U.S. patent application number 12/727954 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-23 for receptacle with motion damper.
This patent application is currently assigned to SIMPLEHUMAN, LLC. Invention is credited to Chun-Hsien Chen, Joseph Sandor, Frank Yang.
Application Number | 20100237074 12/727954 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42736615 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100237074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yang; Frank ; et
al. |
September 23, 2010 |
RECEPTACLE WITH MOTION DAMPER
Abstract
A receptacle having one or more lids can be provided one or more
dampers configured to slow the movement of the lids from their open
position toward its closed position. The lids of the receptacle can
have a shape which facilitates dampening of the movement of the
lids from an open position to a closed position. The lids and lid
portion can have walls which are juxtaposed relative one another in
a close relationship such that air briefly retained within the body
when the lids are moved from an open position to a closed
position.
Inventors: |
Yang; Frank; (Rancho Palos
Verdes, CA) ; Sandor; Joseph; (Santa Ana Heights,
CA) ; Chen; Chun-Hsien; (Guanmiao Township,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
SIMPLEHUMAN, LLC
Torrance
CA
|
Family ID: |
42736615 |
Appl. No.: |
12/727954 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61162224 |
Mar 20, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/262 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/06 20130101; B65F
2001/1661 20130101; B65F 1/08 20130101; B65F 1/1607 20130101; B65F
1/141 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/262 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/26 20060101
B65D043/26 |
Claims
1. A trashcan can comprising: a body defining an interior space,
the body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion; a lid
portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion
comprising a lid support having an interior peripheral wall and two
lids moveably mounted to the lid support so as to be independently
moveable between open and closed positions, at least one of the
lids having a generally concave profile; a first motion damper
connected to the lid portion, and a second motion damper connected
to the lid portion, wherein the first and second motion dampers are
configured to dampen a movement of at least one of the two lids
from the open position to the closed position; wherein at least one
of the two lids comprises an exterior peripheral wall, the interior
peripheral wall of the lid support and the exterior peripheral wall
of the at least one lid being juxtaposed relative one another when
the at least one lid is in the closed position so as to trap air
within the lid portion and dampen lid movement when the at least
one lid is moving from the open position to the closed
position.
2. A trashcan comprising: a body defining an interior space, the
body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion; a lid
portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion
comprising a lid support and at least one lid mounted to the lid
support, the at least one lid being independently moveable between
open and closed positions; at least one motion damper comprising a
housing secured to the lid support and further comprising a
moveable piston at least partially housed within the housing;
wherein the at least one lid comprises a surface for contacting and
driving the moveable piston as the lid is moved towards the closed
position.
3. The trashcan of claim 2, wherein the housing is rigidly fastened
to a lower wall of the lid support.
4. The trashcan of claim 2, wherein the at least one motion damper
comprises first and second motion dampers, and wherein the at least
one lid comprises first and second lids.
5. The trashcan of claim 2, wherein the at least one motion damper
is configured to provide less resistance to an upward movement of
the piston within the housing but provide greater resistance
against a downward movement of the piston within the housing.
6. The trashcan of claim 2, wherein the at least one lid is
configured to move towards the closed position for a first
predetermined distance before engaging the moveable piston.
7. The trashcan of claim 2, wherein the at least one motion damper
comprises a piston support configured to support one end of the
piston inside the housing, a biasing element engaged with the
piston support, and a seal engaged with the piston support, the
seal having a flexible body configured to facilitate movement of
the piston support in one direction within the housing, but inhibit
movement of the piston support in an opposite direction.
8. The trashcan of claim 7, wherein the seal comprises an upper
portion and a flexible projecting portion that is biased to extend
radially outwardly relative to the upper portion.
9. The trashcan of claim 7, wherein the piston has a predetermined
range of linear movement within the housing, and wherein the piston
support is closely spaced relative to a top of the housing when the
piston is at a maximum upper position.
10. The trashcan of claim 9, wherein the distance between the
piston support and the top of the housing is approximately less
than 10% of the predetermined range of movement of the piston.
11. The trashcan of claim 7, wherein the housing comprises a piston
guide surrounding the piston.
12. The trashcan of claim 2, wherein the at least one lid is a
pedal-actuated lid.
13. A trashcan comprising: a body defining an interior space, the
body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion; a lid
portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion
comprising at least one pivotable lid having a generally concave
profile, the pivotable lid being independently moveable between
open and closed positions such that the generally concave profile
of the lid traps air within the interior space when the at least
one lid moves from the open position to the closed position.
14. The trashcan of claim 13, wherein the generally concave profile
gives the lid a curved surface configured to act like a cup,
trapping air underneath the lid as the lid moves towards the closed
position.
15. A trashcan comprising: a body defining an interior space, the
body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion; a lid
portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion
comprising at least one lid moveably mounted to the lid portion so
as to be independently moveable between open and closed positions,
the lid portion comprising an interior peripheral wall, and the at
least one lid comprising an exterior peripheral wall; wherein the
interior and exterior peripheral walls are positioned adjacent one
another when the at least one lid is in the closed position so as
to trap air within the lid portion and dampen lid movement when the
at least one lid is moving from the open position to the closed
position.
