The present invention relates generally to a container.
Waste cans are well known. Generally, a waste can comprises an open-top can including a cover attached thereto, wherein the can is adapted to receive an open bag therein for receiving contents. The upper portion of the bag held within the can is often draped over the upper edge of the can, and the bag maintains its position within the can primarily by friction between the bag and the rim of the can. The bag may also be secured to the container by a ring that assembles to the rim and secures the bag with a clamping force. In order to secure a pair of bags to the rim of the can, typically the rim of the can defines a pair of notches for each bag to grip, thereby providing tension in the bags between the notches. However, the frictional engagement of the bag between the notches is generally inadequate to maintain tension as the bags receive contents. When contents contact the tension segments of the bags, the contents fall between the bags. Thus, a dividable waste can typically includes a diverter bar that releasably attaches to the wall.
One such waste can is shown in U.S. Pat. App. Publication No. 2010/0219192. The waste can includes a base and a wall disposed about and attached to the base. The wall defines a rim spaced from the base, as well as a compartment extending between the base and the wall. A lid having an inner surface and an outer surface is coupled to the wall for covering the compartment. A diverter bar has a body extending between body ends with the body releasably engaging the wall to secure the diverter bar to the wall and separate the compartment into at least two sections. However, the waste can lacks a retainer attaching to the lid for securing the diverter bar in a storage position.
The present invention provides for a container that stores a diverter bar onto the lid of the container, thereby providing ease of shipment and storage. In addition, the present invention allows the diverter bar to be maintained in a well-fitted position on the lid of the container. Further, the present invention provides for stacking several containers in a nested capacity for easily transporting and displaying bulk quantities of containers.
It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a container including a base and a wall disposed about and attached to the base. The wall defines a rim spaced from the base, as well as a compartment extending between the base and the wall. A lid having an inner surface and an outer surface is coupled to the wall for covering the compartment. The container has a diverter bar for separating the compartment into at least two sections in a first position. The diverter bar has a body extending between body ends, with the body releasably engaging the wall in the first position. A retainer is attached to the lid for receiving the diverter bar and securing the diverter bar to the lid to define a storage position.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a container including a base and a wall disposed about and attached to the base. The wall defines a rim spaced from the base, as well as a compartment extending between the base and the wall. A lid having an inner surface and an outer surface couples to the wall for covering the compartment. The container has a diverter bar for separating the compartment into at least two sections in a first position. The diverter bar has a body extending between body ends, with the body releasably engaging the wall in the first position. A retainer attaches to the lid for receiving the diverter bar and securing the diverter bar to the lid to define a storage position. A hook is attached to each of the body ends for engaging the wall, and a fortifying member extends outwardly from the body end to the hook connecting the body end to the hook.
Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings pertaining to one embodiment of the container with diverter bar wherein:
Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a container 20, described in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, is generally shown in
As best illustrated in
The wall 28 includes a pair of center walls 34 and a pair of sidewalls 36. The center walls 34 are spaced from and opposed to one another, and the sidewalls 36 are also spaced from and opposed to one another. The center walls 34 and the sidewalls 36 connect to one another to form the wall 28 extending outwardly from the periphery 24 and continuously about the base 22. A plane 38 extends through the center walls 34 to divide the compartment 32 in two. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plane 38 extends centrally through the center walls 34 and divides the center walls 34 in half.
A ledge 40 protrudes radially inward from the wall 28 into the compartment 32, and an outer band 42 extends downwardly from the ledge 40 and generally parallel with the wall 28. The base 22 includes a bottom 44 that extends radially inward from the outer band 42 and perpendicular to the wall 28. An inner band 46 extends upwardly from the bottom 44 at an oblique angle relative to the bottom 44 into the compartment 32 to form a platform 48 having a generally rectangular shape. In other words, the platform 48 is raised above the bottom 44 by the inner band 46 for supporting the bags and the contents in the bags. The bottom 44 and the bands 42, 46 define a groove 50 surrounding the platform 48. It should be appreciated that the groove 50 provides additional volume to the compartment 32, such that, when a large bag is used, the large bag fits into the groove 50 and allows the large bag to receive additional contents. The wall 28 also has a plurality of fins 52 extending outwardly from the ledge 40 into the compartment 32. The fins 52 allow for nesting and removing of a second container in the compartment 32 for easily transporting and displaying bulk quantities of containers 20.
The rim 30 has a generally U-shaped cross-section that protrudes radially outward from the walls 28. A rim ridge 54, a rim ramp 56, a rim brim 58, a rim side 60, and a rim sill 62 are interconnected to form the rim 30. The rim ridge 54 extends radially outward from and generally perpendicular to the wall 28, and the rim ramp 56 protrudes diagonally upward from the rim ridge 54. The rim brim 58 extends radially outward from the rim ramp 56 and generally parallel to the rim ridge 54. The rim side 60 extends downward and parallel with the wall 28 to the rim sill 62. The rim sill 62 is disposed below the rim ridge 54 and protrudes radially outward from and perpendicular to the rim side 60. A plurality of rim webs 64 interconnect the wall 28 and rim 30 to provide structural integrity to the rim 30.
The rim 30 defines a pair of notches 66 disposed in the plane 38 that extend into each center wall 34 for receiving the bags. In other words, the notches 66 are coplanar with one another to divide the rim 30 in half. For example, when two bags are used, each bag is pulled over half of the rim 30 and between the notches 66. This way, the bags are in tension along the plane 38 between the notches 66 with the remainder of the bags pulled around the rim 30.
As best illustrated in
A pair of latches 84 extends radially inward from the lower ring side 82 to engage the rim sill 62 and pinch the bags to the rim 30. A plurality of lower ring ribs 86 extends down from the ring brim 78, between the ring ramp 76 and the ring slope 80, and rests on the rim brim 58 to help hold the bags to the rim 30. Further, a plurality of lower clamps 88, each having an L-shape, extend radially inward from the lower ring side 82 toward the rim side 60. The lower clamps 88 squeeze the ring 68, the bags, and the rim 30 together.
The ring 68 also includes an upper portion 90 that has a generally U-shaped cross-section and spans between the lower portion ends 72 above one of the center walls 34. The upper portion 90 has an upper ring side 92 that is integrally formed with the lower ring side 82. The upper ring side 92 extends parallel with the wall 28 and below the rim sill 62 for concealing the bags. A top 94 extends upward and radially inward from the upper ring sides 92 between the lower portion ends 72. A ring face 96 extends downwardly from the top 94 and spans over the opening 74 to interconnect the lower portion ends 72. The ring face 96 also defines a slot 98 having a T-shape that extends toward the opening 74.
Similar to the lower portion 70 of the ring 68, the upper portion 90 of the ring 68 is secured to the rim 30 by a plurality of upper ring ribs 100 extending down from the top 94 and between the upper ring side 92 and the ring face 96. The upper ring ribs 100 rest on the rim brim 58 to sandwich the bags between the rim 30 and the upper ring ribs 100. Further, a plurality of upper clamps 102, each having an L-shape, extends radially inward from the upper ring side 92 toward the rim side 60 to squeeze the ring 68, the bags, and the rim 30 together.
Within the slot 98 is a pair of joints 104, spaced from and opposite one another. Each joint 104 has a joint rib 106 extending from the top 94 and connecting the upper ring side 92 to the ring face 96. Like the upper ring ribs 100, the joint ribs 106 rest on the rim brim 58 to help hold the bags. Moreover, each joint rib 106 defines a void 108 having a C-shape that extends from the slot 98. A flexible tab 110 extends cantilever from the ring face 96 into the void 108. The tab 110 and the joint rib 106 form a circular receptacle 112 spaced from the slot 98 that extends perpendicular to the tab 110. A pair of stops 114 extends parallel to the tabs 110 and the stops 114 is spaced apart by the tabs 110 and the slot 98. To interconnect the lower portion 70 and the upper portion 90 of the ring 68, a curb 116 bridges the lower portion ends 72 and the ring face 96.
As best illustrated in
The cover portion 124 of the lid 118 has a cross-section similar to the cross-section of the lower portion 70 of the ring 68. Specifically, a lid ramp 130, a lid brim 132, a lid slope 134, and a lid side 136 are interconnected and extend from the roof 128. The lid ramp 130 has an arcuate shape and extends diagonally upward from the roof 128. The lid brim 132 extends radially outward from the lid ramp 130 and is approximately level with the top 94 of the upper portion 90 of the ring 68. The lid slope 134 extends diagonally downward from the lid brim 132 toward the ring 68, and the lid side 136 protrudes downward from the lid slope 134 and generally parallel to the lower ring side 82. The cover portion 124 also has a handle 138 that extends radially outward from the cover portion 124 for receiving a lifting force to open and close the lid 118.
A loop 140 having an annular shape protrudes perpendicularly from the inner surface 120 of the lid 118 and surrounds the roof 128. A plurality of lid ribs 142 extend from the inner surface 120 of the lid 118. The lid ribs 142 interconnect the loop 140 and the lid side 136 and rest on the ring slope 80 when the lid 118 is closed. A lid face 144 having a rectangular shape extends perpendicularly from the roof 128 and joins the cover portion ends 126 together. When the lid 118 is closed, the lid face 144 is adjacent and parallel to the ring face 96. A pair of lid face ribs 146 extends from the inner surface 120 and interconnects the lid face 144 and the loop 140 to reinforce the lid face 144.
In addition to the cover portion 124, the lid 118 has a connection portion 148 which has a U-shaped cross-section. The connection portion 148 extends away from the lid face 144 toward the upper portion 90 of the ring 68 in the form of a flap 150 having an arcuate shape. The flap 150 extends between a pair of extremities 152 to define a channel 154. A plurality of lid webs 156 extends between the lid face 144 and the flap 150 in the channel 154 for supporting the connection portion 148. Additionally, when the lid 118 is opened, the lid webs 156 rest against the ring face 96.
A hinge 158 having an annular shape extends outwardly from each extremity 152. The hinges 158 are received by the receptacles 112 of the ring 68 for coupling the lid 118 to the ring 68. A curl 160 extends away from the flap 150 and along the flap 150 between the extremities 152 for supporting the hinges 158. A plurality of coupling ribs 162 extends between the connection portion 148 and the loop 140 for securing the connection portion 148 to the cover portion 124.
During assembly, a user may insert the connection portion 148 into the slot 98, such that the hinges 158 are in-line with the voids 108. As the hinges 158 are pushed into the voids 108, the flexible tabs 110 deflect outward until the hinges 158 are disposed within the receptacles 112. The tabs 110 then snap inwardly to pivotally couple the lid 118 to the ring 68. The hinges 158 contact the stops 114 to prevent the hinges 158 from moving axially, thereby preventing the lid 118 from moving side-to-side.
As best illustrated in
The diverter bar 164 also has a spine 172 extending between the legs 170 and between the body ends 168. A plurality of diverter bar ribs 174 extends between the legs 170 and interconnects the legs 170 and the spine 172. The diverter bar ribs 174 and spine 172 provide reinforcement to the body 166 of the diverter bar 164.
In order to secure the diverter bar 164 to the rim 30, a hook 176 having a U-shaped cross-section extends outwardly from each body end 168 of the diverter bar 164. The shape of the hook 176 contours to the cross-section of the rim 30, such that the diverter bar 164 reinforces the rim 30. In particular, each one of the hooks 176 includes an edge 178 extending generally perpendicular to the body 166 for engaging the wall 28. A hook ridge 180 extends outwardly from and perpendicular to the edge 178 for engaging the rim ridge 54. A hook ramp 182 extends diagonally outward from the hook ridge 180 for engaging the rim ramp 56. A hook brim 184 extends outwardly from the hook ramp 182 and perpendicular to the edge 178 for engaging the rim brim 58. A hook side 186 extends downward from the hook brim 184 and parallel to the edge 178 for engaging the rim side 60. Further, a hook sill 188 extends outwardly from the hook side 186 for engaging the rim sill 62 and extending below the rim sill 62.
The hooks 176 present a pair of clasps 190 that extends from each hook sill 188 toward the hook brim 184 to secure the diverter bar 164 to the rim 30 and prevent the diverter bar 164 from lifting off the rim 30. The clasps 190 have a wedge shape and engage the rim 30 underneath the rim sill 62. The clasps 190 are spaced from one another on the hook sill 188, such that when the diverter bar 164 is disposed over the bags and the notches 66, one clasp 190 of each hook 176 engages one of the bags while the other clasp 190 engages the other bag.
A fortifying member 192 having a semi-conical shape extends outwardly from each body end 168 to the hook ridges 180 and the hook ramps 182 to provide reinforcement to the hook 176. The fortifying member 192 thereby increases the strength of the hooks 176 and improves the lifespan of the diverter bar 164. In addition, the shape of the fortifying members 192 provides for a smooth surface transition between the body 166 and the hooks 176 for aesthetic appeal when the lid 118 is open. The diverter bar 164 also includes a lip 194 extending radially outward from and perpendicular to each of the legs 170 and between the body ends 168.
As best illustrated in
A plurality of lock slats 206 extends outwardly from the inner surface 120 of the lid 118 and between the loop 140 and the linkages 202. The retainer 196 also has a pair of retainer ribs 208 that extends between the loop 140 and the gap 204 for supporting the lip 194 in the storage position. The lock slats 206 and the retainer ribs 208 engage the lip 194 in the storage position to prevent any movement of the diverter bar 164 between the retainer 196 and the lid 118. Further, the retainer 196 includes a pair brackets 210 spaced from one another and extending parallel to the lid 118 and have an L-shaped cross-section. While the lock 198 secures one lip 194 of the diverter bar 164, the brackets 210 receive the other lip 194 for additional security of the diverter bar 164 in the storage position.
The retainer 196 also includes a pair of barriers 212 spaced from and opposite one another. Each of the barriers 212 extends from the inner surface 120 of the lid 118 and extends from the loop 140 toward the lock 198 for reinforcing the retainer 196. A pair of braces 214, spaced from one another, extends outwardly from the inner surface 120 of the lid 118 between the barriers 212 and the loop 140. In the storage position, the hook sills 188 are abutting the braces 214, such that the braces 214 sandwich the diverter bar 164. The retainer 196 also has a pair of barrier slats 216 spaced from one another and between the braces 214. The barrier slats 216 extend outwardly from the inner surface 120 of the lid 118 and between the loop 140 and each barrier 212. Like the lock slats 206 and the retainer ribs 208, the barrier slats 216 engage the lip 194 in the storage position to prevent any movement of the diverter bar 164 between the retainer 196 and the lid 118.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that all features described and of all embodiments can be combined with each other, so long as such combinations would not contradict one another.
The present invention claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/662,263, filed on Apr. 25, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is considered as part of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62662263 | Apr 2018 | US |