U.S. patent application number 09/727879 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-06 for refuse receptacle with integrated replacement liner retaining and dispensing means.
This patent application is currently assigned to Knowmo, L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Pyles, Nathan.
Application Number | 20020066736 09/727879 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24924456 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020066736 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pyles, Nathan |
June 6, 2002 |
Refuse receptacle with integrated replacement liner retaining and
dispensing means
Abstract
A refuse receptacle for use in storing trash, recyclables and
the like, is described that integrates into the upper end thereof a
retaining means by which replacement liners may be stored and
dispensed proximate their point of use. In one embodiment of the
invention, the retaining means is integrated into the rim of the
receptacle and may form an upwardly opening cavity in which
replacement liners may be stored, a notch into which a separate
storage tray may be fitted and held in place with a slot and tab
mechanism, or other similar formations. In another embodiment the
retaining means is integrated into the upper end of the receptacle
and may form a shelf housing into which a tray for retaining liners
may be fitted, a bracket mechanism to releasably retain a roll of
liners, or other similar formations. In yet other embodiments of
the invention, a lid is included. In still other embodiments,
stabilizing means are provided to counter-weight the set of
replacement liners.
Inventors: |
Pyles, Nathan; (Lake Mills,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATRICIA SMITH KING
SUITE 22
222 NORTH MIDVALE BOULEVARD
MADISON
WI
537055072
|
Assignee: |
Knowmo, L.L.C.
|
Family ID: |
24924456 |
Appl. No.: |
09/727879 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/495.08 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/062 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/495.08 |
International
Class: |
B65D 025/14; B65D
035/14; B65D 090/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having at least one
side wall, said at least one side wall comprising an upper rim
defining an open upper end and an opening, and a closed lower end
defining a base; and, a retaining means integral with said upper
end to retain a set of replacement liners.
2. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having at least one
side wall, said at least one side wall comprising an upper rim
defining an open upper end and an opening, and a closed lower end
defining a base; and, a retaining means integral with the upper rim
to retain a set of replacement liners.
3. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having at least one
side wall, said at least one side wall comprising an upper rim
defining an open upper end and an opening, and a closed lower end
defining a base; and, a retaining means integral with the upper rim
to retain a set of replacement liners, said retaining means
comprising an extension of the rim into which is integrally molded
an upwardly opening cavity to house the set of replacement
liners.
4. The refuse receptacle of claim 3, in which the retaining means
further comprises a cap unit fittable to an opening of the cavity
to retain the set of replacement liners as they are individually
dispensed through an elongated slot in the cap unit.
5. The refuse receptacle of claim 3, in which the retaining means
further comprises a cap unit fittable to an opening of the cavity
to retain the set of replacement liners, said cavity further
comprising an elongated slot located in a bottom portion thereof to
allow the downward, individual dispensement of a liner from the set
of replacement liners.
6. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having at least one
side wall, said at least one side wall comprising an upper rim
defining an open upper end and an opening, and a closed lower end
defining a base; and, a retaining means integral with the upper rim
to retain a set of replacement liners, said retaining means
comprising: an extension of the rim into which is integrally molded
an inwardly extending elongated rectangular notch; a separate
housing means to house the set of replacement liners, said housing
means comprising a hollow tray having an upper open end and a rim;
and, a housing engagement means to hold the tray securely in the
rectangular notch.
7. The refuse receptacle of claim 6, in which the housing
engagement means comprises a tab and slot mechanism, said tab and
slot mechanism being adapted to securely engage the tray and to
prevent same from freely exiting the rectangular notch.
8. The refuse receptacle of claim 6, in which the retaining means
further comprises a cap unit fittable to the notch opening to
retain the set of replacement liners as they are individually
dispensed through an elongated slot in the cap unit.
9. The refuse receptacle of claim 6, in which the retaining means
further comprises a cap unit fittable to the notch opening to
retain the set of replacement liners, and in which said tray
further comprises an elongated slot located in a bottom portion
thereof to allow the downward, individual dispensement of a liner
from the set of replacement liners.
