Vented trash receptacle

Abstract

A vented trash receptacle that prevents a bag filled with refuse from becoming stuck therein by releasing the vacuum that can form as the bag is being pulled therefrom. The receptacle includes an open-topped container having a bottom wall with an opening and a side wall extending upwardly from the periphery of the bottom wall. A lid is removably positioned atop the side wall. A valve is secured to the bottom wall for closing the opening in the bottom wall. The valve has an anchor that is affixed to the bottom wall remote from the opening. The valve also has a float that is flexibly tethered to the anchor. The float normally rests upon the bottom wall above the opening so as to selectively prevent the flow of air and water through the opening. The float is buoyant in water.

1 . A vented trash receptacle, comprising:
 an open-topped container having a bottom wall and a side wall extending upwardly from the periphery of said bottom wall, and said bottom wall having an opening therein;   a lid being removably positioned atop said side wall;   a valve being secured to said bottom wall for closing said opening, said valve including:
 an anchor being affixed to said bottom wall remote from said opening; and, 
 a float being flexibly tethered to said anchor, said float normally resting upon said bottom wall above said opening so as to selectively prevent the flow of air and water through said opening, and said float being buoyant in water.