U.S. patent application number 12/624368 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for step trash can having integrated base and base liner.
This patent application is currently assigned to SIMPLEHUMAN LLC. Invention is credited to Joseph Sandor, David Wolbert, Frank Yang.
Application Number | 20100147865 12/624368 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42239302 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100147865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yang; Frank ; et
al. |
June 17, 2010 |
STEP TRASH CAN HAVING INTEGRATED BASE AND BASE LINER
Abstract
A step trash can assembly includes a base assembly having an
integrated base and base liner. The base includes several parts,
including a base, a pedal bar with a foot pedal end and a linkage
end for coupling to a link rod for operating the lid, and a pivot
axle supported by the base, which pivotally supports the pedal bar.
In addition, a separate base liner is provided above the base,
concealing the components in the base after installation in the
canister body. The foregoing components are pre-assembled to form
the base assembly prior to attachment to the inside bottom trash
can body.
Inventors: |
Yang; Frank; (Rancho Palos
Verdes, CA) ; Sandor; Joseph; (Santa Ana Heights,
CA) ; Wolbert; David; (Redondo Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LIU & LIU
444 S. FLOWER STREET SUITE 1750
LOS ANGELES
CA
90071
US
|
Assignee: |
SIMPLEHUMAN LLC
Torrance
CA
|
Family ID: |
42239302 |
Appl. No.: |
12/624368 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11602081 |
Nov 20, 2006 |
|
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|
12624368 |
|
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|
61215062 |
May 1, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/810 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/163 20130101;
B65F 2001/1669 20130101; B65F 1/06 20130101; B65F 1/04 20130101;
B65F 2210/1815 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/810 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/04 20060101
B65D051/04 |
Claims
1. A step trash can assembly, comprising: a canister body, having
an edge at the bottom of the canister; and a base assembly, which
comprises: a base, a liner supported on the base, the liner sized
to extend substantially across a horizontal planar section within
the canister body; and a step mechanism supported at the bottom of
the base, wherein the base assembly is attached to inside bottom of
the canister body.
2. The step trash can assembly of claim 1, wherein the base, liner
and step mechanism are structured to be assembled prior to
attachment to the canister body.
3. The step trash can assembly of claim 2, wherein the base
assembly is attached to the canister body without using a separate
fastener piece.
4. The step trash can assembly of claim 3, wherein the base
assembly is attached to the canister body by means of protruding
tabs provided around the base, and wherein the tabs latch onto an
edge at the bottom of the canister body.
5. The step trash can assembly of claim 4, wherein the edge at the
bottom of the canister body comprises a rolled flange, on which the
tabs latch.
6. The step trash can assembly of claim 1, wherein liner is
bowl-shaped.
7. The step trash can assembly of claim 6, wherein the liner is
provided with small openings for bleeding air.
8. The step trash can assembly of claim 6, wherein the base, liner
and step mechanism are structured to be assembled prior to
attachment to the canister body.
9. The step trash can assembly of claim 8, wherein the base
assembly is attached to the canister body without using a separate
fastener piece.
10. The step trash can assembly of claim 9, wherein the base
assembly is attached to the canister body by means of protruding
tabs provided around the base, and wherein the tabs latch onto an
edge at the bottom of the canister body.
11. The step trash can assembly of claim 10, wherein the edge at
the bottom of the canister body comprises a rolled flange, on which
the tabs latch.
12. The step trash can assembly of claim 1, wherein the step
assembly comprises: a pedal bar, having a foot pedal at one end and
a hinge at another end; and a pivot axle supported at the bottom of
the base, providing pivotal support of the pedal bar.
13. The step trash can assembly of claim 12, wherein the base
comprises a cavity at the base, in which the step mechanism is
installed.
14. The step trash can assembly of claim 12, wherein the base,
liner and step mechanism are structured to be assembled prior to
attachment to the canister body.
15. The step trash can assembly of claim 13, wherein the base
assembly is attached to the canister body without using a separate
fastener piece.
