Not Applicable.
The present invention relates to containers for storing refuse, and particularly to containers configured for facilitating easier filling and emptying.
In modern, urban communities, refuse containers are used to store accumulated household refuse until such household refuse can be collected by garbage trucks or the like. Typically, such refuse containers includes a lid for concealing the household refuse collected therein, as well as to prevent wild animals from accessing this household refuse. With some containers, the lid is integrally mounted to a storage bin which contains the collected household refuse. Such containers, however, are awkward to use. For example, available latching mechanisms continue to be prone to opening by wild animals.
A first aspect of the invention is directed to a refuse container comprising a container assembly. The container assembly comprises a bin defining a cavity, a lid, a pair of brackets, a pair of receivers, and a retention bar. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin at a first end of the lid, and is movable relative to the bin between an open position providing access to the cavity and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity. The pair of opposing brackets are integrally formed with the bin and located below a second end of the lid opposite the first end of the lid and between uppermost and lowermost extremes of the container assembly. Each bracket extends outwardly from an external surface of the bin and has opposing inner face portions in laterally spaced relationship such that a space is located between the inner face portions of the brackets. The pair of receivers are located at least partially along a corresponding inner face portion of each bracket and spaced outwardly from the bin relative to the exterior surface of the bin. Each receiver comprises an aperture in a portion of the corresponding inner face portion and extends inwardly into a body portion of the bracket located between the inner face and an outer face of the bracket such that an interior gap is formed within the body portion of each bracket between the inner face and the outer face of each bracket. Each of the pair of ribs is located within a corresponding bracket between the inner face portion and the outer face portion of the corresponding bracket and integrally formed with the outer face portion of the corresponding bracket such that each rib extends inwardly relative to the space between the brackets. The retention bar is fixedly coupled to the container assembly by the opposing brackets and completely external to the cavity. The retention bar has opposing ends located within the receivers such that the retention bar spans a length of the space between the inner face portions of the brackets. Each end of the retention bar passes through a corresponding aperture and abuts a corresponding rib of the pair of ribs located within the corresponding bracket. The retention bar is spaced outwardly from the external surface of the bin from which each bracket extends, is substantially horizontally aligned, is in complete fluid isolation from the cavity, is configured to be hooked by a lifting mechanism for automated emptying of the cavity, is rotational within the receivers.
This aspect may include one or more of the following features alone or in combination. The refuse container may further comprise a locking mechanism for maintaining the lid in the closed position and for providing a visual signal when the lid is in an unlocked condition. The locking mechanism may comprise a detent acting between the lid and the bin and a latch comprising a handle wherein the latch is moveable between a locked lid position and the unlocked lid position. The latch may be retained in the substantially upright unlocked position to generate a first visual signal indicating to a refuse collector that the refuse container is laden and a second visual indicating the laden container may be automatically emptied by a refuse collection vehicle having automated refuse container handling equipment without further user interaction with the refuse container. The latch may be configured to move from the locked lid position to the unlocked lid position in response to application of an unlocking force to the handle. When the latch is disposed in the unlocked lid position and the lid is disposed in the closed position, the lid may be configured to move from the closed position to the open position in response to an application of a lid-opening force to the handle. The unlocking force may include a horizontal component and a vertical component, and the lid-opening force may include a horizontal component and a vertical component. The direction of the horizontal component of the lid-opening force may be substantially opposite to the direction of the horizontal component of the unlocking force. The retention bar may be produced from a material dissimilar to a material from which each bracket is formed.
Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a refuse container comprising a container assembly. The container assembly comprises a bin defining a cavity, a lid, a pair of opposing brackets, and a retention bar. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin and movable relative to the bin between an open position providing access to the cavity and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity. The pair of opposing brackets are located below the lid between uppermost and lowermost extremes of the container assembly. Each bracket extends outwardly relative to an external surface of the bin and in laterally spaced relationship such that a space is located between portions of the brackets. A retention bar is coupled to each bracket and spans the space from one bracket to the other bracket. The retention bar is spaced outwardly from the external surface of the bin from which each bracket extends, an entire length of the retention bar is fluidly isolated from the cavity.