16. The trashcan of claim 15, wherein the interior peripheral wall
has a shape or configuration complementary to that of the exterior
peripheral wall, such that the interior peripheral wall is
generally parallel to the exterior peripheral wall at any point
along the lid portion.
17. The trashcan of claim 15, wherein the interior peripheral wall
comprises notches configured to allow air inside the trashcan
container to escape as a lid moves towards a closed position.
18. The trashcan of claim 15, wherein the lid portion further
comprises a lower wall, the lower wall and interior peripheral wall
forming a shoulder for receiving the exterior peripheral wall of
the lid.
19. The trashcan of claim 15, wherein the spacing between the
exterior peripheral wall and the shoulder is configured to form a
generally air-resistant seal between the lid and remainder of the
lid portion.
20. A trashcan comprising: a body defining an interior space, the
body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion; a lid
portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion
comprising at least one lid moveably mounted to the lid portion so
as to be independently moveable between open and closed positions,
the lid portion further comprising an air guide configured to guide
air downwardly into the interior space as the at least one lid
moves from the open position towards the closed position.
21. The trashcan of claim 20, wherein the air guide comprises a
curved surface on the lid.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e)
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/162,224, filed Mar.
20, 2009, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
[0002] 1. Field of the Inventions
[0003] The present inventions relate to receptacles having doors or
lids, some of the inventions relating to mechanisms configured to
slow at least the closing movement of the lids.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Receptacles and other devices having lids or doors are used
in a variety of different settings. For example, in both
residential and commercial settings, trashcans and other devices
often have lids or doors for preventing the escape of the contents
from the receptacle. In the context of trashcans, some trashcans
include lids or doors to hide the trash within the receptacle from
view. Additionally, the lid of a trashcan helps prevent
contamination from escaping from the receptacle.
[0006] Recently, trashcans with rotary-type motion dampers for
slowing the motion of the lids have become commercially available.
More specifically, these rotary dampening mechanisms are connected
to the lids of the trashcans so as to slow the closing movement of
the lids. As such, the trashcan is more aesthetically pleasing
because the lid closes slowly, thereby preventing a loud slamming
noise when the lid is moved to a closing position.
[0007] These types of trashcans often are pedal-actuated, i.e.,
they include a foot pedal which is connected to the lid for moving
the lid toward the open position. The rotary mechanisms are
connected to the internal linkage connecting the foot pedal to the
lid so as to slow the closing movement of the lid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS
[0008] An aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed
herein includes the realization that trash receptacles can be
configured to use multiple techniques for dampening one or more
movements of a lid.
[0009] Thus, in accordance with an embodiment, a trashcan can
comprise a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a
base portion and an upper body portion. The trashcan can further
comprise a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid
portion comprising a lid support having an interior peripheral wall
and two lids moveably mounted to the lid support so as to be
independently moveable between open and closed positions, at least
one of the lids having a generally concave profile. The trashcan
can further comprise a first motion damper connected to the lid
portion, and a second motion damper connected to the lid portion,
wherein the first and second motion dampers are configured to
dampen a movement of at least one of the two lids from the open
position to the closed position. At least one of the two lids can
comprise an exterior peripheral wall, the interior peripheral wall
of the lid portion and the exterior peripheral wall of the lid
being juxtaposed relative one another when the at least one lid is
in the closed position so as to trap air within the lid portion and
dampen lid movement when the at least one lid is moving from the
open position to the closed position.
[0010] In accordance with another embodiment, a trashcan can
comprise a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a
base portion and an upper body portion. The trashcan can further
comprise a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid
portion comprising at least one pivotable lid having a generally
concave profile, each lid being independently moveable between open
and closed positions such that the generally concave profile of the
lid traps air within the interior space when the at least one lid
moves from the open position to the closed position.
[0011] In accordance with another embodiment, a trashcan can
comprise a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a
base portion and an upper body portion. The trashcan can further
comprise a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid
portion comprising at least one lid moveably mounted to the lid
portion so as to be independently moveable between open and closed
positions, the lid portion comprising an interior peripheral wall,
and at least one of the lids comprising an exterior peripheral
wall. The interior and exterior peripheral walls can be positioned
adjacent one another when the at least one lid is in the closed
position so as to trap air within the lid portion and dampen lid
movement when the at least one lid is moving from the open position
to the closed position.
