to allow the user to spread the sides  62  of the body  12  open. Alternatively, the body  12  may comprise multiple side members connected by a connecting device such as a hinge, rail assembly, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8C , the body  12  may be configured with two seams  35  such that the body  12  may be split into two corresponding side members  66  to reveal the contents of the body  12 . In certain embodiments, the side members  66  hingedly connect to the base  14 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9C  illustrate a process for removing the liner  22  from the body  12  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring specifically to  FIG. 9A , the liner  22  is positioned inside the trash can  10  with the liner  22  extending from the top opening  18 , wrapped around the top lip  23 , and secured to the body with clips  25 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9B and 9C , the user removes the lid  16  and pulls the body  12  from the base  14 . Due to the inverted shape of the body  12 , a slight vertical movement of the body  12  from the base  14  substantially frees the liner  22  from contacting the entire inner surface of the body  12 . Advantageously, the liner  22  becomes substantially disengaged from the body  12  with very little effort by the user, which decreases frictional forces and negative pressure forces common with standard trash cans. Specifically, with standard trash cans the user is required to pull the entire trash bag from the trash can. Accordingly, the trash bag rubs against the trash can the entire length of the trash can. Additionally, the negative pressure in a void behind the trash bag makes removal difficult. 
       FIGS. 10A-10B  illustrate a method of using the apparatus  10  to support and protect the liner  22  when filling the liner  22  with objects that may cause damage to the liner  22  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The body  12  is placed inside the liner  22  and the liner  22  is slightly pulled over the bottom opening  20  of the body  12 . The user attaches the base  14  to the body  12 . Preferably, the securing means  32  hold the liner  22  below the handles to allow the user to carry the apparatus  10  without risk of grabbing the liner  22  and possibly causing tears or punctures. 
     The user fills the body  12  with the intended objects, and when full, releases the securing devices  32  to disengage the base  14  therefrom. With the base  14  removed, the objects inside the body  12  drop and pull the liner  22  from the body  12 , thus transferring the objects from the body  12  to the liner  22 . Preferably, clips  25  hold upper portions of the liner  22  until the user disengages the upper portions therefrom. The body  12  protects the liner  22  until the body  12  is removed. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus  10  with an integrated lid  16 . The body  12  may be inserted into the liner  22  as described above with respect to  FIGS. 10A-10B . The integrated lid  16  may provide a covering for the contents of the body  12  and may facilitate removing the body  12  from the liner  22 . The base  14  may provide support to the liner  22 . In certain embodiments, an opening  70  is formed for receiving objects into the top opening  18  of the body  12 . The opening  70  may be covered with a hinged door or the like as is known in the art. 
       FIGS. 12A-12B  illustrate one embodiment of a suitable lid  16 . In the depicted embodiment, the lid  16  comprises an exterior ring  72  and an interior disc  74 . The disc  74  is provided with a receiving bracket  76  through which is passed a rod  78 . The rod  78  is contained within snap fitted slots  75  within the exterior ring  72  at either end thereof. The receiving bracket  76  and the snap fitted slots  75  allow the rod  78  to swivel so that the disk  74  may be rotated around the rod  78 , thereby exposing the top opening  18 . 
       FIGS. 13A-13G  illustrate certain embodiments of handles  80  that form the dual function of allowing for gripping and transit of the trash can  10  and securing of the liner  22 . As shown in  FIG. 13B , one or more handles  80  may be connected to the body  10  and in certain embodiments the handles  80  are provided with one or more slots  82 . The slots  82  are configured to secure the liner  22  therein. That is, the liner  22  is stretched, and portions of the liner are pulled tight into the slots  82 , where the portions are retained once the pressure on the portions is released. Of course, the handles may be used without the slots, and the slots may be formed on brackets that do not function as handles. 
