U.S. patent application number 11/447480 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-21 for secure trash container assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Suncast Corporation. Invention is credited to Torrence Anderson, Robert Kopp, Jed Richardson.
Application Number | 20070138172 11/447480 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46325572 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070138172 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Richardson; Jed ; et
al. |
June 21, 2007 |
Secure trash container assembly
Abstract
The present invention provides a plurality of injection molded
plastic panels having integrated connectors. The panels are
constructed and arranged packaging and shipment in a nested and/or
stacked arrangement. Thereafter, the panels may be assembled into a
secure trash container. The integrally formed connectors of the
side walls, cover and bottom panel components simplifies trash
container construction by integrally forming the connectors into
the injection molded panels which are snapped together. The panels
are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one
another without the need for separate metal fasteners or
connectors.
Inventors: |
Richardson; Jed; (Batavia,
IL) ; Anderson; Torrence; (Overland Park, KS)
; Kopp; Robert; (Wheaton, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCHALE & SLAVIN, P.A.
2855 PGA BLVD
PALM BEACH GARDENS
FL
33410
US
|
Assignee: |
Suncast Corporation
|
Family ID: |
46325572 |
Appl. No.: |
11/447480 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10628636 |
Jul 25, 2003 |
7073677 |
|
|
11447480 |
Jun 5, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/4.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/02 20130101; B65F
2250/114 20130101; B65F 2220/101 20130101; B65F 2250/1143 20130101;
B65F 1/1615 20130101; B65F 1/1607 20130101; B65F 1/1473 20130101;
B65F 1/1646 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/004.01 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/28 20060101
B65D006/28 |
Claims
1. A trash container comprising: a floor panel for enclosing the
bottom of a trash container, said floor panel including a top
surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge, a left edge
and a right edge, wherein at least two of said edges include means
for connecting to adjacently positioned panels; a left side panel
for enclosing the left side of said trash container, said left side
panel including a front edge, a rear edge, a top edge and a bottom
edge, said front edge, said rear edge, and said bottom edge
including means for connecting to adjacently positioned panels; a
right side panel for enclosing the right side of said trash
container, said right side panel including a front edge, a rear
edge, a top edge and a bottom edge, said front edge, said rear
edge, and said bottom edge including means for connecting to
adjacently positioned panels; a back panel for enclosing the back
of said trash container, said back panel including a left edge, a
right edge, a top edge and a bottom edge, said left edge, said
right edge, and said bottom edge including means for connecting to
adjacently positioned panels; a front panel for enclosing the front
of said trash container, said front panel including a left edge, a
right edge, a top edge and a bottom edge, said left edge, said
right edge, and said bottom edge including means for connecting to
adjacently positioned panels; wherein said floor panel, said left
side panel, said right side panel, said front panel and said back
panel are constructed and arranged for shipment in a stacked
arrangement for assembly into said trash container on a desired
site.
2. The trash container of claim 1 including a cover panel for
enclosing the top of said trash container, said cover panel
constructed and arranged to provide ingress into said trash
container and facilitate removal of trash from said trash
container, said cover constructed and arranged to cooperate with
said left, right, back, and front panels to retain a trash bag in
an open position within said trash container, wherein said cover
panel is constructed and arranged for shipment in a stacked
arrangement along with said floor panel, said left side panel, said
right side panel, said front panel and said rear panel for assembly
into said trash container on a desired site.
3. The trash container of claim 2 wherein said cover includes a lid
portion hingedly mounted within said cover panel for movement
between an open position and a closed position, wherein said open
position provides an opening to place trash in said open trash bag,
whereby said cover panel remains stationary for retention of an
upper portion of said trash bag during opening of said lid
portion.
4. The trash container of claim 3 wherein said lid portion includes
a latch for locking said lid portion in said closed position,
wherein said latch is constructed and arranged to releasably engage
said cover panel.
5. The trash container of claim 4 wherein said lid portion includes
at least one elongated slot constructed and arranged to cooperate
with at least one retainer clip integrally formed to a bottom
surface of said latch for slidable movement between a latched and
an unlatched position.
