Abstract:
A trash bag dispenser for use with a series of trash bags and a receptacle is disclosed. The trash bag dispenser comprises a receiving cavity for receiving the series of trash bags, a cover including a slot for allowing trash bags to be removed from the receiving cavity, and a contact surface preventing separation between the dispenser and the receptacle during removal of trash bags from the cavity. The dispenser provides for use in which a first trash bag is removed from the receiving cavity through the slot and arranged in the receptacle to hold trash and is removed from the receptacle causing a second trash bag to be removed from the receiving cavity through the slot to allow arrangement of the second trash bag in the receptacle to hold trash.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to trash collection and, in particular, to devices bagging and removing trash.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Typically, trash bags are sold as a roll or stack of a series of connected bags. The bags are divided by perforations to allow for easy separation when a bag is pulled from the roll or stack. Likewise, the bags are all oriented in the same direction such that the opening of each bag precedes the closed end of each bag when pulled from the roll or stack.  
         [0003]     The trash bags are often sold in a plastic sleeve or cardboard container and are stored at a position remote from the trash collection receptacle, such as in a closet or cabinet. When replacement of a full trash bag is required, the roll or stack of bags must be located and a bag must be separated from the roll or stack and positioned in the receptacle. This process can be burdensome when the full trash bag is leaking or otherwise unstable or when the stored roll or stack of bags cannot be found. Such a burden sometimes leads to the use of receptacles without trash bags causing the receptacles to become unsanitary and trash disposal to require further steps of emptying the receptacle into a trash bag at a later date or into an outdoor collection dumpster.  
         [0004]     In addition, there may be receptacles of different sizes in use at a site such that different size trash bags are necessary. Storage of such bags together leads to use of improperly-sized bags on receptacles and lead to spills, tears or other problems. In addition, bags necessary for a specific purpose may be utilized for more general purposes and require that the specific-use bags be replenished more frequently.  
         [0005]     Therefore, there is a continuing significant need in the field of trash collection for improvements in trash bag storage.  
         [0006]     In addition, there is a need in the field of trash collection for the facilitation of proper trash bag use.  
         [0007]     Furthermore, there is a need in the field of trash collection for a device which encourages use of trash bags in receptacles and promotes the ease of such use.  
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     It is an object of the invention to provide a trash bag dispenser for use inside a trash receptacle.  
         [0009]     Another object of the invention is to provide a trash bag dispenser which provides for convenient storage of extra trash bags within a trash receptacle.  
         [0010]     Another object of the invention is to provide a trash bag dispenser which includes a cavity which is attachable to a trash receptacle.  
         [0011]     Still another object of the invention is to provide a trash bag dispenser for use with a series of connected trash bags which facilitates placement of trash bags in a trash receptacle.  
         [0012]     These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following descriptions and from the drawings.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     In accordance with the present invention, a trash bag dispenser for use with a series of trash bags is provided for facilitating trash disposal. The trash bag dispenser of this invention overcomes certain problems and shortcomings of the prior art, including those noted above, and provides a unique structure satisfying a number of specific needs.  
         [0014]     The trash bag dispenser comprises a receiving cavity for receiving the series of trash bags, a cover including a slot for allowing trash bags to be removed from the receiving cavity, and a contact surface preventing separation between the dispenser and the receptacle during removal of trash bags from the cavity. The dispenser is arranged such that a first trash bag can be removed from the receiving cavity through the slot and arranged in the receptacle to hold trash and then be removed from the receptacle causing a second trash bag to be removed from the receiving cavity through the slot to allow arrangement of the second trash bag in the receptacle to hold trash.  
         [0015]     In certain embodiments, the cavity includes a bottom and four side walls and the bottom includes the contact surface. The contact surface may include an attachment portion which attaches to the receptacle. In such embodiments the attachment portion and receptacle may include a hook and loop fastener arrangement or adhesive.  
         [0016]     In certain embodiments, the cover is releasably attached to the cavity to allow the series of trash bags to be positioned in the cavity. In other words, the cover may be removed from the cavity to allow a roll or stack of trash bags to be placed in the cavity before the cover is reattached.  
         [0017]     In certain embodiments, the receptacle has a bottom end with an inner circumference and the cover has a perimeter which fits the inner circumference such that the cover encloses the bottom end when positioned in the receptacle. Such embodiments allow for protection of the bottom end of the receptacle from spills or other debris.  
         [0018]     In certain other embodiments, the receptacle includes a chamber for receiving the cavity. The chamber includes an opening which allows trash bags to be transferred from the receiving cavity to the receptacle. In such embodiments, the cover includes the contact surface. The receptacle may include the cover and the opening in the chamber may be the slot in the cover such that the receptacle covers the open cavity.  
