U.S. patent application number 12/108427 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-30 for container assemblies with bag engaging member.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pressix Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Daniel Lee Bizzell, Ian D. KOVACEVICH, Thomas J. Philpott, Matthew Blake Wynn.
Application Number | 20080264950 12/108427 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39721840 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080264950 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KOVACEVICH; Ian D. ; et
al. |
October 30, 2008 |
CONTAINER ASSEMBLIES WITH BAG ENGAGING MEMBER
Abstract
A trashcan assembly includes a trashcan container and an
attachment member. The attachment member is received on a rim of
the trashcan container. The attachment member includes at least one
bag engaging member. The bag engaging member is formed in a wall of
the attachment member or, alternatively, is an insert that is
located within an opening in a wall of the attachment member.
Inventors: |
KOVACEVICH; Ian D.;
(Charlotte, NC) ; Bizzell; Daniel Lee; (Davidson,
NC) ; Wynn; Matthew Blake; (Charlotte, NC) ;
Philpott; Thomas J.; (Charlotte, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TILLMAN WRIGHT, PLLC
P.O. BOX 471581
CHARLOTTE
NC
28247
US
|
Assignee: |
Pressix Technologies, LLC
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
39721840 |
Appl. No.: |
12/108427 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12101847 |
Apr 11, 2008 |
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12108427 |
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PCT/US2008/055203 |
Feb 27, 2008 |
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12101847 |
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60891931 |
Feb 27, 2007 |
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60950647 |
Jul 19, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/495.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/06 20130101; Y10T
29/49826 20150115; B65D 25/16 20130101; B65F 1/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/495.11 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/20 20060101
B65D025/20 |
Claims
1-96. (canceled)
97. A trashcan assembly comprising a trashcan container and an
attachment member that is received on a rim of the trashcan
container and that includes at least one bag engaging member.
98. The trashcan assembly of claim 97, wherein the attachment
member comprises a band.
99. The trashcan assembly of claim 97, wherein the bag engaging
member defines an open space in the shape of an "X".
100. The trashcan assembly of claim 97, wherein the attachment
member includes an annular recess within which a rim of the
trashcan container is received.
101. The trashcan assembly of claim 100, wherein the rim is
received in a snap-fit connection within the attachment member.
102. The trashcan assembly of claim 100, wherein the rim is adhered
to the attachment member.
103. The trashcan assembly of claim 100, wherein the rim is bonded
to the attachment member.
104. The trashcan assembly of claim 97, wherein the attachment
member has a generally uniform height.
105. The trashcan assembly of claim 97, wherein the attachment
member has a height that gradually varies along a circumference of
the trashcan container.
106. The trashcan assembly of claim 97, wherein the attachment
member has a height that sharply increases in the areas of the bag
engaging members.
107. The trashcan assembly of claim 97, wherein the attachment
member consists of a single injection molded piece.
108. The trashcan assembly of claim 97, wherein the attachment
member consists of two components are co-molded together.
109. The trashcan assembly of claim 97, wherein the bag engaging
member comprises an insert comprising a plurality of resilient,
flexible fingers that define a passageway into the interior space
of the container.
110. The trashcan assembly of claim 109, wherein each finger
includes a portion thereof that extends away from a wall of the
attachment member on an exterior of the attachment member and a
portion thereof that extends toward the interior space of the
container.
111. The trashcan assembly of claim 109, wherein the insert
includes a circumferentially extending channel within which a
portion of a wall of the attachment member is received such that
the insert is secured to the attachment member.
112. The trashcan assembly of claim 111, wherein the channel fully
encircles a circumferential periphery of the insert.
113. The trashcan assembly of claim 111, wherein the insert
comprises four fingers and wherein the four fingers do not include
pointed ends all converging at a common point.
114. The trashcan assembly of claim 113, wherein the ends of the
fingers point generally toward the interior space of the
container.
115. The trashcan assembly of claim 110, wherein each finger
includes a curved portion such that the end of the finger points
generally toward the interior space of the container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a U.S. continuation patent
application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to,
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/101,847, filed Apr. 11, 2008,
which '847 application is a U.S. continuation patent application
of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to, International
Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US2008/055203, designating the
United States and filed on Feb. 27, 2008, which International
Patent Application is a nonprovisional patent application of, and
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to, each of U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/891,931, filed Feb. 27,
2007, and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/950,647,
filed Jul. 19, 2007. These patent applications, and any
corresponding patent application publications, are incorporated by
reference herein.
[0002] The present application furthermore incorporates by
reference each of the following: U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/424,920, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,811; U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/424,968, and corresponding U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2007/0034334 A1; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/424,969, and corresponding U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2007/0289972 A1; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/778,839,
and corresponding U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2008/0011910 A1; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/778,841, and
corresponding U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0011754
A1; U.S. Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/296,856; U.S.