6. The trash container of claim 4 wherein said lid portion includes
two elongated slots constructed and arranged to cooperate with two
retainer clips integrally formed to said latch for slidable
movement between a latched position and an unlatched position.
7. The trash container of claim 4 wherein said lid portion includes
an integrally formed rain gutter extending substantially along a
perimeter of said latch.
8. The trash container of claim 1 wherein at least two of said
edges of each said left side panel, said right side panel, said
front panel and said back panel include a depending lip extending
substantially perpendicular with respect to an inner surface of
each said panel, whereby said panels are constructed and arranged
for shipment in a nested arrangement for assembly into said trash
container on a desired site.
9. The trash container of claim 1 wherein said means for connecting
to adjacently positioned panels includes at least one socket
integrally formed into at least one of said edges, said socket
positioned for interlocking engagement with at least one locking
post integrally formed onto at least one of said edges of an
adjacently positioned panel, wherein said at least one socket
includes at least three side walls and one end wall.
10. The trash container of claim 9 wherein said at least one socket
includes four side walls and one end wall.
11. The trash container of claim 9 wherein said front and said rear
edges of said left and said right side panels each include a
plurality of said locking posts integrally formed thereon and said
front and said back panels include a plurality of said sockets
formed therein, wherein said sockets are positioned to
interlockingly engage said locking posts to secure said panels in a
substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to each
other.
12. The trash container of claim 11 wherein said sockets and said
locking posts are arranged in a linear fashion extending along said
edges.
13. The trash container of claim 1 wherein said means for
connecting to adjacently positioned panels includes at least one
socket integrally formed into at least one of said edges, said
socket positioned for interlocking engagement with at least one
locking post integrally formed onto at least one of said edges of
an adjacently positioned panel, wherein at least a portion of said
at least one locking post is formed hollow.
14. The trash container of claim 13 wherein said front and said
rear edges of said left and said right side panels each include a
plurality of said locking posts integrally formed thereon and said
front and said back panels include a plurality of said sockets
formed therein, wherein said sockets are positioned to
interlockingly engage said locking posts to secure said panels in a
substantially perpendicular relationship with respect to each
other.
15. The trash container of claim 14 wherein said sockets and said
locking posts are arranged in a linear fashion extending along said
edges.
16. The trash container of claim 1 wherein said front and said rear
edges of said floor panel each include a plurality of locking posts
integrally formed thereon, said locking posts constructed and
arranged to cooperate with a plurality of sockets integrally formed
into said bottom edge of said front and said back panels, wherein
said sockets are positioned to interlockingly engage said locking
posts to secure said panels in a substantially perpendicular
relationship with respect to each other.
17. The trash container of claim 1 including at least two wheels
rotatably mounted to a lower portion of said trash container.
18. The trash container of claim 17 wherein said wheels are
removably mounted to a rear lower portion of said trash container,
whereby said trash container may be pivoted to an angled position
with respect to a ground surface for movement of said trash
container.
19. The trash container of claim 17 wherein said back panel
includes at least one boss integrally formed thereto, said at least
one boss constructed and arranged for rotatably mounting said at
least two wheels.
20. The trash container of claim 17 wherein said back panel
includes two integrally formed bosses, wherein each said at least
one wheel includes an axle, wherein each said axle is constructed
and arranged to interlockingly engage one of said integrally formed
bosses, whereby each said wheel is rotatably secured to said lower
portion of said trash container.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No.
10/628,636 entitled Secure Trash Container, the contents of which
are incorporated herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a trash container
assembly constructed of plastic structural panels. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a trash container
assembly utilizing injection molded plastic panels capable of being
packaged and shipped in a stacked and/or nested state and
constructed into a secure and decorative trash container.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] Refuse or trash containers are a necessity for homeowners
and business owners alike. Trash containers are preferably
positioned in convenient locations for trash collection, which
necessitates a decorative exterior if placed in close proximity to
employees at businesses or residents in homes. A common form of
trash container comprises a rigid one piece body which forms an
internal chamber with an access opening provided within a rim at
the upper end of the internal chamber. A lid is generally
connectable with the rim to close the access opening. When the lid
is removed, trash is able to be thrown into and collected within
the trash container. Most modern trash containers also house a
separate, removable waste receiving receptacle such as a
collapsible plastic bag or liner. A common form of trash liner is a
flexible plastic bag which is held open by folding an upper edge of
the bag over the lip of the container facilitating the ability to
place trash into the bag. Once the bag is filled, the top of the
bag is tied closed and lifted out of the container.
