Patent Application
20110042377
The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the field of waste containers. In particular, the disclosed embodiments relate to a waste container having a primary lid for opening in a first direction and a secondary lid opening in a second direction that is different from the first direction.
Waste containers have been around for decades. Most homes and businesses have several waste containers. They are found indoors and outdoors. Indoor waste containers can be kept in the kitchen to dispose of scraps associated with the preparation of food for families, in offices to dispose of waste paper and other office refuse and in bathrooms to dispose of waste from used toiletries. Outdoor waste containers are typically larger than indoor waste containers, and are used to store the aggregate waste from indoor waste containers.
Frequently, the contents of waste containers are protected by a lid that rests atop the waste container. Once opened, waste can be stored in the waste container.
According to an embodiment, a waste container having multiple lids is provided for use in storing waste, trash and other contents, in which components that comprise a primary lid that opens in a first direction and secondary lid that opens in a second direction that is different from the first direction. Among other benefits, having different lids that open in different directions beneficially enables access to the inside of the multiple lid waste container from multiple perspectives of the container without repositioning the multiple lid waste container.
In one embodiment, a multiple lid waste container includes: receptacle body; a primary lid hinge coupled to a top portion of the receptacle body; a primary lid coupled to the primary lid hinge; a secondary lid hinge coupled to the primary lid; a secondary lid coupled to the secondary lid hinge. The primary lid hinge is configured so that the primary lid opens in a first direction and the secondary lid hinge is configured so that the secondary lid opens in a second direction different from the first direction.
A receptacle body 101 is a three dimensional container in which solid and/or liquid waste can be stored. A wheel assembly 105 is a wheel mounted to a spindle that is coupled to the receptacle body 101. A handle 115 is a grip used to move the waste container 100 by hand. A lid hinge 120 is a bearing that couples the lid 110 to the receptacle container 101. A lid 110 is a solid surface that covers the top perimeter 102 of the receptacle body 101.
Here, the waste container 100 is positioned against a wall 201 of an outside structure. A user 205 stands facing the right side of the waste container 100. Assume the user 205 desires to place waste in the waste container 100. However, because the lid 110 only opens in one direction (i.e., from left to right), the user 205 is unable to place waste in the waste container 100 without repositioning the waste container 100.
In one embodiment, the wheel assembly 305 is coupled to a bottom portion of the receptacle body 301, the handle 315 is coupled to a top portion of the receptacle body 301, the primary lid hinge 320 is coupled to the top portion of the receptacle body 301, the primary lid 310 coupled to the primary lid hinge 320, the secondary lid hinge 330 is coupled to the primary lid 310, the secondary lid 340 is coupled to the secondary lid hinge 330, and the secondary lid latch 350 is coupled to the primary lid 310 via the latch keeper 355.
A receptacle body 301 is a three dimensional container in which solid and/or liquid waste can be stored. The receptacle body 301 is any conventional three-dimensional shape. For example, the receptacle body 301 is substantially cylindrical or cuboidical in shape. In one embodiment, the receptacle body 301 is formed from a conventional plastic material. For example, the receptacle body 301 is formed from molded polycarbonate or high density polyethylene. The receptacle body 301 can also be formed from non-plastic materials. For example, the receptacle body 301 is formed from metal, metal compounds, rubber or wood. It will also be understood to those having ordinary skill in the art that the receptacle body 301 can be formed from recycled and/or reclaimed materials. For example, the receptacle body 301 is formed from recycled plastic, recycled metal, recycled metal compounds, and/or recycled rubber.
A wheel assembly 305 is a wheel mounted to a spindle. In one embodiment, the spindle is coupled to the receptacle body 301. The wheel and spindle are formed from conventional materials. For example, the wheel assembly 305 is a plastic wheel that is mounted to a metal spindle that is coupled to the receptacle body 301. In one embodiment, the wheel assembly 305 includes one or more bearings to aid the wheel in turning freely around the spindle.
A handle 315 is a grip used to move the multiple lid waste container 300 by hand. In one embodiment, the handle 315 is a conventional handle shape formed from plastic, rubber or metal. In another embodiment, the handle 315 is ergonomically designed to minimize pronation of a human hand when a human user is moving the multiple lid waste container 300 by hand.
A primary lid hinge 320 is a type of bearing that couples two or more solid objects. For example, the primary lid hinge 320 is a pivot hinge, butt hinge, strap hinge, concealed hinge or any derivation thereof. In one embodiment, the primary lid hinge 320 is formed from a conventional plastic. For example, the primary lid hinge 320 is formed from molded polycarbonate or high density polyethylene. The primary lid hinge 320 can also be formed from non-plastic materials. For example, the primary lid hinge 320 is formed from metal, metal compounds or rubber. It will also be understood to those having ordinary skill in the art that the primary lid hinge 320 can be formed from recycled and/or reclaimed materials. For example, the secondary lid latch 350 is formed from recycled plastic, recycled metal, recycled metal compounds, and/or recycled rubber.