Design Patent Application Serial No. 29/296,859; and U.S. Design
Patent Application Serial No. 29/296,860.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
[0003] All of the material in this patent document is subject to
copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States
and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the
patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records
but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are
reserved.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention generally relates to a trashcan
assembly having bag engaging members for grasping and retaining a
trash bag.
[0005] The use of trashcan devices is known in the prior art. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,126,031, which is incorporated herein by reference,
describes a device having a bottom compartment for holding a roll
of trash bags so that the trash bags may be retrieved as needed
through an opening extending into the bottom compartment. Another
type of trashcan device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,416,
which is incorporated herein by reference, which device has a
conventional shape and which includes clips that are attachable to
a trash bag. The clips are positioned outside of the trashcan to
prevent the trash bag from falling back into the trashcan. Another
clip assembly for securing a trash bag is found in U.S. Pat. No.
5,645,186, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0006] While these devices fulfill their respective, particular
objectives and requirements, it is believed that a need remains for
a simple trashcan assembly that allows a trashcan liner-sometimes
referred to herein as a trash bag and vice versa--to be secured
directly to the trashcan assembly in order to prevent the trash bag
from slipping and falling into the trashcan assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention includes many aspects and features.
Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are
described in, the context of trashcan assemblies, the present
invention is not limited to use only in trashcan assemblies, and
can be used in other context in which an assembly includes a
container and a pliable liner or bag received therein.
[0008] In an aspect of the invention, a container assembly includes
a container having a peripheral wall forming an interior space for
receipt of a pliable liner therein. The peripheral wall surrounds
and defines an opening therein. An insert is received within the
opening and secured to the peripheral wall. The insert includes a
liner engaging member defining a passageway into the interior space
of the container. The liner engaging member includes a plurality of
resilient, flexible fingers configured to receive and retain a
portion of a pliable liner that is extended through the
passageway.
[0009] In a first feature of this aspect, each finger includes a
portion thereof that extends away from the peripheral wall on the
exterior of the container and a portion thereof that extends toward
the interior space of the container.
[0010] In a second feature of this aspect, the insert includes a
circumferentially extending channel within which a portion of the
peripheral wall of the container is received, whereby the insert is
secured to the peripheral wall.
[0011] In a third feature of this aspect, the insert is injection
molded.
[0012] In a fourth feature of this aspect, the liner engaging
member includes an arrangement of slots that extend away from a
center of the arrangement and that define the plurality of fingers
between adjacent ones of the slots. In at least one embodiment of
this fourth feature, the slots define at least four fingers. In at
least one other embodiment of this fourth feature, the fingers do
not include pointed ends all converging toward a common point.
Additionally, in at least one embodiment in which the fingers do
not include pointed ends all converging towards a common point, the
ends of the fingers point generally towards the interior space of
the container. Further, in at least one embodiment in which the
ends of the fingers point generally towards the interior space of
the container, the fingers define a central opening of the liner
retention member.
[0013] In a fifth feature of this aspect, a portion of a liner
extends from the interior of the container over a rim of the
container and through the liner engaging member and is disposed in
frictional engagement with the fingers such that the liner is
secured from slipping into the container when trash is received
within the liner in the container. In at least one embodiment of
this fifth feature, only a portion of the liner extends through the
liner engaging member in order to prevent the liner from slipping
into the container.
[0014] In another aspect of the invention, a method of making a
assembly includes the steps of (a) providing a container having a
peripheral wall defining an interior space for receipt of a trash
bag therein; (b) providing an insert having a bag retention member
including a plurality of resilient, flexible fingers configured to
receive and retain a portion of a trash bag that is extended
therethrough; (c) forming an opening in the peripheral wall of the
container; and (d) securing an insert within the opening to the
peripheral wall.
[0015] In a first feature of this aspect, step (d) includes seating
the insert in the opening, wherein a portion of the sidewall of the
container is received within a channel of the insert. In at least
one embodiment of this first feature, the channel fully encircles a
circumferential periphery of the insert. In at least one embodiment
of this first feature, the insert is secured to the peripheral wall
via a snap-fit mounting. In at least one embodiment of this first
feature, the insert includes a flange that serves as a skirt to
cover the periphery of the opening formed in the container.
[0016] In a second feature of this aspect, each finger includes a
bent finger with the end thereof pointing toward the interior space
of the container.
[0017] In another aspect of the invention, a method of retrofitting
a container having a peripheral wall defining an interior space for
receipt of a trash bag therein includes the steps of forming an
opening in the peripheral wall of the container; and securing an
insert within the opening to the peripheral wall, the insert having
a bag retention member including a plurality of resilient, flexible
fingers configured to receive and retain a portion of a trash bag
that is extended therethrough.
[0018] In a first feature of this aspect, step (a) includes cutting
an opening in the peripheral wall.
