Trash bag dispensing systems and methods

Abstract

A system for dispensing trash bags comprises a dispenser including an opening from which stored trash bags may be removed. A prong is positioned to extend partially across the opening of the dispenser. In an additional embodiment, the dispenser is stored within a container having a plurality of exterior walls, an upper opening, and a floor. The floor of the dispenser contains an elevated portion with an aperture extending therethrough. A prong is positioned to extend partially across the aperture. In additional embodiments, the disclosure pertains to methods of removing a trash bag from a dispenser where the bag comes into contact with a prong extending either from the dispenser or the container. The prong acts to at least partially unfold the bag upon removal from the dispenser, aiding the user in securing the trash bag to a garbage can.

Now, therefore, the following is claimed: 
     
         1 . A trash bag dispensing system, comprising:
 a plurality of trash bags; and   a dispenser for storing the plurality of trash bags, the dispenser including an opening from which the trash bags may be removed,   wherein one or more prongs are positioned to extend at least partially across the opening of the dispenser.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more prongs extend from a surface of the dispenser. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more prongs extend at least halfway across the diameter of the opening. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein an inward end of the one or more prongs is curved. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the trash bags contain a gusseted bottom. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an anti-static substance inside of at least one of the trash bags. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the anti-static substance comprises baking soda. 
     
     
         8 . A trash bag dispensing system, comprising:
 a container having a plurality of exterior walls, an upper opening, and a floor, the floor having an elevated portion and a lower portion coupled by at least one interior wall, the elevated portion having an aperture extending therethrough;   a plurality of trash bags stored within the container; and   one or more prongs positioned to extend at least partially across the aperture.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more prongs extend from a surface of the aperture. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more prongs extend at least halfway across the diameter of the aperture. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the inward end of the one or more prongs is curved. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the trash bags contain a gusseted bottom. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising an anti-static substance inside at least one of the trash bags stored in the container. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the anti-static substance comprises baking soda. 
     
     
         15 . A method, comprising
 removing a trash bag from a dispenser through an opening in the dispenser; and   bringing the trash bag into contact with one or more prongs positioned to extend partially across the opening of the dispenser such that the one or more prongs at least partially unfold the trash bag.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more prongs extend from a surface of the dispenser. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the dispenser is inserted into a container, and wherein the prong extends from the container. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the inward end of the one or more prongs is curved. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the trash bag has an antistatic substance located inside of the trash bag during the removing. 
     
     
         20 . A method, comprising
 removing a trash bag from a container for storing the plurality of trash bags, the container having an upper opening and a floor, the floor having an elevated portion and a lower portion, the elevated portion having an aperture extending therethrough; and   bringing the trash bag into contact with one or more prongs positioned to extend at least partially across the aperture so that the trash bag at least partially unfolds.   
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the one or more prongs extend from a surface of the dispenser. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the one or more prongs extend at least halfway across the diameter of the opening. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the inward end of the one or more prongs is curved.