U.S. patent application number 12/329203 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-11 for container for recyclable and other materials.
Invention is credited to Colin Cote, Claude Mauffette.
Application Number | 20090148077 12/329203 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40721764 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090148077 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mauffette; Claude ; et
al. |
June 11, 2009 |
CONTAINER FOR RECYCLABLE AND OTHER MATERIALS
Abstract
There is provided a container including: framing elements
connected to the bottom of the container, projecting upwards from
the bottom towards the top and being symmetric about a transverse
plane that transects the bottom and top defining a front and back
section of the container; fabric material connected to the framing
elements; a closure mechanism for selectively closing the open top
comprising: a primary flap for covering the top hingedly connected
at the top to the back section and operable between a closed and
open position, the primary flap covering the top and being under
elastic tension when in a closed position and exposing the top and
being free of the elastic tension when in an open position; and a
first handle operatively connected to the primary flap for
snappingly engaging an open position thereof; and a second handle
disposed in the front section for handling and transporting the
container.
Inventors: |
Mauffette; Claude;
(Montreal, CA) ; Cote; Colin; (Montreal,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY LLP
600 13TH STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20005-3096
US
|
Family ID: |
40721764 |
Appl. No.: |
12/329203 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61012176 |
Dec 7, 2007 |
|
|
|
61090955 |
Aug 22, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/02 20130101; B65F
2220/106 20130101; B65F 1/1468 20130101; B65F 2220/1063
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/33 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/00 20060101
B65D033/00 |
Claims
1. A container having an open top, a closed bottom and an outside
surface, said container comprising: framing elements connected to
said bottom and projecting upwards from said bottom towards said
top, said framing elements being symmetric about a transverse plane
transecting said bottom and top, said transverse plane defining a
front section and a back section of said container; fabric material
connected to said framing elements thereby defining a volume
bounded within said framing elements and by said bottom; a closure
mechanism for selectively closing said open top, said closure
mechanism comprising: a primary flap for covering said open top
hingedly connected at said open top to said back section, said
primary flap operable between a closed position and an open
position, said primary flap covering said open top and being under
elastic tension when in a closed position, said primary flap
exposing said open top and being free of the elastic tension when
in an open position; and a first handle operatively connected to
said primary flap for snappingly engaging an open position of the
primary flap; and a second handle disposed in the front section of
the container for handling and transporting the container.
2. The container according to claim 1, wherein said bottom is
hingedly connected to said framing elements.
3. The container according to claim 2, further comprising a live
hinge for hingedly connecting said bottom to said framing
elements.
4. The container according to claim 2, wherein said bottom is
releasably secured to said framing elements for selectively
engaging an operative position of the container.
5. The container according to claim 2, wherein said bottom is
foldable along an axis within said transverse plane for engaging a
collapsed position of the container.
6. The container according to claim 1, wherein said bottom is
solid.
7. The container according to claim 6, wherein said bottom
comprises at least one hole.
8. The container according to claim 1, wherein said bottom
comprises a breathable fabric material.
9. The container according to claim 8, wherein said breathable
fabric material is a mesh material.
10. The container according to claim 1, wherein said bottom is
rigid.
11. The container according to claim 1, wherein said framing
elements are contiguously connected to each other and to said
fabric material.
12. The container according to claim 1, wherein said framing
elements are hingedly connected to each other.
13. The container according to claim 12, further comprising live
hinges for hingedly connecting said framing elements to each
other.
14. The container according to claim 1, wherein said framing
elements further define supports extending from said bottom for
supporting the container in an operative upright position and
maintaining said bottom off a surface.
15. The container according to claim 1, wherein the fabric material
comprises a breathable material.
16. The container according to claim 1, wherein the fabric material
comprises mesh material.
17. The container according to claim 1, wherein the fabric material
is flexible.
18. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is
made of an extruded single-piece of plastic.
19. The container according to claim 1, wherein the closure
mechanism comprises a secondary flap hingedly connected to said
front side and overlappable over said primary flap.