[0019] In a second feature of this aspect, step (a) includes
punching an opening in the peripheral wall.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, a container assembly
includes a container and an attachment member that is received on
the rim of the container and that includes bag engaging
members.
[0021] In a first feature of this aspect, the attachment member
resembles a band. In at least one embodiment of this first feature,
the attachment member has an inner diameter of about fourteen
inches. In at least one embodiment, the attachment member includes
an annular recess within which the rim of the container is
received. The rim may be received in a snap-fit connection with the
attachment member, or may be adhered or otherwise bonded to the
attachment member for permanent attachment therebetween.
[0022] In a second feature of this aspect, the attachment member
may be injection molded from one or more materials. In at least one
embodiment of this second feature, the materials include one or
more thermoplastic materials and one or more elastomers. In at
least one embodiment of this second feature, the attachment member
is entirely made from the same material in an injection molding
process, and each bag engaging member is formed by simply forming
openings in the attachment member, either during the injection
molding process or thereafter. In at least one other embodiment of
this feature, the attachment member is formed from two portions
that are co-molded together.
[0023] In another aspect of the invention, a container assembly
includes an outer container and an interior container that both is
removably received within the container and includes one or more
bag engaging members.
[0024] More aspects and features are set forth below in the context
of a trashcan assembly.
[0025] In this respect, another aspect of the invention relates to
a trashcan assembly that includes a container having a peripheral
wall forming an interior space for receipt of a pliable liner
therein. The peripheral wall surrounds and defines an opening
therein. An insert is received within the opening and secured to
the peripheral wall. The insert includes a liner engaging member
defining a passageway into the interior space of the container. The
liner engaging member includes a plurality of resilient, flexible
fingers configured to receive and retain a portion of a pliable
liner that is extended through the passageway.
[0026] In a first feature of this first aspect, each finger
includes a portion thereof that extends away from the peripheral
wall on the exterior of the container and a portion thereof that
extends toward the interior space of the container.
[0027] In a second feature of this first aspect, the insert
includes a circumferentially extending channel within which a
portion of the peripheral wall of the container is received,
whereby the insert is secured to the peripheral wall.
[0028] In a third feature of this first aspect, the insert is
injection molded.
[0029] In a fourth feature of this first aspect, the liner engaging
member includes an arrangement of slots that extend away from a
center of the arrangement and that define the plurality of fingers
between adjacent ones of the slots.
[0030] In at least one embodiment of this fourth feature, the slots
define at least four fingers.
[0031] In at least one other embodiment of this fourth feature, and
possibly concurrent with the previous enumerated embodiment, the
fingers do not include pointed ends all converging toward a common
point. Additionally, in at least one embodiment in which the
fingers do not include pointed ends all converging towards a common
point, the ends of the fingers point generally towards the interior
space of the trashcan. Further, in at least one embodiment in which
the ends of the fingers point generally towards the interior space
of the trashcan, the fingers define a central opening of the liner
retention member.
[0032] In a fifth feature of this first aspect, a portion of a
trashcan liner extends from the interior of the trashcan container
over a rim of the trashcan container and through the liner engaging
member and is disposed in frictional engagement with the fingers
such that the trashcan liner is secured from slipping into the
trashcan container when trash is received within the trashcan liner
in the trashcan container.
[0033] In at least one embodiment of this fifth feature, only a
portion of the trashcan liner extends through the liner engaging
member in order to prevent the trashcan liner from slipping into
the trashcan container.
[0034] In a second aspect of the invention, a method of making a
trashcan assembly includes the steps of (a) providing a container
having a peripheral wall defining an interior space for receipt of
a trash bag therein; (b) providing an insert having a bag retention
member comprising a plurality of resilient, flexible fingers
configured to receive and retain a portion of a trash bag that is
extended therethrough; (c) forming an opening in the peripheral
wall of the container; and (d) securing an insert within the
opening to the peripheral wall.
[0035] In a first feature of this second aspect, step (d) includes
seating the insert in the opening, wherein a portion of the
sidewall of the container is received within a channel of the
insert.
[0036] In at least one embodiment of this first feature, said
channel fully encircles a circumferential periphery of the
insert.
[0037] In at least one embodiment of this first feature, and
possibly concurrent with other enumerated embodiments, the insert
is secured to the peripheral wall via a snap-fit mounting.
[0038] In at least one embodiment of this first feature, and
possibly concurrent with other enumerated embodiments, the insert
includes a flange that serves as a skirt to cover the periphery of
the opening formed in the container.
[0039] In a second feature of this second aspect, each finger
comprises a bent finger with the end thereof pointing toward the
interior space of the container.
