Multiple compartment refuse container

Abstract

A multiple compartment refuse container is provided wherein the compartments have doors both at the top and at the sides of the compartment structure. The refuse container may be used with plastic bags which are easily fastened inside of the container or it may be used with conventional garbage cans. The user of the container merely lifts the top and drops refuse therein and the container is easily emptied by means of side doors. The container is ordinarily built in two or four compartment models but any number of compartments may be employed.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the past, trash containers in public parks or the like have ordinarily been constructed under ground and it is difficult to empty such containers and to keep them clean. The container of the present invention has been specifically developed for use by the United States Forest Service but it may be used in public campgrounds, parks or the like in any situation wherein it is desired to provide an unobtrusive, easily maintained refuse container.

The present invention provides a centralized container service for trash and the like, reducing the cost of trash pickup.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention a rolled edge on the lid makes it possible to suspend plastic trash bags within the container without the use of metal clips or the like.

The container has top doors each of which has a limiting device thereon so it is impossible for the user to leave the container in an open position.

The container of the present invention has side doors thereon so that it is easy to remove the contents of the container without the necessity of lifting the contents through the top opening.

The collection costs when utilizing the containers of the present invention have proved to be only 1/2 to 3/4ths of that of existing underground units previously used by the United States Forest Service.

The containers of the present invention are rugged and esthetically pleasing.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, skids are provided under the container together with eye bolts for towing so that it is easy to move the containers to a desired location.

Various additional features and advantages of the present invention will be brought out in the balance of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a four compartment container embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the device shown in FIG. 1, with certain of the parts in section.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the structure shown in FIG. 1, with certain of the parts in section.

FIG. 4 is a section on the line 4--4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail of a bolt fastener used to fasten the doors closed.

FIG. 6 is a section on the line 6--6 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail on the line 7--7 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective top view of one of the containers showing the use of the clips to hold plastic garbage bags in position.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the use of corner loops for holding a garbage bag.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged section on the line 10--10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention wherein the top is hinged at the rear of the structure and wherein a two-unit container is provided. The drawing also shows the use of the container with a conventional garbage can rather than with a plastic trash bag.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings by reference characters, the refuse container of the present invention includes a rectangular box-like structure generally designated 11, having ends 12 and 14, a back member 16 and a top member 18. Dividers 20 serve to stiffen the structure and to divide the container into a plurality of compartments. A bottom 21 serves to complete the basic structure.

The top 18 is provided with a series of openings each of which is provided with a lid 22 hinged as at 24 and having a lip 23. In the model shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the lids are hinged at one side although as will be later apparent, the lids may be hinged at the rear of the structure. A restraining member 26 such as a wire or rod is provided which permits the lids to be opened to less than 90.degree., so that the lids are self closing by gravity and the user cannot leave the container open.

At the front of the compartment doors 28 and 30 are provided which are substantially the full width of each compartment. One of the doors is provided with a lip 32 which lies over the opposite door and has a sliding bolt 34 so that each pair of doors can be closed and fastened securely.

A raised rim 36 is provided around each of the top openings and this serves both as a means of hanging a plastic garbage bag inside the container and also tends to form a seal with the overhanging lip 23 of lid 22.

Each of the lids is provided with a retractable handle 38 which can be easily grasped but which will fall flush with the top of the lid by gravity when released, making it difficult for animals to pry open the lid. In many parts of the country, bears are a nuisance around refuse containers in which case a rim 40 is provided surrounding the lids so that bears or other animals cannot get their claws under the lid and raise it.

In normal use a plastic bag is fastened to the upstanding rim 36. This can be accomplished in one of two ways as is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 a series of U-shaped clips 42 are provided and the plastic bag is merely draped over the upstanding rim 36 and the clips placed over the edges of the bag opening to hold the bag firmly in place. In accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9 the clips are eliminated and sections of half round rod 44 have been welded or otherwise fastened to the corners of rim 36. As is shown in FIG. 10, plastic bag 46 is placed in the opening formed by the rim 36 and the ends of the corners of the bags tucked under the rod 44 as is shown at 48.

Preferably the container is provided with skids 41 and towing eyebolts 43, so that the entire container can be easily moved from place to place.

In FIG. 11 another embodiment of the invention is shown wherein the container, generally designated 50, is divided into two compartments. In this embodiment the lids 52 are hinged at 54 on the back of the compartment rather than at the side as previously described. Also there is illustrated in this drawing the use of an ordinary garbage can 56 instead of the plastic bags previously shown. Obviously the rear hinging arrangement can be used with the four compartment container and also the two compartment container could have the lids hinged at the side rather than at the back. Otherwise the structures are the same. Also, it will be noted that in FIG. 11 the rim 40 is not employed since in many instances where bears or other large animals are not a nusiance, this protective edge is unnecessary.

Various variations of the exact structure shown may be made without department from the spirit of this invention. The refuse container can be made of any suitable material but is preferably fabricated from steel sheets.

Claims

I claim:

1. In an above-ground container for refuse and the like comprising a rectangular box-like structure divided into a plurality of compartments by partitions, each of said compartments being provided with a top surface with an opening for inserting refuse and an upstanding rim surrounding said opening, a top raising hinged door with a downward depending flange along each edge, said door normally held in a closed position solely by gravity to cover said opening and said rim, and a handle retractable by gravity, and a side door whereby a receptacle within the container can be filled through the top door and the contents removed through the side door, the improvement comprising a second rim closely surrounding all sides of the top door, said rim rising from said top surface to a height approximately equal that of the top surface of the door whereby an animal or the like cannot get its claws under said handle or the edges of said door to raise the door.