U.S. patent application number 11/104376 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for waste container for vehicles and the like.
Invention is credited to Michael Barber.
Application Number | 20060226152 11/104376 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37082218 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060226152 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barber; Michael |
October 12, 2006 |
Waste container for vehicles and the like
Abstract
A waste container, such as for a van or SUV, is made from
decorative or color-coordinating fabric to form a cylindrical
container or shell. The shell includes a mechanism for holding a
standard-sized plastic bag in place within the shell so that the
plastic bag is supported and partially hidden from view. The shell
also includes attachment devices for securing the waste container
to the interior of a vehicle. The plastic bag is easily removed
from the shell for disposal, and a fresh bag is easily
installed.
Inventors: |
Barber; Michael; (Williams,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOODARD, EMHARDT, MORIARTY, MCNETT & HENRY LLP
111 MONUMENT CIRCLE, SUITE 3700
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204-5137
US
|
Family ID: |
37082218 |
Appl. No.: |
11/104376 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/495.06 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 2210/18 20130101;
B65F 1/141 20130101; B65F 1/06 20130101; B65F 1/1415 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/495.06 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/14 20060101
B65D025/14 |
Claims
1. A waste container comprising: a cylindrical member having first
and second ends; a first flexible, resilient band circumferentially
disposed at said first end; a second band circumferentially
disposed at said first end adjacent to and concentrically
positioned with respect to said first band to form a
circumferential slot between said first and second bands, said slot
being dimensioned to receive and frictionally maintain a flexible
liner in an open configuration.
2. The waste container described in claim 1, further comprising a
pair of concentrically disposed bands and a bottom member, said
bands being disposed at said second end for capturing said second
end of said cylindrical member and said bottom member to provide a
closure of said second end.
3. The waste container described in claim 1, wherein said flexible
liner comprises a plastic bag.
4. The waste container described in claim 1, wherein said
cylindrical member is comprised of fabric.
5. The waste container described in claim 1, wherein said
cylindrical member is comprised of vinyl.
6. The waste container described in claim 1, wherein said
cylindrical member is comprised of leather.
7. The waste container described in claim 1, wherein said
cylindrical member is comprised of plastic.
8. The waste container described in claim 1, further comprising
attachment means for supporting and maintaining the position of
said waste container in a location where said waste container is
used.
9. The waste container described in claim 8, wherein said
attachment means are circumferentially disposed on said cylindrical
member.
10. The waste container described in claim 9, wherein said
attachment means are located at points that are substantially
diametrically opposed on said cylindrical member.
11. The waste container described in claim 8, wherein said
attachment means comprises an elastic band.
12. The waste container described in claim 8, wherein said
attachment means comprises at least one wire loop.
13. The waste container described in claim 8, wherein said
attachment means comprises at least one hook.
14. The waste container described in claim 24, further comprising
at least one support member extending substantially between said
first and second ends of said cylindrical member.
15. A method for forming a waste container, comprising the steps
of: forming a cylindrical member having first and second open ends;
providing a first pair of annular bands; positioning said first
open end of said cylindrical member with respect to said first pair
of bands such that said first open end forms a slot between said
bands; providing a second pair of annular bands and a bottom
member; positioning said second open end of said cylindrical member
with respect to said second pair of bands and said bottom member
such that said second open end cooperates with said second pair of
bands and said bottom member to form a closed end of said
cylindrical member; and inserting the open end of a flexible liner
into said slot such that said liner is held in an open position and
substantially completely contained within said cylindrical
member.
16. A waste container for a vehicle comprising: a flexible
cylindrical member having first and second ends; a bottom member; a
first pair of flexible, resilient concentrically positioned bands
circumferentially disposed at said first end such that said first
pair of bands form a circumferential slot, said slot being
dimensioned to receive and frictionally maintain a flexible liner
in an open configuration; a second pair of flexible, resilient
concentrically positioned bands circumferentially disposed at said
second end and cooperating with said bottom member to form a
closure at said second end; attachment means disposed adjacent to
said first end for cooperating with said vehicle to substantially
maintain said waste container in a fixed position during use.
