U.S. patent application number 10/908046 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-17 for explosion resistant waste container.
This patent application is currently assigned to MIRROR LITE. Invention is credited to Schmidt, William, Swain, Daniel M..
Application Number | 20050252915 10/908046 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46304432 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050252915 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmidt, William ; et
al. |
November 17, 2005 |
EXPLOSION RESISTANT WASTE CONTAINER
Abstract
An explosion resistant waste container includes an outer
open-topped container and an inner open-topped container with a
space therebetween. The outer and inner container are made from
portions of compression cylinder members. The space between the two
containers is filled with sand.
Inventors: |
Schmidt, William; (Newport,
MI) ; Swain, Daniel M.; (Southgate, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARTZ & ARTZ, P.C.
28333 TELEGRAPH RD.
SUITE 250
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48034
US
|
Assignee: |
MIRROR LITE
20950 Woodruff
Rockwood
MI
|
Family ID: |
46304432 |
Appl. No.: |
10/908046 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10908046 |
Apr 26, 2005 |
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10710771 |
Aug 2, 2004 |
|
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10710771 |
Aug 2, 2004 |
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10150605 |
May 17, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/88.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 2210/13 20130101;
B65F 2220/104 20130101; B65F 1/16 20130101; B65F 1/02 20130101;
B65F 1/1607 20130101; F42D 5/045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/088.1 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An explosion resistant waste container comprising: an outer
open-topped container, an inner open-topped container placed within
said outer open-topped container leaving a space therebetween, said
inner container comprising a portion of a first compression
cylinder member; and a sand material placed within said space
between said outer open-topped container and said inner open-topped
container.
2. The explosion resistant waste container of claim 1 further
comprising: at least one positioning element that provides for said
space between said outer container and said inner container.
3. The explosion resistant waste container of claim 1 wherein said
inner and outer containers are both made from a high strength
steel.
4. The explosion resistant waste container of claim 1 wherein said
outer container comprises one or more sheets of metal material.
5. The explosion resistant waste container of claim 4 wherein said
outer container has a square-shaped cross-section.
6. The explosion resistant waste container of claim 1 wherein said
outer container comprises a portion of a second compression
cylinder member.
7. The explosion resistant waste container of claim 1 wherein said
inner open-topped container includes a lip extending slightly
beyond said reinforcing material, said lip intended for securing at
least one of a trash bag and a lid thereto.
8. The explosion resistant waste container of claim 1 further
comprising: a lid releasably attached to at least one of said outer
open-topped container and said inner open-topped container.
9. The explosion resistant waste container of claim 8 further
comprising a tether fixedly coupling said lid to either said inner
container or said outer container.
10. The explosion resistant waste container as described in claim 1
further comprising a cover member hingedly attached to said outer
container.
11. A method for manufacturing an explosion resistant waste
container, the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming an inner
open-topped container, said inner container comprises a portion of
a first compression cylinder member; (b) forming an outer
open-topped container sized to receive said inner open-topped
container leaving a space therebetween, (c) positioning said inner
open-topped container within said outer open-topped container
leaving a space therebetween; and (d) filling said space with a
sand material.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein positioning said inner
open-topped container within said outer open-topped container
comprises positioning such that a lip of said inner open-topped
container extends slightly above the top edge of said outer
open-topped container.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein said outer container comprises a
portion of a second compression cylinder member.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein said outer container comprises
one or more sheets of metal material.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein said outer container comprises a
square-shaped cross-section.
16. The method of claim 11 further comprising attaching a cover
member to one of said inner and outer containers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 10/710,771 filed on Aug. 2, 2004, which is in turn a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/150,605 filed on
May 17, 2002.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to waste containers,
and more particularly to waste containers that can withstand
explosive forces and safely direct these forces away from
surrounding persons and property.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Waste containers are well known. These containers may take a
variety of forms for use in a variety of places.
[0004] In particular, large waste containers are commonly used in
places frequented by the public. For example, these waste
containers may be found in airports, government buildings,
hospitals, schools, street corners of highly populated cities, and
at various public events.
[0005] A serious problem concerning these waste containers is that
a bomb can be surreptitiously hidden therein and subsequently
detonated for the purpose of harming surrounding persons or
property. Current waste containers may not be sufficiently strong
to withstand the explosions. For instance, current waste containers
may either disintegrate or fragment into airborne shards. As a
result, many persons within a blast perimeter of the bomb may
suffer serious bodily injury or death. Of course, valuables and
other property within the immediate area may also be damaged or
destroyed.