16. The step trash can assembly of claim 15, wherein the base
assembly is attached to the canister body by means of protruding
tabs provided around the base, and wherein the tabs latch onto an
edge at the bottom of the canister body.
17. The step trash can assembly of claim 16, wherein the edge at
the bottom of the canister body comprises a rolled flange, on which
the tabs latch.
18. The step trash can assembly of claim 7, wherein the base
comprises openings corresponding to the small openings of the
liner.
19. A base assembly module for use in a step trash can, comprising:
a base, a liner supported on the base, the liner sized to extend
substantially across a horizontal planar section within the
canister body; and a step mechanism supported at bottom of the
base, wherein the base, liner and step mechanism are structured to
be assembled in a module prior to attachment to the step trash
can.
20. The step trash can assembly of claim 19, wherein liner is
bowl-shaped.
21. The step trash can assembly of claim 20, wherein the step
assembly comprises: a pedal bar, having a foot pedal at one end and
a hinge at another end; and a pivot axle supported at the bottom of
the base, providing pivotal support of the pedal bar.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/215,062, entitled "Integrated Step Trash Can
Base Assembly," filed on May 1, 2009, and a Continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/602,081, entitled "Trash Can
Assembly with Bag Trim," filed on Nov. 20, 2006. These applications
and other applications and documents referenced herein are fully
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to trash can assemblies, and
in particular trash cans having a lid that can be opened by
operation of a foot pedal.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] A major concern for both the home and the workplace is
containing and holding wastes, refuse, and trash until permanent
disposal. Trash cans act as containers for holding trash and other
wastes that are produced in any typical home or office. Trash and
garbage cans often employ lids and covers to contain the trash and
its associated odor, to hide the trash from view, and to prevent
the trash from contaminating areas beyond the lid.
[0006] Conventional trash cans have been improved over the years to
make them more user-friendly, sanitary, and hygienic. For example,
many trash cans are now provided with a foot pedal positioned
adjacent the base of the trash can so that a user can step on the
foot pedal to open the lid of the trash can, thereby freeing up the
user's hands to toss trash, or to change the plastic liner or bag
that is used to line the trash can. Other trash cans have even
provided an internal metal or plastic liner that fits inside the
trash can, and which can be removed to be washed. However, these
conventional trash cans still suffer from a number of
drawbacks.
[0007] A number of these drawbacks are associated with the
deployment, use and removal of the trash bag. A common problem is
associated with maintaining the trash bag suspended at the top of
the trash open with the mouth of the trash bag opened. For example,
a user typically needs to fold the top edge of the trash bag over
the top edge of the trash can or its internal liner to maintain the
mouth of the trash bag opened at the top of the trash can or an
internal liner. Unfortunately, the weight of the waste materials
deposited into the trash bag often causes the trash bag to slip
from the mouth of the trash can and fall crumpled into the interior
of the trash can. This can result in the undesirable spillage of
the waste material inside the trash bag.
[0008] Further, prior art step trash cans require a number of
components requiring various steps in the assembly process.
[0009] Thus, there remains a need for a trash can that facilitates
the convenient and effective deployment, use and removal of a trash
bag. Further, there remains a need for a step trash can structure
that requires less number of parts and provides ease of
assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a trash
can assembly that allows for a trash bag to be conveniently and
effectively deployed, used and removed.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
trash can assembly that securely retains a trash bag at the mouth
of the trash can.
[0012] In order to accomplish the objects of the present invention,
the present invention provides a trash can assembly that includes a
shell having an enclosing wall that has an upper edge, a trim
pivotably connected to the upper edge, and a lid pivotably
connected to the upper edge. The trim is seated on the upper edge,
and the lid is seated on the trim, when the lid is closed. In
addition, the trim and the lid pivot about the same pivot axis.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
assembly can also include a locking element on the trim that
removably engages a portion of the upper edge. According to another
aspect of the present invention, the upper edge has an annular lip
which extends outwardly beyond the wall of the shell.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
shell includes a bag tuck opening provided adjacent the upper
edge.