[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,300 discloses a rigid
one-piece trash container with a bag holding mechanism which firmly
supports a flexible walled plastic liner in an open configuration
within the container. One drawback associated with this type of
container occurs when the filled liner engages the side walls of
the container. This engagement often causes difficulty in removing
the filled bags from the container.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,818 discloses a trash receptacle for
receiving and holding a flexible, collapsible trash liner. More
particularly, the trash receptacle device provides a cavity formed
in the lower portion of the trash receptacle for use as a foothold
for assisting a user in removing a full trash liner from the
receptacle, and a handhold to assist the user in transporting the
receptacle. Typically, the aforementioned one-piece containers are
large and incapable of being knocked-down for shipping and storage,
adding additional expense to the producer and thus the consumer. In
an effort to reduce these problems, one-piece containers generally
include tapered side walls which allow them to be shipped in a
nested arrangement. However, the nested containers are bulky and
heavy, offering marginal gains to an end consumer.
[0006] In an attempt to overcome the shipping and storage problems
associated with one-piece containers, containers capable of being
shipped in a broken down condition have been provided. The top
portion of these containers is usually provided with one or more
openings, sometimes closed with a swinging door, through which the
refuse may pass to be received by the waste receptacle within the
container. The swinging doors are generally provided with a weight,
spring, or mechanical mechanism which must be pushed open to place
trash in the container. Because the top portion is securely
attached to the container portion, these devices are generally
constructed with access doors in their side to facilitate removing
a filled trash liner from the container portion.
[0007] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,115 discloses a container
for housing a waste receptacle. The device includes a base member
formed by joining two identical halves. Two interchangeable side
walls are attached to the base member and include extensions which
form the top of the container. Interchangeable front and back walls
are provided, the front wall being hingedly attached and acting as
a door. The front and back walls include a spring loaded door for
providing access to the waste receptacle. If a waste receptacle in
the form of a plastic bag is used, a frame is provided. The frame
is moveably mounted on tracks carried by the side walls of the
container.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,222 discloses a pedal operated garbage
container with improved access to the interior when the lid is
opened. In this container, a platform for supporting waste is
pivoted to the opposite side walls at its forward edge, and a front
wall extends upwardly from the forward edge of the platform.
Operation of a pedal pivots the platform upwardly and the front
wall outwardly, providing access to the interior. One or more waste
receptacles are placed on the platform, and must be lifted out for
emptying as needed.
[0009] These types of containers suffer from numerous drawbacks for
consumers. One such drawback relates to assembly of the container.
These containers are often difficult to assemble, requiring tools
and a substantial number of fasteners to align the panels and doors
for proper operation. In addition, such containers may require
internal linkages for operation of the lid.
[0010] Other advances in the art are aimed at making filled trash
liners easier to remove from the receptacle. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,923,080 discloses a trash receptacle that opens on the side
so that a filled liner need not be lifted out of the
receptacle.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,134 discloses a trash container formed
with an open fronted housing having a pivotally mounted front wall
movable between a closed position and an open position to allow a
filled liner to be removed from the housing. A releasable locking
device locks the front wall into the closed position.
[0012] Typically, the structure of such devices are complex,
requiring numerous small metal and/or plastic fasteners and
connector members to maintain a structurally sound container. Due
to the complexity of these devices they are generally only offered
to consumers fully assembled and not in a knocked-down condition,
and therefore require large shipping containers or crates, thereby
increasing the final cost of the product to the consumer.
[0013] Such prior art devices, while working well, have not met all
of the needs of manufacturers to provide a product that can be
easily manufactured, packaged and shipped to the consumer in a
knocked-down state. Nor have they met the needs of consumers
requiring structural integrity combined with a pleasing aesthetic
appearance, and ease of assembly without the need for tools and
small fasteners for assembly. Still yet, the prior art devices do
not include wheels and are therefore difficult to move. This
problem is compounded when the receptacle is loaded with
refuse.
