U.S. patent application number 11/062135 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for trash can assembly with motion damper for lid.
Invention is credited to Joseph Sandor, Frank Yang.
Application Number | 20060186121 11/062135 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36911581 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060186121 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yang; Frank ; et
al. |
August 24, 2006 |
Trash can assembly with motion damper for lid
Abstract
A trash can assembly has an outer shell, a foot pedal pivotably
coupled to the bottom end of the outer shell along the front side
of the outer shell, a lid pivotably coupled to the top end of the
outer shell, and a link assembly coupling the foot pedal to the
lid. The link assembly includes a lifting rod that extends
vertically inside the outer shell, the lifting rod moving forwardly
towards the front side of the outer shell when the lid is closed. A
biasing member is provided inside the outer shell and applies an
opposing force against the forward motion of the lifting rod when
the lid is being closed.
Inventors: |
Yang; Frank; (Rancho Palos
Verdes, CA) ; Sandor; Joseph; (Santa Ana Heights,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Raymond Sun
12420 Woodhall Way
Tustin
CA
92782
US
|
Family ID: |
36911581 |
Appl. No.: |
11/062135 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/263 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/163 20130101;
B65F 2001/1661 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/263 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/26 20060101
B65D043/26 |
Claims
1. A trash can assembly, comprising: an outer shell having an
enclosing wall, a top end, a bottom end, and a front side; a foot
pedal pivotably coupled to the bottom end along the front side; a
lid pivotably coupled to the top end; a link assembly coupling the
foot pedal to the lid, the link assembly including a lifting rod
that extends vertically inside the outer shell, the lifting rod
moving forwardly towards the front side of the outer shell when the
lid is closed; and a biasing member provided inside the outer shell
and applying an opposing force against the forward motion of the
lifting rod when the lid is being closed.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lifting rod experiences
simultaneous downward and forward motions when the lid is
closed.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the lifting rod experiences
simultaneous upward and rearward motions when the lid is
raised.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a
resilient elongated member having opposing first and second ends,
with the first end secured to the outer shell and the second end
positioned adjacent the lifting rod such that the lifting rod is
positioned between the outer shell and the elongated member.
5. The assembly of claim 4, further including means for adjusting
the resiliency of the elongated member.
6. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the second end of the elongated
member applies the opposing force against the forward motion of the
lifting rod.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lifting rod has an upper
section and a lower section that is angled with respect to the
upper section.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lifting rod has an upper
hooked end that is pivotably coupled to the lid, with the upper
hooked end experiencing simultaneous upward and rearward motions
when the lid is raised.
9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lifting rod has an upper
hooked end that is pivotably coupled to the lid, with the upper
hooked end experiencing simultaneous downward and forward motions
when the lid is closed.
10. The assembly of claim 1, further including a lower housing
provided adjacent the bottom end of the outer shell, with a portion
of the lifting rod housed inside the lower housing.
11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is
positioned adjacent an upper end of the lifting rod.
12. A method of slowing the closing motion of a lid of a trash can
assembly, comprising: a. providing a trash can assembly having: an
outer shell having an enclosing wall, a top end, a bottom end, and
a front side; a foot pedal pivotably coupled to the bottom end
along the front side; a lid pivotably coupled to the top end; a
link assembly coupling the foot pedal to the lid, the link assembly
including a lifting rod that extends vertically inside the outer
shell, the lifting rod moving forwardly towards the front side of
the outer shell when the lid is closed; and b. applying an opposing
force against the forward motion of the lifting rod when the lid is
being closed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to trash can assemblies, and
in particular, to a trash can assembly that has a mechanism for
slowing the closing motion of the lid.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] A major concern for both the home and the workplace is
containing and holding wastes, refuse, and trash until permanent
disposal. Trash cans act as containers for holding trash and other
wastes that are produced in any typical home or office. Trash and
garbage cans often employ lids and covers to contain the trash and
its associated odor, to hide the trash from view, and to prevent
the trash from contaminating areas beyond the lid.
[0005] Conventional trash cans have been improved over the years to
make them more user-friendly, sanitary, and hygienic. For example,
many trash cans are now provided with a foot pedal positioned
adjacent the base of the trash can so that a user can step on the
foot pedal to open the lid of the trash can, thereby freeing up the
user's hands to deposit trash, or to change the plastic liner or
bag that is used to line the trash can. Other trash cans have even
provided an interior metal or plastic liner that fits inside the
trash can, and which can be removed to be washed. However, these
conventional trash cans still suffer from a number of
drawbacks.