20. The container according to claim 18, wherein said secondary
flap is operable between a closed position and an open position,
said secondary flap overlapping said primary flap and being under
elastic tension when in a closed position, said secondary flap
exposing said open top and being free of the elastic tension when
in an open position.
21. The container according to claim 1, wherein said first handle
comprises a loop of material operatively connected to said primary
flap and said back section.
22. The container according to claim 21, wherein said first handle
is integral with said primary flap and said back section.
23. The container according to claim 21, wherein said first handle
comprises a loop of material operatively connected to said primary
flap and said back section proximate said open top of said
container.
24. The container according to claim 1, wherein said second handle
comprises an opening in said fabric material or said framing
elements.
25. The container according to claim 1, wherein said second handle
comprises a loop of material connected to said fabric material or
said framing elements.
26. The container according to claim 25, wherein said second handle
is integral with said fabric material or said framing elements.
27. The container according to claim 1, comprising a third handle
for handling the container, said third handle disposed proximate or
on said bottom element.
28. The container according to claim 27, wherein the third handle
is a recess in said bottom element.
29. The container according to claim 27, wherein said third handle
comprises a loop of material.
30. The container according to claim 1, wherein the closure
mechanism further comprises securing means for securing the primary
flap in a closed position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a container that can be
used to transport and store any number of items or materials. In a
particular aspect of the invention, the container is particularly
useful for recyclable materials.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] In the domestic recyclable industry, consumers are asked to
place paper and cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, and the like in
containers which are then placed on a curb for pick up by municipal
authorities. These containers, particularly in North America, can
take the form of rigid bins, which are small enough to be carried
by a person with both hands and large enough to provide adequate
volume for placing items within it. Some users will also supplement
the storage capacity of these bins with paper bags, empty cardboard
boxes, etc.
[0003] In some areas, not only is recycling encouraged, but also
the municipality (or other local or regional authority) may further
require sorting of the items by the consumer. For example, glass
and plastic needs to be sorted and separated from paper, and
further separated from metal. This allegedly reduces the burden on
the municipality of having to sort the materials at a central
location. Compliance with these requirements is tepid at best.
[0004] Rigid plastic bins do suffer some disadvantages, in that
breakage can occur often requiring replacement of the bin
altogether. Furthermore, the bins can become relatively heavy if
loaded with newspapers and empty glass bottles, which deters from
universal acceptance and use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
container for materials, and more particularly recyclable
materials, which will promote acceptance and use by a greater
segment of the population.
[0006] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a
container having an open top, a closed bottom and an outside
surface, the container including: [0007] framing elements connected
to the bottom and projecting upwards from the bottom towards the
top, the framing elements being symmetric about a transverse plane
transecting the bottom and top, the transverse plane defining a
front section and a back section of the container; [0008] fabric
material connected to the framing elements thereby defining a
volume bounded within the framing elements and by the bottom;
[0009] a closure mechanism for selectively closing the open top,
the closure mechanism comprising: [0010] a primary flap for
covering the open top hingedly connected at the open top to the
back section, the primary flap operable between a closed position
and an open position, the primary flap covering the open top and
being under elastic tension when in a closed position, the primary
flap exposing the open top and being free of the elastic tension
when in an open position; and [0011] a first handle operatively
connected to the primary flap for snappingly engaging an open
position of the primary flap; and [0012] a second handle disposed
in the front section of the container for handling and transporting
the container.
[0013] The bottom may be releasably secured to the framing elements
for selectively engaging an operative position of the
container.
[0014] In accordance with an embodiment of the container, the
bottom may be foldable along an axis within the transverse plane
for engaging a collapsed position of the container.
[0015] The closure mechanism may further include a secondary flap
hingedly connected to the front side and overlappable over the
primary flap. Preferably, the secondary flap is operable between a
closed position and an open position, the secondary flap
overlapping the primary flap and being under elastic tension when
in a closed position, the secondary flap exposing the open top and
being free of the elastic tension when in an open position.
