Bag tightening trash can

Abstract

The invention is directed to a bag tightening trash can. Upon placing a fresh trash bag in the trash can, the user may press a button on the side surface, which activates a battery-powered suction fan in the bottom of the trash can for a short, predetermined period, such as 5 seconds. The suction fan gently draws the sides of the trash bag outward, tightening it against the interior surfaces of the trash can and fully expanding it. A simple grate separates the trash bag from the suction fan, which expels air through a vent at the lower end of the rear surface. The suction fan automatically shuts off to conserve battery power. All of the internal components are preferably waterproof and easily cleaned.

Claims

1. A trash can, providing a button on the side surface, such that upon placing a fresh trash bag in the trash can, the user may press the button, which activates a battery-powered suction fan in the bottom of the trash can for a short, predetermined period, such as 5 seconds; the suction fan gently draws the sides of the trash bag outward, tightening it against the interior surfaces of the trash can and fully expanding it.

2. The trash can of claim 1, wherein a simple grate separates the trash bag from the suction fan, which expels air through a vent at the lower end of the side surface of the trash can.

3. The trash can of claim 1, wherein the suction fan automatically shuts off to conserve battery power.

4. The trash can of claim 1, wherein a plurality of battery packs are provided on the bottom surface of the trash can, connected to the button and the suction fan via wires.

5. The trash can of claim 1, wherein the internal components of the trash can are preferably waterproof and easily cleaned.

6. The trash can of claim 1, wherein an upper ring on the rim, with or without a latch and hinges, may be provided on the trash can to help secure the trash bag to the rim.

7. The trash can of claim 1, wherein the trash can, the button, the suction fan, the battery packs, the grate, and the vent are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials that are easily cleaned, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and plastic.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the trash can 10, the button 11, and the vent 16.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the trash can 10, the button 11, and the vent 16.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the trash can 10, and the grate 15.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment with the grate removed, displaying the trash can 10, the suction fan 12, the battery packs 13, and the wires 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is a bag tightening trash can 10.

[0021] It is to be understood that while the invention is intended for use by commercial janitorial services and in commercial buildings, this is not intended as a limitation. With suitable modifications or with no modifications at all, the invention may be used in residential applications, and may be particularly useful in the homes of elderly or disabled persons.

[0022] The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a trash can 10, providing a button 11 on the side surface. Upon placing a fresh trash bag in the trash can 10, the user may press the button 11, which activates a battery-powered suction fan 12 in the bottom of the trash can 10 for a short, predetermined period, such as 5 seconds.

[0023] The suction fan 12 gently draws the sides of the trash bag outward, tightening it against the interior surfaces of the trash can 10 and fully expanding it. A simple grate 15 separates the trash bag from the suction fan 12, which expels air through a vent 16 at the lower end of the side surface. The suction fan 12 automatically shuts off to conserve battery power. Preferably, two battery packs 13 are provided on the bottom of the trash can 10, each requiring two standard AA batteries. More or fewer batteries and battery packs 13 are contemplated. The battery packs 13 and the button 11 are connected to the suction fan 12 via wires 14.

[0024] Due to the practice of dropping partially consumed soft drinks in trash cans, the internal components of the trash can 10 are preferably waterproof and easily cleaned. The trash can 10 is preferably provided in a broad variety of sizes and styles. By using the invention, a worker for a commercial janitorial service can reduce the amount of time necessary to install a new trash bag to as little as five seconds. An upper ring on the rim, with or without a latch and hinges, may be provided on the trash can 10 to help secure the trash bag to the rim.

[0025] To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user may insert a fresh trash bag into the trash can 10, secure the upper edge of the trash bag around the rim of the trash can 10, and press the button 11. Further operation is automatic.

[0026] The trash can 10, the button 11, the suction fan 12, the battery packs 13, the grate 15, and the vent 16 are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials that are easily cleaned, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and plastic. The wires 14 are preferably manufactured from braided copper alloy wire sheathed in plastic.

[0027] Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

[0028] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.