This aspect of the invention may further include the following features alone or in any combination. The lid may be rotatably coupled to the bin at a first end, and the brackets may be then located below a second end of the lid opposite the first end of the lid. The retention bar may be produced from a material dissimilar to a material from which each bracket is formed. The brackets may be integrally formed with the bin. The refuse container may further comprise a pair of receivers. Each receiver may be with a corresponding bracket wherein opposing portions of the retention bar are received by the receivers to retain the retention bar to the refuse container. The refuse container may still further comprise a pair of ribs. Each rib may be associated with a corresponding receiver and may be located within a corresponding bracket between an inner face portion and an outer face portion of the corresponding bracket and integrally formed with the outer face portion of the corresponding bracket such that each rib extends inwardly relative to the space between the brackets. Each receiver may be located at least partially along a corresponding face portion of each bracket and spaced outwardly from the bin relative to the exterior surface of the bin. Each receiver may comprise an aperture in a portion of the corresponding face portion and extending inwardly into a body portion of the bracket located between the corresponding inner face and a corresponding outer face of the bracket such that an interior gap is formed within the body portion of each bracket between the inner face and the outer face of each bracket and opposing end portions of the retention bar fit within the apertures such that each opposing end portion abuts a corresponding rib within the interior gap of the associated bracket. The retention bar may be fixedly coupled to the container assembly by the opposing brackets and completely external to the cavity. The retention bar may be substantially horizontally aligned. The retention bar may be rotational within the receivers.
Another aspect of the invention is also directed to a refuse container. The refuse container comprises a container assembly which comprises a bin, a lid, a pair of receivers, and a retention bar. The bin has an external surface and an opposing interior surface defining a cavity and in fluid communication therewith. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin and is movable relative to the bin between an open position providing access to the cavity and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity. The pair of receivers is located below the lid between uppermost and lowermost extremes of the container assembly. Each receiver is positioned outwardly relative to the external surface of the bin and in laterally spaced relationship such that a space is located between portions of the receivers. The retention bar is in complete fluid isolation from the cavity and spans the space between the portions of the pair of receivers. The retention bar has opposing portions each engaged with a corresponding receiver to couple the retention bar to the refuse container.
This aspect of the invention may further comprise the following features alone or in any combination. A first aperture may be located on one of the pair of receivers, and a second aperture may be located on the other of the pair of receivers. The first and second apertures may be oriented towards one another such that opposing end portions of the retention bar pass into corresponding apertures. A pair of opposing brackets may be integrally formed with the bin and located between uppermost and lowermost extremes of the container assembly. Each bracket may extend outwardly from an external surface of the bin and have opposing inner face portions in laterally spaced relationship such that a space is located between the face portions of the brackets. Each of the pair of receivers may be located at least partially along a corresponding face portion of each bracket. Each aperture may be located in a portion of the corresponding face portion and extend inwardly into a body portion of the bracket located between the corresponding inner face portion and a corresponding outer face portion of each bracket such that an interior gap is formed within the body portion of each bracket between the inner face and the outer face of each bracket. The interior gaps of each corresponding bracket may be in complete fluid isolation from the cavity. The refuse container may comprise a pair of ribs. Each rib may be located within a corresponding bracket between the inner face portion and the outer face portion of the corresponding bracket and integrally formed with the outer face portion of the corresponding bracket such that each rib extends inwardly relative to the space between the brackets. Each end of the retention bar may pass through the corresponding aperture and abut a corresponding rib of the pair of ribs located within the corresponding bracket. The retention bar may be substantially horizontally aligned. The retention bar may be configured to be hooked by a lifting mechanism for automated emptying of the cavity. The retention bar may be rotational within the receivers.
Another aspect of the invention is also directed to a refuse container comprising a container assembly. The container assembly comprises a bin, a lid, and a retention bar. The bin has an external surface and an opposing interior surface defining a cavity and in fluid communication therewith. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin and movable relative to the bin between an open position providing access to the cavity and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity. The retention bar is coupled to the bin and spaced outwardly relative to the external surface of the bin. The retention bar is located approximately at a midpoint between uppermost and lowermost extremes of the container assembly and in complete fluid isolation from the cavity.
This aspect of the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features alone or in combination. The pair of receivers is located below the lid between uppermost and lowermost extremes of the container assembly. Each receiver is positioned outwardly relative to the external surface of the bin and in laterally spaced relationship such that a space is located between portions of the receivers. The retention bar is in complete fluid isolation from the cavity and spans the space between the portions of the pair of receivers. The retention bar has opposing portions each engaged with a corresponding receiver to couple the retention bar to the refuse container.