17. A waste container comprising: a cylindrical member formed of
decorative flexible material and having first and second open ends;
a bottom member formed of said decorative flexible material; first
and second flexible, resilient concentric bands circumferentially
disposed at said first end, said first and second bands fixedly
capturing said first end of said cylindrical member therebetween;
third and fourth flexible, resilient concentric bands
circumferentially disposed at said second end and cooperating with
said bottom member and said second end of said cylindrical member
to form a closure at said second end; a fifth flexible, resilient
band circumferentially fixedly disposed within said cylindrical
member such that said first and second bands cooperate with said
fifth band to form a circumferential pocket of said decorative
flexible material that is configured to receive and frictionally
maintain a flexible liner in an open position within said
cylindrical member.
18. The waste container described in claim 17, further comprising
at least one elongated support member fixedly disposed between said
first and second ends of said cylindrical member such that said
waste container is freestanding.
19. The waste container described in claim 1, wherein at least one
of said first and second bands comprise a tubular shape and extends
substantially between said first and second ends.
20. The waste container described in claim 14, wherein said support
member comprises a rectangular shape.
21. The waste container described in claim 14, wherein said support
member comprises a tubular shape.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to waste containers
and more particularly to waste containers adapted for use in a
variety of locations, including home, office and motor vehicles. A
flexible shell includes a unique mechanism that maintains the shell
in an open state, as well as accepting and retaining a
standard-sized plastic refuse bag. When full, the refuse bag is
easily removed and discarded, and a new bag is then installed. The
shell may include straps or hooks to permit an installation with
convenient access for use in SUVs, cars, vans, recreational
vehicles (RVs), or boats.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Small waste containers, such as automobile "litter bags,"
often prove unsatisfactory for a number of reasons. In many cases,
a retail store plastic bag serves as the container that is used to
collect trash. In addition to the overall unattractiveness of the
bag, which must be placed in an easily seen location to be
available when needed, it is often difficult to find a location
that is convenient for use, does not interfere with or block the
vehicle's controls, and allows the bag to remain open for easy
deposit of trash. Plastic bags have a tendency to slump at their
openings, therefore making it difficult to insert trash or garbage,
to prevent trash from falling out of the bag, and to determine when
the bag is full and ready to be discarded. The lack of a
freestanding ability in such a bag is even more unsatisfactory in a
home or office.
[0003] More permanent litter bags or trash containers are
available, but residue is often left in the bag or container after
it is emptied, necessitating periodically washing or otherwise
cleaning of the bag or container. In addition to often not hanging
properly or being inconveniently located in a vehicle environment,
such bags are typically limited in size, and therefore require
frequent emptying and/or cleaning.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a waste container that has an attractive appearance, is
easily mounted or positioned in a variety of different locations,
and is both convenient to use and to clean.
[0005] It is further object of the present invention to provide a
waste container that uses disposable liner bags that are held
securely in place during use, but are easily removable for
replacement.
[0006] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
waste container that is adaptable for use with a variety of
vehicles through the use of an interchangeable mounting
structure.
[0007] Further objects, embodiments, forms, benefits, aspects,
features and advantages of the present invention may be obtained
from the description, drawings, and claims provided herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a waste container
constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side elevational, partial cross-sectional, view
of a waste container constructed in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2A is an enlarged portion of the cross-sectional view
of the waste container shown in FIG. 2, illustrating its
construction in greater detail.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective partially cut-away view of a waste
container in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, showing the insertion of a liner bag.
[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of certain parts of a waste
container in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, illustrating a manner of its construction.
[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of additional parts of a waste
container in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, illustrating a manner of its construction.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a portion of an
assembled waste container in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an attachment device in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a waste container
constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an attachment device in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a side elevational, partial cross-sectional, view
of a waste container constructed in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 10A is an enlarged portion of the cross-sectional view
of the waste container shown in FIG. 10, illustrating its
construction in greater detail.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a side elevational, partial cross-sectional, view
of the waste container shown in FIG. 10, illustrating aspects of
its construction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0021] For the purposes of promoting understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the
embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will
be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is hereby intended
and alterations and modifications in the illustrated device, and
further applications of the principles of the present invention as
illustrated herein being contemplated as would normally occur to
one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates, in accordance with an aspect of one
embodiment of the present invention, a waste container 10,
illustratively shown as being adapted for placement in a vehicle.