10. The refuse receptacle of claim 6, in which the hollow tray of
the separate housing means comprises a packaging in which the set
of replacement liners is provided.
11. The packaging of claim 10, further forming an elongated slot to
allow the individual dispensement of a liner from the set of
replacement liners.
12. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having at least
one side wall, said at least one side wall comprising an upper rim
defining an open upper end and an opening, and a closed lower end
defining a base; and, a retaining means integral with the upper end
of the side wall to retain a set of replacement liners.
13. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having at least
one side wall, said at least one side wall comprising an upper rim
defining an open upper end and an opening, and a closed lower end
defining a base; and, a retaining means integral with and extending
outward from the upper end of the side wall to retain a set of
replacement liners, said retaining means comprising a bracketing
mechanism to releasably retain a set of replacement liners, said
set of replacement liners forming a roll mounted on a hollow core
element.
14. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having at least
one side wall, said at least one side wall comprising an upper rim
defining an open upper end and an opening, and a closed lower end
defining a base; and, a retaining means integral with and extending
outward from the upper end of the side wall to retain a set of
replacement liners, said retaining means comprising a support sized
to insertably hold a hollow tray in which is housed a set of
replacement liners.
15. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having at least
one side wall, said at least one side wall comprising an upper rim
defining an open upper end and an opening, and a closed lower end
defining a base; a retaining means integral with said upper end to
retain a set of replacement liners; and, a lid.
16. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having at least
one side wall, said at least one side wall comprising an upper rim
defining an open upper end and an opening, and a closed lower end
defining a base; a retaining means integral with said upper end to
retain a set of replacement liners; and, a lid sized to fit to said
upper rim and to cover said retaining means.
17. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having at least
one side wall, said at least one side wall comprising an upper rim
defining an open upper end and an opening, and a closed lower end
defining a base, the container being adapted to receive therein an
inner liner having an open end generally positioned over the rim of
the opening; a retaining means integral with said upper end to
retain a set of replacement liners; and,
18. a lid sized to fit to said upper rim and to cover said
retaining means, the open end of said inner liner being held
therebetween when the lid is placed in position on the rim. The
refuse receptacle of claim 15, wherein the lid is pivotally
connected to the upper rim on the side opposite the retaining
means, said lid being pivotable between a first position, wherein
the lid is disposed substantially co-planarly with the upper rim of
the container, and at least a second position, wherein at least a
portion of the lid is raised above the rim of the container.
19. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having at least
one side wall, said at least one side wall comprising an upper rim
defining an open upper end and an opening, and a closed lower end
defining a base; a retaining means integral with said upper end to
retain a set of replacement liners; and, a stabilizing means.
20. The refuse receptacle of claim 19, in which the stabilizing
means comprises a flange fittable to the base of the refuse
receptacle.
21. The refuse receptacle of claim 19, in which the stabilizing
means comprises a design modification to one of the at least one
side wall opposite the retaining means.
22. The stabilizing means of claim 21, in which the design
modification comprises a thickening of the side wall opposite the
retaining means.
23. The stabilizing means of claim 21, in which the design
modification comprises an increase in height of the side wall
opposite the retaining means.
24. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having at least
one side wall, said at least one side wall comprising an upper rim
defining an open upper end and an opening, and a closed lower end
defining a base; a retaining means integral with said upper end to
retain a set of replacement liners; and, a stabilizing means to
counterbalance the weight of the set of replacement liners, said
stabilizing means comprising a stabilizing flange fitted to the
base of the container.
25. A refuse receptacle, comprising: a container having side walls,
said side walls comprising an upper rim defining an open upper end
and an opening, and a closed lower end defining a base; a
stabilizing offset comprising one of said side walls, said side
wall being molded to form a broad vertical spine portion therein,
the spine protruding inwardly from the wall forming a flattened
u-shaped indentation with a u-shaped portion of the rim formed at
its upper end; and, a retaining means integral with said upper end
to retain a set of replacement liners.