[0006] One type of improved waste container is disclosed in
Publication No. U.S. 2003/0213802 A1 published on Nov. 20, 2003,
which is the publication of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/150,605, filed on May 17, 2002. Although that waste container is
satisfactory and effectively reduces the danger of explosions,
there still is a need for different embodiments.
[0007] Therefore, a further need exists for improved waste
containers that maintain their integrity when subjected to
explosions and direct explosive forces away from surrounding
persons and property.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides an explosion resistant waste
container. The waste container includes an outer open-topped
container and an inner open-topped container disposed within the
outer-open topped container. The space between the two containers
can be filled with a rigid or compressible material. The outer
open-topped container is made of sufficiently strong materials, for
withstanding much of the force of an explosion. In one embodiment,
the inner open-topped container is made from a piece or formed
pieces of material, such as a rolled coil of steel. In another
embodiment, the inner and outer containers are made from portions
of cylindrical members of a type and specification constructed to
withstand substantial internal pressures and forces.
[0009] If a compressible material, such as a foam material, is
disposed within the space between the outer container and the inner
container, it will allow the inner cylinder to expand if an
explosive device is discharged within it. This could help mitigate
the damaging force of the explosion. Also, a rigid material, such
as concrete, or a semi-rigid material, such as sand, could be
utilized in the space and provide a heavier and stronger
assembly.
[0010] One advantage of the present invention is that it can direct
explosive forces away from surrounding persons and property.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it can function
in a normal manner as a waste receptacle for receiving and storing
waste therein.
[0011] Other advantages of the present invention will become
apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the
preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with the attached
drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an explosion resistant
waste container according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a funnel lid according to
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an inner open-topped
container of an explosion resistant waste container according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2B is a plan view of a first flat sheet of metal used
for forming the inner open-topped container, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a bottom inner plate used
for forming the inner open-topped container, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an outer open-topped
container of an explosion resistant waste container according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3B is a plan view of a second flat sheet of metal used
for forming the outer open-topped container, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a bottom outer plate used
for forming the outer open-topped container, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top view of the explosion resistant waste
container as shown in FIG. 1A, taken along line 4-4.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an explosion resistant waste
container being subjected to an explosion.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an
explosion resistant waste container according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a step in the
manufacturing process of an explosion resistant waste container in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 is another view of the waste container shown in FIG.
8, but with the cover or top in an open position.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the waste container
shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a flat sheet of material used to
make a portion of the waste container shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0028] FIG. 12 illustrates a spacer member preferably used with the
embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0029] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate spacer member.
[0030] FIG. 14 illustrates a compression cylinder of a type for use
with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 15 illustrates another alternate explosion resistant
waste container.
[0032] FIG. 16 illustrates still another alternate explosion
resistant waste container.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are
used to identify the same components in the various views.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1A, there is generally shown an explosion
resistant waste container 10 according to one embodiment of the
present invention. The waste container 10 is normally used for
receiving and storing waste. In addition, the waste container 1 0
can shield surrounding persons and property from explosions
originating therein.
[0035] The waste container 10 generally includes an inner
open-topped container 12, an intermediate material 14, and an outer
open-topped container 16.
[0036] The waste container 10 also preferably includes a lid 18
("cover" or "top") that is releasably attached to a lip portion 40
of the inner open-topped container or a rim portion 42 of the outer
open-topped container 16. The lid 18 may be a hood (as shown in
FIG. 1A), a funnel (as shown in FIG. 1B), or any other suitably
shaped cover. The lid 18 preferably is made of a heavy-duty
polyethylene. However, it is obvious that the lid 18 may be made of
metal or other suitable materials.
[0037] The lid 18 also can be attached to the reinforcing material
14 of the waste container 10, such as by a tether 44. The tether 44
can be a nylon strap having a first end embedded within the
reinforcing material 14 and a second end attached to the lid 18 (as
shown in FIG. 1A). Of course, the first end of the tether 44 may
instead be attached to either the inner container 12 or the outer
container 16 as desired. Furthermore, the second end of the tether
44 may be attached to either an outer portion of the lid (as shown
in FIG. 1A) or an inside portion of the lid 18. Rivets or other
suitable fasteners may be used to attach the ends of the tether 44
to their respective surfaces.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2A, there is shown an inner
open-topped container 12 of the waste container 10 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. The inner container 12 is made
of a sufficiently strong material that can be subjected to an
explosion without being destroyed or broken apart. Preferably, this
material is 11 gauge steel coated with a powder for preventing rust
or corrosion that may weaken the strength of the steel. The 11
gauge steel can provide sufficient strength without adding
undesired weight to the waste container 10.