[0006] For example, the foot pedals on some of the conventional
trash cans are noisy to use. In particular, stepping on a foot
pedal of a conventional trash can often results in a loud banging
noise as the lid is forced open immediately, and releasing the step
on the foot pedal will also result in another loud banging noise as
the lid slams shut under the force of gravity and the weight of the
lid. These banging actions also result in wear and tear to the
contacting parts.
[0007] Thus, there remains a need for a trash can that overcomes
the drawbacks identified above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a trash
can assembly that reduces noise and wear when the foot pedal is
actuated to open and close the lid.
[0009] In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention,
there is provided a trash can assembly that has an outer shell, a
foot pedal pivotably coupled to the bottom end of the outer shell
along the front side of the outer shell, a lid pivotably coupled to
the top end of the outer shell, and a link assembly coupling the
foot pedal to the lid. The link assembly includes a lifting rod
that extends vertically inside the outer shell, the lifting rod
moving forwardly towards the front side of the outer shell when the
lid is closed. A biasing member is provided inside the outer shell
and applies an opposing force against the forward motion of the
lifting rod when the lid is being closed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a trash can assembly
according to one embodiment of the present invention shown with the
lid opened.
[0011] FIG. 2A is a side plan view of the link assembly of the
trash can assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid closed.
[0012] FIG. 2B is a side plan view of the link assembly of the
trash can assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid partially opened.
[0013] FIG. 2C is a side plan view of the link assembly of the
trash can assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid completely opened.
[0014] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the link assembly of the
trash can assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid closed.
[0015] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the link assembly of the
trash can assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid completely opened.
[0016] FIG. 4A is a top plan view of the biasing member and lifting
rod of the trash can assembly of FIG. 1 when the lid is closed.
[0017] FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the biasing member and lifting
rod of the trash can assembly of FIG. 1 when the lid is completely
opened.
[0018] FIG. 5A is a cut-away side view of the lifting rod and the
lid of the trash can assembly of FIG. 1 when the lid is closed.
[0019] FIG. 5B is a cut-away side view of the lifting rod and the
lid of the trash can assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid partially
opened.
[0020] FIG. 5C is a cut-away side view of the lifting rod and the
lid of the trash can assembly of FIG. 1 when the lid is completely
opened.
[0021] FIG. 6A is an expanded view of the lifting rod and the
connector housing of the trash can assembly of FIG. 1 when the lid
is closed.
[0022] FIG. 6B is an expanded view of the lifting rod and the
connector housing of the trash can assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid
partially opened.
[0023] FIG. 6C is an expanded view of the lifting rod and the
connector housing of the trash can assembly of FIG. 1 when the lid
is completely opened.
[0024] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the connector
housing of the trash can assembly of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIGS. 8A and 8B are top plan views illustrating the
adjustment of the resilient element with respect to the lifting rod
of the trash can assembly of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The following detailed description is of the best presently
contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the
purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the
invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the
appended claims. In certain instances, detailed descriptions of
well-known devices and mechanisms are omitted so as to not obscure
the description of the present invention with unnecessary
detail.
[0027] FIGS. 14B illustrate one embodiment of a trash can assembly
20 according to the present invention. The assembly 20 has an outer
shell 22 and an inner liner (not shown) that is adapted to be
retained inside the outer shell 22. The outer shell 22 is supported
on a base 52. An upper support frame 32 can be secured to the
opened top of the outer shell 22, and can be provided in a separate
material (e.g., plastic) from the outer shell 22.
