Combination Litter Container And Display Device

Abstract

A combination litter container and display device includes a four sided housing having a top section receiving trash and a bottom section for displaying posters, with the top section having an opening on each of its sides. An outwardly opening door on one side of the bottom section contains a backing plate. A window panel is provided on each of the four sides of the bottom section with one of the window panels being mounted in the door in front of the backing plate to form an opening therewith for receiving a display poster. A hinged frame is provided in back of and cooperating with each of the three remaining window panels. Each frame has means for receiving a display poster from its side and is movable between a first position where the frame overlies the window panel and a second position where the frame is swung inwardly into the housing so that a display poster can be inserted into it when the side door is opened.

Description

This invention relates to litter containers for receiving waste material in public places and exhibiting display materials, such as advertising and public service posters. More particularly this invention relates to improved litter containers specially constructed for use in urban areas.

In the past, a variety of devices have been used in attempts to satisfy the need to provide citizens with convenient access to containers to dispose of litter. These prior devices, however, usually suffer from one or more disadvantages. As is well known, such litter containers are often made of materials such as fiberglass or light guage steel and are subjected to damage. Further, unauthorized persons often empty the contents of the container with the result that the environment is rendered untidy rather than clean. Also, the litter containers used in the past often have an unpleasant and unsightly appearance. For example, a number of prior litter containers are "space age" looking designs which are both faddish and stylish and show no concern for the environment. The coloring of these prior containers is often garish. On the other hand, a number of prior containers are so utilitarian in appearance that they do not upgrade the street environment.

In the past, a number of litter containers have been designed so that they can not be used by persons of all ages and sizes. For example litter containers are often mounted on city owned poles at a height that cannot be reached by most children. Such units have the further disadvantage that they obstruct a pedestrian's view of vehicular traffic because they are mounted at eye level.

Still other disadvantages of prior litter containers include the danger of a child climbing inside the container, litter openings that are too small and not protected against heavy weather conditions, and litter capacities that are too large or too small resulting in collection problems. Further, although a number of containers have been designed to exhibit advertising material, the display ads are often printed on thin papers or films which are directly applied to the outer surface of the container and are unprotected and totally exposed to rain, snow, road soil and vandals.

Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is to provide new and improved litter containers.

Another object of this invention is to provide litter containers which cannot be removed and emptied by unauthorized persons.

A further object of this invention is to provide litter containers which can support display materials, such as standard size advertising posters, protect the display materials against damage from the elements and vandalism, and permit the display materials to be quickly and easily interchanged from time to time.

A still further object of this invention is to provide litter containers that facilitate refuse deposit and collection and that have the durability to withstand both the destructive force of the elements and potential vandalism by the thoughtless and careless.

An additional object of this invention is to provide litter containers that can be used by both adults and children and that do not present dangerous design features capable of injuring humans or animals, and especially children.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

To achieve the foregoing objectives and in accordance with its purpose, one embodiment of the litter container of this invention comprises a four sided housing having a top section for receiving trash and a bottom section for display materials; an outwardly opening door on one side of the bottom section and containing a backing plate; a window panel on each of the four sides of the housing, with one of the window panels being mounted in the door in front of the backing plate and forming an opening therewith for receiving display material; and a hinged frame in back of and cooperating with each of the three remaining window panels, each frame having means for receiving display material and being movable between a first position where the frame overlies the window panel and a second position where the frame is swung inwardly into the housing so that the display material can be inserted into it when the side door is opened.

Preferably, the means for receiving the display material comprises an upper guide rail and a lower guide rail. It is also preferred that each window panel includes a metal frame and a clear, tough sheet of plastic. A gasket preferably is provided on each window panel to seal the window panel to the side of the container on which it is mounted. Desirably, releasable means are provided for maintaining each of the hinged frames in its first position.

In another embodiment of the invention, a combination litter container and display device comprises a four sided housing having a top section for receiving trash and a bottom section for display materials, the top section being hingedly connected to the bottom section and having an opening on each of its four sides to allow four-way access for deposit of trash; a removable window panel sealingly mounted on each of the four sides of the bottom section; and a backing plate in back of and overlying each window panel, each backing plate forming an opening with a window panel for receiving and completely enclosing display material to protect the display material from damage.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, but are not restrictive of the invention.