[0039] Of course, the inner container 12 may be made of various
other suitable materials that are strong enough for withstanding
explosions. For example, the inner open-topped container may be
made of a heavier 7 gauge steel. Also, the container 12 may be made
of a nylon or plastic material reinforced with a synthetic fiber,
such as KEVLAR.
[0040] The inner container 12 preferably includes a cylinder 20 and
a bottom plate 22 which is attached at one or more locations to the
lower end of the cylinder 20. The cylinder 20 can be formed by
rolling a first flat metal sheet 24 (as shown in FIG. 2B) into a
coil with overlapping ends 26. The two ends 26A and 26B of the
sheet member 24 are positioned so that they tightly overlap one
another (as shown in the drawings) creating a slip joint.
[0041] Although FIG. 2A illustrates a circular cross-section of the
container 12, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the
cross-section of inner container 1 2 may be shaped otherwise. For
example, the inner container can have multiple sides, or be made of
a plurality of sheets or sections welded or otherwise secured
together so long as the inner container 12 has sufficient thickness
and strength for withstanding the force of an explosion, and has
two edges or a joint which allows expansion if subjected to an
explosion.
[0042] The bottom inner plate 22 (as shown in FIG. 2C) is
preferably attached to the lower end of the cylinder 20 at one or
more locations. Preferably, it is welded at least at one location
along the bottom edge of the cylinder at location 25 which is
generally opposite to the slip joint seam 26. The shape of the
bottom plate 22 preferably corresponds to the cross-sectional shape
of the inner container. Also, the bottom plate should be attached
to the inner container only at a sufficient number of locations (or
only along one or more edges) to securely hold the two components
together, but not restrict expansion of the walls of the container
as indicated above if subjected to the force of an explosion.
[0043] As best shown in FIG. 1A, the inner container 12 has a lip
portion 40 extending upward beyond the reinforcing material 14. A
user may wrap a top end of a trash bag around the lip portion 40
for the purpose of securing the trash bag to the container 10.
Also, a portion of the lid 18 may be used to pinch the trash bag
against the lip portion 40 and assist in holding the trash bag in
place.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 3A, there is shown an outer
open-topped container 16 of the waste container 10 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the inner
open-topped container 12, the outer open-topped container is made
of a material capable of withstanding the forces of an explosion
without being destroyed or broken apart, and preferably without
experiencing substantial deformation. This material preferably is
11 gauge steel coated with corrosion resistant powder and
alternatively may be any other suitable material.
[0045] In one embodiment, the outer container preferably is formed
by rolling a flat sheet of metal material 34 and then welding
together the opposing ends forming a seam 36. In this embodiment,
the outer container 16 comprises a cylinder 30 and a bottom plate
32 attached to the lower end of the outer cylinder 30. Once the
opposing ends are welded together, the outer cylinder 30 may be
re-rolled for providing an improved circular cross-section of the
outer cylinder 30. Furthermore, re-rolling the outer cylinder 30
may smooth the outer seam 36 so as to provide a more pleasing
aesthetic appearance.
[0046] As is known in the art, the outer cylinder 30 may not have a
well formed circular diameter after rolling the sheet 34 only one
time. In this regard, the outer cylinder may slightly bow radially
outward along the seam 36 where the opposing ends of the sheet 34
are joined. Therefore, it may be necessary to re-roll the outer
cylinder 20 a second time after welding the opposing ends together
so as to allow for an improved circular cross-section.
[0047] It will also be obvious to one skilled in the art that the
cross-section of the outer open-topped container 16 may be
circular, non-circular, or multiple-sided as long as it has
sufficient thickness and strength for withstanding the force of an
explosion. In other embodiments, the outer container could be made
of a plurality of flat plates (e.g. steel sheets) welded together,
for example, in a square, hexagon, or octagon cross-sectional
configuration.
[0048] It is also obvious that the cross-sections of the two
containers 12, 16 could be different from each other, so long as
sufficient space is left between them for an intermediate material
14. For example, the inner container could have a circular
cross-section while the outer container could have a square or
other polygon shaped cross-section, or vice versa.
[0049] The outer open-topped container 16 also includes a bottom
plate 32 that is secured (e.g. welded) to a lower end portion of
the cylinder 30. Obviously, the bottom plate 32 may be attached to
the lower end portion by any conventional fastening method. The
bottom plate 32 preferably has the same size and shape as the
cross-section of the outer container.