[0040] In a third aspect of the invention, a method of retrofitting
a trashcan container having a peripheral wall defining an interior
space for receipt of a trash bag therein includes the steps of
forming an opening in the peripheral wall of the container; and
securing an insert within the opening to the peripheral wall, the
insert having a bag retention member comprising a plurality of
resilient, flexible fingers configured to receive and retain a
portion of a trash bag that is extended therethrough.
[0041] In a first feature of this third aspect, step (a) comprises
cutting an opening in the peripheral wall.
[0042] In a second feature of this third aspect, step (a) comprises
punching an opening in the peripheral wall.
[0043] In a fourth aspect of the invention, a trashcan assembly
includes a trashcan container and an attachment member that is
received on the rim of the trashcan container and that includes bag
engaging members.
[0044] In a first feature of this fourth aspect, the attachment
member resembles a band. In at least one embodiment of this first
feature, the attachment member has an inner diameter of about
fourteen inches. In at least one embodiment, possibly concurrent
with the previous embodiment, the attachment member includes an
annular recess within which the rim of the trashcan is received.
The rim may be received in a snap-fit connection with the
attachment member, or may be adhered or otherwise bonded to the
attachment member for permanent attachment therebetween.
[0045] In a second feature of this fourth aspect, the attachment
member may be injection molded from one or more materials. In at
least one embodiment of this second feature, the materials include
one or more thermoplastic materials and one or more elastomers. In
at least one embodiment of this second feature, the attachment
member is entirely made from the same material in an injection
molding process, and each bag engaging member is formed by simply
forming openings in the attachment member, either during the
injection molding process or thereafter. In at least one other
embodiment of this feature, the attachment member is formed from
two portions that are co-molded together.
[0046] In a fifth aspect of the invention, a trashcan assembly
includes a trashcan container and an interior container that is
removably received within the container and that includes bag
engaging members.
[0047] In a feature of this aspect, each bag engaging member
comprises a panel that includes the plurality of the fingers of the
trash bag retention member. In accordance with this feature, the
panel is bonded directly to the peripheral wall of the interior
container. Alternatively, the panel is bonded directly to a frame
and the frame is attached to the peripheral wall of the interior
container. The frame may be generally U-shaped and may be attached
to the peripheral wall via a press-fit or snap-fit connection.
Additionally or alternatively, the frame may be adhered to the
peripheral wall of the interior container.
[0048] In still further accordance with this feature, an upper edge
of the panel and the peripheral wall of the interior container
together define a rim of the interior container.
[0049] Additional aspects of the invention include a trashcan
assembly comprising a trashcan container and an insert having a
liner retention member as shown and/or disclosed herein; a method
of making a trashcan assembly as shown and/or disclosed herein; and
a trashcan assembly as shown and/or disclosed herein.
[0050] Still yet, in another aspect of the invention, a trashcan
assembly comprises a container having a bottom wall and a
peripheral wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a rim of
the peripheral wall defining an opening extending into the
container, and a bag retention member located in an area of the
peripheral wall with the bag retention member being generally
coplanar with the peripheral wall in the area and being configured
for receiving a portion of a trash bag for securing the trash bag
to an outer surface of the peripheral wall. A trash bag may be
extended over the rim and secured to the peripheral wall with the
bag retention member.
[0051] In another aspect of the invention, a trashcan assembly
comprises a container having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall
extending upwardly from the bottom wall, a rim of the peripheral
wall defining an opening extending into the container, a bag
retention member located on the peripheral wall, and a trash bag
received within the container and extending over the rim and
secured to the peripheral wall with the bag retention member with a
portion of the trash bag extending therethrough into an interior of
the trashcan assembly.
[0052] In a feature of this aspect, the trashcan assembly further
comprises a trash bag, wherein a portion of the trash bag extends
through an aperture of the bag retention member into an interior of
the trashcan assembly.
[0053] In another feature of this aspect, the trashcan assembly
further comprises a plurality of bag retention members. In
accordance with this feature, the plurality of bag retention
members includes two bag retention members disposed in opposite
facing relation with one another and, preferably, two pairs of such
bag retention members, with each pair having a bag retention member
disposed on opposite walls.
[0054] In still yet another feature, the arrangement of slits
includes a circular aperture centrally located relative to the
slits, each slit extending in a generally radial direction relative
to the circular aperture.
[0055] In another aspect of the invention, a trashcan comprises a
trash bag that has a top end that defines a mouth and a body having
a surrounding wall and a top edge that defines a mouth. An opening
is provided on the body adjacent the top edge wherein a portion of
the trash bag is inserted through the opening of the body.
[0056] In a feature of this aspect, the body further includes
fingers extending into the opening, with the fingers separated by
spaces or slots. In still yet another feature of this aspect, the
portion of the trash bag is adjacent the top end of the trash
bag.