[0012] In accordance with another embodiment, a trashcan can
comprise a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a
base portion and an upper body portion. The trashcan can further
comprise a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid
portion comprising at least one lid moveably mounted to the lid
portion so as to be independently moveable between open and closed
positions, the lid portion further comprising an air guide
configured to guide air downwardly into the interior space as the
at least one lid moves from the open position towards the closed
position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The above mentioned and other features of the inventions
disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings
of preferred embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended
to illustrate, but not to limit the inventions. The drawings
contain the following figures:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top, front, and left side perspective view of a
trashcan in accordance with an embodiment, having dual lids with
the lids in their closed position, with an exterior shell
removed.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded and perspective view of the lid
portion and base portion of the trashcan illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is another partial exploded and perspective view of
the lid portion and base portion of the trashcan illustrated in
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a partial, enlarged, inverted, and perspective
view of a lower side of the lid portion of the trashcan illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, inverted, exploded, and perspective
view of a damping mechanism attached to the lid portion of the
trashcan illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, perspective, and cross-sectional view
of the damping mechanism and lid portion illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a top, front, and left side perspective view of
the trashcan with an optional shell.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the trashcan
illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the trashcan illustrated in
FIG. 7.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a top, front, and left side perspective view of
the trashcan illustrated in FIG. 7, with one of the lids in an open
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] The embodiments of a receptacle with at least one lid are
all disclosed in the context of a trashcan. The inventions
disclosed herein are described in the context of a trashcan because
they have particular utility in this context. However, the
inventions disclosed herein can be used in other contexts as well,
including, for example, but without limitation, large commercial
trashcans, doors, windows, security gates, and other larger doors
or lids, as well as doors or lids for smaller devices, such as high
precision scales, computer drives, etc.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a receptacle assembly
20. The assembly 20 can include a body portion 22 and a lid portion
24. The body portion 22 can include a base portion 26 and an upper
body portion 28. The base portion 26 and the upper body portion 28
can be made from a single monolithic piece or from separate pieces
connected together.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 26 can be
configured to support the assembly 20 in a stable resting position
when the assembly 20 rests on a surface such as a floor, which may
be smooth, or uneven. The base portion 26 can be configured to
support the upper body portion 28 such that the upper body portion
28 can extend upwardly from the base portion 26.
[0027] The upper body portion 28 can include at least one container
30 which can be also be referred to as a "bin" or "liner". The at
least one container 30 can be configured to define an interior
cavity or cavities. In some embodiments, such as illustrated in
FIG. 1, the upper body portion 28 comprises two separate containers
30, each defining one cavity. Each of the interior cavities can be
configured, for example, to receive and/or support additional rigid
trash liners (not shown). In other embodiments, described below
with reference to 7-10, an outer shell can enclose the containers
30 between the base portion 26 and the lid portion 24.
[0028] In some embodiments, the containers 30 can be formed from
sheet metals, such as sheet stainless steel, or other metals, or
other materials including plastics, etc. In some embodiments, when
sheet metal is used, such as sheet stainless steel, the containers
30 can be made from any of 23-26 gauge stainless sheet steel. Of
course, the thinner the gauge sheet steel, the lighter and less
expensive the containers 30 will be.
[0029] The lid portion 24 can comprise a lid support member 32
extending generally around the periphery of the lid portion 24. The
lid support member 32 can provide support for and be attached to at
least one moveable lid 34.
[0030] The lid portion 24 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes two
moveable lids 34 pivotably attached to the lid support member 32.
In other embodiments, a single moveable lid 34 can be attached, or
more than two moveable lids 34 can be attached. While the moveable
lids 34 in FIG. 1 are attached such that they both open in the same
direction, in other embodiments the moveable lids 34 can be
attached such that they open in opposite directions from one
another. Additionally, while the moveable lids 34 are attached such
that they pivot generally about a back edge of the assembly 20, in
other embodiments the moveable lids 34 can be attached and/or
pivoted about different areas of the assembly 20.
[0031] The moveable lids 34 can be moveably mounted to the lid
portion 24 with any known device, such as a hinge which can allow
pivoting motion of the moveable lid 34, or other devices providing
different movements. The connection between the lid or moveable
lids 34 and the lid portion 24 can be constructed, for example, so
as to connect the moveable lids 34 to the lid support member 32 or,
in some embodiments, directly to the shell or shells 30.
[0032] The lid portion 24 can further comprise a handle or handles
36. The handles 36 can be located generally along a front portion
of the receptacle assembly 20, such as illustrated in FIG. 1, or
can be placed elsewhere. The handles 36 can comprise recessed areas
of the moveable lids 34, and/or protruding portions of the moveable
lids 34, such that an operator is able to grab hold of and/or
contact the handles 36 to move the moveable lids 34 from a closed
position to an open position, the closed position being illustrated
in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the handles 36 can extend from the
moveable lids 34 such that a user is able to reach underneath the
moveable lids 34 and lift up on the handles 36 to open the moveable
lids 34.
[0033] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the assembly 20 can
further comprise at least one damper 38. The damper 38 can be
attached to the lid portion 24, such that as a moveable lid 34 is
moved from an open position to a closed position, the damper 38 is
activated and dampens the downward movement of the moveable lid 34,
described in greater detail below.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 2, the base portion 26 can be made
from a single monolithic piece and/or from separate components
connected together. In some embodiments, the base portion 26
includes a divider portion 40. The divider portion 40 can extend
from a central area of the base 26. On either side of the divider
40, an internal peripheral wall 41 can extend around a flat,
recessed area 42. Each flat, recessed area 42 can be configured to
receive a container 30, such that a bottom portion of each
container 30 rests flat against the recessed area 42 and is
supported by the recessed area 42. In some embodiments a peripheral
wall 44 can extend around the divider 40, internal peripheral wall
41, and recessed areas 42.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 3, the lid portion 24 can comprise an
interior peripheral wall 46. The interior peripheral wall 46 can
extend around a portion of, or the entire, lid portion 24. In some
embodiments the interior peripheral wall 46 can also extend along a
finger-grip region or regions 48, defined along a side or sides of
the lid portion 24. As described further herein, the finger-grip
regions 48 can comprise recessed, open areas along the lid portion
24 which provide room for an operator to insert a finger or hand
when moveable lid 34 is in an open position, and lift a container
30 upwardly through the lid portion 24, or in other embodiments,
lift a liner from within a container 30.