       FIGS. 13C-13G  show alternate embodiments of the slots  82 .  FIG. 13C  shows the slot in the form of a V, having two sides joining together at the center thereof.  FIG. 13D  shows the slot  82  in the form of a V having an opening at a juncture of the two sides of the V.  FIG. 13E  shows the slot having a rectangular shape with two adjoining sides and a central connecting portion.  FIG. 13F  shows the slot  82 D formed substantially similar to the slot  82 C of  FIG. 13E , and also having formed on the sides of the slot teeth  84 .  FIG. 13G  shows a V-shaped slot  82 E having formed thereon sharpened protruding lips  85 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a handle  200  which may be attached to a new trash can  10  or retrofitted to an existing trash can  10 . The handle  200  is formed with a frame portion  86  that may be any suitable shape including flat. In the depicted embodiment, the frame portion  86  is hook shaped in order to be insertable onto a body  12  through the top opening  18  with one end extending inside the opening  18  and one side outside the opening  18 . An aperture  90  may be provided to receive a bolt  92 . The passageway  90  may be threaded, though a nut (not depicted) may also be used to secure the bolt  92  in place. A grip  88  may be connected with the frame portion  86  to allow a user to grasp the handle  200 . 
     In one embodiment, the handle  200  may be provided with a slot  82  in order to secure a liner  22  therein. The slot  82  may be configured in the same manner as one of the embodiments of  FIGS. 13A   13 G. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show additional shapes in which the body  12  may be formed. In  FIG. 15 , the body  12  is formed with steps  95 . The steps may also be rounded or ribbed or the like. In  FIG. 16 , the body  12  is bowed outward. In  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16 , the body  12  becomes progressively thinner as it progresses upward. 
       FIGS. 17A-17C  illustrate one embodiment of an apparatus to support a liner according to the present invention. The apparatus includes a body  1702 , a base  1704 , a retention flange  1706 , and a compliant latch  1710 . The apparatus to support a liner supports a liner with a removable base  1704  that latches to a body  1702  using a compliant latch  1710 . 
     In one embodiment, the body  1702  receives and protects a liner. The body  1702  may include a mating surface  1708  at the bottom opening of the body  1702 . In one embodiment, the mating surface  1708  is configured to mate with the base  1704 . 
     The body  1702  further comprises a retention flange  1706  in certain embodiments. The retention flange  1706  may be disposed on the body  1702  near the bottom opening of the body  1702  and be configured to mate with an element of the base  1704  to removably attach the body  1702  to the base  1704 . In certain embodiments, the retention flange  1706  may be a separate element attached to the body  1702 . In another embodiment, the retention flange  1706  may be formed with the body  1702 . For example, the body  1702  and the retention flange  1706  may be injection molded simultaneously. 
     The base  1704 , in certain embodiments, forms a bottom surface of the apparatus. In one embodiment, the base  1704  supports the liner. In a further embodiment, the base further comprises a compliant latch  1710 . The compliant latch  1710  interacts with the retention flange  1706  to secure the base  1704  to the body  1702  as illustrated in  FIG. 17B . 
     The compliant latch  1710 , in certain embodiments, is a separate element attached to the base  1704 . In another embodiment, the compliant latch  1710  is formed with the base  1704 . For example, the compliant latch  1710  and the base  1704  may cast in a single mold at the same time. 
     In certain embodiments, the compliant latch  1710  is configured to flex or deform under a force  1712  to release or engage the compliant latch  1710  from or with the retention flange  1706  as illustrated in  FIG. 17C . For example, the base  1704  may be configured to flex when a force  1712  is applied at the compliant latch  1710 . As the base  1704  flexes, the compliant latch  1710  disengages from the retention flange  1706  in this example. 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, other configurations of compliant latch  1710  may be employed and should be considered within the scope of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, the compliant latch may be connected to the body  1702  and the retention flange may be connected to the base  1704 . In this example, the body  1702  may be configured to flex under a force to free the compliant latch from the retention flange. 
     In certain embodiments, the compliant latch  1710  acts as a footrest protruding outward from the base  1704 . A user may place a foot on the foot rest as the base  1704  is removed from the body  1702 . Beneficially, the foot rest allows the user to remove the base from the body without bending to reach the base  1704  by hand. 
       FIGS. 18A-18D  illustrate embodiments of an apparatus to support a liner having a water proof seal according to the present invention. The apparatus may include a body  1702  having a retention flange  1706  and a mating surface  1708 , a base  1804 , a compliant latch  1804 . In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes an O ring  1806 . In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a gasket  1808 . The apparatus to support a liner having a water proof seal supports and protects a liner while retaining liquid within the apparatus. 