[0057] In an additional aspect of this invention, a method of
securing a trash bag to the mouth of a trashcan comprises providing
a trashcan having a body, having a surrounding wall, and having a
top edge that defines a mouth with an opening provided on the body
adjacent the top edge; positioning a trash bag so as to line the
trashcan; and inserting a portion of the trash bag through the
opening in order to secure the trash bag in lining disposition
relative to the trashcan.
[0058] In a feature of this aspect, the step of inserting the
portion of the trash bag through the opening comprises inserting
the portion of the trash bag from an exterior of the trashcan,
through the opening, into the interior of the trashcan.
[0059] In yet another aspect of the invention, a trashcan includes:
a container having a base and a peripheral wall extending upwardly
from the base forming an interior space for receipt of a trash bag
therein; and a trash bag retention member disposed on the
peripheral wall. The retention member defines a passageway into the
interior space of the container and comprises a plurality of
resilient, flexible fingers configured to receive and retain
therebetween a portion of a trash bag. Each finger includes a
portion thereof that extends away from the peripheral wall. In
essence, each finger is "bent" and extends away from the peripheral
wall. Thus, a finger may extend away from the peripheral wall on
the exterior of the container, away from the peripheral wall on the
interior of the container, or both. In this latter respect, a
finger preferably includes both a portion that extends away from
the peripheral wall on the exterior of the container and a portion
that extends toward the interior space of the container.
[0060] In a feature of this aspect, the portion of a finger that
extends toward the interior space of the container extends beyond
the peripheral wall within the interior space of the container.
[0061] In a feature of this aspect, the retention member is
disposed on the peripheral wall at a distance below a rim of the
container, the peripheral wall completely surrounding the retention
member.
[0062] In a feature of this aspect, the fingers of the retention
member define a rounded indentation for receipt therein of the
fingertip of a person's finger. The rounded indentation
collectively may be defined by a lip of a bend or knuckle in each
finger of the retention member.
[0063] In a feature of this aspect, the plurality of fingers
consists of at least four fingers. Furthermore, the four fingers
may define therebetween an open space in the shape of an "X,"
wherein the ends of the open space are rounded or pear shaped.
Additionally, each end of the open space in the shape of an "X" may
comprise an opening that is approximately the size of the central
opening centrally located between all of the terminal ends of the
fingers.
[0064] In a feature of this aspect, each finger includes a curved
portion. In a feature of this aspect, each finger includes two
curved portions.
[0065] In a feature of this aspect, the fingers of the trash bag
retention member are arranged about an aperture or central opening.
The opening preferably comprises a generally oval or circular
opening and may include dimensions sufficient to receive therein a
person's finger without displacement of the fingers of the bag
retention member. Alternatively, the circular opening may include
dimensions insufficient to receive therein a person's finger
without displacement of the fingers of the bag retention
member.
[0066] In a feature of this aspect, the trashcan further includes a
pliable trash bag received within the container, a top of the trash
bag extending over a rim of the container and being received within
and retained by the retention member.
[0067] In a feature of this aspect, the trashcan further includes a
plurality of retention members disposed in the peripheral wall. The
plurality of retention members may be only two retention members,
each disposed in a respective, opposed sidewall of the container.
Furthermore, the two retention members may be disposed in mirror
relation to one another about a plane of symmetry of the
trashcan.
[0068] In another aspect of the invention, a method of
manufacturing a trashcan includes the steps of: forming a container
having a base and a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the
base, the peripheral wall and the base defining an interior space
of the container for receiving a trash bag, wherein an aperture is
formed in the peripheral wall; and attaching a trash bag retention
member arranged to grasp and retain a portion of a trash bag when
inserted therethrough, the trash bag retention member including an
arrangement of flexible, resilient fingers, wherein the trash bag
retention member is received within the aperture and affixed to the
container.
[0069] In another feature of this aspect, the step of attaching the
trash bag retention member to the container includes snapping the
trash bag retention member into place within the aperture.
[0070] In a feature of this aspect, the aperture is formed adjacent
a rim of the container.
[0071] In a feature of this aspect, the step of forming the
container comprises molding the container. The molding may comprise
injection molding. Moreover, making the bag retention member may
include co-molding a frame and a flexible, resilient panel to the
frame so as to define the insert. In this scenario, the frame
preferably is formed from a first material and the panel is formed
from a second, different material. The step of forming the
container also may comprise injection molding the container, and
the container may be formed from a third material different from
the first and second materials or may be formed from the second
material from which the frame is formed.
[0072] In at least one embodiment of any one of the preceding
aspects, the container comprises a porcelain coated steel
member.
[0073] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of
the present invention, it should be noted that aspects of the
present invention further encompasses the various possible
combinations of such aspects and features. The invention also
encompasses methods of using and methods of making the
aforementioned container assemblies in accordance with such aspects
and features.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0074] One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention
now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same
reference numerals, and wherein,
[0075] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of three different trashcan
assemblies all generally in accordance with a first aspect of the
present invention;
[0076] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the three trashcan assemblies
of FIG. 1;
[0077] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another trashcan assembly in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the first aspect;
[0078] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an insert comprising a
bag retention member in accordance with a second aspect of the
present invention;
[0079] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the insert of FIG.