[0014] Paramount among such needs is a trash container panel system
which creates a trash container having walls which resist panel
separation, buckling, racking and weather infiltration. Structural
integrity is a further consideration; the container formed by the
panels must tie into the cover and bottom in such a way as to unify
the entire enclosure. Also, from a safety standpoint, a cover
should be present which can be easily latched and which provides
dependable pivoting access to the lineable container.
[0015] There are also commercial considerations that must be
satisfied by any viable trash container assembly; considerations
which are not entirely satisfied by state of the art products. The
trash container must be formed of relatively few component parts
that are inexpensive to manufacture by conventional techniques. The
trash container must also be capable of being packaged and shipped
in a knocked-down state for assembly on a desired site.
[0016] Finally, there are ergonomic needs that a trash container
assembly must satisfy in order to achieve acceptance by the end
user. The trash container must be easily and quickly assembled
using minimal hardware and requiring a minimal number or no tools.
Further, the trash container must not require excessive strength to
assemble or include heavy component parts. Moreover, the trash
container must assemble together in such a way so as not to detract
from the internal storage volume of the resulting trash
container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present invention provides a plurality of injection
molded plastic panels having integrated connectors. The panels are
constructed and arranged for packaging and shipment in a nested
and/or stacked arrangement. Thereafter, the panels may be assembled
into a secure trash container. The side walls, cover and bottom
panel include integrally formed connectors that simplify trash
container assembly by allowing the panels to be snapped together.
This construction eliminates the need for separate extruded or
molded connectors or fasteners to assemble the trash container.
Injection molding allows the panels to be formed with integral
cross-bracing, ribs and gussets for increased rigidity when
compared to blow molded or rotationally molded containers. The same
side wall and bottom panel components can be used to create a
variety of trash containers, and the assembly of the trash
container requires minimal hardware and a minimum number of hand
tools.
[0018] The bottom, left and right wall panels have outwardly
projecting locking posts for interlocking cooperative engagement
with sockets in the front and back panels. The front and back side
wall panels are constructed with inwardly contoured sockets for
interlocking cooperative engagement with the locking posts on the
sides of the left and right wall panels. The engagement between the
locking posts and the sockets serve to rigidly connect the
components together into a weather resistant trash container. The
system further includes a two-piece latching cover and lid assembly
which is hingedly connected and latched into place after the front,
back, side and bottom panels have been fully assembled. The cover
is constructed and arranged to cooperate with the side panels to
support a conventional plastic trash bag without the need for metal
frames, arms or fasteners. The lid portion is hingedly connected to
the cover to provide an opening to place trash in the container.
The lid is also provided with a latch means constructed and
arranged to allow the lid to be latched in a closed position to
prevent wind or animals from opening the container.
[0019] In addition to the integrally formed locking posts
constructed to cooperate with the side panels, the lower portion of
the back panel includes integrally formed bosses constructed and
arranged to cooperate with wheel assemblies to allow easy movement
of a loaded or unloaded trash container. The wheel assemblies are
constructed and arranged for snap-in connection to the assembled
container.
[0020] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to
provide a trash container assembly having panels with integrated
connectors.
[0021] A further objective is to provide a trash container having
panels with integrated connectors which accommodate injection
molding plastic formation of the panel components for increased
structural integrity.
[0022] Yet a further objective is to provide a trash container
assembly in which the side walls, cover, and bottom panel are
integrally interlocked without fasteners.
[0023] Another objective is to provide a trash container assembly
constructed of modular panels having an aesthetically pleasing
appearance.
[0024] Yet another objective is to provide a trash can assembly
that is capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down
state and constructed into a secure trash container.
[0025] Still another objective is to provide a wheeled trash can
assembly that is capable of being packaged and shipped in a
knocked-down state and constructed into a trash container with
wheels.
[0026] Still yet another objective of the instant invention is to
provide a trash can assembly having a cover assembly with
integrally formed rain gutters to channel water away from a
latch.