     The body  1702 , the retaining flange  1706  and the mating surface  1708  are preferably configured in a similar manner to like numbered elements described in relation to  FIGS. 17A-17C . The compliant latch  1804  is preferably configured in a like manner to the compliant latch  1710  described in relation to  FIGS. 17A-17C . 
     The base  1802 , in one embodiment, removably attaches to the body  1702 . In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a substantially waterproof seal at the connection between the base  1802  and the body  1702 . Beneficially, the substantially waterproof seal prevents or restricts the escape of liquids when the apparatus receives liquids that escape from the liner, thus preventing leakage. 
     In certain embodiments, the waterproof seal comprises an O ring  1806 . The O ring  1806  may extend around the perimeter of the base  1802  and interact with the base  1802  and the mating surface  1708  to form a substantially waterproof seal. The O ring  1806  may be position in a receiver  1808  formed in the base to retain the O ring  1806  in a functional position. The O ring  1806  may comprise any material known in the art to form a seal, such as an elastomer, nylon, rubber, synthetic rubber, or the like. 
     Other embodiments of O ring may be employed as will be recognized by one skilled in the art. For example, in an alternate embodiment, the O ring  1806  may be disposed on the body  1702  and interact with the base  1802  upon attachment of the base  1802  to the body  1702 . The body  1702  may further include a receiver formed in the body  1702  to hold the O ring  1806  in a functional position. In another example, the O ring  1806  may be independent of the base  1802  and the body  1702 . 
     In another embodiment, the waterproof seal comprises a gasket  1810 . The gasket  1810 . The gasket  1810  may comprise any type of gasket known in the art. For example, in one embodiment, the gasket  1810  may comprise a ring shaped piece of elastomer disposed on an upper surface of the base  1802  and configured to mate with a bottom surface of the body  1702  as illustrated in  FIG. 18D . 
       FIGS. 19A-19D  illustrate embodiments of an apparatus to support a liner having a lid  1904  that fastens to the body  1902  using a compliant latch  1910 . The apparatus may include a body  1902  having an upper retention flange  1906  and an upper mating surface  1908 , a lid  1904 , a compliant latch  1910  and a waterproof seal  1912 . In certain embodiments, the apparatus further includes a base  1802  that attaches to the body  1902  using a compliant latch  1804  as described in  FIGS. 17A-17C  and  18 A- 18 D. The apparatus with the attachable lid  1904  provides a secure means for closing the apparatus and for using the apparatus with either the top opening or the bottom opening facing up. 
     The body  1902  in certain embodiments, includes an upper retention flange  1906  and an upper mating surface  1908 . The upper retention flange  1906  and the upper mating surface  1908  may interface with a lid  1904  to provide a closure for the top opening of the body  1902 . The body  1902  may have other characteristics as described in relation to  FIGS. 1-18 . 
     The lid  1904 , in certain embodiments, is configured in a manner similar to the base  1704 ,  1802  described in previous figures. The lid  1904  may have an upper compliant latch  1910  that mates with an upper retention flange  1906  of the body  1902 . In certain embodiments, the upper compliant latch  1910  disengages from the upper retention flange  1906  under a force  1914  as shown in  FIG. 19C . The force may cause a component of the apparatus to flex or deform, allowing the upper compliant latch  1910  to disengage and the lid  1904  to be removed from the body  1902 . In one embodiment, the lid  1904  is flexible, and the lid  1904  deforms under the applied force  1914 . 
     In one embodiment, the lid  1904  includes a waterproof seal  1912 . The waterproof seal  1912  restricts the flow of liquid. Beneficially, the waterproof seal  1912  allows the apparatus to contain a liquid when positioned with the top end of the body  1902  facing down. 
     The waterproof seal  1912  may comprise any type of seal known in the art, including an O ring, a gasket, and the like. The waterproof seal  1912  may be attached to the lid  1904 , the base  1902 , both the lid  1904  and the base  1902 , or neither the lid  1904  or the base  1902 . In certain embodiments, the waterproof seal  1912  includes a receiver  1916  to position the waterproof seal  1912  in a functional position. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.