This aspect of the invention may further comprise the following features alone or in any combination. A pair of receivers may be located below the lid between uppermost and lowermost extremes of the container assembly. Each receiver may be positioned outwardly relative to the external surface of the bin and in laterally spaced relationship such that a space is located between portions of the receivers. The retention bar may be coupled to the bin through cooperation with the receivers, and may span the space between the portions of the pair of receivers. The retention bar may have opposing portions each engaged with a corresponding receiver to couple the retention bar to the refuse container. A first aperture may be located on one of the pair of receivers, and a second aperture may be located on the other of the pair of receivers. The first and second apertures may be oriented towards one another such that opposing end portions of the retention bar pass into corresponding apertures. A pair of opposing brackets may be integrally formed with the bin and located between uppermost and lowermost extremes of the container assembly. Each bracket may extend outwardly from the external surface of the bin and have opposing inner face portions in laterally spaced relationship such that a space is located between the face portions of the brackets. Each of the pair of receivers may be located at least partially along a corresponding face portion of each bracket. Each aperture may be located in a portion of the corresponding face portion and extend inwardly into a body portion of the bracket located between the corresponding inner face portion and a corresponding outer face portion of each bracket such that an interior gap is formed within the body portion of each bracket between the inner face and the outer face of each bracket. The interior gaps of each corresponding bracket may be in complete fluid isolation from the cavity. The refuse container may comprise a pair of ribs. Each rib may be located within a corresponding bracket between the inner face portion and the outer face portion of the corresponding bracket and integrally formed with the outer face portion of the corresponding bracket such that each rib extends inwardly relative to the space between the brackets. Each end of the retention bar may pass through the corresponding aperture and abut a corresponding rib of the pair of ribs located within the corresponding bracket. The retention bar may be substantially horizontally aligned. The retention bar may be configured to be hooked by a lifting mechanism for automated emptying of the cavity. The retention bar may be rotational within the receivers.
The invention will be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference the annexed drawings wherein:
There is provided a refuse container 10. A first embodiment is illustrated in
The refuse container 10 includes a container assembly 12 and a locking mechanism 14. For example, the container is manufactured by high pressure injection moulding.
The container assembly 12 includes a bin 16 and a lid 18. The lid 18 is coupled to the bin 16. For example, the material of the bin 16 and the lid 18 is high density polyethylene.
The bin 16 defines a cavity 20. The bin 16 includes a lip 74 which defines an opening 36 for effecting communication between the cavity 20 and the environment external to the bin 16 when the lid 18 is in an open position (see below). For example, the cavity 20 is configured for storing material including household organic waste.
For example, with respect to the bin 16, the bin 16 includes a floor 32 and a continuous upstanding sidewall 34 extending between the floor 32 and the lip 74. For example, with respect to the continuous sidewall 34, the continuous sidewall 34 includes interior and exterior surfaces 41, 42. A rim 28 extends peripherally about the perimeter of the lip 74. For example, the rim 28 includes a seating surface 30 configured to co-operate with the lid 18, as will be explained below. For example, the seating surface 30 extends peripherally about the perimeter of the lip 74.
For example, with respect to the interior surface 41 of the continuous sidewall, the interior surface is tapered so as to facilitate nesting of an identical container within the container 10, and thereby facilitate stacking of multiple identical containers 10.
For example, with respect to the external surface 42 of the continuous sidewall 34, a pair of handles 38, 40 are mounted on opposite sides 44, 46 of the external surface 42 of the continuous sidewall 34. The handles 38, 40 are configured to be grasped by a human operator for effecting lifting of the container 10. A first outwardly projecting rib 200 can extend downward from a first side of each handle 38, 40 and a second outwardly projecting rib 202 can extend downward from a second side of each handle 38, 40.
For example, with further respect to the external surface 42 of the continuous sidewall 34, a pair of brackets 48, 50 are mounted to a rear section 52 of the external surface 42 of the continuous sidewall 34. A handle 54 extends between the brackets 48, 50. The handle 54 is provided for grasping by a human operator for effecting lifting of the container. Alternatively, where the container 10 is provided with wheels 56, 58, the handle 54 facilitates grasping by a human operator for effecting rolling movement of the container 10 across a reaction surface 60.