[0016] The first handle may include a loop of material operatively
connected to the primary flap and the back section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention and its advantages will be more easily
understood after reading the following non-restrictive description
of preferred embodiments thereof, made with reference to the
following drawings in which:
[0018] FIGS. 1a and 1b are perspective views of the container
according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the
container respectively in a closed and open position;
[0019] FIGS. 2a and 2b are top views of the container of FIG. 1,
showing the container respectively in an open and closed
position;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective detailed view showing the closure
mechanism for the container of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the container of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d are side views of the container of
FIG. 1, showing respectively open, closed, folded and flat
configurations of the container;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a front view of a container according to another
embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a side view of the container of FIG. 6;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a different perspective view of the container of
FIG. 6;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of the container of FIG.
6, showing a collapsed configuration of the container;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 6,
showing the container in a closed configuration;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective back view of the container of FIG.
11, showing the closure mechanism;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a different perspective view of the container of
FIG. 6, showing the container in a closed configuration;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 6,
showing the container being transported;
[0032] FIGS. 15a, 15b, and 15c are respectively perspective, front
and side views of the container according to yet another embodiment
of the invention;
[0033] FIGS. 16a and 16b are front and back views of the container
of FIG. 15a;
[0034] FIG. 17a is a partial side view of the top of the container
of FIG. 15c; FIG. 17b is a detailed partial view of FIG. 17a;
[0035] FIG. 18a is a top view of the container of FIG. 15a; FIG.
18b is a detailed partial side view of the bottom of the container
of FIG. 15c;
[0036] FIG. 19a is a side view of an alternating stack of
containers according to the embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 15a; FIG. 19b is a detailed partial perspective view of the
stack of containers of FIG. 19a; and FIG. 19c is a perspective view
of the stack of containers of FIG. 19a.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0037] In general, the present invention provides a container
useful for transporting and storing any number of items or
materials, including recyclable materials. At least one advantage
of this container lies in the easily-actuated closure mechanism
used to close the contents of the container. The description of
preferred embodiments of the invention is made with reference to
the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 1a to 19c, in which like numerals
refer to like elements throughout.
[0038] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a container 10 that has an open top 21, a closed bottom 11 and an
outside surface. The open top 21 provides an opening 29 allowing
placement of items within the container 10 and removal of the items
therefrom.
[0039] The container 10 includes framing elements 13 connected to
the bottom 11 and projecting upwards from the bottom 11 towards the
top 21. The framing elements are symmetric about a transverse plane
23, transecting the bottom 11 and top 21 and defining a front
section (also referred to as consumer side) 37 and a back section
39 (also referred to as collector side) of the container 11.
[0040] Of course, the framing elements may be embodied by rods,
wires, strips of material (see FIGS. 1 to 5) or any other
appropriate embodiment capable of providing a framing structure for
the container 10. The framing elements 13 are preferably connected
to each other, for example via mechanical means, such as live or
mechanical hinges 36 or press-fit connections, or in the case of
framing elements made of rigid fabric, they may be for example sewn
together or glued together. Alternatively, they may be made of a
single piece of material, for example a single piece of extruded
plastic, as seen in the embodiment of the container 10 in FIGS. 6
to 14 and the embodiment in FIGS. 15 to 19.
[0041] As especially seen in FIGS. 6 to 14, the framing elements 13
may further define supports 51 extending from the bottom 11 for
supporting the container in an upright position when in operative
use. The supports advantageously also maintain the bottom 11 of the
container off the ground surface allowing for aeration of the
contents of the container and drainage of any accumulated liquid
(for example rainwater or liquid that may have come from the
disposed recycled material) through any holes 62 in the bottom 11
of the container 10.
[0042] Fabric material 15 is attached, sewn, glued or otherwise
connected to the framing elements 13, and generally espouses the
shape defined by the framing elements and defines a volume bounded
within the framing elements 13 and by the bottom 11. The fabric
material may be a breathable material allowing aeration of the
contents of the container. Mesh material, of any suitable
composition such as nylon or plastic, may be used to advantageously
provide aeration and visual inspection of the contents.