[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
bowl-shaped liner is attached inside the shell adjacent the base of
the shell.
[0016] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the
assembly includes a base assembly having an integrated base and
base liner. In this aspect, a step trash can includes a base
assembly attached to a cylindrical canister body. The base includes
several parts, including a base, a pedal bar with a foot pedal end
and a linkage end for coupling to a link rod for operating the lid,
and a pivot axle supported by the base, which pivotally supports
the pedal bar. In addition, a separate base liner is provided above
the base, concealing the components in the base after installation
in the canister body. The foregoing components are pre-assembled to
form the base assembly prior to attachment to the inside bottom
trash can body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of
the invention, as well as the preferred mode of use, reference
should be made to the following detailed description read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following
drawings, like reference numerals designate like or similar parts
throughout the drawings.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trash can assembly
according to one embodiment of the present invention shown with the
lid closed, and with a trash bag shown in phantom.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the trash can assembly of
FIG. 1 shown with the lid opened, and with a trash bag shown in
phantom.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the trash can
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the trash can
assembly of FIG. 1 shown with the lid opened.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the hinge
mechanism of the trash can assembly of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective sectional view of the lower portion
of the trash can assembly of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the portion 8 of the
trim shown in FIG. 4.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a trash can assembly
according to another embodiment of the present invention, shown
without a lid.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG.
9.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG.
9.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a top view of the trash can assembly of FIG.
9.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the trash can assembly of FIG.
9.
[0031] FIG. 14 is an exploded top perspective view of the trash can
assembly of FIG. 9.
[0032] FIG. 15 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the trash
can assembly of FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The present description is of the best presently
contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description
is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of
the invention and should not be taken in a limiting sense. The
scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the
appended claims. The invention has been described herein in
reference to various embodiments and drawings. It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and
improvements may be accomplished in view of these teachings without
deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0034] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate one embodiment of a trash can assembly
20 according to the present invention. The assembly 20 has a shell
or canister body 22 that can be made from either plastic or metal.
The shell 22 is an enclosing wall which can have any desired shape,
including oval, triangular, rectangular, square or circular (among
others), although the shell 22 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 as being
generally circular. The top edge of the shell 22 has an annular lip
24 which defines an opened mouth 26. The annular lip 24 extends
outwardly beyond the wall of the shell 22, and has a generally
rounded cross-section.
[0035] A trim 28 is pivotably coupled to the lip or top edge 24,
and can be made from plastic or metal. The trim 28 and the shell 22
can be made from the same or different materials. The trim 28 has
an annular base 44 that is adapted to be seated on the lip 24 of
the shell 22, and an annular wall 46 extending vertically from the
base 44, and which is recessed from the base 44 to define a
shoulder 45 between the wall 46 and the base 44. A lid 30 is
pivotably connected to the upper portion of the shell 22 using a
hinged connection that is described below. The lid 30 can be made
of a solid and stable material, such as a metal, plastic, etc. The
lid 30 has an annular wall 48 that is adapted to be seated on the
annular base 44 of the trim 28 when the lid 30 is closed, with the
walls 46 and 48 positioned side-by-side such that the outer
surfaces of the wall 48 and the base 44 are flush (see FIG. 1).