For example, the lid 18 is rotatably coupled to the bin 16. For example, the lid 18 can include a first arm 204 rotatably connected to the bracket 48 and a second arm 206 rotatably connected to the bracket 50. Such rotational coupling can be accomplished by pivots incorporated in one of the lid 18 or the bin 16 and received within respective receptacles in the other one of the lid 18 or the bin 16, or through external pivots received within receptacles provided in each one of the lid 18 and the bin 16.
The lid 18 is configured for movement, relative to the bin 16, between an open position (see
For example, with respect to the lid 16, when the lid 16 is in the open position, depositing of household organic waste into the cavity 20 can be effected. As a further example, when the lid 16 is open, removal, from the cavity 20, of the contents of the cavity 20 is enabled. For example, when the lid 18 is in the closed position, removal or egress, from the cavity 20, of the contents of the cavity 20 is inhibited. As a further example, when the lid 18 is in the closed position, the contents of the cavity 20 are hidden from view. As a further example, when the lid 18 is in the closed position, egress of odors, from the cavity 20, and from the materials within the cavity 20, is inhibited.
Referring to
The rib 19 is configured to be disposed opposite to an interior surface of the lip 74 (see
The locking mechanism includes a latch 22 and a detent 24. The latch 22 is coupled (for example, mounted) to one of the bin 16 and the lid 18. The detent 24 is coupled (for example, mounted) to the other one of the bin 16 and the lid 18. For example, the latch 22 is coupled (for example, mounted) to the lid 18 (see
For example, with respect to the latch 22, the latch 22 is rotatably coupled to the lid 18. For example, such rotational coupling can be accomplished by pivots incorporated in one of the lid 18 or the latch 22 and received within respective receptacles in the other one of the lid 18 or the latch 22, or through external pivots received within receptacles provided in each one of the lid 18 and the latch 22.
For example, with respect to the detent 24, the detent 24 is mounted to the rim 28 of the bin 16. For example, the detent 24 is mounted to the rim 28 at a front section 51 of the bin 16. For example, the detent 24 is mounted peripherally of the lip 74 of the rim 28.
Referring to
The latch 22 is configured to move from the locked lid position (see
For example, with respect to the handle 26, the handle 26 is configured for grasping by a human operator and effecting translation of a force applied by the human operator into movement of the latch 22.
For example, the latch 22 includes a detent co-operator 106. When the latch 22 is disposed in the locked lid position, the detent co-operator 106 is disposed relative to the detent 24 such that the detent 24 interferes with movement of the detent co-operator 106 along a 17 vertical axis and thereby resists movement of the lid 18 from the closed position to the open position. For example, with respect to the detent 24, the rim 28 includes a slot 202 configured to receive the detent co-operator 106 when the latch 22 is disposed in the locked lid position in order to enable the detent co-operator to be disposed relative to the detent 24 such that the detent 24 interferes with movement of the detent co-operator 106 along a vertical axis and thereby resists movement of the lid 18 from the closed position to the open position.
For example, when the latch 22 is coupled to the lid 18 and the detent 24 is disposed on the bin 16, in order to facilitate co-operation between the latch 22 and the detent 24 so as to facilitate locking and unlocking of the lid 18 relative to the bin 16, the lid 18 includes a detent receiving slot or aperture 142 through which extends the detent 24 of the bin 16 (see
(A) Refuse Container with Latch Mechanism which Requires Separate Actions to Effect Unlocking and Opening of Lid
Referring in particular to
In this respect, there is provided the refuse container 10 including a container assembly and a locking mechanism.
The container assembly includes the bin 16 and the lid 18. The bin 16 defines the cavity 20. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin 16, and configured for movement, relative to the bin 16, between an open position providing access to the cavity 20 and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity 20.
The locking mechanism includes the latch 22 and the detent 24. The latch 22 includes the handle 26, and is moveable between a locked lid position and an unlocked lid position. The detent 24 acts between the bin 16 and the lid 18. The detent 24 co-operates with the latch 24 so as to effect locking of the lid 18 to the bin 16 when the latch 22 is in the locked 18 lid position, and permit movement of the lid 18, relative to the bin 16, from the closed position to the open position when the latch 22 is in the unlocked lid position.
The latch 22 is configured to move from the locked lid position to the unlocked lid position in response to application of an unlocking force to the handle 26. When the latch 22 is disposed in the unlocked lid position and the lid 18 is disposed in the closed position, the lid 18 is configured to move from the closed position to the open position in response to an application of a lid-opening force to the handle 26.