4;
[0080] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the insert of FIG.
4;
[0081] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a trashcan container having
an opening for receipt therein of the insert of FIG. 4;
[0082] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the combination of the
trashcan container of FIG. 7 and the insert of FIG. 4;
[0083] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view, in partial cross-section,
of the trashcan and insert of FIG. 8; and
[0084] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the insert of FIG. 4
illustrating resilient fingers of the bag retention member bending
in response to a finger moving in the direction of the arrow shown
therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0085] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the present invention has broad utility and application.
Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being
"preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated
for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may
be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a
full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover,
many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications,
and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the
embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0086] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein
in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention.
The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not
intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be
defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not
intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present
invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found
herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.
[0087] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the
appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.
[0088] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0089] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0090] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0091] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred
embodiments of the present invention are next described. The
following description of one or more preferred embodiments is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its implementations, or uses.
[0092] Turning now to FIGS. 1-2, three different trashcan
assemblies 200,300,400 are illustrated, which are all generally in
accordance with a first aspect of the present invention.
[0093] The trashcan assemblies 200,300,400 have many features in
common. For example, each trashcan assembly includes a trashcan
container 202 and an attachment member 204,304,404 that is received
on a rim 206 of the trashcan container 202 and that includes at
least one bag engaging member 208. The attachment member
204,304,404 generally resembles a band and has an inner diameter of
about fourteen inches. The attachment member 204,304,404 also
includes an annular recess (visible, for example, within the
attachment member 404 on the right in FIG. 2) within which the rim
206 of the trashcan container 202 is received. The rim 206 may be
received in a "press-fit" or "snap-fit" connection within the
attachment member 204,304,404, or may be adhered or otherwise
bonded to the attachment member 204,304,404 for permanent
attachment thereto.
[0094] The trashcan assemblies 200,300,400 also have
differentiating features. These features relate to the
circumferential side profiles of the attachment member 204,304,404
in each assembly. In this respect, the first illustrated trashcan
assembly 200 includes an attachment member 204 having a generally
uniform height; the second illustrated trashcan assembly 300
includes an attachment member 304 having a height that gradually
varies along the circumference of the trashcan container 202; and
the third illustrated trashcan assembly 400 includes an attachment
member 404 having a height that sharply increases in the areas of
the bag engaging members 208.
[0095] For each of the assemblies, the attachment member
204,304,404 preferably is injection molded from one or more
materials. The materials preferably comprise one or more
thermoplastic materials and/or one or more elastomers.
[0096] In some embodiments, the entirety of the attachment member
is made from the same material, i.e., a single source material, in
an injection molding process, and each bag engaging member 208 is
formed by simply forming openings 212 in the attachment member,
either during the injection molding process or thereafter. In other
embodiments, different portions of the attachment member
204,304,404 are formed from different source materials that are
co-molded together, i.e., the bag engaging members 208 are
preferably formed from a material that is more resilient and/or
more flexible than the material from which the remainder of the
attachment member 204,304,404 is formed.
[0097] As shown herein, the openings 212 have a generally X-shaped
configuration. However, it will be understood that in at least some
embodiments each opening 212 may have any configuration that
enables a bag engaging member 208 to grasp and retain a trash bag
when a portion thereof is inserted through the bag engaging member
208.
[0098] The bag engaging members 208 of any of the three trashcan
assemblies 200,300,400 may include any one of the different types
of bag engaging members that are disclosed in the incorporated
references, including U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/424,920;
11/424,942; 11/424,968; and 11/424,969.
[0099] The containers 202 of each of the three trashcan assemblies
200,300,400 are identical. It is preferred that the container 202
comprise a porcelain coated steel member. However, the container
202 may comprise a different material such as plastic or any other
material conventionally used for forming trashcan containers. As
will be apparent from the exploded view of FIG. 2, "cutouts" 214
are provided about the rim 206 of the container 202 so that each
bag engaging member 208 provides access through the openings 212
therein into the interior of the container 202. Each cutout 214
generally corresponds to the area of the opening 212 of a bag
engaging member 208.
[0100] A trashcan assembly 500 in accordance with an embodiment of
another aspect of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. The
trashcan assembly 500 of FIG. 3 includes an outer container 502
having a hinged lid 504 as well as an interior container 506 that
is removably received within the outer container 502. The outer
container 502 preferably comprises a porcelain outer shell.
However, the container 502 may comprise a different material such
as plastic or any other material conventionally used for forming
trashcan containers.