[0036] With continued reference to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the
base portion 26 can comprise at least one anti-sliding mechanism 50
(e.g. legs) sized to stably support the trash can assembly 20 on a
flooring surface. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3,
the anti-sliding mechanism 50 can comprise a contact member made of
any rubber, or other material. The contact member can be made of a
material or can include a surface texture that generates
appropriate coefficients of friction with the typical flooring
materials.
[0037] With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the assembly 20 can include one
or more dampers 38. The dampers 38 can be any type of dampening
device including, for example, but without limitation, rotary
dampening devices, friction dampening devices, or fluid damping
devices operating with liquid or gaseous working fluids. Other
types of dampening mechanisms can also be used.
[0038] In some embodiments, the assembly 20 can include at least
two dampers 38 arranged on opposing sides of the lid support 24 so
as to provide independent dampening against the movement of each of
the moveable lids 34. The description of the damper 38 set forth
below applies to both of the dampers 38, although only one damper
38 and its components are specifically identified below.
[0039] With reference to FIG. 4, the damper 38 can be attached to
the lid portion 24 in any known manner. In some embodiments, the
damper 38 can be connected to a member or members 52 which extend
from a face of the lid portion 24. The damper 38 can be connected
to the members 52 with fasteners 54, such as for example small
screws. Alternatively, in some embodiments the damper 38 can be
integrally formed with the lid portion 24.
[0040] In some embodiments, the damper 38 can be configured to
dampen the downward movement of a moveable lid 34. As used herein,
the "downward movement" of the moveable lid 34 corresponds
generally to the movement from a position of the moveable lid 34 as
viewed in FIG. 10 to a position of the moveable lid 34 as viewed in
FIG. 1.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 5, the damper 38 can be a fluid type
damper operating with air as the working fluid. In the illustrated
embodiment, the damper 38 can include a housing 56. The housing 56
can be mounted anywhere on the assembly 20. Further advantages can
be provided where, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the housing 56 of
the damper 38 can be mounted to the lid portion 24. In some
embodiments, the housing 56 can define a cylinder, and can be
positioned in an inverted orientation, with the closed end of the
cylinder being at the bottom of the damper 38 and the open end
facing upwardly.
[0042] The dampening function of the damper 38 can be achieved by
way of the resistance of the flow of a fluid, such as air, into and
out of the housing 56. Additionally, or alternatively, the
dampening function of the damper 38 can be achieved by way of the
resistance of a biasing element inside the housing 56. This
resistance of flow and/or biasing can generate sufficient damping
forces for slowing the closing of the moveable lid 34. Such forces
can be large.
[0043] With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 56
can enclose internal components of the damper 38, and can include a
flange or flanges 58. The flanges 58 can be used to connect the
damper 38 to the lid support 24. For example, the flanges 58 can
include apertures which can align with apertures on the members 52,
such that fasteners 54 are able to be placed through the apertures
on both the flanges 58 and members 52, and secure the damper 38 to
the lid support 24. This type of mounting arrangement can provide
further benefits stemming from the symmetry. For example, as noted
above, the forces created during dampening can be large. Thus, a
symmetric arrangement of flanges, and/or other mounts, can help
maintain desired alignment of components.
[0044] The damper 38 can optionally further comprise a biasing
element 60. The biasing element 60 can comprise a spring, elastic
membrane, or other type of biasing device. As illustrated in FIG.
6, the biasing element 60 can be nested within a lower portion of
the damper 38, and can be connected with and/or in contact with an
end of the housing 56.
[0045] The biasing element 60 can also be connected with and/or in
contact with a piston support 62. The piston support 62 can
comprise an element configured to slide within the housing 56, and
can include a groove, recess, or other area for receiving a seal
64.
[0046] With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the damper 38 can
comprise a piston 66, which can extend along a length of the
interior of the housing 56. One end of the piston 66 can be nested
inside of or connected to a portion of the piston support 62, such
that as the piston 66 is moved towards one end of the housing 56,
the piston support 62 is also moved towards the same end of the
housing 56. A portion of the piston 66 can extend outside of the
housing 56, as illustrated in FIG. 6, through a piston guide
68.
[0047] The piston guide 68 can extend through a receiving area 70
on the lid support 24. The receiving area 70 can include an
aperture 72. One end of the piston 66 can thus extend through both
the piston guide 68 and aperture 72.