         [0019]     The invention is also described as the combination of a trash receptacle, a trash bag dispenser and a series of trash bags. In such a combination, the dispenser is received by the trash receptacle and includes a cavity for holding the series of trash bags and a cover including a slot for allowing trash bags to be removed from the receiving cavity. The receptacle and dispenser are preferably arranged to prevent separation between the dispenser and the receptacle during removal of trash bags from the cavity such that as a first bag is removed from the receptacle a second bag is transferred from the dispenser to the receptacle. In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a contact surface which prevents separation between the dispenser and the receptacle during removal of trash bags from the cavity. In certain of these embodiments, the contact surface includes an attachment portion which attaches to the receptacle. The attachment portion and receptacle may include a hook and loop fastener arrangement or adhesive.  
         [0020]     In certain embodiments, the cover is releasably attached to the cavity to allow the series of trash bags to be positioned in the cavity. The cavity may include a bottom and four side walls. In some embodiments, the receptacle has a bottom end with an inner circumference and the cover has a perimeter which fits the inner circumference such that the cover encloses the bottom end when positioned in the receptacle.  
         [0021]     In other embodiments, the receptacle includes a chamber for receiving the cavity. The chamber preferably has an for allowing trash bags to be transferred from the cavity to the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the cover includes a contact surface for preventing separation between the dispenser and the receptacle during removal of trash bags from the cavity.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction of the present invention in which the above advantages and features are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment. In the drawings:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a trash bag dispenser in accordance with the invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a cross section view of a roll of trash bags positioned within a trash bag dispenser in accordance with the invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a cross section view of a stack of trash bags positioned within a trash bag dispenser in accordance with the invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a cross section view of a trash bag dispenser installed in a trash receptacle with a trash bag positioned to collect trash in accordance with the invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is a cross section view of a trash bag dispenser installed in a trash receptacle with a trash bag being removed and another trash bag being positioned for collection of trash in accordance with the invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a cross section view of a trash bag dispenser positioned within an alternate trash receptacle in accordance with the invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is a cross section view of a trash bag dispenser positioned within another alternate trash receptacle in accordance with the invention.  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a trash bag dispenser positioned within a trash receptacle, shown in dashed lines, in accordance with the invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a trash receptacle with a door for inserting a trash bag dispenser, with dashed lines showing internal features, in accordance with the invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a trash receptacle with a door being opened to the internal chamber for receiving the trash bag dispenser.  
         [0033]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a trash receptacle with a door being opened to the internal chamber for receiving the trash bag dispenser.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0034]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a trash bag dispenser in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . Trash bag dispenser  10  includes a receiving cavity  20  which is shown as having four side walls  28 , though cavity  20  may include a round wall instead. Cover  40  is attached to the open top of receiving cavity  20  and defines perimeter  42 . As shown, hinge  44  allows for disengagement of cover  40  and receiving cavity  20  to allow access to receiving cavity  20 . Cover  20  includes a slot  22  which is provided to allow removal of a trash bag from receiving cavity  20 .  
         [0035]     Receiving cavity  20  is preferably sized to fit within a trash receptacle without using much of the receptacle internal volume which is intended to be filled with trash. Receiving cavity  20  and cover  40  are preferably made from plastic, though materials such as metal or wood could also be utilized. While receiving cavity  20  and cover  40  are shown connected via hinge  44 , cover  40  can be dimensioned to friction fit over receiving cavity  20  as a lid.  
         [0036]      FIG. 2  is a cross section view of a roll of a series of trash bags  30  received within receiving cavity  20 . As shown, a free end of a trash bag  32  passes through slot  22  which the series of trash bags  30  remains in receiving cavity  20 . Receiving cavity has side walls  28  extended downward to bottom  27 . Cover  40  fits over the open top of receiving cavity  20  and keeps the series of trash bags  30  within receiving cavity  20 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is a cross section view of a stack of a series of trash bags  30  received within receiving cavity  20 . As shown, a free end of a trash bag  32  passes through slot  22  which the series of trash bags  30  remains in receiving cavity  20 . Receiving cavity has side walls  28  extended downward to bottom  27 . Cover  40  fits over the open top of receiving cavity  20  and keeps the series of trash bags  30  within receiving cavity  20 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 4  is a cross section view of a trash bag dispenser  10  within trash receptacle  50  showing a trash bag  32  positioned for use. As shown, trash bag  32  is connected through slot  22  in cover  40  to the series of trash bags  30  contained within receiving cavity  20 . Receiving cavity  20  includes sidewalls  28  extending from bottom  27  to an open top. As shown, bottom  27  acts as the contact surface  24  for contact with trash receptacle  50 . Attachment portion  26  is positioned at contact surface  24  and provides for attachment between receiving cavity  20  and trash receptacle  50  to allow a pulling force on the series of trash bags  30  to result in removal of a trash bag  32  from receiving cavity  20 , rather than separation between receiving cavity  20  and trash receptacle  50 . Attachment portion  26  may be comprised of a hook and loop fastener arrangement or adhesive.  
