Refuse collection system

Abstract

A refuse collection system includes a container shaped and dimensioned to permit a plastic trash bag to be, without the use of tools or fasteners, placed securely in the container such that the mouth of the bag forms an orthogonal opening and will slip loose when the bag is full.

Having described my invention in such terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice it and having described the presently preferred embodiments thereof, I claim:  
     
         1 . In combination, 
 (a) a plastic bag with a top edge in a tensioned orthogonal configuration; and    (b) a refuse container including 
 (I) a first side,  
 (Ii) a second side spaced a distance apart from said first side;  
 (iii) at least a first fixed contact surface formed in said first side;  
 (iv) at least a second fixe contact surface formed in said second side;  
   said top edge of said plastic bag being mounted on said contact surfaces and spanning said distance,    said contact surfaces being shaped and dimensioned and said distance being selected produce said tensioned orthogonal configuration.    
     
     
         2 . In combination, 
 (a) a plastic bag with a top edge and at least one side; and    (b) a refuse container including 
 (I) a first side,  
 (ii) a second side spaced a distance apart from said first side;  
 (iii) at least a first fixed contact surface formed in said first side;  
 (iv) at least a second fixe contact surface formed in said second side,  
 (v) a front, and  
 (vi) a back  
   said top edge of said plastic bag being mounted on said contact surfaces and spanning said distance,    said contact surfaces being shaped and dimensioned such that there is a space between said bag and at least one of a the group comprising said front, said back, and said sides, said space preventing said bag from contacting said container to produce suctional forces which interfere with removal of said bag from said container.    
     
     
         3 . In combination, 
 (a) a plastic bag with a top edge; and    (b) a refuse container including 
 (I) a first panel shaped side,  
 (Ii) a second panel shaped side spaced a distance apart from said first side;  
 (iii) at least a first fixed contact surface formed in and extending through said first side;  
 (iv) at least a second fixed contact surface formed in and extending through said second side;  
   said top edge of said plastic bag being mounted on said contact surfaces and spanning said distance.    
     
     
         4 . In combination, 
 (a) a plastic bag with a top edge; and    (b) a refuse container including 
 (I) a first side,  
 (Ii) a second side spaced a distance apart from said first side;  
 (iii) at least a first fixed contact surface opening formed in and extending through said first side;  
 (iv) at least a second fixed contact surface opening formed in and extending through said second side;  
   said top edge of said plastic bag being mounted on said contact surfaces and spanning said distance,    said contact surface openings being shaped and dimensioned to function as handles when a user extends his fingers through said contact surfaces.    
     
     
         5 . In combination, 
 (a) a plastic bag with a top edge; and    (b) a refuse container including 
 (I) a first side,  
 (Ii) a second side spaced a distance apart from said first side;  
 (iii) at least a first fixed contact surface formed in said first side;  
 (iv) at least a second fixe contact surface formed in said second side;  
 (v) a lid pivotally mounted in said sides above said contact surfaces,  
   said top edge of said plastic bag being mounted on said contact surfaces, spanning said distance, and spaced apart from said lid.    
     
     
         6 . In combination, 
 (a) an empty plastic bag with a top edge; and    (b) a refuse container including 
 (I) a first panel shaped side,  
 (Ii) a second panel shaped side spaced a distance apart from said first side;  
 (iii) at least a first fixed contact surface formed in said first side;  
 (iv) at least a second fixed contact surface formed in said second side,  
 (v) a bottom;  
   said top edge of said plastic bag being mounted on said contact surfaces and spanning said distance,    
     
     
         7 . A refuse container including front, back, sides, bottom, and top panels collectively circumscribing and defining an inner space for collecting refuse, each of said panels including an inner surface adjacent said inner space, each of said inner surfaces being sealed to retard the absorption by said panels of odors produced by refuse placed in said inner space.