[0048] With continued reference to FIG. 6, in some embodiments the
seal 64 can comprise a lip seal. The seal 64 can be comprised at
least in part of flexible, resilient material, and can be
configured to operate similarly to a check valve. Thus, the seal 64
can have any configuration that can provide a similar function.
[0049] The seal 64 can be generally annular in shape, having an
inner wall 74 and an outer wall 76 connected by a top wall 78. The
outer wall 76 can include an upper portion 80 that extends
generally parallel to an inner wall of the housing 56, and a
projecting portion 82 that is biased to extend radially outwardly
relative to the upper portion 80. As such, the outer diameter of
the seal 64 defined by the upper portion 80 is slightly smaller
than the outer diameter of the seal 64 defined by the projecting
portion 82. Additionally, the ramped configuration of the
projecting portion 82 (when in a relaxed state) relative to the
upper portion 80 helps to achieve the check valve type
functionality of the seal 64.
[0050] With continued reference to FIG. 6, in some embodiments the
piston 66 can be positioned such that its uppermost surface and tip
is in a position in which a piston engaging mechanism 84 of the
moveable lid 34 contacts the piston 66 prior to the moveable lid 34
reaching its fully closed position. For example, the piston
engaging mechanism 84 can comprise a shoulder or extension off of a
portion of the moveable lid 34, and can further comprise a surface
86 configured to contact the end of the piston 66. When the piston
66 is contacted by the piston engaging mechanism 84, the piston
engaging mechanism 84 can force the piston 66 down into the housing
56. An air resistance and/or biasing resistance of the damper 38
can slow the closing movement of the moveable lid 34 and prevent
the moveable lid 34 from impacting the body portion 22 in an
undesired manner as the moveable lid 34 moves toward its closed
position. In some embodiments the portion of the piston in contact
with the piston engaging mechanism 84, and/or the piston engaging
mechanism 84 itself, can further comprise a sound-deadening
material.
[0051] In some embodiments, as the piston engaging mechanism 84
pushes the piston 66 down into the housing 56, the relative
pressure between the atmosphere acting on the bottom of the piston
support 62, and the air trapped between the top of the piston
support 62 and the top of the housing 56 can oppose the immediate
downward motion of the piston 66 as the piston 66 begins to move
downwardly, and thus oppose the downward motion of the moveable lid
34.
[0052] In some embodiments, the damper 38 can be configured to
provide less resistance to the upward movement of the piston 66
within the housing 56 but provide greater resistance against the
downward movement of the piston 66 within the housing 56. This can
be accomplished in any known manner.
[0053] For example, with continued reference to FIG. 6, as the
piston 66 and piston support 62 move upwardly within the housing 56
in the direction of arrow U, air can flow downwardly along the
inner walls of the housing 56, past the projecting portion 82 of
the seal 64. Due to the ramped shape of the projecting portion 82,
the pressure generated within the upper portion of the housing 56
above the piston support 62 helps deflect the projecting portion 82
radially inwardly, thereby allowing the air to pass thereby without
generating a larger resistance.
[0054] However, when the piston 66 and piston support 62 move
downwardly within the housing 56, the air pressure in the space
above the piston support 62 drops relative to the pressure of the
atmosphere, thereby causing the projecting portion 82 to further
expand against the inner walls of the housing 56. This generates
additional resistance to the flow of air into the space above the
piston support 62. As such, the seal 64 generates more resistance
to the downward movement of the piston 66 than against the upward
movement of the piston 66.
[0055] In some embodiments, the seal 64 can be lubricated with
graphite powder. Such lubrication with graphite powder and the
construction of dampers, which can be applied to the present
dampers 38, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,513,811 and
6,726,219, the entire contents of both of which, including the
specific portions including the descriptions of damper design and
lubrication with graphite powder, are hereby incorporated by
reference. Additionally, the size of the damper 38 can be chosen by
the designer to provide the desired functionality and
performance.
[0056] For example, the height of the housing 56, which can
determine the length of the maximum vertical movement of the piston
66 within the housing 56, can be chosen to accommodate the maximum
desired vertical displacement of the piston support 62 within the
housing 56. Additionally, the diameter of the housing 56 and the
type of seal 64 used can affect the resistance generated during the
downward movement of the piston 66. Thus, these dimensions can be
chosen to provide the desired dampening characteristics.
[0057] Further advantages can also be achieved where the size of
the housing 56 and the position at which the housing 56 is mounted
within the assembly 20 can be adjusted to provide desired
characteristics of the motion of the moveable lid 34 during its
closing movement. For example, if the housing 56 is mounted in a
position where the piston support 62 is spaced excessively far from
the top of the housing 56 when the piston 66 is at its maximum
vertical position, the moveable lid 34 can initially move too
quickly from its fully opened position toward its closed position.
Such an initial quick movement can cause the moveable lid 34 to
bounce during its downward movement.
[0058] However, if the mounting position of the housing 56 is
adjusted, or the damper 38 in general is adjusted, so that the
piston support 62 is closely spaced relative to the top of the
housing 56 when the piston 66 is at its maximum upper position, the
damper 38 can provide additional dampening, at least initially,
thereby providing a slower, more aesthetically pleasing motion.