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is a cross section view of a trash bag dispenser  10  within trash receptacle  50  showing a used trash bag  34  which is filled with trash  36  and is being removed from trash receptacle  50 . As shown, the next trash bag  32  for use is pulled from receiving cavity  20  through slot  22  in cover  40  when used trash bag  34  is removed from trash receptacle  50 . At the same time, attachment portion  26  at contact surface  24  keeps receiving cavity  20  attached to trash receptacle  50 . As shown in earlier figures, receiving cavity  20  has sidewalls  28  extending upward from bottom  27  to an open top which is covered by cover  40 . Cover  40  is releasably connected to receiving cavity  20 , preferably through friction engagement, such as a snap fit, through a hinge, or through a combination of a hinge and friction engagement.  
         [0040]      FIG. 6  is a cross section view of a receiving cavity  20  positioned within a chamber  56  formed by trash receptacle  50 . As shown, chamber  56  is formed by trash receptacle  50  to rest on the ground around receiving cavity  20 . Bottom  27  of receiving cavity  20  also rests on the ground. In this embodiment, sidewalls  28  extend upward from bottom  27  to contact surface  24  which contacts the underside of trash receptacle  50 . Trash receptacle  50  includes an opening  57  to allow trash bag  32  to pass between receiving cavity  20  and trash receptacle  50 . Therefore, the bottom wall of trash receptacle  50  is considered to be the cover for receiving cavity  20  and opening  57  is considered to be the slot in the cover for allowing trash bag  32  to be removed from the series of trash bags  30 . As is evident, when trash bag  32  is pulled, receiving cavity  20  and trash receptacle  50  are in contact at contact surface  24  and receiving cavity  20  cannot be moved toward the pulling force, thereby allowing trash bag  32  to be released from receiving cavity  20 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 7  is a cross section view of an alternate trash receptacle  50  which includes a chamber allowing insertion of receiving cavity  20  from the side or rear  58  of trash receptacle  50 . As shown, receiving cavity  20  positioned within chamber  56  formed by trash receptacle  50 . Chamber  56  is formed by trash receptacle  50  such that receiving cavity  20  rests between a bottom wall  51  and a chamber wall  53 . Chamber wall  53  includes opening  57  to allow trash bag  32  to pass between receiving cavity  20  and trash receptacle  50 . Therefore, chamber wall  53  of trash receptacle  50  can be considered to be the cover for receiving cavity  20  and opening  57  can be considered to be the slot in the cover for allowing trash bag  32  to be removed from the series of trash bags  30 . However, a separate cover  40  is shown attached to receiving cavity  20  and cover  40  includes slot  22  which allows trash bag  32  to pass out of receiving cavity  20  and into trash receptacle  50  through opening  57 . In this embodiment, sidewalls  28  extend upward from bottom  27  to cover  40 . Cover  40  includes contact surface  24  which contacts the underside of chamber wall  53  of trash receptacle  50 . As is evident, when trash bag  32  is pulled, receiving cavity  20  and trash receptacle  50  are in contact at contact surface  24  and receiving cavity  20  cannot be moved toward the pulling force, thereby allowing trash bag  32  to be released from receiving cavity  20 . As discussed below, a door  60  may be used to cover the insertion port allowing insertion and removal of dispenser  10  from chamber  56 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of trash bag dispenser  10  positioned in a trash receptacle  50  (shown in dashed lines). Trash receptacle  50  includes an inner circumference  54  which defines the internal space of the bottom end  52  of trash receptacle  50 . While  FIG. 8  depicts a trash receptacle  50  having a generally circular inner circumference  54 , the term “inner circumference” is intended to encompass any shape formed by the interior side of the receptacle walls and is not intended to be limited to circular or round shapes. Cover  40  includes a perimeter  42  which fits circumference  54  such that cover  40  divides trash receptacle  50  into a trash receiving portion  59  and a dispenser receiving portion  55  and receiving cavity  20  is completely separated from the trash receiving portion  59  of trash receptacle  50 . As such, debris or trash is prevented from falling to dispenser receiving portion  55  of trash receptacle  50  and into contact with receiving cavity  20 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a trash receptacle  50  having door or flap  60 . Door  60  includes handle  61  for gripping and opening door  60 . Door  60  opens to dispenser receiving portion  55  of receptacle  50  and allows a trash bag dispenser to be inserted or removed from receptacle  50  as needed. At other times, door  60  is closed to provide a pleasing aesthetic view of receptacle  50 . As is known, door  60  can be designed to open from the top (as in  FIG. 10 ), from the side (as in  FIG. 11 ), from the bottom, or in other manners via a hinge  62 . Door  60  may also be designed to slide open and closed, which may be preferred design for non-planar receptacle surfaces, e.g., for a circular shaped receptacle.  
         [0044]     While the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments by way of illustration, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true scope and spirit of the invention.