[0101] The interior container 506 includes bag engaging members 508
that register with "cutouts" 510 in the rim 512 of the container
502 when the interior container 506 is received therein, as shown
in FIG. 3. Similar to the rim attachment member 204,304,404 of
FIGS. 1-2, the interior container 506--including the bag engaging
members 508--may be made in an injection molding process entirely
from the same material, or the interior container 506--including
the bag engaging members 508--may be made in an injection molding
process in which portions are co-molded together, wherein the bag
engaging members 508 are made from a material that is more
resilient and/or more flexible than the material from which the
remainder of the interior container 506 is made.
[0102] The bag engaging members 508 of the interior container 506
may include any of the different types of bag engaging members that
are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/424,920;
11/424,942; 11/424,968; and 11/424,969.
[0103] In a variation of the foregoing trashcan assemblies
200,300,400,500, the "cutouts" 214,510 in the rim 206,512 of the
trashcan containers 202,502 of FIGS. 1-3 may be replaced with
openings that do not extend to the top of the containers. In this
variation, the top edge of the containers 202,502 thus may be
continuous within a plane.
[0104] Now turning to a second aspect of the present invention and
with reference to FIGS. 4-6 and 10, an insert 10 in accordance with
a second aspect of the present invention is illustrated. In this
regard, FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the insert
10; FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the insert 10;
and FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevational view of the insert
10.
[0105] As perhaps best seen in FIG. 6, the insert 10 includes a
channel 26 that is formed in, and extends about, the periphery of
the insert 10. The insert further includes a front skirt portion 28
and a rear skirt portion 30. As illustrated, the periphery of the
insert 10 is generally circular, the channel 26 extends
continuously about the insert 10, and the skirt portions 28,30
likewise are generally circular and extend continuously about the
insert 10.
[0106] In accordance with the invention, the insert 10 includes a
liner engaging member (sometimes alternatively referred to as a
"liner engaging portion," a "bag engaging member" or a "bag
engaging portion") indicated generally by 12. The liner engaging
member 12 includes an arrangement of a plurality of fingers 14 that
extend in a generally radial direction from a central opening or
aperture 16. Together with the aperture 16, the fingers 14 define a
passageway through the liner engaging member 12.
[0107] The fingers 14 further are configured to receive and retain
a portion of a trash bag or liner when extended therethrough.
Moreover, each finger 14 preferably is bent or curved such that the
finger protracts (i.e., gently slopes) outwardly along a direction
from a distal end thereof toward a proximal end thereof located at
the aperture 16; and then retracts toward a rear of the liner
engaging member 12 such that the terminal end or tip 24 of the
finger 14 generally points toward the rear side of the liner
engaging member 12 (i.e., toward the interior space of a trashcan
when the liner engaging member is installed in a container as
shown, for example, in FIG. 8 discussed below). The fingers 14 at
their bends, i.e., at their "knuckles" 22, thereby serve to define
and bound the central opening or aperture 16. As defined thereby,
the aperture 16 may approximate the cross-sectional dimensions of
an average human finger.
[0108] The fingers 14 themselves are defined by a plurality of
slots 18 that also extend generally radially from the aperture 16.
The proximal end of each slot 18 connects to the aperture 16, while
each slot 18 includes a large rounded opening at its distal end
that serves a venting function for release of air that otherwise
may become trapped between a trashcan container 100 and a liner
when the liner is first placed within the trashcan for use.
[0109] Additionally, the slots 18 as illustrated define an open
space in the general shape of an "X," wherein the ends of the open
space are rounded or pear shaped. Additionally, each end of the
open space in the shape of an "X" may comprise an opening that is
approximately the size of the central opening 16 centrally located
between all of the terminal ends of the fingers 14.
[0110] Each finger 14, of which there are four in the illustrated
liner engaging member 12, preferably is resilient and flexible and
returns to the position shown in FIG. 4 after being deflected or
bent, such as may occur when a portion of a liner is inserted
through the passageway. The insert fingers 14 are shown in FIG. 10
in deflected positions as the result of a human finger being
inserted through the passageway in the direction of arrow A
generally along the axis of the central opening 16. When the human
finger is withdrawn, the insert fingers 14 return to the default
positions as shown in FIGS. 4-6.
[0111] In a variation of the liner engaging member 12, not shown,
the central opening 16 includes dimensions sufficient to receive
therein a person's finger without displacement of the insert
fingers 14. In such variation, the fingers 14 provide sufficient
friction with a liner inserted through the passageway so as to keep
the liner from slipping into a container during use. Sufficient
friction is provided by both the coefficient of friction of the
material used to form the fingers 14 and the surface area of the
fingers 14 that is in contact with the liner. In this latter
respect, the bending of the fingers 14 and their rearward extension
(which would be toward the interior space of a container) increases
the surface area of the fingers 14 that is in contact with the
liner compared to fingers lacking such bend and rearward
extension.