[0027] Still a further objective of the instant invention is to
provide a trash can assembly that includes panels constructed and
arranged for shipment in a stacked arrangement.
[0028] Still yet a further objective of the instant invention is to
provide a trash can assembly that includes panels constructed and
arranged for shipment in a nested arrangement.
[0029] Other objectives and advantages of this invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of
illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include
exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate
various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
instant invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the trash container shown in
FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the trash container
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the cover panel in the open
position;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the trash container
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the cover panel in the closed
position and the lid panel in the open position;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the trash container embodiment
shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the cover hinge means;
[0035] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the trash container embodiment
shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the cooperative engagement of the
cover hinge pins and the back panel;
[0036] FIG. 7 is partial perspective view illustrating the lid
panel latch;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a partial section view along lines 1-1 of the
trash container embodiment shown in FIG. 7;
[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a trash container embodiment
having wheels;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the trash container embodiment
shown in FIG. 9;
[0040] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the trash container
embodiment shown in FIG. 9;
[0041] FIG. 12 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1;
[0042] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the cover, lid and
latch members utilized in the instant invention;
[0043] FIG. 14 is a lower perspective view of the lid and latch
members utilized in the instant invention;
[0044] FIG. 15 is a section view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG.
12;
[0045] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the panels
utilized to construct the trash container of the instant invention
in a shipping and/or storage configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described a presently preferred embodiment with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an
exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the
invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
[0047] FIGS. 1-2 which are now referenced illustrate perspective
and exploded views of the trash container assembly, generally
referenced as 10, according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The trash container is made up of a floor panel
100, left side wall panel 200, right side wall panel 300, back wall
panel 400, front wall panel 500 and cover panel 600. In the
preferred embodiment, the panels comprising the assembly are formed
of but not limited to a suitable plastic such as polystyrene or
polyethylene, through the process of injection molding. The result
is that the panels comprising the trash container 10 are formed as
unitary panels with integral connectors, and cross bracing.
Strengthening ribs 202 and gussets 204 are formed within the inner
surfaces of the wall panels, cover panel, and floor panel in order
to enhance rigidity of the panels while leaving the external
surface in a generally smooth condition for aesthetic purposes, as
shown in FIG. 2. The floor panel 100 has a top surface 104, bottom
surface 106 (FIG. 11), and like-constructed front, back, left, and
right edges 108, 110, 112, and 114 respectively. Along each of the
floor panel edges is a means of connecting the floor panel to the
left 200, right 300, back 400, and front 500 wall panels
illustrated as a plurality of substantially hollow integrally
formed locking posts 116 extending outwardly from each edge. The
locking posts 116 are constructed and arranged to cooperate with
locking sockets 210 extending inwardly along the bottom edges 206,
306, 406, 506 of the left, right, back, and front wall panels
respectively. The locking posts 116 and sockets 210 are constructed
and arranged so that the locking posts 116 enter and mateably
engage the interlock sockets 210 securing the panels together in an
inter-fitting engagement and perpendicular arrangement. Detent or
snap-type fasteners, such as those illustrated at 118 cooperate
with apertures 208, to secure the locking posts 116 to the locking
sockets 210. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
snap-type fasteners 118 can be used throughout the trash container
10 to mount or secure components to one another, and to facilitate
ready assembly of the trash container if it is provided in an
unassembled kit form. The overlapping locking post 116 and locking
socket 210 arrangement increases the structural integrity of the
trash container 10 by preventing the panels 200, 300, 400, 500 from
bowing or bending inwardly or outwardly, and thus, adversely
affecting the appearance or operation of the trash container 10. It
should be noted that while the floor panel is illustrated as having
the locking posts and the panels are illustrated as including the
locking sockets, reversal of this arrangement as well as a
combination arrangement whereby the bottom panel and side panels
include a both sockets and posts are also within the scope of the
invention.