[0059] For example, by adjusting the position of the housing 56
and/or configuration of the damper 38 to space the piston support
62 near the top of the housing 56 when the piston 66 is at its
maximum position, the moveable lid 34 can begin to move very slowly
initially, and slowly accelerate to an acceptably slow closing
speed, such that the moveable lid 34 does not make an excessive
loud noise when it finally comes to rest. In some embodiments, the
spacing can be equal to or less than about 10% of the total
movement of the piston 66. The initial movement of the piston 66
can be further slowed at a spacing of about 5% or less of the total
movement of the piston 66. Finally, mounting the housing 56 and/or
adjusting the damper 38 such that the spacing is about 4% or less
of the total movement of the piston 66 can provide further slowing,
and thus achieve a more aesthetically pleasing movement.
[0060] A designer can choose the appropriate housing, piston, and
seal combination to achieve the desired closing speed. Thus, in
some embodiments, at least one of the moveable lid 34, housing 56,
piston 66, piston support 62, and seal 64 can be configured to
achieve the desired closing speed. In some embodiments, for
example, but without limitation, the above parameters can be chosen
to achieve a closing speed of the lid of about 5 seconds from the
moment the center of gravity of a moveable lid 34 passes over a
pivot point and gravity begins to pull the moveable lid 34
closed.
[0061] With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the biasing
element 60 can additionally, or alternatively, provide dampening
support in the damper 38. For example, as the piston 66 and piston
support 62 are moved in a downward direction by the force of the
piston engagement mechanism 84 pressing on the piston 66, the
biasing element 60 can apply pressure to the piston support 62.
This pressure can act to resist quick downward movements of the
piston support 62 and piston 66 within the housing 56, and dampen
the movement of the moveable lid 34 as the moveable lid 34 moves
toward a closed position. In some embodiments, the damper 38 does
not include a biasing element 60, and only includes the seal 64. In
some embodiments the damper does not include the seal 64, and only
includes the biasing element 60. In some embodiments both elements
are included to provide damping effect. In some embodiments, the
biasing element 60 only acts to push the piston 66 towards a
pre-determined position, and/or highest vertical position, and the
seal 64 acts to dampen the moveable lid 34 movement.
[0062] With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the biasing
element 60 can be a coiled spring. The spring can be pre-tensioned,
such that when the moveable lid 34 is in a fully opened position,
the biasing element 60 is pushing upwardly against the piston
support 62, and pushing the top of the piston 66 through the piston
guide 68 so that the top of the piston 66 extends well past the
wall 88 of the lid support member 32. In some embodiments, the
fully opened position comprises the moveable lid 34 being at about
a 90 degree angle relative to the base portion 26. In some
embodiments, the fully opened position comprises any position in
which the moveable lid 34 does not contact the piston engaging
mechanism 84.
[0063] When the moveable lid 34 is moved down towards a closed
positions (e.g. when gravity is pulling the moveable lid 34 down),
the surface 86 of the piston engaging mechanism 84 can contact the
top of the piston 66 and drive the piston 66 down through the
piston guide 68 and further into the housing 56. As the piston 66,
and piston support 62, are moved further into the housing 56, the
biasing element 60 can resist the motion of the piston support 62,
such that the speed of the moveable lid 34 as it is closing is
reduced prior to the moveable lid 34 reaching a fully closed
position. In some embodiments, the fully closed position can be
considered the position achieved when the moveable lid 34 contacts
a portion of the lid support member 32. In some embodiments, the
fully closed position can correspond to when the moveable lid 34 is
substantially closed, but not contacting the lid support member
32.
[0064] With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 56
described above can be made from a material commercially available
under the trade name Acetal Delrin with 10% Teflon added. The
piston 66 can also be made from the material known as Acetal
Delrin. Further, the seal 62 can be made from graphite impregnated
nitrile. Other materials can also be used.
[0065] The assembly 20 can comprise additional or alternative
damping mechanisms apart from the damper 38 described above. For
example, the lid portion 24 can be configured to utilize the air
flow generated during a closing movement of a lid 34 to further
dampen the closing movement.
[0066] For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the
moveable lids 34 can have a concave configuration and profile, as
illustrated for example in FIGS. 1 and 2. This concave profile can
generate or enhance a scooping action of the lid which can help, at
least temporarily, confine within the assembly 20 when the lid 34
is moved from an open position to a closed position. For example, a
moveable lid 34 formed in a curved, concave profile can act like a
cup, trapping air underneath the moveable lid 34 as the moveable
lid 34 moved downward. This trapping of air underneath the moveable
lid 34 and/or inside the body portion 22 can create air resistance
to downward movement of the moveable lid 34 from the open position
to the closed position. Thus, the concave nature of the moveable
lid 34 can act to dampen movement of the moveable lid 34 in at
least one direction.
[0067] Additionally or alternatively, and with reference to FIGS. 5
and 6, the moveable lid 34 can comprise a top edge 90, and the lid
support member 32 can comprise a top edge 92. An external
peripheral wall 94 adjacent the top edge 90 can extend down towards
the damper 38. The external peripheral wall 94 can extend around at
least a portion of the entire periphery of the moveable lid 34. In
some embodiments, the wall 94 can include cutouts, notches, or gaps
if desired.