In one configuration, the unlocking force includes a horizontal component and a vertical component, and the lid-opening force includes a horizontal component and a vertical component. The direction of the horizontal component of the lid-opening force is disposed at an angle of between about 90 degrees and about 270 degrees in a clockwise direction about a vertical axis and relative to the direction of the horizontal component of the unlocking force.
In another configuration, the unlocking force includes a horizontal component and a vertical component, and the lid-opening force includes a horizontal component and a vertical component. The direction of the horizontal component of the lid-opening force is substantially opposite to the direction of the horizontal component of the unlocking force.
In yet another configuration, the unlocking force effects rotation of the latch 22 in one of a clockwise or counter clockwise direction, and the lid-opening force effects rotation of the latch 22 in the other one of a clockwise or a counter clockwise direction relative to the same frame of reference as the direction of the unlocking force.
For example, in moving from the locked lid position to the unlocked lid position, the latch 22 rotates, relative to the container assembly, about a latch rotation axis 80. The latch rotation axis 80 and the longitudinal axis 82 of the detent 24 are substantially co-located (see
For example, when the latch 22 is disposed in the locked lid position, the latch 22 is disposed in a cavity 84 provided in the container assembly. For example, the latch 22 is coupled to the lid 18, and the cavity 84 is provided in the lid 18, and the detent is disposed on the bin 16 (see
For example, the cavity 84 includes a recessed surface which functions as a seating surface 86, and when the latch 22 is disposed in the locked lid position, the latch 22 is seated or supported on the seating surface 86. For example, with respect to the coupling of the latch 22 to the lid 18, the latch 22 includes the pair of pins 66, 68 disposed on opposite sides of the latch 22. Each one of the pins 66, 68 is received within a respective one of the latch apertures 70, 72 provided in a surface of the cavity 84. In this respect, the latch 22 is snap-fit into the latch apertures 70, 72 of the cavity 84, and thereby effecting rotatable coupling of the latch 22 to the lid 18. To assist in retaining coupling of the latch 22 within the cavity 84, the lid 18 includes latch retainer 129. The latch retainer 129 co-operates with the latch 22 for limiting or interfering with displacement of the latch 22 along the axis 134 extending through the latch apertures 70, 72.
In this respect, the latch 22 is slotted such that the latch 22 receives the latch retainer 129 (see
Referring to
Referring to
For example, when the latch 22 is coupled to the lid 18 and the detent 24 is disposed on the bin 16, in order to facilitate co-operation between the latch 22 and the detent 24 so as to facilitate locking and unlocking of the lid 18 relative to the bin 16, the lid 18 includes the detent receiving slot or aperture 142 through which extends the detent 24 of the bin 16 (see
For example, when the latch 22 is disposed in the unlocked lid position and the lid 18 is disposed in the closed position, the latch 22 is moveable to an unlocked indication position (see
For example, the latch 22 extends vertically above the container assembly 12 when disposed in the unlocked indication position. For example, when disposed in the unlocked indication position, the latch 22 extends beyond the perimeter of the container assembly 12 by at least two (2) inches.
For example, when disposed in the unlocked indication position, the latch 22 extends beyond the perimeter of the container assembly 12 by at least four (4) inches.
For example, when disposed in the unlocked indication position, the latch 22 presents a side surface area of at least four (4) square inches.
For example, the presented side surface area is eight (8) square inches.
For example, the container assembly 12 is configured to define a latch receiving slotted surface 102 configured for receiving the latch 22 in an interference fit relationship when the latch 22 assumes the unlocked indication position.
For example, the latch 22 is coupled to the lid 18, and the lid is configured to define the latch receiving slotted surface 102.
Referring to
For example, the lid 18 includes a stop 140 to interfere with movement of the latch 22 further past the receiving slots 1022, 1024 (see
For example, each one of the latch retainer tabs 130, 132 assists in defining a respective one of the slots 1022, 1024.
(B) Refuse Container with Latch which Rotates about an Axis which is Substantially Co-Located with Detent Axis
Referring to
In this respect, there is provided the refuse container 10 including a container assembly and a locking mechanism.
The container assembly includes the bin 16 and the lid 18. The bin 16 defines the cavity 20. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin 16, and configured for movement, relative to the bin 16, between an open position providing access to the cavity 20 and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity 20.
The locking mechanism includes the latch 22 and the detent 24. The latch 22 includes the handle 26, and is moveable between a locked lid position and an unlocked lid position. The detent 24 acts between the bin 16 and the lid 18. The detent 24 co-operates with the latch 24 so as to effect locking of the lid 18 to the bin 16 when the latch 22 is in the locked lid position, and permit movement of the lid 18, relative to the bin 16, from the closed position to the open position when the latch 22 is in the unlocked lid position.
The latch 22 is configured to move from the locked lid position to the unlocked lid position in response to application of an unlocking force to the handle 26. When the latch 22 is disposed in the unlocked lid position and the lid 18 is disposed in the closed position, the lid 18 is configured to move from the closed position to the open position in response to an application of a lid-opening force to the handle 26.
In moving from the locked lid position to the unlocked lid position, the latch 22 rotates, relative to the container assembly, about the latch rotation axis 80. The latch rotation axis 80 and the longitudinal axis 82 of the detent 24 are substantially co-located. For example, the latch 22 includes the pair of pins 66, 68 disposed on opposite sides of the latch 22, wherein the axis joining the pins 66, 68 is substantially co-located with the axis 82 of the detent. Each one of the pins 66, 68 is received within a respective one of latch apertures 70, 72 provided in the surface of the container assembly 12. In this respect, the latch 22 is snap-fit into the latch apertures 70, 72.
(C) Refuse Container with Latch Seated in a Cavity when the Latch is in the Locked Lid Position
Referring to
In this respect, there is provided the refuse container 10 including a container assembly and a locking mechanism.
The container assembly includes the bin 16 and the lid 18. The bin 16 defines the cavity 20. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin 16, and configured for movement, relative to the bin 16, between an open position providing access to the cavity 20 and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity 20.
The locking mechanism includes the latch 22 and the detent 24. The latch 22 includes the handle 26, and is moveable between a locked lid position and an unlocked lid position. The detent 24 acts between the bin 16 and the lid 18. The detent 24 co-operates with the latch 24 so as to effect locking of the lid 18 to the bin 16 when the latch 22 is in the locked lid position, and permit movement of the lid 18, relative to the bin 16, from the closed position to the open position when the latch 22 is in the unlocked lid position.
The latch 22 is configured to move from the locked lid position to the unlocked lid position in response to application of an unlocking force to the handle 26. When the latch 22 is disposed in the unlocked lid position and the lid 18 is disposed in the closed position, the lid 18 is configured to move from the closed position to the open position in response to an application of a lid-opening force to the handle 26.
When the latch 22 is disposed in the locked lid position, the latch 22 is disposed in the cavity 84 provided in the container assembly 12. For example, when the latch 22 is disposed in the locked lid position, at least a portion of the latch 22 is substantially flush with respect to adjacent surfaces of the container assembly 12.
For example, the latch 22 is coupled to the lid 18, and the cavity 84 is provided in the lid 18, and the detent 24 is disposed on the bin 16. For example, the cavity 84 includes the recessed surface which functions as the seating surface 86, and when the latch 22 is disposed in the locked lid position, the latch 22 is seated or supported on the seating surface 86. In order to effect co-operation between the latch 22 and the detent 24 to facilitate locking and unlocking of the lid 18 relative to the bin 16, the lid 18 includes the detent receiving aperture 142 through which extends the detent 24 of the bin 16. For example, the latch 22 includes the detent cooperator 106. When the latch 22 is disposed in the locked lid position, the detent co-operator 106 is disposed relative to the detent 24 such that the detent 24 interferes with movement of the detent co-operator 106 along a vertical axis and thereby resists movement of the lid 18 from the closed position to the open position.
Referring to
(D) Refuse Container with Latch which is Moveable into an Unlocked Indication Position.
Referring to
The container assembly includes the bin 16 and the lid 18. The bin 16 defines the cavity 20. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin 16, and configured for movement, relative to the bin 16, between an open position providing access to the cavity 20 and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity 20.
The locking mechanism includes the latch 22 and the detent 24. The latch 22 includes the handle 26, and is moveable between a locked lid position and an unlocked lid position. The detent 24 acts between the bin 16 and the lid 18. The detent 24 co-operates with the latch 24 so as to effect locking of the lid 18 to the bin 16 when the latch 22 is in the locked lid position, and permit movement of the lid 18, relative to the bin 16, from the closed position to the open position when the latch 22 is in the unlocked lid position.
The latch 22 is configured to move from the locked lid position to the unlocked lid position in response to application of an unlocking force to the handle 26. When the latch 22 is disposed in the unlocked lid position and the lid 18 is disposed in the closed position, the lid 18 is configured to move from the closed position to the open position in response to an application of a lid-opening force to the handle 26.
When the latch 22 is disposed in the unlocked lid position and the lid 18 is disposed in the closed position, the latch 22 is moveable to the unlocked indication position wherein the latch 22 is locked to the container assembly 12 such that the latch 22 extends peripherally of the container assembly 12 and thereby provides a visual indication that the latch 22 is in the unlocked lid position. For example, the latch 22 extends vertically above the container assembly 12 when disposed in the unlocked indication position. For example, when disposed in the unlocked indication position, the latch 22 extends beyond the perimeter of the container assembly 12 by at least two (2) inches. For example, when disposed in the unlocked indication position, the latch 22 extends beyond the perimeter of the container assembly 12 by at least four (4) inches. For example, when disposed in the unlocked indication position, the latch 22 presents a side surface area of at least four (4) square inches. For example, the presented side surface area is eight (8) square inches.
For example, the container assembly 12 is configured to define the latch receiving slotted surface 102 configured for receiving the latch 22 in an interference fit relationship then the latch 22 assumes the unlocked indication position.
Referring to
(E) Refuse Container with Detent Disposed so as to Mitigate Interference with Discharge of Contents from Cavity
In another aspect, there is provided a refuse container 10, as described above, wherein the detent is disposed so as to mitigate interference with the discharge of contents from the cavity 20.
In this respect, there is provided the refuse container 10 including the container assembly 12 and the locking mechanism 14.
Referring to
The locking mechanism 14 includes the latch 22 and the detent 24. The latch 22 is coupled to the lid 18. The latch 22 includes the handle 26, and is moveable between a locked lid position and an unlocked lid position. The detent 24 acts between the bin 16 and the lid 18 The detent 24 co-operates with the latch 24 so as to effect locking of the lid 18 to the bin 16 when the latch 22 is in the locked lid position, and permit movement of the lid 18, relative to the bin 16, from the closed position to the open position when the latch 22 is in the unlocked lid position. The detent 24 extends upwardly from the rim 28 and is disposed below the lip 74. For example, the detent 24 is disposed below the lip 74.
The latch 22 is configured to move from the locked lid position to the unlocked lid position in response to application of an unlocking force to the handle 26. When the latch 22 is disposed in the unlocked lid position and the lid 18 is disposed in the closed position, the lid 18 is configured to move from the closed position to the open position in response to an application of a lid-opening force to the handle 26.
(F) Refuse Container with Guard for Reducing Fouling of Locking Mechanism
In another aspect, there is provided a refuse container 10, as described above, wherein a fouling guard 104 is provided for reducing fouling of the locking mechanism 14.
In this respect, there is provided the refuse container 10 including a container assembly and a locking mechanism.
The container assembly includes the bin 16 and the lid 18. The bin 16 defines the cavity 20. The bin 16 also includes the lip 74 defining an opening to the cavity 20, and a rim 28 extending peripherally about the lip 74. The lid 18 is rotatably coupled to the bin 16, and configured for movement, relative to the bin 16, between an open position providing access to the cavity 20 and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity 20.
The locking mechanism includes the latch 22 and the detent 24. The latch 22 includes the handle 26 and a detent co-operator 106, and is moveable between a locked lid position and an unlocked lid position. The latch 22 is coupled to the lid 18 The detent 24 acts between the bin 16 and the lid 18. The detent 24 co-operates with the latch 24 so as to effect locking of the lid 18 to the bin 16 when the latch 22 is in the locked lid position, and permit movement of the lid 18, relative to the bin 16, from the closed position to the open position when the latch 22 is in the unlocked lid position. The detent 24 extends upwardly from the rim 28.
The latch 22 is configured to move from the locked lid position to the unlocked lid position in response to application of an unlocking force to the handle 26. When the latch 22 is disposed in the unlocked lid position and the lid 18 is disposed in the closed position, the lid 18 is configured to move from the closed position to the open position in response to an application of a lid-opening force to the handle 26.