Waste container 10 is shown as having an outer shell 12 that is
illustratively constructed of fabric, upholstery or cloth, but may
be made of any durable material that is pliable, flexible, and
permits easy attachment or incorporation of parts, e.g., by sewing,
or by the use of rivet or screws, such as, for example, leather or
vinyl. The material of shell 12 may be selected to match the
particular environment in which container 10 will be used, such as
by providing a variety of colors and patterns in order to
coordinate with a wide range of possible locations, including, but
not limited to, automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, or room
interiors.
[0023] Container 10 is configured to receive and hold a liner 14,
which may be an easily obtainable conventional plastic garbage bag
having a standard size, e.g., 4 gallons, for receiving trash and
refuse. Liner 14 is firmly held in position, yet is easily removed
and replaced when full, as will be explained in more detail below.
Also shown in FIG. 1 are hooks 16, which comprise one example of a
means for mounting and/or attaching container 10 within the
environment, e.g., an motor vehicle interior, in which container 10
will be used. Other suitable structures, such as those that will be
described in greater detail below, that would perform the function
of hooks 16 include elastic open-loop straps, elastic closed-loop
straps, a single handle, and wire hooks or loops. Hooks 16 are
illustratively shown as being manufactured of plastic and attached
to container 10 via snap rivets 18, only one of which is shown,
that pass through shell 12. Other means for attaching hooks 16 to
container 10 are equally suitable and will be determined by the
material selected for hooks 16. Appropriate attachment arrangements
may include wire, elastic, fabric, bolts, buttons, snaps, or
directly stitching of hooks 16 to shell 12. Clearly, the selection
of a particular type of mounting structure, e.g., elastic straps,
will require that a suitable material and manner in which to attach
that structure or structures to shell 12 be chosen.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows further details of the construction of
container 10. Annular rings or bands, shown in FIG. 2 as top inside
band 20 and top outside band 22, are disposed at the top or upper
portion of container 10, while annular bottom inside band 24 and
bottom outside band 26 are disposed at the bottom or lower portion
of container 10. Bands 20, 22, 24 and 26 are preferably made of a
strong material, such as strips of metal or plastic, for example,
that is able to withstand the amount of expected use of container
10 without breaking or otherwise failing, yet be pliable enough to
be formed into a circular or ring shape. Once the desired dimension
of a given ring is achieved, rivets 28, or some other suitable
attachment device, such as sewing, are driven or stitched through
the overlap of the banding material to fix the dimensions of that
band. Rivets 28 can be seen in the cross-sectional view portion of
FIG. 2. It is possible to form bands 20, 22, 24, and 26 of
predetermined sizes that would result in as tight a fit as desired
between top inside band 20 and top outside band 22, and between
bottom inside band 24 and bottom outside band 26, thereby
potentially eliminating the need to use rivets 28 or other means of
attachment. However, as described below, the variation in thickness
and weight of the material of shell 12 would require a large number
of "standard" band sizes to be provided, which diminishes the
described potential advantage. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a
stabilizing member or brace 37. Brace 37 is designed to maintain
shell 12 fully extended or open, so that in applications where
container 10 does not hang free and would tend to slump closed,
brace 37 counteracts this slumping tendency to allow container 10
to stand by itself, thereby providing a more efficient use of
container 10. The use of brace 37 would thus allow container 10 to
be used in a variety of locations, such as at home, in an office
(or home office). In a home or office environment, container 10
could be made of a size that would accommodate larger plastic bags,
e.g., 8 gallon or 11 gallon sizes, thereby increasing its
efficiency. Brace 37 may be permanently mounted in container 10
during manufacture, or it may be installed in a manner that it can
be removed if desired, or it could be supplied uninstalled to
permit efficient packing and shipment of containers 10, with
instructions as to how to install brace 37 if the customer needed
the functionality that brace 37 provides. Although FIG. 2 shows one
brace 37, two or more braces could be used as well in order to
provide additional support to container 10, such as when the size
of container 10 is increased, or the environment in which container
10 is used requires additional support.
[0025] FIG. 2A shows an enlarged portion of FIG. 2, namely, the
area at the upper portion of container 10. By referring to FIG. 2A,
the manner in which bands 20 and 22 are used may be seen. In the
embodiment of FIG. 2A, the material of shell 12 passes over band 22
and is securely fastened to band 22 by way of snap rivet 28 or by
other means, such as stitching. The material of shell 12 can be
seen to then pass over band 20, where it is secured by stitching 32
and/ or by other means such as snap rivets 33. As can be seen, band
20 is slightly smaller in diameter than band 22. As described
previously, fastening devices, such as stitching 32, or fasteners
other than rivets 33, may be used with equally satisfactory
results. The attachment of shell 12 to bands 20 and 22 therefore
forms a pouch, channel, or slot 34 between bands 20 and 22, the
width of which is determined by the difference in size between
bands 20 and 22, as well as being critical to proper operation of
container 10. As will be described in greater detail below, the
thickness of the material of shell 12 may require that bands 20 and
22 be closer together or farther apart in order to achieve the
necessary width of slot 34 so that container 10 functions properly.
Because of possible large variation of material thickness that may
be chosen for shell 12, it may be more economical to determine
proper dimension for the fabrication of bands 20, 22, 24, and 26 in
response to the particular material selected, rather than making
the bands with a fixed difference in dimensions and risking
improper or unsatisfactory operation due to ill-fitting parts.
[0026] Slot 34 therefore extends around the complete circumference
of the top edge of container 10. The circumference of the top of
container 10 is chosen to accommodate a standard-sized plastic
waste bag, e.g., 4 gallon size, that is easily found and purchased
in virtually any grocery or discount department store. As can be
seen in FIG. 3, the top portion 36 of an appropriately sized
plastic bag 38 that forms the opening of bag 38 is inserted into
slot 34 by way of an insertion tool 39. Tool 39 operates as a
wedge-like device and forces top portion 36 of bag 38 into slot 34.
As can be appreciated, the dimension of slot 34 is critical to the
proper insertion and capture of portion 36 of bag 38. If slot 34 is
too small or narrow, it will be difficult or impossible to properly
insert portion 36 of bag 38 into slot 34. If slot 34 is too large
or wide, portion 36 of bag 38 will not be securely held and place
and may easily slip out, thereby compromising the operation of
container 10.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 4, the manner of construction of container
10 will now be described. Shell 12, as previously described, is
manufactured of a decorative material, preferably fabric, but other
materials, including leather, vinyl, or plastic, may also be used.
For purposes of describing the construction of container 10,
reference will be made to a fabric or cloth material, but it is
understood that the manufacturing and assembly steps are equally
applicable to different materials.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows the layout of parts for container 10. These
parts include a length of fabric or cloth formed into a cylinder or
tube 40 by way of stitching 42. As shown in FIG. 4, tube 40 is
turned inside out after which one end of tube 40 is inserted into
bottom outside ring 26 and pulled over ring 26 to form a full
perimeter fold 44 over ring 26. Tube 40 is temporarily attached to
ring 26, for example, by way of stitches 45 placed by a quilt
basting gun (not shown) in order to form a container side assembly
50. Bottom fabric 46, right side up, is placed over the bottom
inside ring 24 to form a bottom assembly 52. Bottom fabric 46 is
cut larger that the diameter of ring 24. Side assembly 50 is then
forced over bottom assembly 52, using a number of possible
techniques, including by hand, by the use of a form, or by a
specific assembly machine, until the edges of rings 24 and 26 are
aligned with each other. Bottom fabric 46 is pulled tight to remove
any puckers, excess fabric of bottom 46 is removed, and side
assembly 50 and bottom assembly 52 are then attached together, for
example, by rivets 28 or other suitable attachment mechanism or
means. Temporary stitches 45, or other forms of temporary
attachment, may then be removed.
[0029] The partially assembled container 10 is then again turned
inside-out to reveal the correct side of tube 40 and bottom 46 with
bottom assembly 52 neatly attached to side assembly 50, as shown in
FIG. 5.
[0030] Further referring to FIG. 5, the open end 57 of tube 40 is
then placed over top outside ring 22 so that the top edge of tube
40 extends above ring 22, for example, in the embodiment shown, by
approximately 61/2 inches. Ring 22 is then attached to tube 40 by
way of rivets 28, for example, or by other suitable means. The top
inside ring 20 is then inserted into tube 40 until it is a certain
distance from ring 22. In the embodiment shown, this distance is
approximately 2inches, but the actual dimensions and distances will
be determined by the overall size of container 10, the dimensions
of rings 20 and 22, and the thickness and weight of the fabric of
tube 40. Once ring 20 is in place, the top edge of tube 40 is
folded over ring 20 to form a fold 56. Thereafter, means, such as
rivets 28, are then used to attach tube 40 to ring 20. One
alternative to the use of rivets 28 throughout the manufacturing
process would be to use an industrial sewing machine to sew through
the various layers of fabric and ring material.