[0043] The container 10 itself, in general, may be made of any
appropriate material, including a thermoplastic material flexible
over a wide temperature range. Preferably, the fabric material 15
used is HDPE, which is resistant, relatively firm but flexible
enough to not crack especially in areas of harsh elements (for
example cold temperatures). Further preferably, the frame elements
13 are semi-rigid, providing stiffness to the container but also
allowing some play for users that will often fill the container to
the brim or with heavier or bulkier objects.
[0044] Alternatively, the container 10 may be made of a single
extruded piece of plastic as with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15
to 19. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 14, the
container is foldable but made of a rigid plastic, preferably of a
mesh type configuration permitting air circulation and visual
inspections of the contents.
[0045] The bottom 11 of the container 10 may be solid. As seen in
the embodiment of FIGS. 15 to 19, where the container is a unitary
structure, it may be integral with the container structure itself.
The bottom may include a breathable fabric material or be made of a
mesh material similar to the fabric material 15 used for the outer
surface of the container 10. It may further be rigid. In the case
of a solid bottom, the bottom may be advantageously provided with
at least one drainage hole 62.
[0046] The bottom 11 may be hingedly connected to the framing
elements 13, for example using such hinges as a mechanical hinge
(e.g. hinge 33 and 35 seen in FIG. 4), a live hinge or any other
type of hinge, to allow the container to collapse into a less
voluminous configuration. The bottom may be releasably secured in
an operative position to ensure the non-collapse of the container
when in use. It may be foldable along an axis 25 within the
transverse plane 23 for engaging the collapsed position of the
container.
[0047] Now, in order to be able to selectively close the open top
21 of the container 10, a closure mechanism 60 is provided. The
closure mechanism includes a primary flap 53 for covering the open
top 21. The primary flap 53 is hingedly connected, preferably using
a live hinge 57, to the back section 39 (the collector side) at the
top 21 of the container 10. To close the open top 21, the primary
flap 53 is flipped over to cover the open top 21 and in so doing it
is placed under elastic tension from the hinged connection; this
elastic tension also serving to maintain the primary flap in place.
When the primary flap 53 is flipped back to the open position to
uncover the open top, the elastic tension is released and the
primary flap is no longer under this elastic tension.
[0048] A secondary flap 55 may be provided. This secondary flap 55
is hingedly connected to the front side (consumer side) 37 and
overlaps the primary flap 53. When engaging the closed position of
the top 21, this secondary flap 55 is flipped over the primary flap
53 and is thus placed under elastic tension, keeping it in the
closed position. When engaging the open position, the secondary
flap 55 is flipped back and the elastic tension is released.
[0049] To secure the container in the closed position, securing
means such as a tie or clip hinge 61 may be provided.
[0050] To facilitate the re-engagement of the open position from
the closed position of the primary flap 53, and closure mechanism
in general, a first (collector) handle 19 is provided. This
collector handle 19 is operatively connected to the primary flap.
Upon grabbing of this handle 19, the primary flap 53 is snapped out
of its closed position, releasing the elastic tension which held it
in the closed position, and is flipped into an open position
uncovering the top and allowing access to the contents of the
container 10. This first handle 19 may include a loop of material
connected to the primary flap as shown in the embodiment of FIGS.
15 to 19. The first handle 19 may be connected to the primary flap
53 and the back section (collector side) 39 of the container 10
near the top of the container or to the primary flap 53 and the
back section (collector side) 39 of the container 10 near the
bottom of the container. Of course, as long as it is operatively
connected to the primary flap 53, it may be connected to any
appropriate spot which would allow the actuation of the open
position.
[0051] A second (consumer) handle 17 disposed in the front section
(consumer side) 37 of the container 10 for handling and
transporting the container. This consumer handle 17 may include an
opening in the fabric material 15 or the framing elements as shown
in the embodiment of FIGS. 15 to 19 or a loop of material as seen
in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 14.