[0068] The lid support member 32 can include an internal peripheral
wall 96 adjacent the top edge 92, the internal peripheral wall 96
extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the lid
support member 32. The internal peripheral wall 96 can have a shape
or configuration complementary to that of the peripheral wall 94.
In some embodiments, the peripheral wall 96 can include cutouts,
notches, or gaps if desired. As described above, the lid support
member 32 can further include a lower wall 88. The lower wall 88
and peripheral wall 96 together can form a shoulder, with the
peripheral wall 94 sitting or nesting within the shoulder when the
moveable lid 34 is in a closed position.
[0069] In some embodiments, the fit and/or tight spacing between
the peripheral wall 94 and the shoulder defined by walls 88 and 96
can form a generally air resistant seal between the lid support
member 32 and moveable lid 34. However, it is not necessary for the
above-described fit to form an air resistant seal. The contact and
or close spacing between the peripheral walls 94 and 96 can be
sufficiently continuous to resist the flow of air therebetween to
achieve the desired dampening effect.
[0070] For example, as the moveable lid 34 moves from an open
position to a closed position, the peripheral wall 94 of the
moveable lid 34 can move into close proximity to the wall 96 of the
lid support member 32, and a slight compression of the air within
the containers 30 and/or body portion 22 can be generated. When the
moveable lid 34 is in its open position, the air within the body
portion 22, existing within and above any trash that may be
contained in the containers 30 or liners inside the containers 30,
is at atmospheric pressure.
[0071] As the moveable lid 34 closes, a positive pressure can be
created in the assembly 20, and air underneath the moveable lid 34,
including but not limited to air near the wall 88 and air within
the body portion 22, is urged out of the assembly 20 in order for
the moveable lid 34 to close completely. However, because of the
tight fit between the peripheral wall 94 and the peripheral wall
96, some or all of the air can be retained, briefly retained, or
temporarily trapped, thus providing at least some air resistance to
downward movement of the moveable lid 34. As gravity, or any other
force, continues to push the moveable lid 34 toward a closed
position, this "trapped" air can leak out through the small space
between the peripheral wall 94 and peripheral wall 96, or through
other apertures or openings in the assembly 20. The configuration
of the peripheral walls 94 and 96 can thus act as an air guide,
guiding the trapped air slowly out of the assembly while dampening
the movement of the moveable lid 34.
[0072] The clearance between the walls 94 and 96 can be altered.
For example, the configuration and/or size of the walls 94 and 96
can vary, such that the amount of time the walls spend moving past
one another, or in close proximity to one another, can change. In
some embodiments, an increased height of one or both walls can
increase the time the moveable lid 34 is dampened, thus slowing
down the movement of the moveable lid 34 to an even greater degree,
or for a greater amount of time. Changing the shape of the walls 94
and 96, or introducing other components or elements along the
periphery of the moveable lid 34 and/or lid support member 32, can
further alter the dampening effect.
[0073] By providing additional dampening, in additional to the
dampening provided by the damper 38, can provide further
advantages. For example, because the air "trapping" technique noted
above, begins to act just as the lid nears the fully closed
position. This is also the point at which the torque created by the
weight of the lids 34, pivoting the lids 34 toward their closed
position, is the greatest. This is because as the lids 34 move from
their fully opened position toward their open position, the centers
of gravity of the lids 34 move from points nearly directly above
the associated hinges, outwardly. As the lids 34 reach a horizontal
position, their respective centers of gravity are at their maximum
horizontal spacing from the axes of the hinges. As such, the
greatest torques generated by the weights of the lids 34 are
generated as the lids 34 reach their fully closed positions. Thus,
by providing additional dampening as the lid nears its fully closed
position helps compensate for this additional torque. Further,
modifying the dampers 38 to provide quickly increasing damping
forces can be difficult.
[0074] With reference to FIGS. 7-10, another embodiment of a
receptacle assembly 120 is illustrated. The assembly 120 can be
similar to the assembly 20. Therefore, similar components of the
assembly 120 are referenced by the same reference numeral as the
corresponding components in the assembly 20.
[0075] The assembly 120 can comprise a lid portion 24, an upper
body portion 128, and a base portion 126. The lid portion 24 can
comprise a lid support member 32, moveable lids 34, and handles 36,
as described above. In some embodiments, the lid portion 24 can
rest on or be supported by the upper body portion 128.
[0076] The upper body portion 128 can comprise a single outer shell
31, which can receive the containers 30 as illustrated in FIG. 10.
In some embodiments, outer surfaces of outer shell 31 can be
substantially flush with outer surfaces of the lid support member
32 of the lid portion 24.
[0077] With reference to FIG. 8, the body 128 can further comprise
at least one gripping feature 98. For example, the gripping feature
98 can comprise a recessed surface or surfaces along the outer
shell 31. The gripping feature 98 can create an area large enough
to accommodate an operator's hand, such that the operator can grip
the body 128 along the gripping feature 98 and lift the entire
assembly 120 off of the ground to be transported from one location
to another.
[0078] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the base portion 126 can
comprise at least one anti-sliding mechanism 50 along a bottom
surface. As described above, the anti-sliding mechanisms 50 can
inhibit unwanted movement of the assembly 120.
[0079] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 10, in some embodiments the
upper body portion 28, 128 or lid portion 24 can include an upper
support member or members. For example, and with reference to FIG.
10, in some embodiments the upper support member can comprise at
least a portion of the lid support member 32. The upper support
member or members can be made monolithically with the shell or
shells 30 or lid portion 24, or can be made from separate
components attached to the shell or shells 30 or lid portion
24.
[0080] The upper support member, such as for example lid support
member 32, can be configured to support a container 30 within the
interior cavity or cavities defined by the shell or shells 31. In
some embodiments, the upper support member can include a shoulder
configured to support an outwardly extending lip 102 of the
container 30. As such, the liner or containers 30 can hang within
the shell or shells 31 from the upper support member. However, in
other configurations, the liner or containers 30 can rest upon an
interior surface of the upper body portion 28, 128, lid portion 24,
or the base 26, 126. In such a configuration, the upper support
member, while it does not support the weight of the liner or
containers 30, can provide for alignment of the liner or containers
30 within the body of the assembly 20. In some embodiments, the
container or containers 30 can further comprise a bag retainer 104.
The bag retainer 104 can be used to securely hold a plastic, or
other type material, bag within the container 30. In some
embodiments, the bag retainer 104 can comprise an elongate slot
with a plurality of fingers nested together in a side-by-side
relationship. In other embodiments, the bag retainer 104 can
comprise openings, such as a circle or oval.
[0081] With reference to FIG. 10, when a container 30 is resting
within the shell or shells 31, the outwardly extending lip 102 can
extend adjacent the finger-grip regions 48 such that the
finger-grip regions 48 provide an opening for an operator to insert
a finger or hand, and lift the container 30 out of the shell
31.
[0082] As with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the
assembly 120 can comprise at least one damper. For example, the
damper can comprise a damper 38 such as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6.
The damper can comprise a piston 66, shown in FIG. 10, extending
through a piston guide 68. The moveable lid 34 can comprise a
piston engaging mechanism 84, which can move towards and contact
the piston 66 when the moveable lid 34 is moved toward a closed
position.
[0083] Additionally, the lid support member 32 can comprise a top
edge 92. The lid support member 32 can include an internal
peripheral wall 96 adjacent the top edge 92, the internal
peripheral wall 96 extending around at least a portion of the
entire periphery of the lid support member 32. The internal
peripheral wall 96 can have a shape or configuration complementary
to that of a peripheral wall 94 (not shown) on the moveable lid 34.
The lid support member 32 can further include a lower wall 88. As
described above, the lower wall 88 and peripheral wall 96 can
together form a shoulder, with the peripheral wall 94 of the
moveable lid 34 sitting or resting tightly within the shoulder when
the moveable lid 34 is in a closed position.
[0084] As described above, the fit and/or tight spacing between the
peripheral wall 94 of the moveable lid 34 and the shoulder defined
by walls 88 and 96 can form a generally air resistant seal between
the lid support member 32 and moveable lid 34. However, it is not
necessary for the above-described fit to form an air resistant
seal. The contact and or close spacing between the peripheral walls
94 and 96 can be sufficiently continuous to sufficiently resist the
flow of air therebetween to achieve the desired dampening
effect.
[0085] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 10, in some embodiments the
moveable lid or lids 34 can be biased toward the closed and resting
positions, respectively, by way of any known device or
configuration. For example, the moveable lid 34 can open less than
90 degrees with respect to the base portion 26 and, thus, the
weight of the moveable lid 34 can be sufficient to move the
moveable lid 34 toward the closed position when no force other than
gravity is acting on the moveable lid 34. Optionally, springs can
be added to the assembly 20, in any known configuration, to bias
the moveable lid 34 toward the closed position. In some
embodiments, once the moveable lids 34 are in an open position,
they can remain in an open position until an external force, such
as for example an operator's hand, moves the moveable lids 34
toward a closed position. Initial movement of the moveable lids 34
toward the closed position can cause the centers of gravity of the
moveable lids 34 to pass over a pivot point, thus allowing gravity
alone to move the moveable lids 34 the rest of the way toward a
final closed position.
[0086] In some embodiments, the moveable lid or lids 34 can be
moved by use of a pedal actuating mechanism or mechanisms. For
example, the receptacle assembly 20 or 120 can include one or more
pedal actuating mechanisms as described in U.S. Patent Publication
No. 2006/0196874, U.S. Pat. No. 7,656,109, U.S. Patent Publication
No. 2007/0182551, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/399,828, U.S.
Patent Publication No. 2006/0226149, and U.S. Patent Publication
No. 2008/0237234, the entirety of each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0087] Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context
of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions
extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other
alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious
modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several
variations of the inventions have been shown and described in
detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these
inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art
based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various
combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and
aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the
scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various
features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined
with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes
of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of
at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not
be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described
above.
* * * * *