[0028] The outer shell 22 can assume any configuration. As a
non-limiting example, FIG. 1 illustrates the outer shell 22 as
having a generally planar rear wall 24 with a generally
semi-circular front wall 26. The inner liner can have the same, or
different, shape as the outer shell 22. A lid 28 is pivotably
connected to a ledge 30 of a top edge of the rear wall 24 via two
hinged connections. Referring also to FIG. 7, each hinged
connection includes a pair of parallel extensions 34 provided at
the inner part of the flange 36 of the lid 28 at the rear of the
lid 28, and a pair of parallel extensions 38. The extensions 38
extend rearwardly from the rear wall 35 of the upper support frame
32. The extensions 34 and 38 are adapted to be aligned and
positioned together, with a pivoting shaft 33 (see FIGS. 5A-5C)
inserted through openings (not shown) provided in these extensions
34, 38 to form a hinged connection. The outer shell 22 and its lid
28 can be made of a solid and stable material, such as a metal. A
bracket 40 is also secured at the inner part of the lange 36 at the
rear of the lid 28, and has an opening that is adapted to receive
an upper hooked end 42 of a lifting rod 44. An opening 66 is
provided on the ledge 30 of the upper support frame 32 through
which an upper portion of the lifting rod 44 extends.
[0029] Referring also to FIGS. 2A-3B, a foot pedal 48 is secured to
(or made in one piece with) a pedal bar 50 that is pivotably
coupled to the base 52 (e.g., using a fulcrum rod, as is well known
in the art) at a pivoting axis 54 that is located at about the
center of the pedal bar 50. The pedal bar 50 can be made of a
material (e.g., metal) that carries some weight, or can be made
from a lightweight material (e.g., plastic). The front of the pedal
bar 50 is connected to the foot pedal 48, and the length of the
pedal bar 50 extends along the base 52, with the rear of the pedal
bar 50 pivotably coupled to the lifting rod 44 that extends
upwardly along the rear of the outer shell 22 to connect the lid
28. The hooked end 42 is provided at the top end of the lifting rod
44 for coupling to the bracket 40.
[0030] The pedal bar 50 and the lifting rod 44 operate to translate
an up-down pivot motion of the pedal 48 to an up-down pivot motion
for the lid 28. In particular, the pedal bar 50 can be pivoted
between two positions, a first rest position as shown in FIGS. 2A
and 3A where the foot pedal 48 is at a vertically higher position
than the rear of the pedal bar 50, and a second open position
(where the lid 28 is completely opened) as shown in FIGS. 2C and 3B
where the foot pedal 48 is pressed to a vertically lower position
than the rear of the pedal bar 50. In the second opened position,
the foot pedal 48 is pressed to cause the pedal bar 50 pivot,
causing the rear of the pedal bar 50 to be raised upwardly, thereby
pushing the lifting rod 44 upwardly and rearwardly to cause the
hooked end 42 to push the bracket 40 upwardly and rearwardly, which
causes the lid 28 to open. FIGS. 5A-5C and 6A-6C illustrate this
simultaneous upward and rearward motion of the lifting rod 44 in
its sequential manner, from FIGS. 5A and 6A to FIGS. 5B and 6B, and
then to FIGS. 5C and 6C, with the lifting rod 44 shown in FIG. 5C
(in the opened position) as occupying a higher and rearward
position with respect to the opening 66 as compared to FIG. 5A (in
the closed or rest position). When the foot pedal 48 is maintained
in this second opened position, the hooked end 42 will continue to
maintain the lid 28 in the opened position. When the force on the
foot pedal 48 is removed, the combined forces from the weight of
the lid 28 (if applicable), the weight of the pedal bar 50 (if
applicable), and gravity, will push the lifting rod 44
simultaneously downward and forward (from FIGS. 5C and 6C to FIGS.
5B and 6B, and then to FIGS. 5A and 6A), causing the pedal bar 50
to pivot to the first rest position. Unfortunately, these combined
forces can be large enough to cause the lid 28 to slam shut very
quickly. As a result, the present invention provides a mechanism
for slowing this closing motion of the lid 28, which focuses on
slowing the downward and forward movement of the lifting rod
44.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8B, a connector housing 60 is
secured to the upper support frame 32 adjacent the ledge 30 and the
top of the outer shell 22. The connector housing 60 has a top plate
62, and is secured to a block 64 provided on the upper support
frame 32 via screws. Specifically, an elongated biasing member 68
(e.g., a spring) has a first end 70 that is attached to the block
64 via a first plurality of connection screws 72 that extend
through the biasing member 68 and openings 82 in the block 64, and
into corresponding aligned screw holes 74 in the connector housing
60. A second connection screw 76 extends through a bracket 78 in
the upper support frame 32 and into a corresponding aligned screw
hole 80 in the connector housing 60. The lifting rod 44 is
positioned between the rear of a second free end 86 of the biasing
member 68 and the rear wall 24 of the outer shell 22. The biasing
member 68 operates to slow the closing motion of the lid 28 by
applying an opposing bias or force against the motion of the
lifting rod 44 during the closing motion of the lid 28.