[0052] A third handle 31 may be provided for further facilitating
handling the container 10. This third handle may be disposed on or
near the bottom 11. It may be a recess in the bottom 11 of the
container or it may include a loop material.
[0053] The first 19, second 17, and third 31 handles may be
integral with the container 10 and its structural elements.
[0054] Although the many features of the present invention have
been described hereinabove with reference to many alternate forms
of embodiments of the container of the present invention, a more
detailed description of one of the embodiments, that shown in FIGS.
1 to 5d, illustrating a working relationship of the elements,
follows.
[0055] As seen in FIG. 4, the bottom 11 is preferably hexagonal in
shape, where its long axis is generally coincident with the
transverse axis 25 of the transverse plane 23.
[0056] The frame elements 13 thus comprise a bottom element 42
shaped and sized to conform to the outside of bottom 11. Opposite
ends of the elements 42 include vertical posts 41. Intermediate
posts 43 also project upwardly, and join at intermediate apex 27.
Bridge segment 45 bridges the frame from intermediate apex 27 to
top 21 of frame. The frame elements 13 are completed by top arms 47
extending from top 21 of frame to the upper portion of the vertical
posts 41. Viewed from the top, the top arms 47 define a square
opening (see FIG. 2a).
[0057] The vertical posts 41 of the consumer side are preferably
hingedly connected to the vertical posts 41 of the collector
side.
[0058] Also preferably, the intermediate posts 43 project
outwardly, so that the intermediate apex 27 projects beyond the
bottom 11.
[0059] The bottom 11 is preferably hingedly connected to the frame
13 along an edge parallel to the plane 23 on the consumer side.
Furthermore, for purposes which will be explained hereinafter, the
bottom 11 is also foldable along axis 25.
[0060] A closure mechanism 60 is further provided at top 21 of
container 10, to close the container to protect the contents from
the elements.
[0061] The closure mechanism is preferably a clip hinge 61.
[0062] The consumer handle 17 is preferably connected in the
vicinity of apex 27 on the consumer side of the container. The apex
is further preferably located slightly below the top of the
vertical posts, so that the fabric over the intermediate posts and
the bottom defines an outwardly projecting surface 49 (see FIGS.
1a, 1b and 5a). The distances are so selected that when the
container is lifted for transport, the cooperation between the
center of gravity of the container and the consumer handle results
in surface 49 lying generally parallel to a consumer's leg,
preventing interference from the container when walking.
[0063] On the other side of container, the collector handle 19 is
preferably a loop of material extending from the apex 27 (or
higher) to the top 21 of container. Further preferably, the handle
19 is further preferably operatively connected to hinge 61 so that
when the collector grabs handle 19, the weight of the container 10
combined with the pulling motion on the handle 19 opens hinge 61
(if closed, of course) in one step. Advantageously, in order to
facilitate the emptying of the container 10 in a truck or the like,
the container is further provided with a second collector handle 31
on the bottom. Thus, with his or her two hands, the collector can
efficiently grab the bag from the top and the bottom in order to
empty container 10.
[0064] As mentioned previously, a variety of hinges, mechanical or
otherwise, are provided in container. Notably, the bottom 21 is
hingedly connected to the frame, so that the bottom can be snapped
into the operative position, giving shape to the bottom of the
frame. It can also be unclipped or unsnapped and pivoted upwardly.
In such a case, and referring now to FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d, the
container can be completely folded and flattened, for shipping and
storage purposes (a definite advantage of the rigid plastic bins of
the prior art).
[0065] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 14, the
container is foldable but made of a rigid plastic, preferably of a
mesh type configurations permitting air circulation and visual
inspections of the contents. In another embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 15 to 19, the container is not collapsible and is made of a
single piece of extruded plastic. All other structural elements
remain basically the same.
[0066] Although embodiments of the present invention have been
described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to these precise embodiments and that various changes and
modifications may be effected therein without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
* * * * *