[0036] The shell 22 has a base 34, and a foot pedal 36 is pivotably
secured to the base 34. The base 34 of the shell 22 can define a
generally annular and curved skirt. In a non-limiting embodiment of
the present invention, the skirt can be formed in one plastic
piece. The shell 22 can be attached to the top of the skirt of the
base 34 by a groove snap-on, glue, welding, screws, and similar
attachment mechanisms. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, a bowl-shaped
liner insert 100 is attached to the base 34 at the bottom of the
shell 22, and forms a seal or lower wall for the interior of the
shell 22. The liner insert 100 can be made of plastic, and defines
a smooth base for the interior of the shell 22. The liner insert
100 is particularly advantageous where the trash can assembly 20
does not utilize a rigid inner liner.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, a link assembly extends from the foot
pedal 36 along the base 34 and then upwardly along the shell 22 to
the lid 30. The link assembly operates to translate an up-down
pivot motion of the pedal 36 to an up-down pivot motion for the lid
30. The link assembly includes a pedal bar 38 having a rear end
that is pivotably coupled to the bottom end of a vertical link rod
40. The pedal bar 38 is pivotably coupled to the base 34 for
pivoting movement about a pivot axis 42, and is connected at its
front end to the foot pedal 36. The bottom of the link rod 40 is
housed inside the base 34, and the link rod 40 extends through the
base 34 to the exterior of the shell 22, and then extends
vertically along the rear of the shell 22 to the location of the
lid 30 at the upper edge 24.
[0038] The trash can assembly 20 has a hinge assembly that
pivotably couples the lid 30 and the trim 28 along the same pivot
axis that is defined by a pivot shaft 50. The hinge assembly is
illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 5 and 6 and includes a hinge
housing 52 that is provided on the shell 22, a pair of pivot ears
54 and 56 provided at the rear of the trim 28, and a pair of pivot
ears 58 and 60 provided at the rear of the lid 30.
[0039] The hinge housing 52 is secured to the outer surface of a
rear part of the shell 22 adjacent the lip 24, and includes an
L-shaped shield 66 extending vertically from a horizontal top
surface 68 of the hinge housing 52, a bag tuck opening 70 provided
in a region 72 that is recessed from the top surface 68, and a
pivot tube 74 positioned at the rear of the hinge housing 52 on the
top surface 68. The pivot tube 74 has a bore 76 which is adapted to
receive the pivot shaft 50. In some embodiments, the bag tuck
opening 70 functions to grip and hold portions of a trash bag, and
is defined by a border 78 that has cut-out sections 80. Portions of
the trash bag can be tucked into one or more of the cut-out
sections 80 so that these cut-out sections 80 can grip the tucked
portions of the trash bag. In some embodiments, the bag tuck
opening 70 comprises a circular opening to receive and hold
portions of a trash bag. The shield 66 encircles an opening (not
shown) in the top surface 68, and functions to shield or separate
the hooked end 82 at the top of the link rod 40.
[0040] The trim 28 has a pair of pivot ears 54 and 56 that are
spaced apart at the rear of the trim 28. The pivot ears 54 and 56
are spaced so that the pivot tube 74 is snugly fitted between the
ears 54, 56, as best shown in FIG. 5. Each ear 54, 56 has a
through-hole 84 that is adapted for receiving the pivot shaft
50.
[0041] The lid 30 has a pair of pivot ears 58, 60 that are spaced
so that the pivot ears 54, 56 are snugly fitted between the ears
58, 60, as best shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, the ear 58 has two
parallel walls 90 and 92, with the inner wall 92 positioned snugly
next to the pivot ear 54, and the ear 60 has two parallel walls 94
and 96, with the inner wall 96 positioned snugly next to the pivot
ear 56. Each ear 58, 60 has a through-hole 85 that is adapted for
receiving the pivot shaft 50. A pivot holder 86 extends from the
inner surface 88 of the lid 30 via a vertical support 102 that is
secured to the inner surface 88. The pivot holder 86 has two
parallel vertical walls 104 and 106, with an L-shaped slot 108
provided in each wall 104, 106.
[0042] Thus, the pivot shaft 50 extends through the through-holes
84, 85 and the bore 76 to pivotably connect the trim 28 and the lid
30 along the same pivot axis.