The accompanying drawings illustrate an example of a preferred embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination litter container and display device constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a horizontal sectional view taken along lines 2--2 of FIG. 1 showing in full line the door of the container in closed position, and in phantom line the door in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken along lines 3--3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken along lines 4--4 of FIG. 3 showing a typical side.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along lines 5--5 of FIG. 1 and showing the door of the container in greater detail.

FIG. 6 is a horizontal view taken along lines 6--6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein the top of the container is hingedly connected to the bottom of the container.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 7 showing the top of the container in open position.

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken along lines 9--9 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view, partially cut away, showing the hinged connection of the top section of the container of FIG. 7 to the bottom section of the container.

In accordance with the invention, the combination litter container and display device includes a four-sided housing having a top section for receiving trash and a bottom section for display materials. As here embodied, and as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the litter container includes a housing, generally 10, having four corner posts, generally 12, 14, 16 and 18. Corner posts 12, 14, 16 and 18 extend from the bottom of the container.

Corner posts 12 and 14 define a first side, generally 20, of the container, corner posts 14 and 16 define a second side, generally 22, of the container, corner posts 16 and 18 define a third side 24 of the container and corner posts 18 and 12 define a fourth side 26 of the container. Each of the four sides of the container has an upper side panel, generally 28, extending between and secured to the two corner posts for each side of the container by conventional means, such as by rivets, screws, or welding. Upper side panels 23 are the dividing line for the top and bottom sections of the container.

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 each corner post 12, 14, 16 and 18 has a rounded outer wall 30 having a curvature of about 90.degree. so that the ends of outer wall 30 are on adjacent sides of the container. Each corner post has a first inwardly extending wall 32 at one end of outer wall 30 and a second inwardly extending wall 34 at the other end of the outer wall. Walls 32 and 34 are substantially perpendicular to the side of the container that they are on. As best seen in FIG. 3, walls 32 and 34 of each corner post meet with each other at right angles in the top section of the container, but they are foreshortened in the bottom section of the container. Each wall 32 has at its inner end an anchor plate 31 which extends parallel to and toward the center of the side of the container it is on. Similarly, each wall 34 has at its inner end an anchor plate 33 which extends parallel to and toward the center of the side of the container it is on.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, each upper side panel 28 includes a vertical outer wall 36, an inwardly extending top wall 38 perpendicular to outer wall 36, and a chute wall 40 which slopes inwardly and downwardly at a 45.degree. angle from the inner edge of top wall 38. As best seen in FIG. 3 the opposing ends of each chute wall 40 are cut at 45.degree. angles so that adjacent chute walls meet with each other to form an internal chute to guide trash into the interior of the container. The angled ends of the chute walls are secured to each other by conventional means as be welding to form a strong structure.

A roof wall 42 is secured to the top of corner posts 12, 14, 16 and 18 and slopes downwardly from its center 44 toward each corner post. The outer edges of roof wall 42 are rounded and curved downwardly, and as seen in FIG. 4, a wall 43 extends horizontally inwardly from the lower edge of the curved outer edge of the roof wall. The downward inclination of roof wall 42 aids in preventing rain or snow from entering the container. Top wall 38 of each upper side panel 28 is spaced below roof wall 42 to form a top opening 46 in each side of the container for receiving trash. Top openings 46 of the container thus allow four-way access for deposit of trash. Each opening is preferably 5 inches in height and 21 inches from side to side and is designed to receive various sizes of trash.

As best seen in FIG. 4, with reference to upper side panel 28 on side 22 of the container, the lower end of outer wall 36 of each upper side panel 28 on sides 22, 24 and 26 has a horizontal, inwardly extending flange 48 and a leg 50 extends vertically downwardly from the inner end of flange 48. Each side panel 28 on sides 22, 24 and 26 forms the lower end of an opening for receiving a window panel, generally 52, as described in greater detail hereafter. As best seen in FIG. 5, side panel 28 on side 20 of the container contains a horizontal, inwardly extending flange 49 at its lower end.

The container includes a bottom panel 54 shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 and corner posts 12, 14, 16 and 18 extend upwardly from the bottom panel. Bottom panel 54 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a downturned flange 56, shown in FIG. 4 at the outer edge of each of its sides. A leg 58 extends perpendicularly inwardly from the bottom edge of each flange 56. A lower side panel, generally 60, extends vertically upwardly from the edge of bottom panel 54 on sides 22, 24 and 26 of the container. Each lower side panel 60 is secured to the opposing corner posts of the side of the container it is mounted on by conventional means such as by rivets, screws or welding. Each lower side panel 60 also includes a horizontal, inwardly extanding flange 64 at its upper end and an upwardly extending leg 66 at the inner edge of flange 64. Each side panel 60 forms the lower end of each side opening that receives window panel 52.

Each corner of bottom panel 54 has a heavy duty support leg 68, shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, preferably of 11-guage steel, sealed against rust, secured to it. Each leg 68 is provided with pre-drilled holes 67, as seen in FIG. 4, to receive anchor bolts (not shown) for mechanically securing the litter container to the surface it is positioned on, such as a concrete surface. The anchor bolts prevent the litter container from being tipped over, stolen or otherwise displaced. Preferably, at least two, and as many as all four of the legs are provided with heavy duty steel levelers 70 to compensate for uneven surfaces. Thus, the litter containers of the present invention can be leveled on location to maintain a level and stable position before they are anchored in place. Bottom plate 54 is provided with a series of drainage holes 71, as shown in FIG. 3, and these holes together with the container being raised off the ground permit full drainage of rain, snow and street soil.

In accordance with the invention, the container is provided with an outwardly opening door on one side of the bottom section. The door contains a backing plate. As here embodied, and as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the door, generally 72, forms the bottom section of first side 20 of the container. Door 72 extends between corner post 12 and corner post 14 by a hinge 74 running the length of the door.

Door 72 includes a generally rectangular frame, generally 76, having a lower horizontal member 78, two side members 80 and 82 extending vertically upwardly from opposite sides of lower member 78 panel, and a top member 84 connecting the side members at their top. A lower door panel 79 is secured to lower horizontal member 78 between side members 80 and 82. Door panel 79 of door 72 is similar to lower side panels 60 on sides 22, 24 and 26 of the container and is at the same height as these lower side panels. As best seen in FIG. 5, lower door panel 79 has a horizontal inwardly directed flange 86 at its top edge and a vertically upwardly extending anchor plate 88 at the inner edge of flange 86. Lower door panel 79 has a horizontal inwardly extending flange 77 at its lower end and this flange is secured to bottom member 78 of frame 76 by conventional means as by rivets. Lower horizontal member 78 has an upwardly directed flange 81 at its inner end and this flange abuts against the end of bottom panel 54 when door 72 is closed. Top member 84 of frame 76 has a vertically downwardly extending anchor plate 90 at its inner edge.

As best seen in FIG. 2, side member 82 has a perpendicularly extending flange 83 at its inner end. One side of hinge 74 is connected to side member 82, and the other side of hinge 74 is connected to wall 34 of corner post 12 to permit door 72 to be swung outwardly of the container. Hinge 74 is a heavy duty, rust proof hinge and permits direct access to the interior of the container. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5 door 72 also contains a backing plate 104 having a flat surface spaced inwardly from the inner surface of the door frame. Backing plate 104 is made of a flexible sheet metal which is bowed inwardly from the door frame. Backing plate 104 is secured to door frame 76 at anchor plate 90 of top member 84 of door 72, at anchor plate 88 of lower door panel 79 and along the length of flange 83 of side member 82 by conventional means such as by rivets.

In accordance with the invention, a window panel is provided on each of the four sides of the container, with one of the window panels being mounted in the door in front of the backing plate and forming an opening therewith for receiving display material. As here embodied, door 72 contains one window panel 52 and additional window panels 52 are provided in the openings formed between the upper and lower side panels on the remaining sides of the container. Each window panel 52 includes a rectangular frame, generally 94, and a clear plastic sheet 96 supported in the frame. As best shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 5 and 6 frame 94 has an interior U-shaped groove 98 extending throughout the inner periphery of the frame. An inner U-shaped gasket 99 is mounted in groove 98 and plastic sheet 96 engages this gasket in groove 98. The plastic used in manufacturing plastic sheet 96 of window panel 52 is preferably a shatterproof polycarbonate plastic, such as sold under the trade name "Lexan" by General Electric of "Plex 70 Polycarbonate" by Rohm and Hass. An exterior groove 100 adjacent the inner face of frame 94 extends about the outer periphery of the frame and a gasket 102 is secured in this groove to provide a seal when window panel 52 is secured to the container.

Each window panel 52 is secured to the respective sides 22, 24 and 26 of the container by top screws 105, as seen in FIG. 4, which extend through each leg 50 of each upper side panel 28 and the top of each frame 94, and bottom screws 106 which extend through each leg 66 of each lower side panel 60 and the bottom of frame 94. Screw 105 and 106 are inserted from the interior of the container and do not extend completely through window frame 94 so that they are not visible from the outside of the container. Additional screws can be provided to secure the sides of window frame 94 to anchor plates 31 and 33 on opposing corner posts. The widths of window frame 94 and each flange 48 on each upper side panel 28 and flange 64 on each lower side panel 60 are such that the outside surface of window frame 94 is flush with the outside surfaces of the upper and lower side panels 28 and 60 respectively. Gasket 102 contacts upper flange 48 and lower flange 64 and sides 32 and 34 of opposing corner posts when window panel 52 is secured to the container to form a water proof side of the container.

As seen in FIG. 5, door 72 has a window panel 52 similarly secured by bottom screws 106 to anchor plate 88 of lower door panel 79 and by top screws 105 to anchor plate 90 of top member 84 of door frame 76. The widths of window frame 94, flange 86 on lower door panel 79 and top member 84 of door frame 76 are such that the outside surface of window panel 52 is flush with the outside surfaces of lower door panel 79, and top member 84 of door frame 76. Gasket 102 contacts the inner surfaces of top member 84 and side members 80 and 82 of door frame 76 and flange 86 of door panel 79 to form a waterproof door when window panel 52 is secured to door 72. Window panel 52 on door 72 is in front of backing plate 104 and forms an opening with the backing plate for receiving display material when the door is in its open position. The display material is inserted into door 72 from the side of the door.

In accordance with the invention a plurality of hinged frames are provided in back of and cooperating with each of the three remaining window panels. Each frame has means for receiving display material, and is movable between a first position where the frame is parallel to and overlies its cooperating window panel and a second position where the frame is swung inwardly into the housing so that the display material can be inserted into it when the door is opened. As here embodied, and as best seen in FIG. 3, the container includes a first hinged frame 106 cooperating with window panel 52 on side 26 of the container, a second hinged frame 108 cooperating with window panel 52 on side 24 of the container, and a third hinged frame 110 cooperating with window panel 52 on side 22 of the container. Frame 106 is hingedly connected to wall 34 of corner post 18, frame 108 is hingedly connected to wall 32 of corner post 18, and frame 110 is hingedly connected to corner post 16. As shown in FIG. 6 with reference to frame 110, conventional type hinges 111 are used to connect the frames to their corresponding corner posts. As best seen in FIG. 4 with reference to hinged frame 110, each hinged frame 106, 108 and 110 comprises a substantially rectangular flat metal sheet having an upper curved rail 112 extending downwardly from its top edge and a lower curved rail 114 extending upwardly from its lower edge. Guide rails 112 and 114 serve as a means for holding a display poster 113 within each hinged frame. As shown in FIG. 6 with reference to frame 110, the inner edge of each hinged frame adjacent hinge 111 for the frame has a U-shaped end to aid in positioning and holding display poster 113 in correct position.

Each of the hinged frames 106, 108 and 110 is movable to overlie and be parallel to its cooperating window panel. Thus, frame 106 is movable to overlie window panel 52 of side 26, of the container, frame 108 is movable to overlie window panel 52 of side 24, and frame 110 is movable to overlie window panel 52 of side 22. As shown in FIG. 6 with reference to hinged frame 108, each frame 106, 108 and 110 has a catch 116 on its free edge opposite that of its hinged edge. Each catch 116 cooperates with a spring lock 118 mounted on the corner post which the free edge of the hinged frame overlies. Spring lock 118 is a releasable means for holding each hinged frame in its first position. It will be readily apparent that other releasable means, such as magnet locks can be used instead of the catch and spring locks shown here.

As seen in FIG. 1, a safety lock 120 is secured to the upper side panel 28 above door 72 and this lock engages an opening (not shown) in backing plate 104 of door 72 to lock the door in closed position. When door 72 is opened, hinged frames 106, 108 and 110, can be released from their locked first position by applying pressure to each frame to overcome the resistance of spring locks 118 and swung inwardly into the interior of the container from their locked position parallel to sides 26, 24 and 22, respectively, of the container. In this inward position, display material, such as advertising posters 113, can be inserted into guide rails 112 and 114 of hinged frames 106, 108 and 110. The hinged frames can then be swung back into parallel position with the sides of the container and locked in place by engagement of catches 116 with spring locks 118. When door 74 is open, a display poster 113 can also be inserted into the opening between window panel 52 and backing plate 104 of door 72.

When the hinged frames are swung back, an inner liner can now be inserted into the interior of housing 10 for receiving trash deposited through top openings 46 of the container. The inner liner preferably is a standard, sturdy galvanized steel, economical container which is easily replaceable. After the inner liner is inserted into the container, door 72 is locked by safety lock 120 and the container is ready for use.

The display material such as display posters 113 can be made of inexpensive, lightweight, easily replaceable materials such as cardboard. The display posters can carry advertising material or public service messages and because they can be easily interchanged with new posters, they can be replaced as often as desired, for example once a week. The display posters are preferably approximately 22 inches by 21 inches, a standard advertising display size, and occupy the entire visible area of each window panel 52. Window panels 52 protect the cardboard display posters against the weather, and also against defacement by potential vandels because the container door 72 is locked and the display posters can be reached only when the door is opened. Window panels 52, made of a tough plastic, are non-breakable, shatterproof, virtually indestructible, waterproof and provide maximum protection for the display materials. Although the display material are here illustrated as display posters, it will be understood that other display materials, such as art work, or minature or full size objects mounted on boards can be inserted into the container.

The litter containers of the present invention overcome a number of the disadvantages associated with prior art containers. Thus, the litter containers of the present invention are preferably about 41 inches in height. This height will not obstruct a pedestrians view of vehicular traffic and generally can be used by persons of all sizes and ages and by most children. The capacity of the litter container is preferably up to 55 gallons, thereby requiring fewer collections than in the case of smaller containers. The major components of the litter container are fabricated of 16-guage heavy duty steel, sealed against rust, and are thus capable of withstanding the stresses that it will encounter in use. Further, the major components of the container such as the window panels, doors, and the like are replaceable on location. Display posters inserted into the container are fully protected from the elements and cannot be damaged by vandals because of the protection afforded by the window panels. The container can be easily opened by a person having proper authority, however, and the display posters can then be readily replaced with new posters. The litter containers of the present invention facilitate refuse deposit and collection and have the durability to withstand both the destructive force of the elements and potential vandalism.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention and as shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the litter container is provided with a top section that is hingedly connected to the bottom section of the container for providing access to the interior of the container.

In this alternate embodiment of the invention, and as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the litter container includes a housing, generally 150, having a bottom section, generally 152, and a top section generally 154. Bottom section 152 has four corner posts 156, 158, 160 and 162 which extend the length of the bottom section. Corner posts 156 and 158 define a first front side, generally 164, of the container, corner posts 160 and 162 define a back side, generally 166 of the container, corner posts 158 and 160 define a third side, generally 168 of the container, and corner posts 156 and 162 define a fourth side, generally 170, of the container.

As best seen in FIG. 8 with reference to corner post 156, each corner post 156, 158, 160 and 162 has a rounded outer wall 163 having a curvature of about 90.degree. so that the ends of the outer wall in adjacent sides of the container. Each corner post has a first inwardly extending wall 165 at one end of outer wall 163 and a second inwardly extending wall 167 at the other end of the outer wall. Walls 165 and 167 are substantially perpendicular to the side of the container that they are on. Each wall 165 has at its inner end an anchor plate 169 which extends parallel to and toward the center of the side of the container it is on. Similarly, each wall 167 has at its inner end an anchor plate 171 which extends parallel to and toward the center of the side of the container it is on.

The container of FIGS. 7-10 includes a bottom panel 178 as shown in FIG. 9 and corner posts 156, 158, 160 and 162 extend upwardly from the bottom panel. Bottom panel 178 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a downturned flange 180 at the outer edge of its sides. A leg 181 extends perpendicularly inwardly from the bottom edge of flange 180. A lower side panel, generally 182, extends vertically upwardly from each edge of bottom panel 178 on each side 164, 166, 168 and 170 of the container. Each lower side panel 182 is secured to the opposing corner posts for the side of the container it is mounted on by conventional means such as by screws, rivets or welding. Each lower side panel 182 is substantially identical and includes at its upper end a horizontal inwardly extending flange 184 and an upwardly extending leg 186 at the inner edge of flange 184. Each lower side panel 182 includes at its lower end a horizontal inwardly extending flange 172 which is secured to leg 181 of bottom plate 178.

Each corner of bottom panel 178 has a heavy duty support leg 174, sealed against rust, secured to it. Each leg 174 is provided with predrilled holes (not shown) to receive anchor bolts for mechanically securing the litter container to the surface it is positioned on and as seen in FIG. 7 a leveler 176 to compensate for uneven surfaces.

The opposing corner posts and lower side panel 182 for each side of th container define an opening for receiving a window panel 52 identical to the window panel described above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 6.

A window panel 52 is provided in each opening on each of the four sides of the container as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. Window panel 52 is secured to each side of the container by bottom screws 190 which pass through leg 186 of lower side panel 182 and frame 94 of window panel 52 as shown in FIG. 9. Additional screws can be provided to secure the sides of window frame 94 to anchor plates 169 and 171 on opposing corner posts. Screws 190 are inserted from the interior of th container and do not extend completely through frame 94 of window panel 52 so they are not visible from the exterior of the container. The outer face of each window panel 52 is substantially flush with the corner posts and lower side panels defining each side of the container. The outer gasket 102 on each window panel 52 engages the inner end walls 165 and 167 of the opposing corner posts on the side of the container on which it is mounted and flange 184 on lower side panel 182 to seal each window panel 52 to the container.

In accordance with the invention, a backing plate is spaced from and is interior of each window panel and forms an opening therewith for receiving display material from the top of the bottom section. As here embodied, and as shown in FIG. 8, a backing plate, generally 192, is spaced inwardly from each window panel 52 on each side of the container and defines an opening therewith. Each backing plate 192 is parallel to its corresponding window panel 52 and is secured by screws (not shown) to anchor plates 169 and 171 of opposing corner posts of each side of the container. The top of backing plate 192 on side 170 of the container has an inwardly turned lip (not shown). As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom of each backing plate 192 is U-shaped for supporting a display poster 113.

Top section 154 of the container, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, includes four upper corner posts 202, 204, 206 and 208 corresponding to the four corner posts 156, 158, 160 and 162, respectively of bottom section 152 of the container. Top section 154 also includes four sides 210, 212, 214 and 216 corresponding to the sides 164, 166, 168 and 170 of bottom section 152.

A roof wall 218 is secured to the top of corner posts 202, 204, 206 and 208. Roof wall 218 slopes downwardly from its center toward each corner post to aid in deflecting rain and snow. Top section 154 also includes a side panel, generally 220 extending between and secured by conventional means, such as by welding, rivets or screws, to the two corner posts for each side of the top section. Each side panel 220 includes a vertical outer wall 222 and an inwardly extending top wall 224 perpendicular to outer wall 222. Top wall 224 of each side panel 220 is spaced below roof wall 218 to form a generally rectangular top opening 226 on each side of the container for receiving trash. Top openings 226 on the container thus allow four way access for deposit of trash. Top openings 226 are preferably 5 inches in height and twenty-one inches from side to side.

Each side panel 220 of top section 154 overlaps the corresponding side on bottom section 152 when top section 154 is in closed position as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9.

Side panel 220 between corner posts 206 and 208 of top section 154 is hingedly connected to corner posts 160 and 162 of bottom section 152 by a hinge 215 as shown in FIG. 10. A cover plate 228 is secured to the inside surfaces of side panels 220 of top section 154 as shown in FIG. 8. Cover plate 228 has a central opening 230 to provide communication between top section 154 and bottom section 152 so that trash deposited in top openings 226 will fall to the bottom section into an inner liner. Cover plate 228 has a lock 232 for locking top section 154 to bottom section 152. Lock 232 engages the bottom of the lip on backing plate 192 on side 170 of the container.

The upper ends of first and second chains 234 and 236 are secured to the lower surface of cover plate 228 adjacent sides 214 and 216 of top section 154. The lower ends of chains 234 and 236 are secured to a lower portion of corner posts 158 and 156, respectively, of bottom section 152. Chains 234 and 236 permit top section 154 to be opened and rotated for about 95.degree. on its hinges without placing great pressure on the hinge. In this position, posters 113 can be easily inserted into bottom section 152 between backing plates 192 and window panels 52. Also, when top section 154 is open inner liners can be easily removed and emptied when they become filled. Backing plates 192 protect posters 113 against damage originating from the inside of the container and window panels 52 protect them against damage originating from the outside. Because the sides of top section 154 overlie bottom section 152 and the top section is locked to the bottom section, display posters 113 can be removed by authorized personnel only.

The container of FIGS. 7 to 10 is constructed in accordance with the general principles of construction set forth above with respect to the side opening litter container of FIGS. 1 to 6. Thus, the container of FIGS. 7 to 10 is 41 inches in height so that it doesn't obstruct a pedestrians view of traffic and its major components are fabricated of 16-guage steel. Thus, the present invention provides litter containers that fully protect display posters against the weather and vandalism and that are sturdy and safe to use.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details shown and described and departures may be made from such details without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A combination litter container and display device comprising:

a. a four sided housing having a top section for receiving trash and a bottom section for display materials;

b. an outwardly opening door on one side of the bottom section and containing a backing plate;

c. a window panel on each of the four sides of the housing, with one of said window panels being mounted in said door in front of said backing plate and forming an opening with the backing plate for receiving display material; and

d. a hinged frame in back of and cooperating with each of the three remaining window panels, each frame having means for receiving display material and being movable between a first position where the frame overlies the window panel and a second position where the frame is swung inwardly into the housing so that display material can be inserted into it when the side door is opened.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein said means for receiving display material comprises an upper guide rail and a lower guide rail.

3. The container of claim 1 wherein said window panels include a metal frame and a clear, tough sheet of plastic.

4. The container of claim 3 including a gasket on each window panel to seal the window panel to the side of the container on which it is mounted.

5. The container of claim 1 including a lock cooperating with said side door for locking the container.

6. The container of claim 1 including releasable means for maintaining each of said hinged frames in said first position.

7. The container of claim 1 wherein the top section has an opening on each of its four sides to allow four-way access for deposit of trash.

8. The container of claim 1 wherein two hinged frames are mounted on one corner of the container and a third hinged frame is mounted on a second corner of the container.

9. A combination litter container and display device comprising:

a. a four sided housing having a top section for receiving trash and a bottom section for display materials, with the top section being hingedly connected to the bottom section and having an opening on each of its four sides to allow four-way access for deposit of trash;

b. a removable window panel sealingly mounted on each of the four sides of the bottom section;

c. four corner posts extending the length of the bottom section with each corner post having an outer wall with the ends of each outer wall being on adjacent sides of the container, a first inwardly extending wall at one end of the outer wall and a second inwardly extending wall at the other end of the outer wall, said first and second inwardly extending walls being substantially perpendicular to the side of the container that they are on and each inwardly extending wall having at its inner end an anchor plate which extends parallel to and toward the center of the side of the container it is on, said removable window panel being substantially flush with and between two adjacent corner posts; and

d. a backing plate in back of and overlying each window panel, each backing plate forming an opening with a window panel for receiving and completely enclosing display material to protect the display material from damage, said backing plate being secured to the anchor plates of opposing corner posts of each side of the container.

10. The container of claim 9 wherein said window panels include a metal frame and a clear, tough sheet of plastic.

11. The container of claim 10 including a gasket on each window panel to seal the window panel to the side of the container on which it is mounted.