26. The refuse receptacle of claim 25, wherein said retaining means
further comprises, two notches, one of said notches located in each
side of the u-shaped portion of the rim, said notches positioned to
releasably retain the set of replacement liners, said set of
replacement liners forming a roll mounted on a hollow core of card
board or the like
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to refuse receptacles,
specifically to a refuse receptacle with means for retaining and
dispensing replacement liners integrated into its upper
portion.
[0002] It is common practice to provide receptacles for trash,
recyclables and the like, with disposable liners so that when the
receptacle is full, the liner can be removed and a new liner
installed making the waste receptacle clean and ready for reuse.
Sets of replacement liner bags are usually obtained either in
perforated rolls where the liners are separated by tearing along
the perforations or in boxes where they are inter-folded so that
when one is removed, another is pulled up and ready to remove.
Though replacement liners are readily available for purchase and
use, they are not always readily available at the site of the
refuse receptacle when a full liner bag is removed and the
receptacle must be re-lined. The present invention addresses this
issue by providing a refuse receptacle with means to retain and
dispense replacement liners integrated therein.
[0003] In the accompanying drawings:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a left perspective view from above front showing
an embodiment of the invention in which the retaining means forms a
hollow cavity integral with the rim and a lid pivotally connected
to the rim;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a right perspective view from above front of an
embodiment of the present invention in which the retaining means
forms a hollow cavity integral with the rim and is fitted with a
cap unit slotted for dispensement of individual liners;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a left perspective view from above front showing
an embodiment of the present invention in which the retaining means
forms a notch in the rim in which a separate storage tray may be
retained and shows a cap unit pivotally connected thereto;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a left perspective view from above front showing
an embodiment of the present invention similar to that in FIG. 3,
but showing the tray of different design with optional slot therein
and a stabilizing flange fitted to the base of the receptacle;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a left perspective view from above front showing
an embodiment of the present invention in which the retaining means
is integrated into the upper end of the receptacle forming a
support sized to fit a separate storage tray and showing the
lid;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a right perspective view from above showing an
embodiment of the present invention in which the retaining means is
integrated into the upper end of the receptacle forming a
bracketing mechanism to releasably retain a set of replacement
liners and also showing the lid; and,
[0010] FIG. 7 is a left perspective view of the present invention
showing a wall modified to form a stabilizing offset and retaining
means comprising notches in the rim of the stabilizing offset
portion of the wall, and a lid.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0011] 10 refuse receptacle
[0012] 12 side wall
[0013] 14 rim
[0014] 16 opening
[0015] 18 base
[0016] 20 retaining means
[0017] 22 replacement liners
[0018] 24 cap unit
[0019] 26 slot
[0020] 28 rectangular notch
[0021] 30 tray
[0022] 32 support platform
[0023] 34 bracket mechanism
[0024] 36 lid
[0025] 38 liner
[0026] 40 stabilizing flange
[0027] 42 stabilizing offset
[0028] 44 notch
A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Referring to the figures, in which identical or similar
parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout, a
detailed description of various alternative embodiments of the
present invention is given. However, the present invention can
assume additional embodiments, as will become apparent to those
skilled in the art, without departing from the appended claims.
[0030] Referring now specifically to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the
present invention, a refuse receptacle 10 is depicted comprising a
container with a number of substantially vertical side walls 12.
The side walls 12 comprise an upper rim 14 that defines an open
upper end at the top and an opening 16 through which refuse such as
trash, recyclables and the like may be deposited into the interior
of the container. The side walls 12 also define a lower end and a
base 18.