[0043] The top of the link rod 40 has a hooked end 82 that extends
through the hinge housing 52, and in particular, the opening
shielded by the shield 66. The hooked end 82 is received for
pivoting motion inside the slots 108 of the walls 104, 106, as best
shown in FIG. 5. Each slot 108 has an upper leg 110 and a lower leg
112. The hooked end 82 is normally retained for pivoting motion in
the upper leg 110 of each slot 108. When the lid 30 is fully
opened, the user can manually push the hooked end 82 into the lower
leg 112 of each slot 108, which will then secure the lid 30 in the
opened position until the hooked end 82 is disengaged from the
lower leg 112 of each slot 108.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 8, the trim 28 includes a lock
mechanism that functions to secure the trim 28 to the lip 24 of the
shell 22. The lock mechanism includes at least one hook element 120
that is secured to the inside of the base 44 of the trim 28. The
hook element 120 has an inner curved surface 122 that is adapted to
receive the rounded lip 24, thereby securing the lip 24 (and the
shell 22) to the trim 28. A handle 124 can be provided on the
outside of the base 44 adjacent the location of the lock mechanism,
so that a user can grip the handle 124 to lift the trim 28 from the
shell 22.
[0045] In use, the user can step on the foot pedal 36 to cause the
lid 30 to open. The user can adjust the hooked end 82 into the
lower leg 112 of the slots 108 to lock the lid 30 in the opened
position. The user can then grip the handle 124 to lift (i.e.,
separate) the trim 28 from the lip 24 of the shell 22, with the
trim 28 pivoting about the same pivot axis as the lid 30. Next, the
user can insert a trash bag into the interior of the shell 22, and
then invert the mouth of the trash bag over the annular lip 24. The
outwardly-extending, rounded construction of the lip 22 is
effective in retaining the inverted mouth of the trash bag at the
lip 24. This is illustrated in FIG. 2. In addition, part of the
trash bag can be inserted into the bag tuck opening 70. The trim 28
is then pivoted downwardly until it is rested on top of the lip 24,
with the lip 24 secured inside the hook element(s) 120. The mouth
of the trash bag will essentially be sandwiched by the trim 28 and
the lip 24, thereby ensuring that the mouth of the trash bag is
always opened during use, and that the trash bag will be retained
at the top of the shell 22. The user can then move the hooked end
82 into the upper leg 110 and pivot the lid 30 downwardly to be
closed, as shown in FIG. 1. To replace the trash bag, the user can
open the lid 30 and lift the trim 28 in the manner described above,
and then lift the trash bag from the shell 22 before replacing it
with a new trash bag.
[0046] Thus, the trash can assembly 20 provides several features
that are effective in retaining a trash bag at the mouth of the
shell 22. For example, the outwardly-extending lip 24 of the shell
22 makes it easy for the user to invert the mouth of the trash bag
to retain the trash bag at the lip 24. The trim 28 securely retains
the mouth of the trash bag at the lip 24 of the shell 22. The
locking element ensures that the trim 28 is secured to the lip 24
of the shell 22 so that the trash bag cannot be inadvertently
disengaged from the lip 24. In addition, the user can tuck a
portion of the trash bag into the bag tuck opening 70. All of these
features ensure that the trash bag is retained securely at the lip
24 of the shell 22.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 9-15, an alternate embodiment of an
integrated base assembly is illustrated, further to the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. In accordance with this embodiment, the
step trash can assembly 200 is similar to assembly 20 in the
earlier embodiment, with the exception of the base assembly 204. In
particular, the step trash can assembly 200 includes a hollow
canister body 202, a pivotally supported lid (not shown, but can be
similar the lid 30 in the earlier embodiment), and the base
assembly 204. The base assembly 204 comprises a base 208, a liner
210 supported on the base 208, and a step mechanism supported at
bottom of the base 208.
[0048] The canister body 202 may be made of brushed, polished,
painted or otherwise finished plastic or metal. In the illustrated
embodiment, the canister body 202 is cylindrical of a circular
cross-section and made of polished steel. Other cylindrical
canister body of other cross-sectional geometry may be structured
without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention. The top of the canister body 202 is covered by a hinged
lid (not shown), which may be the same or different material and/or
finish as the canister body 202. The bottom of the canister body
202 has a smooth inwardly rolled flange 206 (or another inwardly
extending flange), through which the base assembly 204 is
installed. Optionally, an inner bucket (not shown) may be provided
as a liner for holding a plastic trash bag. As shown in the earlier
embodiment, trim ring may be provided for securely retaining a
plastic bag against the opening of the canister body 202, or the
inner bucket if one is provided.