[0050] The outer container 16 is sized for receiving the inner
open-topped container 12 therein and leaving a space therebetween.
The space between the surfaces of the outer open-topped container
16 and the surfaces of the inner open-topped container 12 can be
provided by, for example, one or more positioning elements 28.
[0051] The positioning elements 28 can be a plurality of legs or
spacer members extending from the first sheet of material 24 (as
shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The positioning elements 28 may also be
a variety of other suitable devices that provide the desired space
between the containers 12, 16. For example, the positioning
elements 28 may be a plurality of columns integrally formed as part
of the bottom outer plate 22. Alternatively, the positioning
elements 28 can simply be bricks, blocks, or any other suitable
device that offsets the outer surface of the inner container 12
from the inner surface of the outer container 16. Although four leg
members are shown in the drawings, it is understood that any number
of leg members or spacers could be utilized.
[0052] The outer open-topped container 16 may also include an outer
plurality of leg members 38 for positioning the waste container 10
in an upright position. Also, these leg members 38 elevate the
waste container 10 so as to allow a person to slide a dolly or the
like underneath the waste container 10 for transporting it from one
location to another. These leg members 38 can be integrally formed
as part of the outer cylinder 30. Alternatively, the leg members 38
can be integrally formed as part of the bottom outer plate 32. Of
course, the leg members 38 may be coupled to other portions of the
outer open-topped cylinder or even completely omitted. Although
four members 38 are shown in the drawings, it is understood that
any number of leg members 38 can be provided.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a top view of the
waste container 10 of FIG. 1A, as taken along line 4-4. The inner
open-topped container 12 is preferably placed within the outer
open-topped container 16 such that the inner seam 26 of the inner
open-topped container 12 is positioned offset or out-of-phase with
the outer seam 36 of the outer open-topped container 16. Arranging
the seams 26, 36 in this manner increases the strength of the
container 10 thereby increasing the container's resistance to
deformation or damage when subjected to an explosion. Preferably,
the seams 26, 36 are offset 180 degrees from each other for
providing optimal resistance to deformation. Of course, the seams
26, 36 may be offset from each other at other angles. Where either
the container or outer container (or both) is made from two or more
pieces or sheets of material joined together, it is preferable to
orient and assemble the two containers such that none of the seams
of the two containers are in radial alignment.
[0054] The waste container 10 further includes a material 14
disposed within the space between the inner open-topped container
12 and the outer open-topped container 16. The material 14 can be a
compressible material, such as a foam material, and preferably
fills or substantially fills the entire space between the inner
container 12 and outer container 16. A compressible material allows
the inner container to expand if an explosive device is discharged
within the waste container. As the inner cylinder expands, the
metal material 24, particularly at the slip joint 26, is forced
into the foam material, leaving the outer cylinder intact. Of
course, the intermediate material 14 may be composed of various
other compressible materials which will allow the inner cylinder to
expand as noted and therefore absorb the force of any explosive
device.
[0055] The positioning element 28 preferably provides a clearance
of two or more inches between the surfaces of the containers 12,
16. This clearance allows for a sufficient thickness of the
compressible material 14. Obviously, the size of the space between
the containers 12, 16 and the amount of material 14 may be varied
as desired.
[0056] It is also possible to utilize reinforcing material, such as
concrete, in the space between the two bottom plates 22 and 32.
This adds additional weight to the container, which makes it harder
for vandals to tip it over or move, and also adds additional
strength and integrity to the container which could assist in
resisting the force of an explosion. It is also possible to fill
the entire space between the inner and outer containers with a
non-compressible or semi-compressible material, such as concrete or
sand.
[0057] FIG. 5 illustrates the waste container 10 being subjected to
an explosion. When a bomb is detonated within the waste container
10, most of the explosive forces are directed upwardly and thus
away from the surrounding persons and property within a horizontal
perimeter of the container 10. The compressible material 14 is
utilizd in the container, the material can help absorb some of the
explosive force as the inner container expands due to the
explosion. In this regard, the outer open-topped container 16 can
maintain its shape and structural integrity.
[0058] The blast forces may destroy the lid 18 and propel objects
within the container 10 relatively straight upward. However, the
surrounding persons and property within the horizontal perimeter of
the container are sufficiently protected from the explosion.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 6, a flowchart shows a method for
manufacturing an explosion resistant waste container 10 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method
is initiated at step 50 and then immediately proceeds to step
52.
