U.S. patent application number 13/041551 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for container.
Invention is credited to Carolyn Yecies Heller, Branko Lukic, Anne Morrissey, Steven R. Takayama.
Application Number | 20120181282 13/041551 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46489998 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120181282 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heller; Carolyn Yecies ; et
al. |
July 19, 2012 |
CONTAINER
Abstract
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a bin having an open
end; a bag mounting ring mounted inside a perimeter of the bin
adjacent to the open end; a handle, having two ends that extend
inside and are coupled by pivots to inside walls of the bin, and a
top bar that fits inside the bin when the handle is closed; wherein
the bag mounting ring comprises offset ring portions that are
configured to clear the handle when the handle is closed. In
another embodiment, an apparatus comprises a bin having a floor,
side walls and an open end; a bag mounting ring mounted inside a
perimeter of upper wall portions of the bin adjacent to the open
end; a lid that is movable on pivots on the upper wall portions,
wherein the lid fits over and at least partially covers the ring
when the lid is closed.
Inventors: |
Heller; Carolyn Yecies;
(Menlo Park, CA) ; Lukic; Branko; (Menlo Park,
CA) ; Morrissey; Anne; (Menlo Park, CA) ;
Takayama; Steven R.; (Atherton, CA) |
Family ID: |
46489998 |
Appl. No.: |
13/041551 |
Filed: |
March 7, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61461201 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/495.08 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 1/1468 20130101;
B65D 2543/00194 20130101; B65D 2543/0087 20130101; B65F 1/06
20130101; B65D 2543/00842 20130101; B65D 25/16 20130101; B65F
1/1623 20130101; B65F 1/1415 20130101; B65D 2543/00546 20130101;
B65D 43/164 20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65F 1/02 20130101;
B65D 25/32 20130101; B65D 2543/00527 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/495.08 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/14 20060101
B65D025/14 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a bin having an open end; a bag
mounting ring mounted inside a perimeter of the bin adjacent to the
open end; a handle, having two ends that extend inside and are
coupled by pivots to inside walls of the bin, and a top bar that
fits inside the bin when the handle is closed; wherein the bag
mounting ring comprises offset ring portions that are configured to
clear the handle when the handle is closed.
2. The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein two or more upper wall
portions of the bin comprise an inwardly extending lip and wherein
the bag mounting ring is seated on the lips.
3. The apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein the bag mounting ring
comprises outwardly extending pins that are snugly engaged in the
pivots on the inside walls of the bin.
4. The apparatus recited in claim 3 wherein the pins are formed at
midpoints of side ring portions of the bag mounting ring and are
configured to permit the bag mounting ring to pivot upwardly or
downwardly within the bin.
5. The apparatus recited in claim 1 further comprising a movable
lid having pivot mouths that snugly engage pivot rods formed in an
upper wall portion of the bin, wherein the lid is configured to fit
inside the handle and over the bag mounting ring when the lid and
the handle are closed.
6. The apparatus recited in claim 5 wherein the lid is formed
having at least one perimeter dimension that is smaller than an
inside dimension of the open end and defining a ventilation gap
between the bin and the lid when the lid is closed.
7. The apparatus recited in claim 5 wherein the pivots are offset
from a rear edge of the lid.
8. The apparatus recited in claim 1 further comprising a
non-movable grab handle formed integrally with and extending
outwardly from an upper portion of a rear side wall of the bin.
9. The apparatus recited in claim 8 wherein the grab handle
comprises end arms formed integrally with the upper portion and
comprising pivot rods, the apparatus further comprising a pivoting
lid having pivot mouths that snugly engage the pivot rods, wherein
the lid is configured to fit inside the handle and over the ring
when the lid and the handle are closed.
10. The apparatus recited in claim 9 wherein the grab handle
comprises an upper rear edge that is configured to stop rearward
pivoting of the lid when the lid is open.
11. The apparatus recited in claim 8 wherein the grab handle
comprises a bottom edge defining an open region that is configured
to hang.
12. The apparatus recited in claim 8 further comprising an
elongated recess in an upper rear edge of the grab handle and a
corresponding finger grip ridge formed on a grip position of the
grab handle.
13. An apparatus, comprising: a bin having a floor, side walls and
an open end; a bag mounting ring mounted inside a perimeter of
upper wall portions of the bin adjacent to the open end; a lid that
is movable on pivots on the upper wall portions, wherein the lid
fits over and at least partially covers the ring when the lid is
closed.
14. The apparatus recited in claim 13 wherein each upper wall
portion of the bin comprises one or more inwardly extending lips
and wherein the bag mounting ring is seated on the lips.
15. The apparatus recited in claim 13 wherein the bag mounting ring
is mounted using outwardly extending pivot pins that are snugly
engaged in pivots that are formed on the inside walls of the
bin.
16. The apparatus recited in claim 16 wherein the pins are formed
at midpoints of side ring portions of the bag mounting ring and are
configured to permit the bag mounting ring to pivot upwardly or
downwardly within the bin.
17. The apparatus recited in claim 13 further comprising a pivoting
lid having pivot mouths that snugly engage pivot rods formed in an
upper wall portion of the bin, wherein the lid is configured to fit
inside the handle and over the bag mounting ring when the lid and
the handle are closed.
18. The apparatus recited in claim 17 wherein the lid has at least
one perimeter dimension that is smaller than an inside dimension of
the open end and defining a ventilation gap between the bin and the
lid when the lid is closed.
19. The apparatus recited in claim 17 wherein the pivots are offset
from a rear edge of the lid.
20. The apparatus recited in claim 13 further comprising a
non-pivoting grab handle formed integrally with and extending
outwardly from an upper portion of a rear side wall of the bin.
21. The apparatus recited in claim 20 wherein the grab handle
comprises end arms formed integrally with the upper portion and
comprising pivot rods, the apparatus further comprising a pivoting
lid having pivot mouths that snugly engage the pivot rods, wherein
the lid is configured to fit inside the handle and over the ring
when the lid and the handle are closed.
22. The apparatus recited in claim 21 wherein the grab handle
comprises an upper rear edge that is configured to stop rearward
pivoting of the lid when the lid is open.
23. The apparatus recited in claim 20 wherein the grab handle
comprises a bottom edge defining an open region that is configured
to hang.
24. The apparatus recited in claim 20 further comprising an
elongated recess in an upper rear edge of the grab handle and a
corresponding finger grip ridge formed on a grip position of the
grab handle.
25. An apparatus, comprising: a bin having an open end; a handle,
having two ends that extend inside and are coupled by pivots to
inside walls of the bin, and a top bar that fits inside the bin
when the handle is in a downward position; a movable lid configured
to fit inside the handle and over an open end of the bin when the
lid and the handle are in downward or closed positions.
Description
BENEFIT CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e)
of United States provisional patent application, number to be
supplied by amendment, mailed and intended to be filed on Jan. 15,
2011, entitled "ICAN, LLC WASTE BUCKET" and filed pro se by named
inventor Anne Morrissey and naming as inventors Carolyn Yecies
Heller, Branko Lukic, Anne Ballinger Morrissey, and Steve Takayama,
the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference
for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to containers. The
disclosure relates more specifically to containers for temporarily
holding waste materials or materials intended for other uses such
as recycling.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The approaches described in this section are approaches that
could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been
previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise
indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches
described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of
their inclusion in this section.
[0004] Municipalities are increasingly requesting or requiring
customers to recycle new kinds of household waste such as food
scraps. Typically consumers collect food scraps in a container in
the kitchen or other food preparation area and then transport the
container to a curbside collection bin shortly before a scheduled
time for collection of the contents of the bin.
[0005] Waste disposal containers are typically formed as buckets
with or without handles and with or without lids. These designs
fill a need, but also create problems for users when users
transport and dump the contents. Typical waste disposal containers
also are structured with the majority of their functional parts,
such as the handle, on the exterior. Such an arrangement typically
results in an unattractive appearance; the handle or other external
functional parts may create obstacles for storage, or opportunities
for breakage or entanglement with other objects in the environment.
Typical waste disposal containers also are complex to use. Some
users require a bag in the container, while for other users factors
such as ease of placement, secure placement and removal are
important. Still other users need a way to separate different kinds
of contents within a given container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention may be summarized based upon the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of one
embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a container apparatus of
one embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a container apparatus of
one embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of a container apparatus of
one embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a container apparatus of one
embodiment with lid closed;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a container
apparatus of one embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a section view taken on lines A-A of FIG. 17;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of one
embodiment showing lid closed and carry handle partially
raised;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of one
embodiment showing lid closed and carry handle fully raised;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of
one embodiment showing lid open and carry handle down and with a
bag mounting ring omitted or removed;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of
one embodiment showing lid open and carry handle down and with a
bag mounting ring installed;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of
one embodiment showing lid open and carry handle down and with a
bag mounting ring installed and pivoted upward in a first
direction;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of
one embodiment showing lid open and carry handle down and with a
bag mounting ring installed and pivoted upward in a second
direction;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a container
apparatus of one embodiment showing detail of a carry handle pivot
and tilted bag mounting ring;
[0022] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of a container
apparatus of one embodiment showing detail of a tilted bag mounting
ring;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an upper end of a container
apparatus of one embodiment showing details of pivots for a bag
mounting ring and for a lid;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a container apparatus of one
embodiment with lid omitted to illustrate interior details;
[0025] FIG. 18 illustrates four (4) views A, B, C, D of an example
carry handle and comprising a perspective view (A), end elevation
view (B), top plan view (C), and side elevation view (D);
[0026] FIG. 19 illustrates four (4) views A, B, C, D of an example
bag mounting ring and comprising a top plan view (A), end elevation
view (B), side elevation view (C), and perspective view (D).
[0027] The drawings are not rendered to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] In the following description, for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will
be apparent, however, that the present invention may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to
avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.
1.0 Overview
[0029] In an embodiment, a container comprises a bin, a concealable
handle, a pivoting bag mounting ring that is positioned within and
spaced apart from the handle, and a pivoting lid that is closable
within the handle and providing means for ventilating contents of
the bin.
[0030] In an embodiment, two or more upper wall portions of the bin
comprise an inwardly extending lip and wherein the bag mounting
ring is seated on the lips. In an embodiment, the bag mounting ring
comprises outwardly extending pins that are snugly engaged in the
pivots on the inside walls of the bin. In an embodiment, the pins
are formed at midpoints of side ring portions of the bag mounting
ring and are configured to permit the bag mounting ring to pivot
upwardly or downwardly within the bin.
[0031] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a movable
lid having pivot mouths that snugly engage pivot rods formed in an
upper wall portion of the bin, wherein the lid is configured to fit
inside the handle and over the bag mounting ring when the lid and
the handle are closed. In an embodiment, the lid is formed having
at least one perimeter dimension that is smaller than an inside
dimension of the open end and defining a ventilation gap between
the bin and the lid when the lid is closed. In an embodiment, the
pivots are offset from a rear edge of the lid.
[0032] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a
non-movable grab handle formed integrally with and extending
outwardly from an upper portion of a rear side wall of the bin. In
an embodiment, the grab handle comprises end arms formed integrally
with the upper portion and comprising pivot rods, and the apparatus
further comprises a pivoting lid having pivot mouths that snugly
engage the pivot rods, wherein the lid is configured to fit inside
the handle and over the ring when the lid and the handle are
closed.
[0033] In an embodiment, the grab handle comprises an upper rear
edge that is configured to stop rearward pivoting of the lid when
the lid is open. In an embodiment, the grab handle comprises a
bottom edge defining an open region that is configured to hang. In
an embodiment, an elongated recess is in an upper rear edge of the
grab handle and a corresponding finger grip ridge is formed on a
grip position of the grab handle.
[0034] In an embodiment, an apparatus, comprises a bin having a
floor, side walls and an open end; a bag mounting ring mounted
inside a perimeter of upper wall portions of the bin adjacent to
the open end; a lid that is movable on pivots on the upper wall
portions, wherein the lid fits over and at least partially covers
the ring when the lid is closed.
[0035] In an embodiment, each upper wall portion of the bin
comprises one or more inwardly extending lips and wherein the bag
mounting ring is seated on the lips. In an embodiment, the bag
mounting ring is mounted using outwardly extending pivot pins that
are snugly engaged in pivots that are formed on the inside walls of
the bin. In an embodiment, the bag mounting ring is mounted using
outwardly extending pivot pins that are snugly engaged in pivots
that are formed on the pivoting ends of the handle. In an
embodiment, the pins are formed at midpoints of side ring portions
of the bag mounting ring and are configured to permit the bag
mounting ring to pivot upwardly or downwardly within the bin.
[0036] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a pivoting
lid having pivot mouths that snugly engage pivot rods formed in an
upper wall portion of the bin, wherein the lid is configured to fit
inside the handle and over the bag mounting ring when the lid and
the handle are closed. In an embodiment, the lid has at least one
perimeter dimension that is smaller than an inside dimension of the
open end and defining a ventilation gap between the bin and the lid
when the lid is closed. In an embodiment, the pivots are offset
from a rear edge of the lid.
[0037] In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a
non-pivoting grab handle formed integrally with and extending
outwardly from an upper portion of a rear side wall of the bin. In
an embodiment, the grab handle comprises end arms formed integrally
with the upper portion and comprising pivot rods, the apparatus
further comprising a pivoting lid having pivot mouths that snugly
engage the pivot rods, wherein the lid is configured to fit inside
the handle and over the ring when the lid and the handle are
closed. In an embodiment, the grab handle comprises an upper rear
edge that is configured to stop rearward pivoting of the lid when
the lid is open.
[0038] In an embodiment, the grab handle comprises a bottom edge
defining an open region that is configured to hang. In an
embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an elongated recess in
an upper rear edge of the grab handle and a corresponding finger
grip ridge formed on a grip position of the grab handle.
[0039] In an embodiment, a container comprises a bin, lid, handle
and ring that allow opening, filling and emptying the bin. In one
embodiment, the container can allow for the separation of different
waste streams such as food waste and garbage. In an embodiment as
further detailed herein, the lid may be more easily opened than
prior designs, more easily filled because of the lid design
described herein, and easily emptied due to the handle design.
[0040] In addition, in an embodiment the placement of a bag inside
easier to accomplish, more aesthetic and securely fixed in place by
means of a pivoting offset bag mounting ring as more further
described herein. The ring may be flexible and may hold more than
one bag. The ring may allow for variable volume within the attached
bag. The ring may be structured in several different sizes and the
overall perimeter size of the ring is not critical to an
embodiment.
[0041] The bag ring may be inside of the can, and as a result the
ring may allow the handle to be hidden. The bag ring or frame may
be made of a minimum amount of material to accomplish secure bag
placement. The bag ring or frame may be attached to the can with a
pivoting pin into a boss, a slot, a knob or simply rest on a step
on the can inner surface. The boss or slot also can be formed in or
as part of the pivoting ends of the carry handle. The inner ring
may allow for ventilation of the can by means of an offset
construction that forms a gap around a perimeter of the lid.
[0042] In an embodiment, a handle is structured and affixed in a
manner that permits dumping the container using a single hand. The
one hand dump handle may be facilitated by the design of the inner
ring because of its location inside of the bin.
[0043] In an embodiment, the lid is pivotally affixed in a manner
that permits the lid to stay open on its own, with gravity,
facilitating the use and filling of the bucket.
[0044] The carry handle may be hidden from view when it is not in
use.
[0045] In an embodiment, a bag mounting ring enables many desirable
features of the apparatus such as a concealable carry handle and a
grab handle that is configured for one hand disposal operation. In
an embodiment, the bag mounting ring comprises an open frame not
coupled to or including an inner bucket that has sufficient
physical strength and material to securely hold and retain a bag or
liner in or to the container. In an embodiment, the bag mounting
ring may be mounted in the container in several different ways,
such as a pivoting pin that is snugly received in a boss, a slot,
or a cantilever, which may be on inner walls of the bin or on a
carry handle. In an embodiment, the bag mounting ring is seated
inside the container on a step or lip that extends inwardly from on
the inner surface of the container.
[0046] In an embodiment, the bag mounting ring enables several
desirable features. For example, the bag mounting ring enables a
user to achieve a hidden liner bag. When a liner bag is installed
on the bag mounting ring and the lid of the container is closed,
the bag may be entirely hidden from view, which makes the container
appear neat and attractive. As another example, because the liner
bag does not over the outer rim of the bin, the container may
comprise a carry handle just inside a perimeter of upper walls of
the bin, resulting in a simple and attractive appearance.
[0047] Further, because the bag does not hang over the outer rim of
the bin, a grab handle for one hand disposal may be integrated into
the outer edge of the bin. As yet another example, integrated
ventilation is provided; because the bag can be attached away from
the upper edge of the bin, ventilation can be incorporated using a
gap between the lid and upper edges of upper walls of the bin,
without perforating the lid of the can. This feature is desirable
in part because a simplified look is achieved.
[0048] In an embodiment, the container comprises an integrated
carry handle that may be hidden from view when closed. One benefit
of this arrangement is that the container appears simple and
elegant. In an embodiment, a top edge of the carry handle is seated
in a corresponding recess of a grab handle of a rear wall of the
bin. In this arrangement, when closed, the handle remains visible
to enable a user to rapidly locate and access the handle. The
handle when closed also does not interfere with use or operation of
the lid or bin when a user is disposing of the contents of the bin.
The handle is configured to remain away from a path of the contents
of the bin when the bin is emptied. In particular, in an
embodiment, the handle cannot be positioned in front of the lid and
therefore it is not possible to pour or spill contents of the bin
onto the handle.
[0049] In an embodiment, the container comprises a grab handle
integrally formed with a rear wall of the bin that facilitates
intuitive one handed disposal operations. In an embodiment, the
grab handle is configured to permit a user to empty the bin with
only one hand. The location of the grab handle allows the user to
open the lid with the thumb or other fingers of a hand while
holding the bin with the same hand. The grab handle also allows the
user to invert the bin while keeping the lid open with the same
hand. Use of the grab handle is also intuitive. By grabbing the
grab handle in a natural way, the way to open the lid becomes
apparent to the user as the user's thumb naturally rests on an area
of the lid that may be pressed to open the lid.
[0050] In an embodiment, the lid incorporates a tab or other
protrusion that overhangs the front edge of the bin. By lifting up
on the tab, the lid can be opened. The lid is easy to open because
there is no latch; instead, the lid stays closed by gravity. When
the lid is in the open position, it also stays open by gravity.
When open, the lid rests in a position just past the point of
balance, and therefore, the lid is easy to close by tapping the
lid, nudging the lid, or shaking the bin. In another embodiment,
the lid may omit a tab but may extend beyond the front edge of the
bin, and the region of the lid that extends beyond the front edge
of the bin may be used to lift the lid.
[0051] In an embodiment, the container incorporates visually
integrated ventilation. In an embodiment, ventilation of the bin is
achieved using a specified gap between the lid and the upper edge
of upper side walls of the bin. Because the bag liner is attached
away from the edge of the bin, a gap may be defined between the lid
and the bin. The gap allows air to circulate and reduces
undesirable odor buildup, which can occur in other containers when
the contents are foods that undergo anaerobic decomposition while
in a sealed container. The ventilation does not require
perforations in the lid. The lid is simple in appearance and is
easy to clean.
2.0 Example Mechanical Configuration
[0052] An example container apparatus is now described with
reference to the examples shown in the drawings.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE OF PARTS AND ELEMENTS The following reference
numerals identify the following elements: 2 bin 4 open end 6 bag
mounting ring 8 inside upper perimeter of bin 10 carry handle 11
side arms of carry handle 12 end of carry handle 14 pivot for carry
handle 16 inside wall of bin 18 top bar of carry handle 20 offset
ring portion 21 rear ring portion 22 upper wall portion of bin 24
inwardly extending lip 26 outwardly extending pins on ring 28
pivots for bag mounting ring 30 ventilation gap of lid 32 grab
handle 34 lid 36 pivot mouth 38 bottom edge of grab handle 40
elongated recess 42 upper rear edge of grab handle 44 finger grip
ridge 46 floor of bin 48 side wall of bin 50 front wall of bin 52
curved transition of side wall 53 lifting tab of lid 54 rear wall
of bin 54' obtuse angle at which floor 56 midpoint meets rear wall
58 side ring portion 60 pivot rod 66 curved transition 68 rear grab
handle wall 70 curved edge 72 gap 74 badge 76 pivot boss 78 edge of
bag mounting ring 80 retaining clip 82 slot in upper rear wall 84
side ring portion 86 transitions in ring 88 front ring portion
[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container apparatus. In
general a container apparatus, in one embodiment, comprises a bin 2
having a floor 46, front wall 50, side walls 48, and rear wall 54
defining an open upper end 4 that may be closed by a movable lid
34. Each of the floor and walls 50, 48, 54 may be generally planar
and formed using thermoplastics, such as injection molded plastics
that produce integrally formed parts, or wood, metals, composites,
glass, or other materials. In an embodiment, front wall 50 joins
side walls 48 using integral smoothly curved transitions 52 whereas
rear wall 54 joins the side walls at a more sharply defined angle
which may be a right angle.
[0054] In an embodiment, floor 46 joins rear wall 54 at an acute
angle 54'; the particular measurement of the angle is not critical
but an angle of approximately 70 degrees could be used. Further, in
an embodiment floor 46 joins front wall 50 at a complementary
obtuse angle so that the bin 2 as a whole has a forward thrusting
appearance. The forward thrusting appearance in part provides a
distinctive ornamental design that is not purely functional or
required for the functionality of the other features herein. For
example, the bin 2 could be cylindrical or oval with partially
linear sections to support the handle, bag mounting ring, or other
features that are described herein as wall mounted.
[0055] In an embodiment, lid 34 comprises an attached or integrally
formed generally planar lifting tab 53 that extends outwardly from
the lid 34 beyond a plane of the front wall 50. In this
arrangement, grasping and upwardly moving the lifting tab 53 may
cause the lid 34 to move upward and to open by pivoting on pivots
located on a rear portion of the lid and engaging a corresponding
pivot rod formed in an upper portion of the rear wall, in a manner
that is further described and illustrated herein.
[0056] In an embodiment, side walls 48 are joined by smoothly
curved transition segments 66 to a grab handle 32 that extends
along a rear portion of the bin and above rear wall 54. Grab handle
32 is further defined by a rear grab handle arm or wall 68 that
extends along an entire rear portion of the bin and is separated
from rear wall 54 at its bottom edge 38 thereby defining a hanger
by which the bin may hang on a separate wall.
[0057] For example, a user could install a plurality of spaced
apart fasteners such as screws on a wall of a kitchen, pantry,
garage or other generally vertical planar surface and then hang the
bin 2 on the fasteners by placing bottom edge 38 of grab handle 32
on the fasteners. Thus, the grab handle 32 may also serve as
convenient means for hanging the bin.
[0058] In an embodiment, the container apparatus includes a movable
carry handle 10 that is concealable below the lid 34 when the carry
handle is in a down position. Carry handle 10 includes a finger
grip ridge 44 at a grip position of the carry handle that protrudes
upwardly and outwardly behind the lid 34 and rests in an elongated
recess 40 formed in an upper portion of the rear grab handle wall
68.
[0059] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a container apparatus of
one embodiment. In FIG. 2, front wall 50 may be seen as smoothly
joined by transitions 52 to side walls 48. Lid 34 is illustrated in
the closed position with carry handle 10 down and partially
concealed under the lid such that only side portions and finger
grip edge 44 of the carry handle are visible. In FIG. 2 side ring
portions 58 of a bag mounting ring may be seen; the bag mounting
ring is further described herein.
[0060] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a container apparatus of
one embodiment. FIG. 3 further clarifies that in an embodiment,
floor 46 joins rear wall 54 at the acute angle 54' and the floor
joins front wall 50 at a complementary obtuse angle so that the bin
2 as a whole has a forward thrusting appearance.
[0061] FIG. 3 further shows that grab handle 32 may be integrally
formed with side walls 48 and may be defined by a curved edge 70
that transitions the grab handle to rear wall 54. In this
arrangement the bin 2 may be lifted and carried using a single hand
by placing the fingers under edge 38 and in a gap 72 formed between
rear grab handle wall 68 and rear wall 54 of the bin.
[0062] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of a container apparatus of
one embodiment. FIG. 4 further illustrates the structure of grab
handle 32, which may join side walls 48 using smoothly curved
transitions 66 that define curved edges 70. In this view gap 72 is
apparent beneath the grab handle 32 and under its bottom edge 38.
Placing the fingers of a user's hand in gap 72 typically causes the
palm to rest against grab handle 32 and the thumb to rest over
finger grip ridge 44 and an upper rear edge 42 of the grab handle,
which is thereby retained in a closed position against recess
40.
[0063] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a container apparatus of one
embodiment with lid closed. FIG. 5 illustrates that when lid 34 is
closed and carry handle 10 is in a down position, side arms 11 of
the carry handle rest inside an interior perimeter of upper
portions of side walls 48 and grab handle 32 thereby providing
almost complete concealment of the handle. Finger grip edge 44 of
the handle 10 remains visible at the rear of the bin 2 so that a
user can rapidly locate and lift the carry handle.
[0064] A bag mounting ring 6 is also seated within an inside upper
perimeter 8 of upper portions of the side walls and front wall 50.
Bag mounting ring 6 comprises offset ring portions 20 that clear
the carry handle arms 11 when the handle is down. Both the bag
mounting ring 6 and ends 12 of the carry handle 10 may be affixed
to interior upper portions of side walls 48 using a common pivot,
details of which are further illustrated herein.
[0065] In this arrangement the carry handle 10 may be lifted
upwardly or moved downwardly by pivoting motion of ends 12 on the
side pivots, and the bag mounting ring 6 may be separately or
concurrently lifted upwardly or downwardly to facilitate installing
or removing a bag or liner. The bag mounting ring 6 in this
arrangement is positioned adjacent to upper wall portions 22 of the
bin 2 as best seen in FIG. 11.
[0066] Further, in this arrangement the lid 34 is formed having
perimeter dimensions that are smaller than the upper perimeter or
open end 4 of the bin 2 to define a perimeter ventilation gap 30 at
adjacent to all edges of the lid. The lid 34 does not fall downward
into the open end 4 because tab 53 acts as a stop and because an
inside surface of the lid rests on portions of the bag mounting
ring. In other embodiments, the lid 34 may omit the tab 53 and may
extend outwardly beyond the upper perimeter or open end of the bin
2 so that the over-extending region of the lid provides a lifting
surface and also prevents the lid from falling downwardly into the
bin. In this disclosure, all references to tab 53 are intended to
broadly include the alternative embodiment in which lid 34 omits a
tab and instead has a size or region that extends beyond the
perimeter of the bin 2.
[0067] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a container
apparatus of one embodiment. FIG. 6 may further clarify a
relationship of rear wall 54 to grab handle 32 and gap 72, which
may receive fingers of a hand for one-handed lifting of the bin 2.
FIG. 6 further shows carry handle 10 comprising top bar 18 joined
to or integrally formed with handle arms 12, which terminate at
their ends in generally circular holes or pivots 14. Handle 10
incorporates finger grip ridge 44 that may rest in elongated recess
40 of the grab handle 32 when the handle is closed. Pivots 14 may
be affixed to corresponding pivot bosses 76 on the inside walls 16
of side walls 48 using a snap fit arrangement or other fasteners
such as screws, rivets, or press-fit retainers.
[0068] Bag mounting ring 6 comprises a generally quadrilateral
integrally formed ring having offset ring portions 20 that clear
the handle 10 when the handle is closed. Bag mounting ring 6 may
comprise outwardly extending pins 26 that may snugly fit into pivot
bosses 76 over and through pivots 14 of the carry handle 10 such
that the bag mounting ring is mounted within the handle. Thus pins
26 and pivot bosses 76 when mounted together collectively act as
pivots 28 for the bag mounting ring 6. Pins 26 may be formed
generally near midpoints of side portions of the bag mounting ring
to facilitate balanced movement or pivoting of the bag mounting
ring as further illustrated and described. Alternatively, in an
embodiment, the bag mounting ring is mounted using outwardly
extending pivot pins that are snugly engaged in pivots that are
formed on the pivoting ends 12 of the carry handle 10.
[0069] Bag mounting ring 6 may comprise an outwardly extending
ridge 78 along an entire perimeter of the ring to provide rigidity
and strength for the ring, and the ridge may be friction fitted
into a plurality of inwardly extending lips 24 when the ring is in
the bin 2. In this arrangement the friction connection of ridge 78
into lips 24 retains the bag mounting ring 6 in alignment with
upper edges of the side walls 48, but permits the ring to be
rotated or moved on the pivot pins 26 by gently urging the ring
upwardly or downwardly against and beyond lips 24.
[0070] Optionally, bag mounting ring 6 may include one or more bag
retaining clips 80 that protrude downwardly and include a narrow
slot into which excess bag material may be gathered and cinched to
snugly retain the bag in position on the ring.
[0071] Lid 34 may include a badge 74 that is printed or colored
with indicia such as a brand name and may be attached to tab 53
using adhesive or other means of affixation.
[0072] Operational aspects of an embodiment based on the preceding
description may be further understood with reference to FIG. 8,
FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13, which illustrate an
embodiment in various combinations of positions of the carry
handle, lid, and bag mounting ring. For example, FIG. 8 is a
perspective view of a container apparatus of one embodiment showing
lid closed and carry handle partially raised.
[0073] The structural arrangement described above enables the
handle 10 to be lifted using finger grip edge 44 or other means and
raised above the closed lid 34 without interfering with the lid or
the bag mounting ring, which is concealed in FIG. 8. Ends 12 of the
carry handle 10 extend between the perimeter edges of the lid 34
and inside the side walls 48 to rotate on pivot bosses 76, which
are concealed in FIG. 8.
[0074] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of one
embodiment showing lid closed and carry handle fully raised and
illustrating the same structural relationships as described above
for FIG. 8.
[0075] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of
one embodiment showing lid open and carry handle down and with a
bag mounting ring omitted or removed. FIG. 10 shows that lid 34 may
comprise a pair of pivot mouths 36 formed in one end of the lid.
The pivot mouths 36 engage and are snugly retained against one or
more pivot rods that are formed adjacent to an upper edge of rear
wall 54 of bin 2. A snap fit of the pivot mouths to the pivot rods
may be used to facilitate assembly. The pivot mouths 36 may be
formed at a position that is inwardly offset from a rear edge of
the lid 34 so that when the lid is opened, a rear portion of the
lid rotates into a portion of the gap 72 that is formed between
rear wall 54 of bin 2 and rear grab handle wall 68.
[0076] In an embodiment, rear wall 54 may incorporate slots 82 that
receive and act as stops for arms 12 of carry handle 10 when the
carry handle is down.
[0077] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of
one embodiment showing lid open and carry handle down and with a
bag mounting ring installed. FIG. 11 shows that in an embodiment,
bag mounting ring 6 may mount on the same pivot bosses 76 on which
ends 12 of the carry handle rotate, and the bag mounting ring is
positioned inside the carry handle ends and inside the side walls
48, front wall 50, and rear wall 54 of bin 2. In particular, a rear
ring portion 21 of bag mounting ring 6 rests nearly adjacent to
rear wall 54.
[0078] Perimeter edge 78 is snugly retained in inwardly extending
lips 24 but still allows the bag mounting ring 6 to be moved
upwardly or downwardly within the bin 2 and without interfering
with the carry handle. For example, FIG. 12 is a perspective view
of a container apparatus of one embodiment showing lid open and
carry handle down and with a bag mounting ring installed and
pivoted upward in a first direction. FIG. 13 is a perspective view
of a container apparatus of one embodiment showing lid open and
carry handle down and with a bag mounting ring installed and
pivoted upward in a second direction. FIG. 12, FIG. 13 illustrate
that movement of the bag mounting ring is independent of the carry
handle and provides great flexibility for the user in mounting or
removing a bag or liner.
[0079] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a container
apparatus of one embodiment showing detail of a carry handle pivot
and tilted bag mounting ring. FIG. 14 shows that lid 34 having
pivot mouths 36 that are snugly retained against pivot rods, not
visible in FIG. 15, formed under or extending from upper end
corners 84 of rear wall 54. Ends 12 of carry handle 10 are seated
in slots 82 of the upper part of rear wall 54.
[0080] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of a container
apparatus of one embodiment showing detail of a tilted bag mounting
ring. FIG. 15 shows that bag mounting ring 6 may be tilted upward
while rotating on the same pivot bosses 76 on which pivots 14 of
ends 12 of the carry handle rotate. Edge 78 of the bag mounting
ring 6 may be retained by friction in the inwardly extending lips
24.
[0081] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an upper end of a container
apparatus of one embodiment showing details of pivots for a bag
mounting ring and for a lid. FIG. 16 is a rearward side view toward
an inside upper portion of a side wall 48. FIG. 16 shows, on inside
walls 16 of bin 2, pivot bosses 76 that may concurrently bear the
outwardly extending pins 26 of the bag mounting ring 26 and the
pivots 14 of the carry handle 10, both of which are omitted for
clarity. Example details of rear wall 54 may be seen including
slots 82 that may receive arms of the carry handle. Pivot rods 60
may be formed in or extend from upper end corners 84 of rear wall
54.
[0082] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a container apparatus of one
embodiment with lid omitted to illustrate interior details. FIG. 17
is a downward view through an open end 4 of bin 2 and toward floor
46. FIG. 17 shows, on inside walls 16 of bin 2, pivot bosses 76
that may concurrently bear the outwardly extending pins 26 of the
bag mounting ring 26 and the pivots 14 of the carry handle 10, both
of which are omitted for clarity. Example details of rear wall 54
may be seen including slots 82 that may receive arms of the carry
handle. Pivot rods 60 may be formed in or extend from upper end
corners 84 of rear wall 54. A position of gap 72 is defined between
rear wall 54 and grab handle 32.
[0083] FIG. 7 is a section view taken on lines A-A of FIG. 17 in a
rotated orientation such that open end 4 of bin 2 is at the left of
the view and floor 46 is oriented vertically at the right of the
view. FIG. 7 shows gap 72 between grab handle 32 and rear wall 54.
FIG. 7 shows pivot boss 76 on an inside wall 16 of a side wall,
pivot rods 60 formed at rear wall 54 and inwardly extending lips 24
for retaining the bag mounting ring, which is omitted for purposes
of clarity.
[0084] FIG. 18 illustrates four (4) views A, B, C, D of an example
carry handle and comprising a perspective view (A), end elevation
view (B), top plan view (C), and side elevation view (D). In all
the views, FIG. 18 shows an example carry handle 10 comprising side
arms 11 and ends 12 integrally formed with or joined to top bar 18,
which further comprises an outwardly extending finger grip ridge
44. Ends 12 terminate in pivots 14 to engage pivot bosses 76 of the
bin 2.
[0085] FIG. 19 illustrates four (4) views A, B, C, D of an example
bag mounting ring and comprising a top plan view (A), end elevation
view (B), side elevation view (C), and perspective view (D). In all
the views, FIG. 19 shows an example bag mounting ring 6 comprising
offset ring portions 20 joined to or integrally formed with a rear
ring portion 21 and side ring portions 84 that may use smoothly
curved transitions 86 to join a front ring portion 88.
[0086] Pins 26 may be formed generally near midpoints of side
portions of the bag mounting ring to facilitate balanced movement
or pivoting of the bag mounting ring as further illustrated and
described.
[0087] In this arrangement, when mounted in the bin 2, front ring
portion 88 is generally adjacent to an inside of the front wall 50
and side ring portions 84 are generally adjacent to insides 16 of
side walls 48. The offset ring portions 20 clear side arms 11 of
the carry handle when the carry handle is closed and outwardly
extending pins 26 may rotate in pivot bosses 76 to permit moving
the ring 6.
3.0 Other Embodiments, Extensions and Improvements
[0088] Certain embodiments illustrated and described herein are
shown as comprising the combination fundamentally of bin 2, lid 34,
carry handle 10, and bag mounting ring 6. However, other
embodiments may omit one or more of these elements. For example,
one embodiment may comprise bin 2, lid 34, and carry handle 10
while omitting the bag mounting ring 6; this embodiment may be
appropriate for applications that do not need a bag or liner.
Another embodiment may comprise bin 2, lid 34, and bag mounting
ring 6 while omitting the carry handle 10. Another embodiment may
comprise bin 2, carry handle 10 while omitting the bag mounting
ring 6 and lid 34. Another embodiment may comprise bin 2, and bag
mounting ring 6 while omitting the carry handle 10 and lid 34.
[0089] Yet another embodiment may comprise bin 2, with or without
carry handle 10, with or without lid 34, and omitting bag mounting
ring 6 but additionally including a plurality of inwardly
protruding features on inside walls of the bin that will hold a
bag. The protruding features may comprise hangers for a bag. The
bag could also be a custom bag specifically designed to work with
bin 2. An embodiment that uses interior bag hangers or other
protruding features for grasping or holding a bag may be desirable
because it eliminates a part and reduces complexity of use because
one can use it with or without a bag without making a decision to
remove or otherwise reconfigure the bin; cost may also be
reduced.
[0090] Certain embodiments have been illustrated and described as
having a ventilated lid 34. In another embodiment, lid 34 may form
a snug seal over bin 2, or the lid may incorporate holes, mesh,
screen, or other means for ventilation. Any such embodiment may
include carry handle 10 or bag mounting ring 6, or both the carry
handle 10 and bag mounting ring.
[0091] In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention
have been described with reference to numerous specific details
that may vary from implementation to implementation. Thus, the sole
and exclusive indicator of what is the invention, and is intended
by the applicants to be the invention, is the set of claims that
issue from this application, in the specific form in which such
claims issue, including any subsequent correction. Any definitions
expressly set forth herein for terms contained in such claims shall
govern the meaning of such terms as used in the claims. Hence, no
limitation, element, property, feature, advantage or attribute that
is not expressly recited in a claim should limit the scope of such
claim in any way. The specification and drawings are, accordingly,
to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive
sense.
[0092] For example, all parts described herein may be formed or
manufactured in any of several different kinds of materials
including plastic, metal or wood materials. Embodiments are not
limited to holding waste, but may be used for holding or containing
any material that can be contained or disposed, or benefit from the
disposal in this manner. For example, embodiments may be used for
recyclable materials, parts, toys, foods, animal feed, or other
materials that are edible, inert, or bulk.
* * * * *