In one embodiment, the primary lid hinge 320 is adapted to swing the full extent allowed by the contact of the primary lid 310 with the receptacle body 301. For example, the primary lid hinge is adapted to swing approximately 270 degrees relative to the top portion of the receptacle body 301.
A primary lid 310 is a solid, three-dimensional surface that is shaped to cover a top perimeter 302 of the receptacle body 301. In one embodiment, the primary lid 310 is formed from a conventional plastic. For example, the primary lid 310 is formed from molded polycarbonate or high density polyethylene. The primary lid 310 can also be formed from non-plastic materials. For example, the primary lid 310 is formed from metal, metal compounds, rubber or wood. It will also be understood to those having ordinary skill in the art that the primary lid 310 can be formed from recycled and/or reclaimed materials. For example, the primary lid 310 is formed from recycled plastic, recycled metal, recycled metal compounds, and/or recycled rubber.
In one embodiment, the primary lid 310 is adapted to form a seal around the top perimeter 302 of the receptacle body 301. The seal can be one or more of: air tight; substantially air tight; water tight; and substantially water tight. Accordingly, the primary lid 310 beneficially protects the contents of the receptacle body 301 (e.g., liquid and/or solid waste) from wind, precipitation and/or wild animals. The primary lid 310 also beneficially keeps odors in the receptacle body 301 when in a closed position.
The primary lid 310 has an inner primary lid perimeter 312. The inner primary lid perimeter 312 is an outer edge of an opening in the primary lid 310. This opening is referred to as a primary lid opening 813, and is depicted in greater detail at
A secondary lid hinge 330 is a bearing that couples two or more solid objects. For example, the secondary lid hinge 330 is a pivot hinge, butt hinge, strap hinge, concealed hinge or any derivation thereof. In one embodiment, the secondary lid hinge 330 is formed from a conventional plastic. For example, the secondary lid hinge 330 is formed from molded polycarbonate or high density polyethylene. The secondary lid hinge 330 can also be formed from non-plastic materials. For example, the secondary lid hinge 330 is formed from metal, metal compounds, rubber or wood. It will also be understood to those having ordinary skill in the art that the secondary lid hinge 330 can be formed from recycled and/or reclaimed materials. For example, the secondary lid hinge 330 is formed from recycled plastic, recycled metal, recycled metal compounds, and/or recycled rubber.
In one embodiment, the secondary lid hinge 330 is positioned so that the secondary lid 340 will open in a different direction than the primary lid 310. For example, if a user is facing the side of the waste container 300 as depicted in
In one embodiment, the secondary lid hinge 330 is adapted to swing the full extent allowed by the contact of the secondary lid 340 with the receptacle body 301 and/or the primary lid 310. For example, the primary lid hinge is adapted to swing approximately 270 degrees relative to the top portion of the receptacle body 301.
A secondary lid 340 is a solid, three-dimensional surface that is shaped to cover at least the inner primary lid perimeter 312 of the primary lid 310. In one embodiment, the secondary lid 340 is formed from a conventional plastic. For example, the secondary lid 340 is formed from molded polycarbonate or high density polyethylene. The secondary lid 340 can also be formed from non-plastic materials. For example, the secondary lid 340 is formed from metal, metal compounds, rubber or wood. It will also be understood to those having ordinary skill in the art that the secondary lid 340 can be formed from recycled and/or reclaimed materials. For example, the secondary lid 340 is formed from recycled plastic, recycled metal, recycled metal compounds, and/or recycled rubber.
In one embodiment, the secondary lid 340 is adapted to form a seal around the inner primary lid perimeter 312 of the primary lid 310. The seal can be one or more of: air tight; substantially air tight; water tight; and substantially water tight. Accordingly, the secondary lid 340 beneficially protects the contents of the receptacle body 301 (e.g., liquid and/or solid waste) from wind, precipitation and/or wild animals. The secondary lid 340 also beneficially keeps odors in the receptacle body 301.
In one embodiment, the secondary lid 340 opens in a different direction than the primary lid 310. For example, as depicted in
In one embodiment, the primary lid 310 and the secondary lid 340 are configured so that they form a single, smooth concave surface. In one embodiment, the primary lid 310 and the secondary lid 340 are configured so that they form two distinct concave surfaces. For example, the secondary lid 340 forms a first concave surface that sits higher than the primary lid 310, with the primary lid 310 forming a second concave surface 310. In another embodiment, the primary lid 310 and/or the secondary lid 340 are substantially concave. For example, portions of either the primary lid 310 and/or the secondary lid 340 have substantially flat surfaces whereas other portions of the primary lid 310 and/or secondary lid 340 have concave surfaces. Thus, the primary lid 310 and the secondary lid 340 beneficially provide one or more concave surfaces to aid in the drainage of precipitation.
A secondary lid latch 350 is a mechanical fastener that is used to temporarily couple two or more solid objects. For example, the secondary lid latch 340 joins the secondary lid 340 to the primary lid 310 so that the secondary lid 340 temporarily stays in a substantially fixed position. The secondary lid latch 350 is a conventional latch. For example, the secondary lid latch 350 is a spring latch, slam latch, sliding latch, cam lock latch, Norfolk latch, Suffolk latch, or crossbar latch, or any derivation thereof. In one embodiment, the secondary lid latch 350 is formed from a conventional plastic. For example, the secondary lid latch 350 can be formed from molded polycarbonate or high density polyethylene. The secondary lid latch 350 can also be formed from non-plastic materials. For example, the secondary lid latch 350 is formed from metal, metal compounds, rubber or wood. It will also be understood to those having ordinary skill in the art that the secondary lid latch 350 can be formed from recycled and/or reclaimed materials. For example, the secondary lid latch 350 is formed from recycled plastic, recycled metal, recycled metal compounds, and/or recycled rubber.
In one embodiment, the secondary lid latch 350 is coupled to the secondary lid 340 so that the secondary lid latch 350 rotates in an axial direction downward relative to the top surface of the secondary lid 340 to join the secondary lid 340 to the primary lid 310. For example, in the embodiment depicted in
In one embodiment secondary lid latch 350 is ergonomically designed. For example, the secondary lid latch 350 is shaped to fit into an average sized adult human hand and be engaged and/or disengaged without causing substantial pronation.
The secondary lid latch 350 engages a latch keeper 355. The latch keeper 355 is a conventional latch keeper or latch strike. In one embodiment, the latch keeper 355 is formed from a conventional plastic. For example, the latch keeper 355 is be formed from molded polycarbonate or high density polyethylene. The latch keeper 355 can also be formed from non-plastic materials. For example, the latch keeper 355 is formed from metal, metal compounds, rubber or wood. It will also be understood to those having ordinary skill in the art that the latch keeper 355 can be formed from recycled and/or reclaimed materials. For example, the latch keeper 355 is formed from recycled plastic, recycled metal, recycled metal compounds, and/or recycled rubber.
In one embodiment, the latch keeper 355 is formed as a portion of the primary lid 310. For example, the primary lid 310 is a molded plastic shape that includes a latch keeper 355 and is dimensioned to cover at least the top perimeter 302 of the receptacle body 301. In one embodiment, the latch keeper 355 is recessed into the primary lid 310 so that the interface of the primary lid 310 and the secondary lid 340 is substantially smooth when the secondary lid latch 350 is engaged into the latch keeper 355. In another embodiment, the latch keeper 355 is recessed into the primary lid 310 so that the interface of the secondary lid 340 and the secondary lid latch 350 is substantially smooth when the secondary lid latch 350 is engaged into the latch keeper 355. In another embodiment, the latch keeper 355 is positioned so that the secondary lid latch 350 is higher than the secondary lid 340 and/or the primary lid 310 relative to the top surfaces of the primary lid 310 and/or the secondary lid 340 when the secondary lid latch 340 is engaged into the latch keeper 355.
In one embodiment, the latch keeper 355 is formed as a portion of the secondary lid 340. For example, the secondary lid 340 is a molded plastic shape that includes a latch keeper 355 and the secondary lid latch 350 is coupled to the primary lid 310 so that the secondary lid latch 350 rotates in an axial direction upward relative to the top surface of the primary lid 310 to join the primary lid 310 to the secondary lid 340. In one embodiment, the latch keeper 355 is recessed into the secondary lid 340 so that the interface of the primary lid 310 and the secondary lid 340 is substantially smooth when the secondary lid latch 350 is engaged into the latch keeper 355. In another embodiment, the latch keeper 355 is recessed into the secondary lid 340 so that the interface of the secondary lid 340 and the secondary lid latch 350 is substantially smooth when the secondary lid latch 350 is engaged into the latch keeper 355. In another embodiment, the latch keeper 355 is positioned so that the secondary lid latch 350 is higher than the secondary lid 340 and/or the primary lid 310 relative to the top surfaces of the primary lid 310 and/or the secondary lid 340 when the secondary lid latch 340 is engaged into the latch keeper 355.
In one embodiment, the secondary lid hinge 330 is a conventional spring loaded hinge that is adapted so that one or more springs in the secondary lid hinge 330 causes the secondary lid 340 to swing open when the secondary lid hatch 350 is disengaged from the latch keeper 355.
The inner walls 409, 422, 430 and 432 and the cavity bottom 444 are the inner surfaces of the receptacle body 301. The cavity bottom 444 is the bottom inside surface of the receptacle body 301. The inner walls 409, 422, 430 and 432 and the cavity bottom 444 form a cavity 404. The cavity 404 is a space inside the receptacle body 301 in solid and/or liquid waste can be stored.
The top perimeter 302 is a surface edge, flange or lip running along the top portion of the receptacle body 301. In one embodiment, the top perimeter 302 includes a gasket for providing a seal for the interface between the top perimeter 302 and the primary lid 310. The gasket is a conventional gasket. For example, the gasket is a silicon gasket, rubber gasket, cork gasket, metal gasket, or plastic polymer gasket. The gasket beneficially provides a seal that is one or more of: air tight; substantially air tight; water tight; and substantially water tight.
In this embodiment, the multiple lid waste container 301 includes two primary lid hinges 320A and 320B and two secondary lid hinges 330A and 330B. The primary lid hinges 320A and 320B couple the primary lid 310 to the top portion of the waste receptacle 301 and the secondary lid hinges 330A and 330B couple the secondary lid 340 to the primary lid 310.
In this embodiment, the multiple lid waste container 301 also includes a primary lid perimeter flange 415 and a secondary lid perimeter flange 460. The primary lid perimeter flange 415 is a ridge or lip running along the perimeter of the primary lid 310, so that primary lid 310 forms a seal along the interface with the top perimeter 302 when the primary lid 310 is in a closed position.
The secondary lid perimeter flange 460 is a raised flange or lip that is formed in the primary lid 310. The secondary lid perimeter flange 460 is shaped to run along the inside perimeter of the secondary lid 340 when the secondary lid 340 is in a closed position. Accordingly, the secondary lid 340 rests upon the secondary lid perimeter flange 460 when in a closed position. In one embodiment, the secondary lid perimeter flange 460 includes a gasket for providing a seal for the interface between the secondary lid 340 and the primary lid 310. The gasket is a conventional gasket. For example, the gasket is a silicon gasket, rubber gasket, cork gasket, metal gasket, or plastic polymer gasket. In one embodiment, this gasket can run along the latch keeper 350 and/or the secondary lid hinges 330A and 330B to provide a seal along the entire perimeter of the secondary lid 340. Accordingly, the gasket beneficially provides a seal that is one or more of: air tight; substantially air tight; water tight; and substantially water tight.
Here, the secondary lid 340 is open at an approximate 90 degree angle relative to the primary lid and the primary lid 310 is in a closed position. Accordingly, if the waste container 300 were placed against a wall as depicted in
Here, the secondary lid 340 is open at an approximate 90 degree angle relative to the primary lid 310 and the primary lid 310 is open at an approximate −90 degree angle relative to the top perimeter 302. Accordingly, the primary lid 310 and the secondary lid 340 open in different directions.
Here, the secondary lid 340 and the primary lid 310 are each in a closed position.
Here, the secondary lid 340 is open at an approximate 90 degree angle relative to the primary lid 310, thereby exposing the primary lid opening 813, and the primary lid 310 is in a closed position.
In one embodiment, the secondary lid perimeter flange 460 is a recessed flange or lip that is formed in the primary lid 310. For example,
In one embodiment the secondary lid latch 350 is a sliding latch coupled to the primary lid 310 at a position approximately between the secondary lid hinges 330A and 330B, and is adapted to join the secondary lid 340 to the primary lid 310 so that the secondary lid 340 temporarily stays in a substantially fixed position. Alternatively, the secondary lid latch 350 is a sliding latch coupled to the secondary lid 340 between the secondary lid hinges 330A and 330B, and is adapted to temporarily join the primary lid 310 to the secondary lid 340 so that the secondary lid 340 temporarily stays in a substantially fixed position. Accordingly, the secondary lid latch 350 can be positioned approximately between the secondary lid hinges 330A and 330B. It will be understood to those having ordinary skill in the art that a sliding latch does not necessarily require a latch keeper. Accordingly, the secondary lid latch 350 can be adapted so that a latch keeper is not required for the secondary lid latch 350 to join the primary lid 310 and the secondary lid 340 so that the secondary lid 340 temporarily stays in a substantially fixed position.
Although the descriptions above contain many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some embodiments.