[0060] In step 52, the inner open-topped container 12 (as shown in
FIG. 2) of the waste container 10 is formed. This step is
preferably accomplished by first providing one or more metal sheets
24 (as shown in FIG. 2B) and then forming them into the inner
container 20. A joint or seam between at least two sheet ends, such
as opposing ends 26A and 26B of sheet 24, provide a tightly
overlapping relationship forming a slip joint. Then, a bottom inner
plate 22 (as shown in FIG. 2C) is welded at one or more locations
to a lower end portion of the inner container 20. After forming the
inner open-topped container 12, the sequence proceeds to step
54.
[0061] In step 54, an outer open-topped container 16 (as shown in
FIG. 3A) of the waste container 10 is formed. One or more metal
sheets, such as sheet 34, as shown in FIG. 3, is formed or rolled
to provide an outer container 30. The opposing ends of the single
sheet or plurality of sheets are welded together forming one or
more outer seams, such as seam 36. If a round or cylindrically
shaped outer container is formed, then the outer cylinder 30 can be
re-rolled if necessary to smooth the outer seam 36 and provide the
desired cross-section of the outer cylinder 30.
[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the inner container 12 can be
welded at one or more locations to the bottom plate 32 before the
bottom plate 32 is welded to the lower end portion of the outer
cylinder 30.
[0063] Specifically, the inner container 12 is affixed to the
bottom plate 32 with one or more positioning elements 28 placed
therebetween. The positioning elements 28 provide the requisite
clearance space between the inner container 12 and the outer
container 16. The positioning elements 28 preferably comprise a
plurality of legs integrally formed as part of the inner
open-topped container 12. These legs could also be separately made
and welded to the bottom outer plate 32.
[0064] Of course, the positioning elements 28 may be other suitable
devices for providing a space between the bottom plates of the two
containers 12, 16. For example, the positioning elements 28 could
consist of a plurality of columns integrally formed as part of the
bottom outer plate 32. Furthermore, the positioning elements 28 may
simply be bricks or other materials placed between the bottom
plates 22 and 32.
[0065] The bottom outer plate 32 is positioned within the outer
container 16 so as to place the seams 26, 36 in the desired
position offset from one another. These seams 26, 36 can be placed
180 degrees out-of-phase, but also may be positioned otherwise as
desired. Once the seams 26, 36 are in the desired position, the
bottom outer plate 32 is welded to the lower end portion of the
outer cylinder 30.
[0066] After the outer open-topped container 16 is formed and the
inner open-topped container 12 is positioned within the outer
open-topped container 16, the sequence proceeds to step 56.
[0067] In step 56, material 14 is inserted into the space between
the inner and outer containers. In one embodiment, this step is
accomplished by simply positioning pieces of a foam material in the
clearance space, or pouring an expandable liquid foam material into
the space and allowing it to expand and fill out the clearance
space. Also, as indicated above, the portion of the clearance space
between the two bottom plates could be filled with a concrete
material.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the inner open-topped
container 12 and the outer open-topped container 16 are tilted at
an angle, preferably about 45 degrees, while the material 14 is
initially poured into the space between the inner open-topped
container 12 and the outer open-topped container 16. Tilting both
containers 12, 16 allows the material to fill in all spaces between
the containers 12, 16. In particular, tilting the containers 12, 16
assures that the material will fill in the space between the bottom
plate 22 of the inner container 12 and the bottom plate 32 of the
outer container 16.
[0069] The containers 12, 16 are positioned in their upright
positions when sufficient material has been poured into the space
between them such that the material may begin to spill out of the
waste container 10. Once the containers 12, 16 are in the upright
position, the remainder of the space is filled with the material
14. Thereafter, the material is cured or allowed to harden so as to
strengthen the integrity of the inner open-topped container 12.
[0070] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9 and indicated generally by the reference numeral 100.
In FIG. 8, the explosion resistant waste container 100 is shown
with the cover in the closed position, while in FIG. 9 the cover is
shown in its open position.
[0071] In general, the waste container 100 includes an outer open
topped container member 102, an inner open topped container member
104, and a cover member 106. In this embodiment, the outer
container 102 has a substantially square or rectangular-shaped
configuration. The shape of the outer container 102 is also shown
in the cross-sectional view depicted in FIG. 10.
[0072] The inner container 104 is preferably substantially the same
as inner cylindrical container 12 as described above with reference
to FIGS. 1A and 2A. In this regard, the inner container 104 is
preferably formed from a single piece of sheet metal material, such
as steel, which is rolled into a cylindrical shape and formed with
overlapping ends 104A and 104B.