[0031] Integral to the upper end of the container is a retaining
means 20 to retain a set of replacement liner bags for lining the
interior of the container. As depicted in FIG. 1, the retaining
means 20 is formed from an extension of the rim into which a molded
cavity has been formed. The cavity is made to a size appropriate to
store commonly available replacement rolls or boxes of liners. Thus
the cavity forms a convenient storage area to keep replacement
liners 22 handily available at the top of the receptacle for easy
access when a new liner is needed. The cavity storage area may be
formed to a basically rectangular shape or alternatively in a
cylindrical shape to better fit replacement liners that come stored
on rolls.
[0032] In alternative embodiments and as depicted in FIG. 2, the
retaining means 20 may also include a cap unit 24, fittable to the
opening of the cavity to hold the set of replacement liners 22
securely in place and to keep the replacement liners 22 free from
dirt and debris. The cap unit 24 may be a separate piece (as shown
in FIG. 2) or it may be pivotally connected to an edge of the
retaining means 20 (as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) allowing it to pivot
between a closed and an open position.
[0033] Optionally, the cap unit 24 may also include an elongated
slot 26 to aid in dispensing replacement liners therethrough one at
a time. Another option is to leave the cap unit 24 as a solid
cover, while providing a slot in the underside of the storage
cavity. In this way, individual replacement liners may be dispensed
by pulling them down and out from the storage cavity, while they
remain clean and dry because they are covered above by a solid cap
unit 24. Both alternatives are depicted in FIG. 2.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, alternative embodiments of the
retaining means 20 are depicted. In these embodiments the retaining
means 20 comprises a rectangular notch 28 molded into one end of
the rim 14 and a tray 30 into which a replacement set of liners 22
may be stored. The notch 28 and tray 30 fit together by means of a
slot and tab mechanism. As depicted in the figures, the notch 28
contains a slot along its inner surface. A matching tab is formed
of the outer edge of the tray 30. In this way, the tray 30 may be
slid into the slot of the notch 28, thereby securing the tray in
place. Alternatively, the notch 28 may be tabbed while the tray 30
is slotted.
[0035] The tray 30 may be formed in various shapes such as the
cylindrical shape shown in FIG. 3, the rectangular shape shown in
FIG. 4, or any number of other shapes as warranted by the form in
which replacement liners are supplied. Additionally, the packaging
in which the replacement liners 22 are provided may form a
disposable version of tray 30, similarly custom-fitting to the
particular retaining means 20. Like the non-disposable version, the
disposable tray 30 may be of varying sizes and shapes with tabs,
slots or other means by which it may be fitted to the retaining
means 20.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, still other alternative
embodiments of the retaining means 20 are depicted. In these
embodiments the retaining means 20 are not formed from the rim 14
as previously described, but rather are integral to the upper end
of the receptacle 10. In FIG. 5, the retaining means 20 comprises a
support platform 32 sized to hold a tray 30 into which replacement
liners 22 are stored. The tray 30 is simply slid into place in the
support platform 32 to securely hold it in place. In FIG. 6, the
retaining means 20 comprises a set of bracket mechanisms 34
designed to releasably retain a set of replacement liners 22. This
particular design works well with replacement liners 22 that come
mounted on a hollow core tube of card board or the like. Each end
of the tube can be held in place at each bracket 34, allowing the
roll to revolve freely as individual liners are dispensed
therefrom.
[0037] The retaining means 20 may alternatively be integrated into
one or more handles on the refuse receptacle 10. The handles of a
receptacle are generally formed integral to its upper portion,
sometimes in the rim 14 specifically. In either case, the retainer
means 20 may, in likewise being integral to the upper portion
generally, or rim specifically, be integral to one or more
handles.
[0038] The refuse receptacle 10 of the present invention may
additionally include a lid 36. The lid 36 may be a separate piece
as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, or pivotally attached to one end of
the rim 14 as depicted in FIG. 1, in which case it may freely
rotate between an open and closed position.