[0049] The base assembly 204 includes a base 208, which supports a
bowl-shaped liner 210. The base 208 is inserted through the bottom
section of the canister body 202. In this embodiment, the base 208
is inserted into the canister body 202 such that the bottom of the
base is substantially flushed with the bottom edge of the canister
body 202. With the base 208 substantially concealed inside the
bottom of the canister body 202, the overall aesthetics of the
trash can assembly 200 is improved. With the canister body 202 made
of polished steel, the overall trash can assembly looks cleaner,
with the polished steel canister body 202 extending top to
bottom.
[0050] The liner 210 provides a smooth or finished base for the
interior of the canister body 202. The liner 210 is sized to extend
substantially across a horizontal planar section within the
cylindrical wall of the canister body 202, such that one viewing
from the top of the canister body 202 would see the liner 210 only,
with the other components of the base assembly 204 substantially
concealed from view (top view in FIG. 12). The bowl-shaped liner
210 does not extend significantly upwardly inside the canister body
202, but provides a concave bottom wall of a low height, compared
to the height of the canister body 202. The bowl-shaped liner 210
protects the step mechanism from trash and provides an effective
catchment for trash dropped directly into the trash can (e.g, from
a broken trash bag). The liner 210 is provided with several small
openings 211 for bleeding air within the canister body 202. In some
embodiments, air can be expelled through the small openings 211 and
the base assembly 204 when a plastic trash bag is placed into the
canister body 202, so as to facilitate placement of the plastic
trash bag. Furthermore, the small openings 211 prevent forming of a
vacuum between the plastic trash bag (full of trash) and the
canister body 202 and/or the liner 210. This facilitates removal of
a trash bag since vacuum between the plastic trash bag and the
canister body 202 and/or the liner 210 may make it hard to pull up
and remove the plastic trash bag. At the bottom side of the liner
210, several legs 220 extend towards the base 208. In the
illustrated embodiment, four legs 220 are shown. The number of legs
may be more or less than four. Each leg 220 has a bore 221. The
base 208 is provided with complementary leg pads 222, each having a
center through-hole 223. When the liner 210 is mounted on the base
208, each bore 221 of each leg 220 is aligned with the through-hole
223 in each leg pad 222. A screw (e.g., a self-tapping screw, not
shown) is applied through the through-hole 223 of the foot pad 222
and fastened to the bore of the leg 220. Feet 224 (each in the form
of a rubber cap insert) are provided for standing the trash can.
Each foot 224 is inserted into an opening 225 provided at the
bottom of each leg pad 222.
[0051] A number of hollow pedestals or openings 209 are provided on
the base 208, to provide additional support of the liner 210. The
top of the pedestals 209 form a concave profile to conform to and
accommodate the convex bottom of the liner 210. Also, the pedestals
209 provide open access to the small openings 211 of the liner 210
from the bottom of the trash can. This access makes it easier to
clean portions of the bottom of the liner 210 and the small
openings 211 from bottom of the trash can.
[0052] The step mechanism comprises a pedal bar 212 having a foot
pedal 214 at one end and a hinge 215 at another end. A pivot axle
216 is supported at the bottom of the base 208. The pivot axle 216
has one end inserted into slot 230 on one side of the cavity 217 at
the bottom of the base 208, and another end held at the notch 231
and fastened to the bottom of the base 208 by a screw 232 at the
other side of the cavity 217, so that the end inserted into the
slot 230 would not retract from the slot 230. The pivot axle 216 so
assembled would withstand a user's foot pressure on the pedal bar.