[0031] Once tube 40 and ring 20 are firmly attached to each other,
ring 20 is pushed down inside ring 22 until the top edges of rings
20 and 22 are even or flush, forming a pocket or slot 34 between
rings 20 and 22, as can be seen in FIG. 6. As described in
connection with FIG. 3, slot 34 is dimensioned to receive a
standard plastic garbage bag 38, which is inserted by way of tool
39. Once full, bag 38 may be removed and discarded, and a new bag
installed. Container 10, and in particular shell 12, does not get
soiled and does not require cleaning as does a litter bag that
holds trash and garbage directly.
[0032] As previously described, a variety of hanger or attachment
mechanisms may be used with container 10 in order to fit a variety
of vehicles. FIG. 7 shows an attachment device 60 that
illustratively is made of a piece or strip 62 of heavy fabric, such
as seat belt webbing, for example, and a length of wire 64. Wire 64
is attached to strip 62 by way of an end of strip 62 being folded
over to capture a length of wire 64, with the folded part of strip
62 then being secured by rivets 66, for example. A snap 68 is also
shown at the opposite end of strip 62 from where wire 64 is
secured, for snap-on attachment of device 60 to snaps 61 which may
be located around the periphery of container 10. FIG. 8
illustratively shows container 10 with two attachment devices 60
shown in place, although a single attachment device, or more than
two attachment devices, may be provided. The loops of wire 64 may
then the placed over any suitably shaped structure in order to hold
container 10 in an open position.
[0033] FIG. 9 shows another device for holding container in place,
such as in a vehicle, that is illustratively shown as an elastic
harness 70. Harness 70 is made from a number of elastic straps 72
that form a loop 74. Loop 74 may be stretched to fit loop 74 of
harness 70 over an item such as an automobile or van center
console. Elastic straps 72 may also incorporate snap fasteners 76
that can attach to snaps 61 on the shell 12 of container 10, as can
be seen in FIG. 8. Other types of fasteners, or other types of
attachment devices, such as those made from multiple elastic straps
or hooked hangers work well in vans and vehicles where those straps
or hangers can hook onto or over seat armrests. A single elastic
strap may be better suited to a small car that does not have
armrests, but does have a center console over which a strap can be
placed. A single elastic strap may also allow for hanging container
10 from a vehicle ashtray or front console. An adjustable strap may
also be used to facilitate attachment of container 10 to a larger
number of vehicle designs. In larger vehicles, container 10 will
often hang free and remain open. In small vehicles, container 10
may sit on the vehicle floor, thereby necessitating the use of
brace or braces 37 to maintain container fully open. Container 10
may be sold with a variety of attachment devices and one or more
supporting braces included in a single package, or individual
attachment devices and/or braces may be sold separately and chosen
by purchasers specifically for their particular vehicle or intended
location where they expect to use container 10.
[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates a waste container 80 having an outer
shell 82 that may be made of the same variety of materials as shell
12 of waste container 10. Attached to shell 82 illustratively by
rivets 84 is an upper outer band 86, similar to upper outer band 22
of container 10. Also attached to shell 82 is an upper inner band
88, similar to band 20 of container 10. As can be seen in FIG. 10,
and with more detail in FIG. 10A, waste container 80 also
incorporates an additional upper band 90 which sandwiches and
secures the end 92 of shell 82. Bands 88 and 90 are concentrically
positioned and attached together, illustratively in FIGS. 10 and
10A by rivets 94 and stitching 96. As can be seen in FIG. 11, the
combined structure of band 88, shell end 92 and band 90 is then
pushed into a concentric position with band 86 so as to form a
channel or slot 34 that receives the top of a liner or bag in the
same manner as is shown in FIG. 3. The presence of band 90 acts to
strengthen the overall structure of container 80 as well as
covering the end 92 of shell 82 so as to provide a more pleasing or
aesthetic appearance.
[0035] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown
and described and that all changes, modifications and equivalents
that come within the spirit of the inventions disclosed are desired
to be protected. The articles "a", "an", "said" and "the" are not
limited to a singular element, and include one or more such
elements.
* * * * *