[0039] The lid 36 is sized to fit snugly over the rim 14, and any
extensions thereof including the retaining means 20. Since an inner
liner 38 is normally placed in the interior of the receptacle with
its open end positioned over the edge of the rim, capping the rim
14 of the receptacle 10 with the lid 36, forming a sort of a bezel,
serves to hold the liner 38 in place, preventing it from collapsing
inwardly as refuse is deposited. The lid 36 forms a cover to the
retaining means 20 of the sort described previously with an opening
in the rim 14. Like the cap unit 24, the portion of the lid 36
forming a cover to the housing for the replacement liners 22, may
contain a slot 26 to allow individual liners to be dispensed
therefrom.
[0040] Because the retaining means 20 is designed to store a set of
replacement liners 22, and the replacement liners 22 may weigh a
significant amount, the receptacle 10 may require counter-balancing
for stability since the weight of the replacement liners 22 is
generally not centrally positioned. Many alternative embodiments
exist for stabilizing means. For example, various of the side walls
12 may be angled, sized, weighted or otherwise designed differently
than others to effect a counter-balance. The rim 14 may be modified
to two retaining means 20, symmetrically placed so as to balance
each other, avoiding the problem all together.
[0041] One simple stabilizing means is to employ a stabilizing
flange 40 at the base 18 of the receptacle 10. Referring to FIG. 4,
the stabilizing flange 40 is shown fitted to the base 18 of the
container. The stabilizing flange 40 may be a separate piece into
which the base 18 is securely set, or it may be formed integrally
with the base 18 forming a solid unit.
[0042] Another embodiment of a stabilizing means is illustrated in
FIG. 7. As depicted, the side wall 12 on the side where the
retaining means 20 is located, is designed in such a way as to form
a stabilizing offset 42. The front side wall 12 is seen molded to
form a broad vertical spine portion that protrudes inwardly from
the side wall 12 to form a flattened U-shaped indentation. This
allows the side wall 12 to support a great deal more weight without
tipping over.
[0043] FIG. 7 also depicts yet another alternative embodiment of a
retaining means 20 wherein two notches 44 are formed in the sides
of the U-shaped rim at the top of the stabilizing offset 42. The
width of the stabilizing offset 42 and the position of the notches
44 coordinate to support a replacement roll of liners 22. This
design is particularly well-suited to supporting replacement liners
22 forming a roll on a hollow core of card board or the like. The
ends of the hollow core can be easily and releasably fitted to and
supported by the notches 44, allowing the roll to freely rotate as
individual liners are dispensed therefrom.
B. OTHER EMBODIMENTS
[0044] While the above description contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as an exemplification of various embodiments
thereof. The above-described embodiments are set forth by way of
example and are not for the purpose of limiting the present
invention. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art
that obvious modifications, derivations and variations can be made
without departing from the scope of the invention. For example,
[0045] a) the receptacle can assume various alternative shapes and
sizes to accommodate its particular use and location, for example,
though illustrated generally as rectangular in shape, the main body
of the receptacle can alternatively be cylindrical;
[0046] b) the retaining means to retain a set of replacement liners
may take many alternative forms and may depend upon the form of the
liner refill packaging. The rim, for example, may contain
extensions downward from the underside of the portion of the rim
extending forward from the receptacle. These extensions may be
adapted to releasably retain replacement sets of liners;
[0047] c) the lid, though described above as fitting to the rim of
the receptacle and leaving the opening unobstructed, may
additionally comprise a cover portion attached to the lid, to close
the opening when the receptacle is used outdoors or in other
situations;
[0048] d) the retaining means as described, may be integrated into
the rim or elsewhere in the upper portion of the receptacle, and
this may also include integration into a handle structure, thus
forming a dual-functioning handle-liner retainer-dispenser
component of the receptacle;
[0049] e) liner rolls may be retained in various orientations to
the add-on unit including horizontally, as depicted generally in
the drawings, or vertically; and,
[0050] f) the retaining means may include a locking mechanism to
secure the liners where the refuse receptacle is exposed to that
sort of risk.
[0051] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined
not by the examples given, but by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents. claims
* * * * *