[0048] The left wall panel 200 is configured having a first edge
212 and a second edge 214. Both edges 212, 214 include an
integrally formed means for connecting illustrated as at least one
and preferably three elongated contoured interlock posts 216
extending outwardly in a linear fashion along each edge. The
interlock posts are most preferably formed to be substantially
hollow in nature to reduce the weight of the assembly as well as
conserving the raw materials used to form the panels. The interlock
posts 216 are generally constructed and arranged to cooperate with
the contoured interlock sockets 410 and 510 provided in either edge
of the back panel 400 and front panel 500.
[0049] The right wall panel 300 is configured having a first edge
312 and a second edge 314. Both edges 312, 314 include an
integrally formed means of connecting illustrated herein as at
least one and preferably three elongated contoured interlock posts
316 extending outwardly in a linear fashion along each edge. The
interlock posts are most preferably formed to be substantially
hollow or tubular in nature to reduce the weight of the assembly as
well as conserving the raw materials used to form the panels. The
interlock posts 316 are generally constructed and arranged to
cooperate with the contoured interlock sockets 410 and 510 (FIG. 2)
provided in either edge of the back panel 400 and front panel
500.
[0050] The outer surface of the panels 200, 300, 400, 500 are
constructed generally smooth having a plurality of inwardly bowed
grooves 230 for added strength and aesthetic appearance. The inside
of the panels 200, 300, 400, 500 are constructed with a plurality
of strengthening ribs 202 extending across the panels with a
portion of the ribs 202 being provided with a plurality of gussets
204 to further strengthen the panels. The ribs 202 and gussets 204
increase the structural integrity of the trash container 10 by
preventing the panels 200, 300, 400, 500 from bowing or bending
inwardly or outwardly, and thus, adversely affecting the appearance
or operation of the trash container 10. The integrally formed ribs
202 and gussets 204 are facilitated by injection molding. Injection
molding offers significant strength and stability advantages over
blow-molding or spin molding as utilized in the prior art. In this
manner the container of the instant invention is capable of
handling a significant amount of weight as compared to prior art
plastic trash containers.
[0051] The left and right side panels 200, 300 are attached to the
floor panel 100 by inserting the contoured interlock posts 116 into
the interlock sockets 210 until the spring tabs 118 engage the
apertures 208 in the sockets 210 of the left 200 and right 300
panels.
[0052] The front and back panels 400, 500 are attached to the left
200, right 300, and floor 100 panels by inserting the contoured
locking posts 116 and 216 into locking sockets 210 and 410
respectively until the spring tabs 118 integrally formed into the
contoured locking posts 116 and 216 engage the apertures 208 in the
locking sockets of the front and back panels 400, 500. The sockets
210 and 410 are constructed to include at least three side walls
211 and one end wall 213, and more preferably four side walls 211
and one end wall 213. The sockets and/or locking posts may be
constructed to flex during assembly to permit entry of the spring
lock thereafter post and/or socket having memory will return to
their respective original shapes. It will be appreciated that the
purpose of the contoured elongated locking posts 116 and 216 are to
align two panels in a perpendicular relationship and to facilitate
their mechanical connection. The perpendicular panels are brought
into an overlapping relationship wherein the contoured locking
posts 116, 216 enter the corresponding locking sockets 210, 410 in
the front, back, left, and right panels 200, 300, 400 and 500
respectively. The result is a mechanically secure connection
between the panels. The overlapping edges between the panels as
described above provide a secure connection and offer several
advantages. First, the design allows the panels to be connected
without the need for separate connectors. Second, the design
creates a positive lock that prevents separation of the panels.
Third, the design maintains alignment of the panels in their
respective plane and prevents bowing or bending of either panel
relative to one another. The resultant trash container created by
the combination of the interlocking panels benefits from high
structural integrity and reliable operation. It should be noted
that the positions of the locking posts and locking sockets could
be reversed or interspersed without departing from the scope of the
invention. It should also be noted that while the trash container
is illustrated as rectangular in shape, other shapes such as
cylinders, frusto-conical segments, hexagons, octagons and other
suitable shapes for trash containers may be formed without
departing from the scope of the instant invention.
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, perspective and plan views of an
alternative embodiment of the instant invention are illustrated.
This embodiment includes at least two wheels 450 rotatably mounted
on a lower portion of the back panel 400. For attachment, the back
panel is provided with bosses 452 to which the wheel axles (not
shown) engage in an interlocking fashion. Alternatively, a single
axle may be used extending across the rear or bottom panel upon
which the wheels 450 may be rotatably mounted as is well known in
the art.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, perspective and section views of the
trash container showing the pivotal operation of the cover 600 and
lid 612 are illustrated. Also illustrated is the construction and
arrangement of the separable hinge means assemblies. The hinge
assemblies generally include a plurality of hinge pins 404 and a
plurality of cooperating hinge pin receivers 602. The hinge pin
receivers 602 are generally a pair of downwardly depending supports
602 located adjacent to the back edge 610 of the cover 600 and are
constructed and arranged to cooperate with a cover hinge pin 404 to
allow pivotal movement of the cover 600. The hinge pins 404 are
each integrally formed into the upper portion of the back panel 400
and supported by an outwardly depending support 420. The hinge pins
404 cooperate with their respective hinge pin receivers 602 in a
manner that allows the cover 600 to be removed when in the open
position by lifting the cover upward and sliding the hinge pin
receiver 602 outward from the pins 404. The cover 600 is releasably
secured in a closed position by pivoting the cover downward until
the spring latch 622 integrally formed into the cover panel 600
engages at least one corresponding catch 520 (FIGS. 8 and 13)
formed in the front portion of the front panel 500. The result is a
positive mechanical connection.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 7-8, 13-14, the lid 612 is illustrated in
cooperation with the cover panel 600. The lid 612 is constructed
and arranged with a hinge assembly to provide pivotal access to the
interior of the trash container 10 while it is in the open
position. The hinge assemblies generally include a plurality of
hinge pins 614 and a plurality of cooperating hinge pin receivers
616. The hinge pin receivers 616 are integrally formed into the top
outer portion of the cover panel 600 and are constructed and
arranged to cooperate with a lid hinge pin 614 to allow pivotal
movement of the lid 612. The hinge pins 614 are each supported by a
downwardly depending lip 618 located adjacent to the back edge 620
of the lid 612. The hinge pins 614 cooperate with their respective
hinge pin receivers 616 to allow pivotal movement of the lid 612
and also allow the lid 612 to be removed when in the open position
by lifting the lid upward and sliding the pins 614 outward from the
hinge pin receiver 616.
[0056] It should be appreciated that the hinge assemblies allow the
cover 600 and/or the lid 612 to be installed and/or removed when
the cover 600 or lid 612 is in the open position and yet the cover
and lid are secure and non-removable when in the closed
position.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 12-15, the lid 612 is provided with two
elongated slots 650 which are constructed and arranged to cooperate
with retainer clips 652 for releasably securing latch 624 to the
cover 612 while allowing slidable movement between a latched
position and an unlatched position. The latch may be released from
the cover by pressing both clips inwardly while pulling upwardly on
the latch. The lid 612 includes an integrally formed rain gutter
654 extending substantially along a perimeter of the latch 624. The
rain gutter prevents rain and/or dew from draining through the
elongated slots 650 into the trash container 10.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 7-8 and 12-15, the lid 612 is releasably
secured to the cover 600 in a closed position by sliding the cover
latch 624 inward until the detent 626 integrally formed into the
cover latch 624 engages at least one corresponding indentation 628
formed in the front portion of the lid 612. Detents 626 provide a
positive retainer for the latch as well as providing tactile feel
to the operator. To open the lid 612, the cover latch 624 is pulled
outward until the detent 626 is released from the indentation 628
and the lid is pivoted upwards. The result is a positive mechanical
connection between the side walls of the container, the cover, and
the lid that resists opening by winds or animals, and yet provides
easy access for placing trash in the container.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 16, the panels the panels 200, 300, 400,
500 are illustrated in a in a nested arrangement. The cover 600 is
illustrated stacked upon the panels for compact shipping and
storage arrangement. The nested and/or stacked arrangement
substantially reduces the shipping space required for transport of
the trash containers. In addition, the panels may be provide with
depending lips or projections to help to maintain alignment of the
panels during shipping.
[0060] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification
are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which
the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
[0061] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention
is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in
the specification.
[0062] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *