Patent Application
20200307907
This disclosure relates to receptacle assemblies with motion dampers, such as trash cans that have a motion damper for slowing a closing motion of a lid.
Trash cans are containers for holding trash and other waste. Some trash cans have a lid to contain the trash and its associated odor. Some trash cans have a foot pedal positioned adjacent a base of the trash can so that a user can step on the foot pedal to open the lid of the trash can.
Various embodiments of receptacle assemblies, such as trash cans, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the receptacle assembly includes a body portion and a base unit. The body portion can comprise an interior space. The receptacle assembly can include a lid portion movably engaged with the body portion. The lid portion can be configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The receptacle assembly can include a pedal portion operably connected with the lid such that moving the pedal portion moves the lid portion between the open position and the closed position. For example, a linkage, such as a rod, can operably connect the lid portion and the pedal portion. The receptacle assembly can include a motion damper configured to dampen motion of the pedal portion and/or the lid portion. The motion damper can be positioned near a front of the body portion and/or above a front portion of the pedal portion. The receptacle assembly can include a secondary motion damper, such as a damper positioned in a rear of the receptacle assembly. The secondary motion damper can be configured to dampen movement of the lid, such as during movement from the closed position to the open position and/or from the open position to the closed position.
For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and features of the inventions have been described herein. Not necessarily any or all such advantages are achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the inventions disclosed herein. No aspects of this disclosure are essential or indispensable. Neither the preceding summary nor the following detailed description purports to limit or define the scope of protection. The scope of protection is defined by the claims.
The abovementioned and other features of the embodiments disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show embodiments that are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the scope of this disclosure. Various features of the different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments, which are part of this disclosure.
Various receptacle assemblies are described. The receptacle assemblies are described in the context of a trash can, due to particular utility in that context. However, the embodiments and inventions disclosed herein can also be applied to other types of devices and other environments, such as recycling bins, diaper pails, medical waste bins, or otherwise. No features, structure, or step disclosed herein is essential or indispensable.
The lid unit 14 can be coupled with the body unit 12. The lid unit 14 can include a lid that can be moved (e.g., pivoted) relative to the body unit 12 between open and closed positions. In certain embodiments, in the open position, the lid is generally vertical and, in the closed position, the lid is generally horizontal. With the lid in the open position, a user can readily access the chamber C in the body unit 12.
The base unit 16 can be coupled with the body unit 12. As shown, the base unit 16 can include an actuator, such as a foot pedal 18. The foot pedal 18 can be operably connected with the lid unit 14 such that movement of the foot pedal 18 results in movement of the lid 14. For example, the foot pedal 18 can be operably connected with the lid 14 with a linkage, such as a rod, such that depressing the foot pedal 18 opens the lid 14.
As also shown, the base unit 16 can include a motion damper 20. The motion damper 20 can be configured to dampen movement of the lid 14 and/or the foot pedal 18. As schematically illustrated, in some embodiments, the motion damper 20 is positioned near (e.g., adjacent) the front F of the body unit 12. As also schematically illustrated, a portion of the motion damper 20 can be higher than the foot pedal 18 and/or a portion of the motion damper 20 can be lower than the chamber C. In certain variants, the motion damper 20 is received at least partly in the foot pedal 18, such as in a recess in the foot pedal 18. In some embodiments, when a user depresses a front portion of the foot pedal 18, the lid 14 opens; and when the user releases the foot pedal 18, the lid 14 closes and the motion damper 20 dampens movement of the foot pedal 18 and/or the lid 14.
As shown, the receptacle assembly 110 can include a body unit 112, a lid unit 114, and a base unit 116. The base unit 116 can include a foot pedal 118 and a motion damper 120. These and other features are described in more detail below.