The pedal bar 212 is support for pivoting on the pivot axle 216,
within the cavity 217 defined at the bottom of the base 208. The
pedal bar 212 has a bottom pivot channel 218 across the width of
the pedal bar 212, which receives the pivot axle 216. The pivot
axle 216 may be positioned relative to the foot pedal 214 and the
hinge end 215 to provide the required leverage to operate a link
rod 201 to lift the lid of the trash can.
[0053] The pedal bar 212 and the foot pedal 214 may be separate
pieces (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,044,323, which is fully
incorporated by reference herein). The foot pedal 214 can be
attached to the end of the pedal bar 212 after the base assembly
204 has been installed in the cavity 217 at the bottom of the
canister body 202. In the illustrated embodiment, an opening 236 is
provided at the edge of the base 208, through which the foot pedal
214 extends. The foot pedal end can be inserted through the opening
236 to attach to the end of the pedal bar 212 after the latter is
supported on the pivot axle 216. Alternatively, the pedal bar 212
and foot pedal 214 may be a unitary piece.
[0054] Prior to assembling the base 208 onto the bottom of the
canister body 202, the components of the base 208 may be fully
assembled or partially assembled, depending on the desired
packaging and shipping. For example, the pedal bar 212 and pivot
axle 216 are installed at the bottom of the base 208, and the bowl
liner 210 is fastened at the legs 220 to the base 208 (using screws
through holes 223 in the leg pads 222). This fully assembled base
assembly 204 may be maintained separate from the canister body 202
in the product packaging, to be shipped to a customer and finally
assembled by the end user at the site of use. Alternatively, the
assembled base assembly 204 may be shipped fully assembled with the
canister body 202. The integral base assembly improves
manufacturability and costs of manufacturing. Since the base
assembly 204 is pre-manufactured as a fully assembled module, it
can be easily assembled to the canister body 202 at the point of
manufacture by end users.
[0055] The base assembly 204 can be attached to the canister body
202 by several alternative methods. The preferred method would be
to apply a fastener-less mechanical fit between the base assembly
204 and the canister body 202 to securely assemble the parts. For
example, a number of protruding tabs 240 are provided along the rim
of the base 208 (e.g., integrally molded with the rim of the base
208), which securely latch onto the inwardly rolled flange 206 at
the bottom edge of the canister body 202. Alternatively, a setting
fasteners (e.g., a screw) may be used to secure the base assembly
204 on the canister body 202, for example, through the side of the
canister body 202. However, this would be less aesthetic appealing,
especially when the canister body 202 is made of polished steel
finish.
[0056] The hinge 215 end of the pedal bar 212 is hingedly attached
to one end 205 of the link rod 201 for operating the lid (not shown
in FIGS. 9-15, but may be similar to lid 30 in the earlier
described embodiment). In the illustrated embodiment, the link rod
201 extends through an opening 203 in the canister body 202 and
runs outside of the canister body 202 vertically to the lid (see,
FIG. 3). The other end 207 of the link rod 201 is hingedly
connected to the lid (see FIG. 3). The link rod 201 may be
positioned on the inside of the canister body 202, in an alternate
embodiment.
[0057] The base assembly may be made primarily of durable plastic
material, such as ABS, polyeurathane, vinyl, etc. The pivot axle
216 is made of more durable metal.
[0058] In accordance with the present invention in reference to the
illustrated embodiment, there is significantly less number of parts
required to provide a sturdy base assembly for foot pedal
operation. A separate bucket liner is not required as a trash bag
can be secured to the trash can and shielded from moving parts on
the bottom portion of the trash can without a complete bucket
liner. The assembly process requires minimal use of fasteners. In
the illustrated embodiment, screw 232 is applied to secure the
pivot axle 216, and screws for fastening the liner 210 to the base
208. The rest of the components in the base assembly 204 do not
require separate fasteners, and the attachment of the base assembly
204 to the canister body 202 does not require separate
fasteners.
[0059] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made without departing from the spirit, scope,
and teaching of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosed invention
is to be considered merely as illustrative and limited in scope
only as specified in the appended claims.
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