[0112] In another variation of the liner engaging member 12, not
shown, the slots 18 (but not the central aperture 16) are replaced
by areas of reduced thickness sections or walls and are formed from
an elastic material such that the fingers 14 are movable and
bendable relative to one another. In such alternative, these
elastic areas are more easily stretched and deformed than the
fingers 14. These elastic areas further may include openings that
serve the venting function of the slots 18 of the liner engaging
member 12.
[0113] In still other variations, the actual arrangement of the
fingers 14 and the three dimensional contours thereof (i.e., the
gradual sloping and then bending, etc.) may vary within the scope
of the present aspect. Moreover, in some embodiments, the fingers
of the liner engaging member may be generally coplanar with the
insert and aligned with a section of a peripheral wall of a
container and, thus, not include portions thereof protracting to
any substantial extent beyond the bounds of the planes of the skirt
portions of the insert. In such variations, the fingers would not
protract outside of the planes of the skirt portions but,
nevertheless, could still include bending with finger tips pointed
rearward. Moreover, for example, the fingers could be "L" shaped,
"J" shaped, or "T" shaped while still existing within the bounds of
the planes of the skirt portions of the insert. In accordance with
certain additional embodiments of this aspect of the invention, any
one of the different arrangements of fingers may be used as
disclosed, for example, in the incorporated references, including
U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/424,920; 11/424,942;
11/424,968; 11/424,969; 60/891,931; 11/778,839; and 11/778,841;
U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,811; and U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2007/0034334 A1.
[0114] With particular reference now to FIGS. 7-9, installation of
inserts 108,110 in a trashcan container 100--and the resulting
trashcan assembly formed thereby--are described in detail. The
inserts may be installed during manufacture of the container or
during retrofitting of a conventional trashcan container.
[0115] In this respect, a trashcan container 100 is illustrated in
FIG. 7. As shown therein, two openings 104 have been cut, punched,
stamped, or otherwise formed in the wall 102 that forms the sides
of the container 100. The openings 104 are illustrated as generally
circular, but the invention is not limited to circular openings
and, as will be apparent to the Ordinary Artisan, any other profile
may be utilized as desired. The trashcan container 100 also may
include a different arrangement and number of openings other than
the two opposed openings 104 illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, as
desired.
[0116] The inserts 108,110 are identical to one another, and each
has a similar circular profile as each of the openings 104.
Additionally, each insert 108,100 is substantially the same as the
insert 10 of FIGS. 4-6 and 10 and, as such, a detailed description
of each insert 108,110 is not included herein other than to
acknowledge with reference to FIG. 9 that each insert 108,110
includes resilient bent fingers 114 having knuckles 122; a central
opening or aperture 116 bounded by the knuckles 122; a front skirt
128; and a rear skirt 130.
[0117] Each insert 108,110 is installed in the wall 102 of the
container 100 by forcing the insert 108,110 into a respective
opening 104 such that the section of the wall 102 defining the
respective opening 104 is received within the channel of the
respective insert. Such disposition of inserts 108,110 is
illustrated in FIG. 8. An insert 108,110 may be forced into an
opening 104 in a direction from outside to inside of the container
100 but, preferably, such insert is forced into the opening 104 in
a direction from inside to outside of the container. Such forcible
seating causes deformation of at least a portion the insert but,
due to the resilient nature of the insert, the insert quickly
recovers upon its seating within the opening 104. Additionally,
when properly seated in the opening 104, the front skirt 128 bounds
the opening on the exterior surface of the wall 102 of the
container 100, and the rear skirt 130 bounds the opening on the
interior surface of the wall 102 of the container 100. When
installed in the container 100, each insert 108,110 defines a
passageway into the interior space of the trashcan container for
receipt therethrough and retention therein of a portion of a
trashcan liner.
[0118] In variations of the container 100, not shown, the container
may have a round shaped periphery or an elliptical shaped periphery
rather than a generally rectangular shaped periphery like container
100. An insert 108,110 may be placed into an opening of a container
of any shape in the same way as described for container 100. In a
further variation of this aspect of the invention, the shape of the
insert may mimic the shape of the container. For example, for an
elliptically shaped container, the insert may also be elliptically
shaped.
[0119] The insert may be manufactured from a resilient, rubber-like
or plastic material and may constitute a single piece. The insert
also may be received within the opening of the peripheral wall in a
"press-fit" or "snap-fit" connection and, optionally, may be
adhered or otherwise bonded for permanent attachment to the
wall.
[0120] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily
understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present
invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many
embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than
those specifically described herein, as well as many variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from
or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing
descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope
of the present invention.
[0121] Accordingly, while the present invention has been described
herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments,
it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative
and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the
purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the
invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed
to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other
embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent
arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the
claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *