U.S. patent application number 11/633946 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for garbage container with secure, threaded lid.
Invention is credited to Dan Clifton Williams.
Application Number | 20080135557 11/633946 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39496760 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080135557 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams; Dan Clifton |
June 12, 2008 |
Garbage container with secure, threaded lid
Abstract
A secure lid garbage container with pre-slotted, internally
molded cavities into which casters can be inserted or exchanged is
provided. The garbage container has an elongated body that defines
a cavity for holding garbage that is accessible through an end of
the body. The body has an end with a circumference that can be
engaged by a lid so as to close access to the cavity through the
end. A threaded engagement is present and is configured with both
the lid and the end. The threaded engagement is configured so that
attachment of the lid to the end is made by completely rotating the
lid around the circumference of the end at least one time.
Inventors: |
Williams; Dan Clifton;
(Marathon, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ERIC HANSCOM
7395 PORTAGE WAY
CARLSBAD
CA
92011
US
|
Family ID: |
39496760 |
Appl. No.: |
11/633946 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/288 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/16 20130101; B65F
2001/1676 20130101; B65F 2210/132 20130101; B65F 1/1468
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/288 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/04 20060101
B65D041/04 |
Claims
1. A garbage container, comprising: an elongated body defining a
cavity for use in holding items therein, said body having an end
with a circumference, said cavity accessible through said end; a
lid configured for engaging said end of said body so as to close
access into said cavity through said end of said body; and a
threaded engagement configured with said end and said lid, said
threaded engagement configured so that attachment of said lid to
said end is effected by completely rotating said lid around said
circumference of said end at least one time.
2. The garbage container as in claim 1, wherein said threaded
engagement is configured so that attachment of said lid to said end
is effected by completely rotating said lid around said
circumference of said end from two to four times.
3. The garbage container as in claim 1, wherein said threaded
engagement has male threads that are continuous around the entire
said circumference of said end, and wherein said threaded
engagement has female threads that are continuous and are defined
by said lid, and are configured for engagement with said male
threads of said end.
4. The garbage container as in claim 1, wherein said lid has a cap
on an upper surface of said lid, wherein said cap defines a hand
grip configured for being grasped by the hand of a user to effect
rotation of said lid.
5. The garbage container as in claim 4, wherein said cap defines a
receiving surface, and further comprising a lanyard having a loop
located on said receiving surface of said cap, and further
comprising a handle carried by said body and an attachment member
carried by said handle, wherein said lanyard is attached to said
attachment member.
6. The garbage container as in claim 1, wherein said body has a
plurality of planar outer surfaces located between said end of said
body and a bottom of said body.
7. The garbage container as in claim 6, wherein eight of said
planar outer surfaces are present.
8. The garbage container as in claim 1, wherein said body has a
plurality of planar inner surfaces located between said end of said
body and a bottom of said body, wherein said planar inner surfaces
at least partially define said cavity.
9. The garbage container as in claim 8, wherein eight of said
planar inner surfaces are present.
10. The garbage container as in claim 9, wherein said planar inner
surfaces taper outwardly in the axial direction of said body
towards said end of said body such that said cavity is larger
proximate to said end as compared to said bottom of said body.
11. The garbage container as in claim 1, wherein said body has a
bottom that defines a drain hole configured to allow liquid present
in said cavity of said body to be drained therefrom through said
bottom and out of said body.
12. The garbage container as in claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of casters carried by said body and configured for
rendering said body mobile.
13. A garbage container, comprising: an elongated body defining a
cavity for use in holding garbage, said body having an end with a
circumference, said cavity accessible through said end, said end
having continuous male threads disposed thereon that extend about
the entire said circumference of said end; and a lid configured for
engaging said end of said body so as to close access into said
cavity through said end of said body, said lid defining female
threads thereon that extend around said lid; wherein said female
threads of said lid engage said male threads of said body so that
said lid is secured to and removed from said body by rotating said
lid with respect to said body.
14. The garbage container as in claim 13, wherein three of said
male threads and three of said female threads are present, and
wherein said female threads are engaged with said male threads so
that said lid is secured to said body by completely rotating said
lid around said circumference of said end more than one time.
15. The garbage container as in claim 13, wherein said lid has a
cap on an upper surface of said lid, wherein said cap defines a
hand grip configured for being grasped by the hand of a user to
effect rotation of said lid, wherein said cap defines a receiving
surface; further comprising a lanyard having a loop located on said
receiving surface of said cap; and further comprising a handle
carried by said body that has an attachment member, wherein said
lanyard is attached to said attachment member.
16. The garbage container as in claim 13, wherein said body has a
plurality of planar outer and inner surfaces located between said
end of said body and a bottom of said body, wherein said planar
inner surfaces at least partially define said cavity.
17. The garbage container as in claim 16, wherein eight of said
planar outer surfaces are present, and wherein eight of said planar
inner surfaces are present.
18. The garbage container as in claim 17, wherein said planar inner
surfaces taper outwardly in the axial direction of said body
towards said end of said body such that said cavity is larger
proximate to said end as compared to said bottom of said body, and
wherein said planar outer surfaces taper outwardly in the axial
direction of said body towards said end of said body.
19. The garbage container as in claim 13, further comprising a
plurality of casters carried by said body and configured for
rendering said body mobile.
20. A garbage container, comprising: an elongated body defining a
cavity for use in holding garbage, said body having an end with a
circumference, said cavity accessible through said end, said end
having continuous male threads disposed thereon that extend about
said circumference of said end, wherein said body has eight planar
outer and eight planar inner surfaces located between said end of
said body and a bottom of said body, wherein said planar inner
surfaces at least partially define said cavity; a lid configured
for engaging said end of said body so as to close access into said
cavity through said end of said body, said lid defining female
threads thereon that extend around said lid, said lid having a cap
with a hand grip configured for being grasped by the hand of the
user so as to rotate said lid; wherein said female threads of said
lid engage said male threads of said body so that said lid is
secured to and removed from said body by rotating said lid with
respect to said body; and a plurality of casters carried by said
body and configured for rendering said body mobile.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to garbage
containers. More particularly, the present application involves a
garbage container with a threaded connection that creates a tight
and secure fit to prevent unwanted opening of the garbage container
by wind or animals. The threads are large, prominent, and
relatively coarse, and circumscribe the lid and trash can top at
least two times, creating a trashcan/lid assembly which can be
easily opened by a human hand to insert trash, but is extremely
difficult to open by animals. The garbage container additionally
offers pre-slotted, internally molded cavities into which casters
can be inserted or exchanged.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Removing trash and waste material and storing it for pickup
is an extremely common household chore. Crafty animals like
raccoons, skunks, possums, and even dogs can wreak havoc on garbage
containers and create a monumental mess. Inclement weather
conditions can also produce high winds that knock garbage
containers over and scatter debris everywhere.
[0003] Traditional garbage containers have used many different
mechanisms to secure the lid, with limited success. Many lids are
separate components that rest directly on top of the body of the
container and are closed by pressing down to create a seal, either
through snapping the lid over one or more protuberances on the side
of the trashcan or friction between the inner surface of the lid
and the outer surface of the trashcan. The lid and body can be
configured with a snap lock mechanism to effect their attachment.
Other garbage containers have lids that are attached to the top of
the container and secured using a latch system. Still further,
other garbage containers include lids that incorporate various
combinations of latches, elastic cords, and hook and loop type
fasteners.
[0004] Prior garbage containers have also been provided with a pair
of slots on the exterior surface of the body that extend a short
length in both the axial and circumferential direction of the body.
Nodules on the lid are positioned into the slots and the lid is
rotated in the circumferential direction in order to slide the
nodules along the slots to effect locking of the lid onto the body.
Another locking arrangement is known that makes use of a plurality
of interrupted twist threads on the outer surface of the body. Lug
wedge-shaped members on the inner surface of the lid are positioned
so as to engage the interrupted twist threads. The lid is turned a
short distance in the circumferential direction and the lug
wedge-shaped members slide along the interrupted twist threads and
are locked thereon. Although these locking arrangements work well
for their intended purposes, they are problematic in that they do
not effect a tight seal between the lid and the body of the garbage
can. As such, odor from within the garbage can may be noticeable
from the outside. Also, resourceful animals may be able to remove
the lid from these types of garbage cans as their removal only
requires the lid be rotated a slight distance in the
circumferential direction, or that the trashcan be knocked over,
whereupon most of the "friction" and "snap-on" lids will become
disconnected with the trashcan upon impact with the ground.
[0005] Current lid closure arrangements are susceptible in some
manner to either animal or wind incursion because their locking
mechanism can be manipulated to varying degrees, and, in some
cases, are inadequate to satisfactorily affix the lid to the can.
Additionally, their closing arrangements may be problematic in that
odor from within the body of the garbage container can escape
through the aforementioned closing arrangements.
[0006] As such, there is a need for a trashcan/lid assembly which
allows a person easily and quickly remove the lid to insert trash,
but has physical characteristics which minimize the escaping of
noxious odors from the trashcan, reduce the likelihood that the lid
will be separated from the trashcan should it blow over, and
diminish the chances that a determined animal will be able to
remove the lid.
[0007] Another major problem facing the users of garbage containers
is that a full garbage container can be quite heavy and difficult
to move. The common approaches currently seen in the prior art are
to use a dolly to lift each individual trash can onto the dolly's
wheels before hauling it to its desired destination, or buy a
separate wheeled stand upon which the garbage container sits. There
are also garbage containers made with built-in wheels. The
disadvantages of each of these approaches follows.
[0008] With respect to the use of a dolly to move garbage
containers, the user of the invention has to first, buy a dolly,
second, maintain the dolly, and, third, store the dolly when it is
not being used. While it may not appear on its face that storing a
dolly can be burdensome, one only has to think of the average
two-car garage, filled with two cars and an assortment of storage
boxes, tools, and garden machines, so realize that storing a dolly
for use once or twice a week is undesirable. With a dolly, a person
also has to balance a sometimes extremely heavy garbage container
over the axis described by a line between the two wheels, thus
requiring additional strength on the part of the human and raising
the likelihood of an accidental spilling of the garbage container,
which at best results in an unpleasant picking up of the garbage
and at worst can result in serious injury to the human as he/she
tries to grab the falling garbage container and/or is hit by the
garbage container as it falls off the dolly.
[0009] A person can also purchase a wheeled stand for each garbage
container, upon which the garbage container is placed. When the
person wants to move the garbage container, such as leaving it
curbside once a week for garbage pick-up, he/she merely pushes it
to the desired location. It should be noted, however, that some
such wheeled stands lack adequate retention straps or other devices
to secure the garbage container upon the wheeled stand, such that a
person using such a device also runs the risk that the garbage
container will fall off. A further disadvantage of wheeled stands
is that in the event of a wheel becoming jammed with dirt or
otherwise ceasing to function, there is no easy and fast way to
replace the wheel.
[0010] There are also garbage containers with built-in wheels, but,
as with the wheeled stands, none of these supply a mechanism by
which a nonfunctional wheel can be easily and effectively removed
and replaced. These types of garbage containers also lack the
ability to change the size and rotational abilities or lack thereof
of its wheels. For example, a person living in an area where it
snows substantially during the winter months may wish to have
larger wheels on his/her garbage containers to cruise over the
snow, while a person living on a dirt road may wish to have
air-filled wheels for a smoother ride over the irregular road.
Wheels which freely rotate 360 degrees may be optimum for a slick
asphalt driveway, while a person having to push his/her garbage
containers along a narrow sidewalk may prefer to have the "back
wheels" locked in place with the only the front wheels allowed any
rotation, thereby allowing the user to have more directional
control over the garbage container.
[0011] The present invention provides just such a solution by
teaching a garbage container with a threaded connection that
creates a tight and secure fit to prevent unwanted opening of the
garbage container by wind or animals. The threads are large,
prominent, and relatively coarse, and circumscribe the lid and
trash can top at least two times, creating a trashcan/lid assembly
which can be easily opened by a human hand to insert trash, but is
extremely difficult to open by animals. The garbage container
additionally offers pre-slotted, internally molded cavities into
which casters can be inserted or exchanged and secured with simple
bolt or cotter pin. The cavities allow a user of the invention to,
optionally, insert wheels mounted upon metal brackets, i.e., a
caster, of different sizes, with different treads, either
air-filled or solid, and with varying degrees of rotational
abilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Various features and advantages of the invention will be set
forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from
the description, or may be learned from practice of the
invention.
[0013] The present invention provides for a garbage container that
has an elongated body that defines a cavity for use in holding
items such as garbage--a typical trashcan. The body has an end with
a circumference, and the cavity is accessible through the end. A
lid is configured for engaging the end of the body in order to
close access into the cavity through the end of the body. A
threaded engagement is configured with the end of the lid. The
threaded engagement is configured so that attachment of the lid to
the end is effected by completely rotating the lid around the
circumference of the end at least one time, preferably at least two
times. This threaded portion of the lid and the upper section of
the trashcan set this invention apart from other trashcan/lid
assemblies.
[0014] Also provided in accordance with one aspect of the present
invention is a garbage container as immediately discussed in which
the threaded engagement is configured so that attachment of the lid
to the end is made by completely rotating the lid around the
circumference of the end from two to four times.
[0015] Another aspect of the present invention resides in a garbage
container as discussed above in which the threaded engagement has
male threads that are continuous around the entire circumference of
the end. The threaded engagement also has female threads that are
continuous and are defined by the lid and are configured for
engagement with the male threads of the end.
[0016] Another aspect of the present invention exists in a garbage
container as described above in which the lid has a cap on an upper
surface of the lid. The cap defines a hand grip that is configured
for being grasped by the hand of a user to effect rotation of the
lid.
[0017] Yet another aspect of the present invention exists in a
garbage container as discussed above in which the body has a
plurality of planar outer surfaces located between the end of the
body and a bottom of the body. In yet another alternative aspect of
the present invention, eight planar outer surfaces are present.
[0018] An additional aspect of the present invention resides in a
garbage container as previously discussed in which the body has a
plurality of planar inner surfaces that are located between the end
of the body and a bottom of the body. The planar inner surfaces at
least partially define the cavity. Another aspect of the invention
exists in a garbage container as immediately mentioned in which
eight of the planar inner surfaces are present.
[0019] In a further aspect of the present invention, the garbage
container as immediately mentioned includes inner planar surfaces
that taper outwardly. The inner planar surfaces taper outwardly in
the axial direction of the body towards an end of the body so that
the cavity is larger proximate to the end as compared to the bottom
of the body.
[0020] An additional aspect of the present invention exits in a
garbage container that has an elongated body that defines a cavity
for use in holding garbage. The body has an end with a
circumference. The cavity is accessible through the end. The end
has continuous male threads disposed thereon that extend about the
entire circumference of the end. A lid is present and is configured
for engaging the end of the body so as to close access into the
cavity through the end of the body. The lid defines female threads
that extend around the lid. The female threads of the lid engage
the male threads of the body so that the lid is secured to and
removed from the body by rotating the lid with respect to the
body.
[0021] A further aspect of the present invention is present in a
garbage container as immediately discussed in which three of the
male threads and three of the female threads are present. The
female threads are engaged with the male threads so that the lid is
secured to the body by completely rotating the lid around the
circumference of the end more than one time.
[0022] An additional aspect of the present invention exists in a
garbage container as discussed above in which the body has a
plurality of planar outer surfaces and inner surfaces that are
located between the end of the body and a bottom of the body. The
planar inner surfaces at least partially define the cavity.
[0023] Another aspect of the present invention resides in a garbage
container as immediately discussed in which eight of the planar
outer surfaces and eight of the planar inner surfaces are
present.
[0024] A still further aspect of the present invention is found in
a garbage container as immediately discussed in which the planar
inner surfaces taper outwardly in the axial direction of the body
towards an end of the body. The cavity is larger proximate to the
end as compared to the bottom of the body. Also, the planar outer
surfaces taper outwardly in the axial direction of the body towards
the end of the body.
[0025] Another aspect of the present invention exits in a garbage
container that has an elongated body that defines a cavity for use
in holding garbage. The body has an end with a circumference, and
the cavity is accessible through the end. The end has continuous
male threads disposed thereon that extend about the circumference
of the end. The body has eight planar outer and inner surfaces
located between the end of the body and a bottom of the body. The
planar inner surfaces at least partially define the cavity. A lid
is configured for engaging the end of the body so as to close
access into the cavity through the end of the body. The lid defines
female threads that extend around the lid. The lid has a cap with a
hand grip that is configured for being grasped by the hand of the
user for rotating the lid. The female threads of the lid engage the
male threads so that the lid is secured to and removed from the
body by rotating the lid with respect to the body.
[0026] An additional aspect of the invention is to provide
pre-slotted, internally molded cavities into which casters can be
inserted or exchanged and secured with simple bolt or cotter pin,
thereby allowing a user of the invention to insert wheels mounted
upon metal brackets, i.e., a caster, of different sizes, with
different treads, either air-filled or solid, and with varying
degrees of rotational abilities, and to replace old or worn out
casters without having to replace the entire unit.
[0027] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto. The features listed herein and other features,
aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better
understood with reference to the following description and appended
claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the
invention and together with the description, serve to explain the
principals of this invention. A full and enabling disclosure of the
present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one
of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the
remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the
appended Figs. in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a garbage can with the
lid removed in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the garbage can of FIG.
1 with the lid attached to a body of the garbage can.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the body of the garbage can of
FIG. 1 with the lid removed.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the garbage can of FIG. 1 with
the lid attached to the body of the garbage can.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the garbage can of FIG.
1.
[0034] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or
analogous features or elements of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For
example, features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a
third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include
these and other modifications and variations.
[0036] It is to be understood that the ranges mentioned herein
include all ranges located within the prescribed range. As such,
all ranges mentioned herein include all sub-ranges included in the
mentioned ranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 also includes
ranges from 110-150, 170-190, and 153-162. Further, all limits
mentioned herein include all other limits included in the mentioned
limits. For instance, a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of
up to 5, up to 3, and up to 4.5.
[0037] The present invention provides for a garbage container 10
that is designed to prevent animals and rodents from removing the
lid 12 of the garbage container 10 and dispersing refuse onto the
surrounding area. Specifically, the lid 12 can include integrally
formed threads which join with corresponding threads on the upper
end of the container to create a tight and secure fit, thus
preventing unwanted intrusion by wind, animals, and rodents.
[0038] FIG. 1 shows one exemplary embodiment of the garbage
container 10 in which the lid 12 is removed from the body 14 of the
garbage container 10. The body 14 is elongated and defines a cavity
for use in holding garbage therein. The body 14 can be made from a
variety of materials. For example, the body 14 can be made of
polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, metal or nylon in
accordance with various exemplary embodiments. Further, the body 14
can be manufactured by way of a number of different processes such
as casting, extrusion, injection molding, rolling or stamping.
[0039] The lid 12 of the garbage container 10 can be made of the
same material as the body 14 or may be made of an entirely
different material. Likewise, the lid 12 can be fabricated by way
of the manufacturing processes described above with respect to the
body 14. Here, the lid 12 can be made through the same process as
the body 14 or may be made from a completely different process. A
threaded engagement 18 is present to allow the lid 12 to be
attached to the body 14. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of
FIG. 1, the threaded engagement 18 includes female threads 20 on
the lid 12 and male threads 22 on the body 14. However, it is to be
understood that in other exemplary embodiments of the present
invention that the threaded engagement 18 includes female threads
20 that are present on the body 14 and male threads 22 that are
located on the lid 12. The threaded engagement 18 allows for
attachment of the lid 12 to the body 14 in such a manner that
prevents animals, rodents and wind from removing the lid 12 and
emptying the contents of the garbage container 10.
[0040] The body 14 has an end 56 that defines a circumference 54.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the end 56 has a ring-shaped
cross section with a circular circumference 54. However, it is to
be understood that the end 56 and circumference 54 can be variously
configured in other exemplary embodiments. The male threads 22 are
disposed on the end 56 and extend around the entire circumference
54. Here, the male threads 22 are configured as a single element
that extends continuously around the entire circumference 54 three
times. Other exemplary embodiments are possible in which the male
threads 22 can extend any number of times around the entire
circumference 54. For example, male threads 22 may extend once
around the entire circumference 54 or may extend from two to ten
and a half times around circumference 54.
[0041] The male threads 22 can be variously configured in
accordance with different exemplary embodiments of the garbage
container 10. The pitch of the male threads 22 can be up to two
inches in accordance with certain embodiments. For example, the
pitch of male threads 22 may be one inch in one embodiment of the
invention. Likewise, the depth of male threads 22 can be any
desired amount. The depth of male threads 22 may be from one half
an inch to three inches, or the depth may be three fourths of an
inch in accordance with certain embodiments. The thread form of the
male threads 22 can be likewise varied as desired. For instance,
the thread form of male threads 22 can be square, buttress,
whitworth, unified-un, sharp V, acme or circular in accordance with
different embodiments of the present invention. The male threads 22
can be arranged as either right-handed thread or as left-handed
thread as desired. The male threads 22 can be provided so that a
lead from one half inch to four inches is present during attachment
or removal of the lid 12.
[0042] The male threads 22 can be formed in a variety of manners on
the end 56. For example the male threads 22 may be integrally
formed with the body 14. Here, the male threads 22 and body 14 can
be molded as a single integral component. Alternatively, the male
threads 22 can be formed separately from the body 14 and attached
thereto through any know means of attachment such as adhesion,
mechanical fasteners or welding.
[0043] The lid 12 defines a plurality of female threads 20 that are
complimentary to the male threads 22 on the end 56 as shown in FIG.
1. Female threads 20 can be formed in a variety of manners on the
lid 12. For example, the female threads 20 can be included as part
of the mold that is used to make the lid 12.
[0044] Alternatively, the female threads 20 can be cut or otherwise
formed into the side of the lid 12. Still further, the female
threads 20 can be separate components that are attached to the lid
12 through means such as adhesion, welding or mechanical fasteners.
Properties, such as depth, pitch and thread form, associated with
the female threads 20 can be similar to those discussed above with
respect to the male threads 22 and therefore repeating of this
information is not necessary.
[0045] The lid 12 is provided with a cap 16 on an upper surface 62
thereof. Cap 16 includes a hand grip 30 that is configured for
being grasped by the hand of a user. The user may grasp hand grip
30 and manipulate lid 12 so that it is positioned over the end 56
of the body 14. The lid 12 can then be rotated about its
circumference so that the female threads 20 of the lid 12 engage
the male threads 22 of the body 14. The user can twist the lid 12
multiple times 360.degree. in order to engage the various female
threads 20 and male threads 22. The lid 12 can thus be secured to
the body 14 through the threaded engagement 18. The threaded
engagement 18 provides a secure attachment between the lid 12 and
body 14 and also acts to create a seal between these two parts to
prevent odor inside of the garbage container 10 from escaping
across this connection between lid 12 and body 14. The female
threads 20 and male threads 22 can have any desired thread class so
that the tightness or looseness of the fit between these two
components can be varied. For example, the female threads 20 and
male threads 22 may tightly engage one another so that the
resulting connection results in a strong seal. However, as it may
be harder to attach and detach the lid 12 with such a configuration
the connection tightness between the threads 20 and 22 may be
loosened which could result in a resulting seal of lesser
strength.
[0046] Attachment of the lid 12 to the body 14 is shown in FIG. 2.
Once attached, an animal such as a raccoon will have to rotate the
lid 12 about the body 14 a number of times in order to remove the
lid 12 to access contents inside of the garbage container 10. The
garbage container 10 can be configured so that the lid 12 must be
rotated one or more times in order to be removed.
[0047] For example, the lid 12 may need to be rotated from two to
four times to effect its removal. Although three male threads 22
may be present on the end 56, the lid 12 can still be attached to
the body 14 with fewer than three rotations. Here, the user can
rotate the lid 12 once or twice so that some, but not all, of the
female threads 20 engage the male threads 22.
[0048] A set of handles 24 and 26 are attached to the body 14 to
aid a user in transporting or tilting the garbage container 10.
Each handle 24 and 26 has a frame 66 that extends outward from the
body 14 and includes a grip 44 configured for being grasped by the
hand of a user. Although a pair of handles 24 and 26 are present
and are located on opposite sides of the body 14, any number of
handles can be used in other embodiments and may be located
variously on the body 14. Further, other exemplary embodiments
exist in which the body 14 is not provided with any handles 24 or
26. Handles 24 and 26 can be integrally formed with the body 14 or
may be separate components that are attached using any means known
in the art. As seen in FIG. 3, bolts 50 are provided in order to
secure the handles 24 and 26 to the body 14.
[0049] Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, handle 24 is shown as
including an attachment member 38 that is used to attach a lanyard
32 to the handle 24. Lanyard 32 is provided in order to keep the
lid 12 from being lost when it is removed from the body 14. Lanyard
32 has a loop 34 that is designed for being attached to a receiving
surface 28 defined on the cap 16. The receiving surface 28 can be
defined on the cap 16 proximate to the upper surface 62 of lid 12
and may be bordered on the opposite side by a ridge of the cap 16.
Loop 34 can be disposed onto receiving surface 28 and retained
thereon between the ridge and upper surface 62. the loop 34 may
slide around receiving surface 28 so as to allow the lid 12 to be
positioned anywhere around the body 14 and to allow for the lid 12
to rotate upon attachment and detachment of the lid 12 and body
14.
[0050] Lanyard 32 has an end 36 that is opposite from loop 34 that
is attached to, the attachment member 38. End 36 may be rigidly
attached to the attachment member 38 or can pivot thereto.
Likewise, the attachment member 38 can be rigidly attached to the
handle 24 or may pivot with respect to handle 24. The lanyard 32
can be of any length to allow for the lid 12 to be retained at any
desired proximity to the body 14. It is to be understood that a
variety of different configurations are possible for the lanyard 32
and that the disclosed embodiment is only for sake of example. For
instance, the lanyard 32 can be attached directly to the body 14
and not to the handle 24 or 26 in other embodiments. Further, the
attachment member 38 need not be present in that the end 36 can be
wrapped or otherwise attached directly to the frame 66 or grip 44
of the handle 24.
[0051] The body 14 has a plurality of outer planar surfaces 46.
Although shown as having eight such outer planar surfaces 46, any
number are possible in other embodiments. The surface finishes
between the outer planar surfaces 46 can be different. For example,
one of the outer planar surfaces 46 can have a smooth finish while
the other outer planar surfaces 46 have a rough textured finish.
Further, the outer planar surface 46 that is smooth may be recessed
one eighth of an inch from adjacent outer planar surfaces 46 that
have a rough textured finish. The outer planar surfaces 46 are
advantageous in that should the garbage container 10 be knocked
over due to wind, contact between the ground and the outer planar
surfaces 46 will tend to inhibit rolling of the garbage container.
Additionally, the outer planar surfaces 46 may taper in the outward
direction from the bottom 64 of the body towards the end 56 in the
axial direction. This outward tapering may cause a garbage
container 10 that is knocked over from the wind to rotate in a
circular direction on the ground so that it does not advance too
far from its original location.
[0052] A plurality of casters 40 can be attached to the body 14 to
aid in moving the garbage container 10 over floors, pavement,
gravel and lawns. The casters 40 can be variously configured. For
instance, the casters 40 can be single or double wheeled casters
and may either swivel or remain in a fixed orientation with respect
to the body 14. Any type or configuration of casters 40 can be used
in the present application. The casters 40 can be removably
attachable to the body 14 to allow the garbage container 10 to be
adaptable for various situations. For instance, the garbage
container 10 can be initially provided with a set of casters 40
suitable for use on a surface such as pavement. If the user desires
to move the garbage container 10 across a surface that includes
rougher terrain such as grass or rock, a suitable set of auxiliary
casters 40 can be attached to the body 14. Further, the garbage
container 10 need not be initially provided with any casters 40.
Here, the garbage container 10 may rest on the bottom 64 of the
body 14.
[0053] Casters 40 can be attached to the body 14 through a variety
of mechanisms. As can be seen in FIG. 3, four mounting blocks 60
are disposed around the interior of the body 14. Bolts 42, which
are more easily seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, are used to attach the
casters 40 to the mounting blocks 60 and thus the body 14.
Alternatively, slots can be integrally molded into the lower
portion of the body 14 to receive stems or other structural members
of casters 40 to effect attachment of the casters 40 to the body
14. In this manner, the casters 40 can be either snap fit or
frictionally fit onto the body 14 in the integrally molded slots.
The aforementioned integrally molded slots may be formed on the
inside of the body 14 so that they are not visible from the
exterior. Additionally, although shown as employing four casters
40, it is to be understood than any number of casters 40 can be
included. For example, from five to eight casters 40 may be used in
other embodiments.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, a drain hole 48 is defined in
the bottom 64 of the body 14. The drain hole 48 is present in order
to allow liquid inside of the garbage container 10 to be drained
therefrom. This could be desirable, for instance, if the lid 12 of
the garbage container 10 were left unattached to the body 14 during
a rainstorm. The user can employ the drain hole 48 to remove rain
water from the garbage container 10 before filling it with garbage.
In this regard, a drain plug 68 as shown in FIG. 5 is present in
order to plug the drain hole 48 and prevent liquid from traveling
therethrough. The user can remove the drain plug 68 when drainage
of the garbage container 10 is desired. The drain plug 68 can have
a handle portion for grasping by the user. Although shown as making
use of a drain plug 68, this element need not be present in other
embodiments. For example, the drain hole 48 can be equipped with a
one way valve mechanism that acts to drain the garbage container 10
when a predetermined amount of water is present on the bottom of
the body 14. Further, the garbage container 10 can be provided with
a drain hole 48 that is continuously open to the environment in
other embodiments.
[0055] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the body 14 detached from the
lid 12. The body 14 defines a cavity 52. As shown in FIG. 3, the
cavity 52 is defined by the bottom 64 of the body in addition to a
plurality of inner planar surfaces 58. There are eight inner planar
surfaces 58 present so as to give the body 14 an interior
cross-section that is octagonal. The inner planar surfaces 58 taper
outwardly from the axis of the body 14 in the axial direction from
the bottom 64 to the end 56. In this manner, the cavity 52 is
larger proximate the end 56 than it is proximate to bottom 64.
[0056] It is to be understood that the present container 10 has
been described as a garbage container 10 for sake of example and
that the container 10 disclosed herein may be used in other
applications besides transporting and storing garbage. It is often
the case that one uses a garbage container for storage of items in
their garage or basement. Other uses of a garbage container are
likewise possible. For example, the container 10 can be used as a
cooler in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. Here, an O-ring seal can be seated around the body 14 at
the bottom of the male threads 22. A user can engage the lid 12
onto the body 14 and turn the lid 12 so the female threads 20
engage the male threads 22 and eventually compress the O-ring seal
to form a sealed locking arrangement. The O-ring seal is
advantageous in that it prevents cooled air from escaping. However,
it is to be understood that the O-ring seal can be used when the
container 10 is used as a garbage container as well.
[0057] When used as a cooler, the container 10 can also be designed
so that the body 14 is double walled and is lined with foam
insulation to maintain desired thermal properties in the cavity 52.
A drain plug 68 and drain hole 48 are also advantageously provided
as it is common for ice, which melts, to be present inside of
coolers. As such, it is to be understood that although described as
being used to hold garbage, in certain exemplary embodiments, the
garbage container 10 can be used in other applications besides
those in which garbage is housed and transported.
[0058] While the present invention has been described in connection
with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the
subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not
to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is
intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included
within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
[0059] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and
especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art
who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence
of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is
neither intended to define the invention of the application, which
is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to
the scope of the invention in any way.
* * * * *