The body unit 112 can include a front wall F, a rear wall R, and a chamber C that is configured to receive articles, such as trash. In some embodiments, the front and rear walls are connected by sidewalls. For purposes of presentation, the figures show the body unit 112 as having a semi-cylindrical shape (e.g., rounded in front and generally flat in the rear). However, other shapes are also within the scope of this disclosure, such as cylindrical, right rectangular prismatic, rectangular cuboidic, or rectangular parallelepipedic, etc. In certain embodiments, the body unit 112 is formed of metal (e.g., sheet stainless steel, sheet aluminum, etc.), plastic, or other materials. For example, the body unit 112 can comprise a shell formed of stainless sheet, such as 23 to 26 gauge stainless sheet. Further details regarding the body unit 112 and other features can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 9,051,093, issued Jun. 9, 2015, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
In various embodiments, the body unit 112 has an upper peripheral edge that is configured to engage with a liner, such as a trash bag. For example, some embodiments have a peripheral edge with an outward flange configured to engage with and retain the lip of a trash bag. In certain variants, the peripheral edge comprises a rounded (e.g., rolled-over) metal edge. The trash bag can hang downwardly from the peripheral edge into the chamber C. In some embodiments, the body unit 112 is configured to directly receive the trash bag, without the need for a separate generally rigid liner bucket that fits inside the body unit 112. For example, as described in more detail below, the base unit 116 can have a generally upwardly facing bottom interior surface that can support a bottom of the trash bag.
Some variants include a generally rigid liner bucket, such as a bucket made from hard plastic. The liner bucket can be received in the chamber C and can include an upper peripheral edge configured to engage with a trash bag. A portion of the trash bag can hang downwardly from the attached upper edge into the liner bucket. In some variants, the liner bucket is configured to contain leaks and/or spills from the trash bag. For example, in some embodiments, a bottom of the liner bucket has no holes visible to a user.
The lid unit 114 can include a lid 122 that is moveably coupled with the body unit 112, such as with a hinge. The lid 122 can be configured to pivot relative to the body unit 112. This can enable the lid 122 to rotate into the open position to open the receptacle assembly 110 (e.g., to allow a user to insert trash into a trash bag in the chamber C) and to rotate into the closed position to close the receptacle assembly 110. In various embodiments, in the closed position the lid 122 is at an angle of about 0° (e.g., relative to horizontal) and/or in the open position the lid 122 is at an angle of about 90°. In some embodiments, in the open position, the lid 122 is at an angle of less that 90°, such as less than or equal to about: 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, angles between the aforementioned angles, or other angles.
As shown, the lid unit 114 can include a trim member 124. In some embodiments, the trim member 124 can receive the lid 122 (when in the closed position) and/or can obscure the upper peripheral edge of the body unit 112 (which can be engaged with the trash bag). In some implementations, the trim member 124 is pivotally connected with the rear region R of the body unit 112. For example, the trim member 124 can be pivotally coupled to the rear region R and configured to rotate about a pivot axis in common with the lid 122. The trim member 124 can be made of various materials, such as plastic or metal. The trim member 124 and the body unit 112 can be made from the same or different materials. For example, the trim member 124 and the body unit 112 can comprise a plastic material. In some embodiments, the trim member 124 can engage and/or overlap the upper edge of the body unit 112. Further details regarding the trim member and other features can be found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0233857, filed Mar. 6, 2013, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
The lid unit 114 can be connected with a force-communicating linkage, such as a rod 126. As illustrated, the rod 126 can extend from a region at or near the lid unit 114 to a region at or near the foot pedal 118. The rod 126 can include an elongate portion (e.g., a majority of the length of the rod) that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle assembly 110.
The rod 126 can include an upper portion interfaced with the lid unit 114 and a lower portion interfaced with the foot pedal 118. For example, the upper portion of the rod 126 can engage with an engagement region (e.g., a slotted receiving structure) of the lid 122 and the lower portion can engage with a rear feature (e.g., an aperture) of the foot pedal 118. As described in more detail below, depressing the front portion of the foot pedal 118 can move the rear portion of the foot pedal 118 upward, which drives the rod 126 upward, which in turn drives the lid 122 toward the open position. Releasing the front portion of the foot pedal 118 allows the rear portion of the foot pedal 118 to move downward, which allows the rod 126 to move downward, which in turn allows the lid 122 to move toward the closed position.
In various embodiments, the receptacle assembly 110 is configured such that the rod 126 does not occupy space in the chamber C and/or does not engage with a trash bag in the chamber C. For example, as illustrated, the lower portion of the rod 126 can pass through an opening in the base unit 116 and extend upward external to the body unit 112. As further illustrated, in some embodiments, the entire rod 126 that is higher than the base unit 116 is located external to the body unit 112. In some embodiments, the connection between the rod 126 and the lid unit 114 can be positioned in a rear housing 128 and can be external to the chamber C. In various implementations, some or all of the rod 126 is located outside of the chamber C. For example, in some embodiments, no portion of the rod 126, or at least not a majority of the rod 126, is in the chamber C.
The receptacle assembly 110 can be configured to rest on the base unit 116. The base unit 116 can be positioned lower than, and configured to support, the body unit 112 and the lid unit 114. The body unit 112 can extend upward from the base unit 116. In some embodiments, the body unit 112 and the base unit 116 are made of different materials, such as the base unit 116 being plastic and the body unit 112 being metal (e.g., stainless steel).
4A. Upper and Lower Base Portions
As illustrated in
The upper base portion 132 can include a generally upwardly facing surface S, which can form the bottom boundary of the chamber C that can receive a trash bag. As shown, the surface S can be generally concave or generally bowl-shaped. For example, as shown, the surface S can comprise a generally sloped or slanted region (e.g., positioned generally on or around the periphery) and/or a generally flat or generally planar region (e.g., positioned generally horizontally in a central or inner area). In some embodiments, the surface S is free of moving components (e.g., dampers, foot pedal components, cross bars, linkage rods, etc.) and/or substantial bumps, protrusions, recesses, and/or other features that produce appreciable unevenness.
The surface S can be configured to support and/or inhibit damage to a trash bag in the chamber C. For example, the surface S can be configured to reduce the chance of snagging, rubbing, and/or pinching the trash bag, which could tear or otherwise harm the trash bag. In some embodiments, the surface S is substantially continuous and/or provides substantially constant support for the bottom of the trash bag from one lateral side of the chamber C to an opposite lateral side of the chamber C. In certain variants, the surface S is generally smooth, generally continuous, and/or generally unobstructed. In some embodiments, the surface S facilitates a generally even distribution of articles (such as trash) inside of the trash bag about the interface between the surface S and the trash bag.
In certain variants, a rear portion of the surface S comprises a rear corner S′. The rear corner S′ can extend along a rear portion of the chamber C of the receptacle assembly 110. As shown in
In some embodiments, the height of the lower base portion 130 is less or substantially less than the height of the upper base portion 132. In certain variants, the uppermost surface of the lower base portion 130 is closer to the bottom of the receptacle assembly 110 than to the middle and/or top of the receptacle assembly 110. In some embodiments, the height of the lower base portion 130 is less than or equal to about one-fourth of the height of the upper base portion 132. In certain embodiments, the height of the lower base portion 130 is less than or equal to about one-eighth of the height of the upper base portion 132.
4B. Foot Pedal
As previously mentioned, the receptacle assembly can include an actuator, such as a foot pedal 118. In some embodiments, the foot pedal 118 can include a pedal bar 134 that couples with the lower base portion 130. For example, the pedal bar 134 can be pivotally coupled with the lower base portion 130 such that at least the front portion of the pedal bar 134 can be pivoted relative to the lower base portion 130 (e.g., to enable a user to press on and move the front portion of the pedal). As shown, the pedal bar 134 can extend out from a front region of the lower base portion 130 so as to provide access by a user's hand or foot. For example, the pedal bar 134 can extend through apertures 136 in the lower base portion 130.
As previously mentioned, the foot pedal 118 can be operatively connected with the lid unit 114 with a linkage, such as the rod 126. When the foot pedal 118 is moved from a resting position to an actuated position, the lid 122 can be moved from the closed position to the open position. As used herein, the term “resting position” refers to a position in which the foot pedal 118 normally resides when not being actuated by a user, such as when a front portion of the foot pedal 118 is pivoted towards an upper position. As used herein, the term “actuated position” refers to a position in which the pedal 118 is located during or upon completion of actuation by a user, such as when a front portion of the foot pedal 118 is pressed downward by a user. In various embodiments, in response to the front portion of the foot pedal 118 being depressed, the rear portion of the pedal bar 134 can pivot upward, which can move the rod 126 generally upward, which in turn can drive the lid 122 toward the open position. In various embodiments, in response to the front portion of the foot pedal 118 being released, the weight of the lid unit 114 can encourage the lid 122 to move toward the closed position, which can move the rod generally downward, which in turn can pivot the rear portion of the pedal bar 134 downward and/or the front portion of the pedal bar 134 upward.
In certain implementations, the lid 122 and/or the foot pedal 118 are biased toward the closed and resting positions, respectively, by way of various devices or configurations. For example, the force of gravity and/or the weight of the lid 122 can encourage the lid 122 toward the closed position, such as when a user has released the pedal 118 or otherwise is applying substantially no downward force on the foot pedal 118. Some embodiments include springs or other force-providing members to bias the lid 122 toward the closed position, and/or the foot pedal 118 to the resting position.
As shown, the pedal bar 134 can include a movement control element, such as a stop block 138. The stop block 138 can be located on the rear portion of the pedal bar 134. When the foot pedal is depressed, the stop block 138 can engage with (e.g., abut against) the upper base portion 132, which can inhibit or prevent further upward movement of the rear portion of the pedal bar 134. In some embodiments, the movement control element includes a dampening feature, such as a rubber bumper, which can reduce the impact with which the stop block 138 contacts the upper base portion 132 and/or can reduce the amount of noise created by such impact.
4C. Motion Damper
As shown in
The motion damper 120 can be configured to dampen and/or regulate the movement of one or more of the components of the receptacle assembly 110. For example, the motion damper 120 can dampen (e.g., slow and/or control) movement of the lid 122 between the open and closed positions, such as from the open position toward the closed position and/or from the closed position toward the open position. In some embodiments, when the lid 122 is in the open position and the user releases the front portion of the foot pedal 118, the weight of the lid 122 and/or the front portion of the foot pedal 118 can encourage the lid unit 114 to move toward the closed position. This can cause the foot pedal 118 to move, which can cause the motion damper's piston to move in the chamber and be inhibited by fluid pressure, thereby causing the foot pedal's movement to be dampened. Such dampening can be transmitted, via the rod 126, from the foot pedal 118 to the lid unit 114. This can provide graceful and controlled movement of the lid 122 and/or can reduce or eliminate an audible noise (e.g., clanging) when the lid 122 closes against the body unit 112.
In certain embodiments, the motion damper 120 is a one-way damper, which provides dampening in only one direction. For example, in some embodiments, the motion damper 120 provides dampening only during a closing movement of the lid 122. In certain variants, the motion damper 120 provides dampening only during an opening movement of the lid 122. In some variants, the motion damper 120 is a two-way damper, which provides dampening when the lid 122 is moved from the closed position toward the open position and from the open position toward the closed position. In some implementations, the motion damper 120 is configured to provide more resistance (e.g., dampening force) when the lid 122 is being closed than when the lid 122 is being opened.
As shown in
As illustrated, the motion damper 120 can be positioned above the foot pedal 118. For example, a lowest portion (e.g., the second end) of the motion damper 120 can be above a portion (e.g., the base of the recess 142) of the foot pedal 118 and/or an upper portion (e.g., the first end) of the motion damper 120 can be positioned below a portion (e.g., the base of the recess 140) of the lower base portion 130. In certain variants, the motion damper 120 does not engage the rod 126, such as via a bracket. In some embodiments, the motion damper 120 directly engages the foot pedal 118. For example, the motion damper 120 can directly dampen movement of the foot pedal 118, rather than dampening movement of the rod to indirectly dampen movement of the foot pedal.
In some embodiments, the first end of the motion damper 120 remains substantially stationary relative to the lower base portion 130 and the second end of the motion damper 120 is configured to move relative to the foot pedal 118. For example, when the foot pedal 118 is depressed by a user, the second end of the motion damper 120 can slide along a portion of the recess 142 in the foot pedal 118. In certain variants, the second end of the motion damper 120 remains substantially stationary relative to the foot pedal 118 and the first end of the motion damper 120 is configured to move relative to the lower base portion 130. In some embodiments, one or both ends of the motion damper 120, the base of the recess 140, and/or the base of the recess 142 are rounded (e.g., hemispherical). This can facilitate movement of the motion damper 120 relative to the foot pedal 118.
As shown in
Certain embodiments are configured to compensate for and/or offset the length of the motion damper 120. For example, in some implementations, the sum of the depth of the recess 140, 142 is greater than or equal to the longitudinal length of the housing of the motion damper 120. In some embodiments, the motion damper 120 does not increase the height of the base unit 114 and/or the receptacle assembly 110 overall.
In some embodiments, the motion damper 120 is positioned between the base of the recess 140 and the base of the recess 142. For example, the motion damper 120 can span the length between such bases. The motion damper 120 can be configured to expand and contract to adjust for movement of the bases. For example, when the front portion of the foot pedal 118 is depressed by a user, the front portion of the foot pedal 118 pivots downward. This can move the front portion of the foot pedal 118 away from the upper base portion 132, which moves the base of the recess 142 away from the base of the recess 140. The motion damper 120 can increase in length a corresponding amount to continue to span between the bases. When the front portion of the foot pedal 118 is released by a user, the front portion of the foot pedal 118 can pivot upward, which moves the front portion of the foot pedal 118 toward the upper base portion 132 and moves the base of the recess 142 toward the base of the recess 140. The motion damper 120 can decrease in length a corresponding amount to continue to span between the bases.
The motion damper 120 can be located near the front wall F of the receptacle assembly 110. For example, as shown in
The motion damper 120 can be positioned frontward of a center of the receptacle assembly 110. As illustrated in
Locating the motion damper 120 near the front F of the receptacle assembly 110 can have certain benefits. For example, compared to some trash cans with dampers located at a rear of the trash can (e.g., on a rear wall of the trash can), locating the motion damper 120 near the front F of the receptacle assembly 110 can increase the length of travel of the motion damper 120 as the lid 122 moves between the open and closed positions. This increase in length can allow the motion damper 120 to counteract the motion of the foot pedal over a longer distance, which can reduce stress on the motion damper 120, can allow the damper to provide an increased dampening force, and/can enable higher resolution of dampening on the foot pedal 118.
In some embodiments, the motion damper 120 is located in a lateral middle region of the receptacle assembly 110. For example, the motion damper 120 can be located on or near a midpoint of the distance between lateral sidewalls of the body unit 112. As illustrated in
Certain embodiments are configured to protect, conceal, or obscure the motion damper 120. For example, the motion damper 120 can be positioned entirely inside the base unit 116, which can shield the motion damper 120 and reduce the chance of the motion damper 120 being damaged. As mentioned above, the motion damper 120 can be located under the upper base portion 132 and/or the lower base portion 130. This can protect the motion damper 120 from damage when trash is thrown into a trash bag in the chamber C. In some embodiments, the motion damper 120 is not visible to, and/or accessible by, a user during normal use of the receptacle assembly 110. For example, the motion damper 120 is hidden when the receptacle assembly 110 is viewed from the external front, rear, side, and top (see, e.g.,
As illustrated, some embodiments include a single motion damper 120. Some embodiments include a plurality of motion dampers 120, such as two, three, four, or more. For example, certain variants have a first motion damper on a first lateral side of the foot pedal 118 and a second motion damper on a second lateral side of the foot pedal 118. Certain embodiments have multiple motion dampers positioned within the footprint of the foot pedal 118. For example, a plurality of motion dampers can be located on a front-to-rear centerline of the foot pedal 118.
As shown in
In some embodiments, an upper part of the recess 140 of the lower base portion 130 can be contained in a protrusion, such as an upwardly extending bulge, as shown in
As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, the motion damper 120 is received in the recess 140 in the lower base portion 130 and/or the recess 142 in the foot pedal 114. For example, in certain embodiments, the motion damper 120 is secured to the recess with a fastener, adhesive, welding, or otherwise. In some embodiments, the motion damper 120 is received in the recess with an interference fit, which can secure the motion damper 120 in the recess without the need for further securing elements. For example, in certain variants, the motion damper 120 is secured without a fastener, adhesive, or welding. In some implementations, the motion damper 120 is positioned, or secured, without using a bracket.
Various embodiments of the receptacle assembly 110 can facilitate manufacturability. For example, some embodiments do not include a bracket for mounting the motion damper 120 (e.g., to a rear wall). As illustrated, some embodiments have the motion damper 120 mounted and retained between the lower base portion 130 and the foot pedal 118. Thus, the total number of parts can be reduced (e.g., the bracket itself, fasteners for mounting the bracket to the body unit, and fasteners for mounting the bracket to the motion damper 120 can be eliminated). The reduction in parts can reduce ease manufacturability, such as by reducing the number of steps to assemble the receptacle assembly 110.
As illustrated in
As shown in
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the receptacle assembly 210 includes a secondary dampening feature, such as a secondary motion damper 250. As illustrated in
As shown, the secondary motion damper 250 can be positioned over and/or receive a portion of the rod 226. For example, the secondary motion damper 250 can include a longitudinal interior passage that receives a portion of the rod 226. In some embodiments, the secondary motion damper 250 engages with an engagement feature of the rod 226. For example, the secondary motion damper 250 can abut against and/or physically interfere with a flange 252 of the rod 226. As shown, in some implementations, the engagement between the secondary motion damper 250 and the flange 252 occurs at a middle portion of the secondary motion damper 250. In some variants, the engagement between the secondary motion damper 250 and the flange 252 occurs at an end of the secondary motion damper 250.
In certain implementations, when the lid 222 is in the closed position, the secondary motion damper 250 is in an energized (e.g., compressed) state. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, when the front of the foot pedal 218 is depressed, the rod 226 is lifted, which releases some of the energy stored in the secondary motion damper 250. For example, in the embodiment of
In several embodiments, when the lid 222 is closing, the secondary motion damper 250 provides dampening, such as by slowing the rate that the lid 222 moves toward the closed position. In some implementations, when the front of the foot pedal 218 is released, the rod 226 moves downward, the lid 222 moves toward the closed position, and the helical coil spring is reenergized (e.g., returns to the compressed state), thereby dampening movement of the lid 222 as it closes.
In some embodiments, the motion damper 220 and the secondary motion damper 250 work together to dampen movement of the lid 222. For example, in certain variants, the motion damper 220 dampens movement of the lid 222 in a first phase of closing movement (e.g., from less than or equal to about 90° to greater than or equal to about 40°) and the secondary motion damper 250 dampens movement of the lid 222 in a second phase of closing movement (e.g., from less than or equal to about 40° to greater than or equal to about 0°). In various embodiments, the motion damper 220 and the secondary motion damper 250 are different types of dampers, such as one being a fluid damper and the other being a biasing member (e.g., a spring).
In some embodiments, when the front of the foot pedal 218 is depressed, the rod 226 is lifted, which acts against and/or energizes (e.g., extends or compresses) the secondary motion damper 250. For example, when the front of the foot pedal 218 is depressed, the rod 226 is lifted, the lid 222 opens, and the helical coil spring is extended. This can be, for example, because the lower portion of the helical coil spring is held fixed to the rear housing 228 and the upper portion of the helical coil spring is moved upward due to the engagement with the flange 252 of the rod 226.
In some variants, the assembly 210 is configured such that the secondary motion damper 250 is compressed when the rod 226 is lifted. For example, the secondary motion damper 250 can be compressed between the rear housing 228 and the upper portion 246 of the rod 226. In certain variants, when the front of the foot pedal 218 is released, the rod 226 moves downward, the lid 222 closes, and the helical coil spring extends.
As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the secondary motion damper 250 can dampen (e.g., act against) movement of the lid 222 and/or the rod 226. For example, the secondary motion damper 250 can provide dampening during at least some of the movement of the lid 222 between the open and closed positions, such as from the open to the closed position. This can, in some implementations, aid in providing a generally smooth movement of the lid 222 (e.g., a substantially consistent speed during at least part of the travel between the closed and open positions) and/or more controlled movement of the lid 222.
In certain embodiments, dampening of the lid 222 can be particularly beneficial. For example, in some embodiments with an elongate lid, when the lid 222 is moved from the open toward the closed position, the front of the lid 222 can appear to move with an overly rapid angular velocity (for example, due to the distance between the front of the lid and the pivot axis of the lid). Such overly rapid movement of the lid 22 can be undesirable, since it can be perceived as the lid 222 being uncontrolled, surprising, and/or indicative of a lesser quality product. In some embodiments, such overly rapid movement of the lid 222 can be reduced or avoided by the secondary motion damper 250. For example, as discussed above, the secondary motion damper 250 can dampen movement of the lid 222, which can reduce the angular velocity at which the front of the lid 222 travels.
This disclosure includes methods related to receptacle assemblies, such as methods of making and/or using the receptacle assemblies described above. As shown in
In certain implementations, the method 300 includes obtaining a motion damper. As shown, the method 300 can include inserting a first end of the motion damper into a recess in the lower base portion 309, such as a recess in a front portion of the lower base portion. In some embodiments, inserting the first end into the recess in the lower base portion includes inserting the first end upwardly into the recess. The method 300 can include inserting a second end of the motion damper into a recess in the foot pedal 311, such as a recess in a front portion of the foot pedal. In some embodiments, inserting the second end into the recess in the foot pedal includes inserting the second end downwardly into the recess.
Various embodiments include positioning the damper near a front of the receptacle assembly. For example, some embodiments include inserting the motion damper near (e.g., adjacent) a front of the receptacle assembly, such as a front wall of the body unit. Some embodiments include securing the motion damper to the foot pedal and/or the lower base portion without the use of a fastener, such as a screw or rivet. For example, some embodiments include inserting the motion damper into the recess in the foot pedal and/or the lower base portion with an interference fit. Certain implementations do not include positioning and/or securing the motion damper to a rear portion of the receptacle assembly, such as to a rear wall of the body unit and/or to a rear portion of the lower base portion.
In some embodiments, the method includes connecting the lower base portion with an upper base portion to form a base unit. In some variants, the method includes receiving a part of the recess of the lower base portion in a compartment in the upper base portion. For example, the recess of the lower base portion can be included in an upward projection in the lower base portion, and the upward projection can be received in the compartment.
In some embodiments, the receptacle assembly that is the result of the method of manufacturing has a substantially continuous rear wall. For example, certain implementations do not include forming a damper-access hole in a rear wall of the body portion and/or covering the damper-access hole with a cover.
Some embodiments of the method include installing a secondary motion damper, such as a biasing member (e.g., a spring). For example, the secondary motion damper can be positioned in a rear housing of the receptacle assembly. Certain embodiments include inserting a linkage into the secondary motion damper. Some embodiments include positioning the biasing member around a portion of the linkage. Some variants include engaging a portion (e.g., a flange) of the linkage with the secondary motion damper. Certain embodiments of the method include configuring the receptacle assembly such that the secondary motion damper dampens movement of the linkage and/or the lid. For example, the secondary motion damper can be configured to be energized by and/or to act against movement of the lid, such as at least during a phase of movement of the lid from the open position toward the closed position. In some implementations, the phase comprises movement of the lid from about an angle of greater than or equal to about 0° through an angle of less than or equal to about 45°. In some implementations, the phase comprises movement of the lid from about an angle of less than or equal to about 90° through an angle of greater than or equal to about 40°.
Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular” or “cylindrical” or “semi-circular” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations.
Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.
Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees.
Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as “a” or “an” should generally be interpreted to include one or more described items. Accordingly, phrases such as “a device configured to” are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to carry out the stated recitations. For example, “a processor configured to carry out recitations A, B, and C” can include a first processor configured to carry out recitation A working in conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out recitations B and C.
The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Likewise, the terms “some,” “certain,” and the like are synonymous and are used in an open-ended fashion. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.
Overall, the language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims. The language of the claims is not to be limited to the non-exclusive embodiments and examples that are illustrated and described in this disclosure, or that are discussed during the prosecution of the application.
Although the receptacle assemblies have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, the receptacle assemblies extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. For example, although certain embodiments with a foot pedal are described above, some embodiments include a handle, lever, button, or other actuator that is configured to be actuated by a user to open and close the lid. Any two or more of the components of the receptacle assembly can be made from a single monolithic piece or from separate pieces connected together. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the invention. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described herein.
Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.
Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and all operations need not be performed, to achieve the desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of this disclosure.
Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.
In summary, various embodiments and examples of receptacle assemblies have been disclosed. Although the receptacle assemblies have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Thus, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/448,245, filed Mar. 2, 2017, which claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/303,166, filed Mar. 3, 2016, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. This application also incorporates by reference the entirety of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/557,032, filed Mar. 4, 2016.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62303166 | Mar 2016 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15448245 | Mar 2017 | US |
| Child | 16697804 | US |