[0073] Also, a bottom plate member (not shown) is positioned and
attached to the lower end of the inner container 104, in the same
manner as described above with reference to plate member 22.
[0074] It is also possible, of course, to provide an inner
container having any cross-sectional shape, such as square,
hexagonal, octagon, or the like, so long as at least one seam
between the plates or parts is formed into a non-fixed overlapping
joint.
[0075] The outer container member 102 can be formed of a plurality
of plate members, such as four plate members, but preferably is
formed from a pair of L-shaped or right-angle shaped members which
are welded together along two seams. Each of the L-shaped members
110A and 110B can be formed from a single flat sheet of material,
as shown in FIG. 11. In this regard, preferably the material is a
metal material such as steel in order to provide the requisite
durability and integrity to withstand the force of an explosion.
Also, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11, a plurality of feet members
112 and 114 are formed on the flat plate members. When the flat
plate members are formed into L-shaped components and two of the
components 110A and 110B are welded together, the feet members
elevate the outer open topped container 102 from the ground which
permits ease of handling.
[0076] The cover member 106 is hingedly attached to the outer
container 102 by an elongated hinge member 120. The opposite side
of the cover member is preferably provided with a latch, or other
locking mechanism (not shown) in order to secure the cover to the
container and prevent unauthorized opening thereof.
[0077] The cover member 106 includes a lower cover member 122 and
an outer or upper cover member 124. The lower cover member 122
includes an opening 126 which is situated such that persons
discarding trash can insert the waste materials into the inner
container 104.
[0078] The upper cover member 124 can have any particular size and
shape but preferably is curved in a convex manner as shown. This
provides a pleasing appearance to the waste container 100.
[0079] A plurality of frame members 130 can be positioned on the
outside surfaces of the outer container 102. These frame members
can be used for advertising and promotion posters, such as, for
example, by businesses, communities, and the like.
[0080] The space 140 between the outer container 102 and inner
container 104 can be filled with any conventional material or
materials, such as concrete, sand, or a compressible material, such
as a foam material. The material 142 is preferably the same as the
material 14 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-7.
[0081] Corner spacer members 150 can be positioned in each of the
four corners of the rectangularly shaped outer open topped
container 102. The spacer members, one of which is shown by itself
in FIG. 12, are used to fill in some of the excess space between
the square and circular shapes of the two nested containers, and
also add additional strength, durability, and integrity to the
overall waste container structure. The corner spacer members 150
can be formed of a plurality of pieces of material secured or
welded together forming a solid box-like structure 150, as shown in
FIG. 12. In the alternative, the corner spacer members can merely
be pieces of material secured or welded into the corners of the
square-shaped container 102, as shown by the numeral 160 in FIG. 1
2.
[0082] Another preferred embodiment 200 of the present invention is
shown in FIG. 15. This embodiment is made from two portions 210 and
220 of compression cylinders. A representative cylinder of this
type 230 is shown in FIG. 14. Compression-type cylinders are
commercially available for use, for example, in storing compressed
gas for industrial or recreational use. They are typically made of
metal material, such as steel, and manufactured to be durable and
extremely strong for containing and maintaining large pressure
forces. The explosion resistant waste container 200 is made from
portions of two of such compression-type cylinders of different
diameters and sizes. The container 230 is divided into two portions
230A and 230B, each of which can be used for one-half of a
completed waste container, such as container 200.
[0083] The two container portions 210 and 220 are fitted together
in the manner shown in FIG. 15 and described above with respective
FIGS. 1-13. One or more supports 225 are positioned between the two
portions 210 and 220 in order to space them apart.
[0084] The space 240 between the two portions 210 and 220 is filled
with a material which assists in strengthening the completed waste
container 200. In this embodiment, the preferred material for
filling the space 240 is sand. It is believed that sand will aid in
absorbing or lessening the force of an explosion which might take
place within the inner portion 220.
[0085] FIG. 16 shows still another explosion resistant waste
container 300 in accordance with the present invention. The inner
container member 310 is a portion of a compression cylinder member
similar to the container members 210 and 220 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 15. The outer container member 320 has a square
cross-sectional shape and is made from steel plate members in the
same manner as the explosion resistant waste container members 1 02
with reference to FIGS. 8-10. The space 330 is filled with any of
the materials described above, but preferably is filled with a sand
material.
[0086] While particular embodiments of the invention have been
shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments
will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended
that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended
claims.
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