[0032] In particular, FIGS. 2C, 3B, 4B, 5C and 6C illustrate the
relationship between the lifting rod 44 and the biasing member 68
when the lid 28 is completely opened. In this opened position, the
lifting rod 44 is positioned in the rear of the opening 66 (see
FIGS. 2C and 6C), and is disengaged from the biasing member 68 (see
FIGS. 3B and 4B). As the force on the foot pedal 48 is released,
the combined forces from the weight of the lid 28 (if applicable),
the weight of the pedal bar 50 (if applicable), and gravity, will
push the lifting rod 44 downwardly and forward, forcing the lifting
rod 44 to move simultaneously downwardly and forward towards the
front of the opening 66 (see FIGS. 2B, 5B and 6B). As the lifting
rod 44 moves towards the front of the opening 66, the lifting rod
44 will engage the biasing member 68, which in turn exerts an
opposite force or bias against the forward movement of the lifting
rod 44. This opposite force or bias will slow down the forward
movement of the lifting rod 44, which simultaneously slows the
downward movement of the lifting rod 44. This allows the lid 28 to
be closed slowly, without an undesirable slamming action.
[0033] FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A illustrate the relationship
between the lifting rod 44 and the biasing member 68 when the lid
28 is completely closed. When the lid 28 is completely closed, the
lifting rod 44 engages the second free end 86 of the biasing member
68. To re-open the lid 28, the user presses on the foot pedal 48,
causing the lifting rod 44 to move simultaneously upwardly and
rearwardly within the opening 66 (see FIGS. 2B and 6B). Since the
lifting rod 44 is moving rearwardly within the opening 66, the bias
or force exerted by the biasing member 68 against the lifting rod
44 will slowly ease (i.e., less resistance will be imparted by the
biasing member 68 as the lid 28 opens), until the lid 28 reaches
the completely opened position shown in FIGS. 2C, 3B, 4B, 5C and
6C.
[0034] The lifting rod 44 can be angled to allow the lifting rod 44
to experience the simultaneous transverse motions (i.e., downward
and forward, or upward and rearward) described above. In
particular, the lifting rod 44 can be provided with a lower section
44a that is angled with respect to an upper section 44b. The lower
section 44a can be angled with respect to the pedal bar 50.
[0035] An adjustment mechanism can be provided to adjust the
resiliency of the biasing member 68. Specifically, the block 64 has
a recessed edge 90 (see FIGS. 4A and 8A), and an adjustment screw
92 extends through the biasing member 68 and an opening 94 in the
block 64, such that a gap 96 is always defined between the recessed
edge 90 and the biasing member 68. The screw 92 can be adjusted to
change the size of the gap 96 to adjust the resiliency of the
biasing member 68. For example, a tighter resiliency is provided if
the gap 96 is decreased, while lesser resiliency is provided if the
gap 96 is increased. Thus, this adjustment allows the user to be
able to adjust the degree to which the closing motion of the lid 28
is slowed.
[0036] An optional lower housing 180 can be provided on the base 52
for housing and protecting the lower section 44b and a portion of
the upper section 44a of the lifting rod 44. An opening 182 can
also be provided in the top of the lower housing 180, so that the
lifting rod 44 can move forwardly and rearwardly within the opening
82.
[0037] In addition, although the biasing member 68 is provided
adjacent the upper end of he lifting rod 44, it is also possible to
position the biasing member 68 adjacent the lower end of the
lifting rod 44, such as adjacent the lower housing 80.
[0038] Thus, the present invention provides a biasing mechanism 68
that slows the downward motion of the lifting rod 44, thereby
slowing the closing motion of the lid 28. The structure of the
biasing member 68 is very simple, thereby reducing the cost of the
rash can assembly while improving its performance and
effectiveness.
[0039] The above detailed description is for the best presently
contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the
purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the
invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the
appended claims. In certain instances, detailed descriptions of
well-known devices, components, mechanisms and methods are omitted
so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with
unnecessary detail.
* * * * *