When the latch 22 is disposed in the locked lid position, the detent co-operator 106 is disposed relative to the detent 24 such that the detent 24 interferes with movement of the detent co-operator 106 along a vertical axis and thereby resists movement of the lid 18 from the closed position to the open position. Referring to
(G) Refuse Container with Impact Guard for Blocking Physical Contact with the Locking Mechanism
In another aspect, there is provided a refuse container 10, as described above, and including an impact guard 110 for blocking physical contact with the locking mechanism 114.
In this respect, there is provided the refuse container 10 including a container assembly and a locking mechanism.
The container assembly includes the bin 16 and the lid 18. The bin 16 defines the cavity 20. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin 16, and configured for movement, relative to the bin 16, between an open position providing access to the cavity 20 and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity 20.
The locking mechanism includes the latch 22 and the detent 24. The latch 22 includes the handle 26, and is moveable between a locked lid position and an unlocked lid position. The detent 24 acts between the bin 16 and the lid 18. The detent 24 co-operates with the latch 24 so as to effect locking of the lid 18 to the bin 16 when the latch 22 is in the locked lid position, and permit movement of the lid 18, relative to the bin 16, from the closed position to the open position when the latch 22 is in the unlocked lid position.
The latch 22 is configured to move from the locked lid position to the unlocked lid position in response to application of an unlocking force to the handle 26. When the latch 22 is disposed in the unlocked lid position and the lid 18 is disposed in the closed position, the lid 18 is configured to move from the closed position to the open position in response to an application of a lid-opening force to the handle 26.
Referring to
For example, the impact guard includes a lower surface 29 of the rim 28, and also includes a plurality of ribs 111 extending between and connecting the external surface 42 and the lower surface 29.
(H) Refuse Container with Lid Configured to Distribute Impact Forces
In another aspect, there is provided a refuse container 10 with the lid 18 configured to distribute impact forces.
In this respect, there is provided the refuse container 10 including the bin 16 and the lid 18.
Referring to
The lid 18 is rotatably coupled to the bin 16. The lid 18 is configured for movement, relative to the bin 16, between an open position providing access to the cavity 20, and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity 20. Referring to
(J) Refuse Container with Lifting Mechanism Engagement System Including Retention Bar
In another aspect and referring particularly to
The refuse container 10 includes a lifting mechanism engagement system 300. The lifting mechanism engagement system 300 includes a retention bar 302. The retention bar 302 is coupled to the sidewall 34 and is disposed externally of the cavity 20. For example, brackets 304, 306 are mounted to external surface 42 of the sidewall 34, or more preferably integrally formed with the bin 16 to form a single unit. The brackets 304, 306 are located between uppermost and lowermost extremes of the container 10, preferably at approximately a midpoint of the overall height of the container 10. The brackets 304, 306 extend outwardly from the external surface 42 of the sidewall 34 and have opposing inner and outer face portions. The inner and outer face portions are spaced such that in body portions of the brackets, an interior gap, which is completely fluidly isolated from the cavity 20, is formed between the inner and outer face portions. The inner face portions are laterally spaced from one another such that a space is formed between the respective face portions. Each one of the brackets 304, 306 includes a receiver, preferably including an aperture for receiving a respective end of the retention bar 302. For example, the retention bar 302 is snap-fitted within the apertures such that the opposing ends of the retention bar 302 extend into the interior gap of each bracket while an exposed portion of the retention bar 302 spans the space between the inner face portions of the brackets 304, 306.
As illustrated in
For example, the lifting mechanism engagement system 300 includes the ribs 111 of the impact guard 110 which is configured to engage and become supported by the lifting mechanism 400.
(K) Refuse Container with Bag Hook
In another aspect, and referring specifically to
Each one of the liner retainers 502, 504 present an inverted “V” shaped retainer surface configured for receiving and retaining a liner.
(L) Refuse Container Including Latch Locking Mechanism
In a further aspect, and referring to the embodiment illustrated in
The latch locking mechanism 2000 is moveable from the locked latch position to the unlocked latch position in response to an application of an unlocking force, wherein the unlocking force includes a horizontal component directed towards the front of the bin 16.
For example, the unlocking force is applied by a human hand.
For example, the latch locking mechanism 2000 includes a force receiving surface 2002 for receiving application of the unlocking force.
For example, the lid 18 includes a lock retainer surface 2004 configured to limit or oppose upwardly movement of the latch locking mechanism 2000 relative to the lid 18 when the latch locking mechanism 2000 is disposed in the locked latch position. In this respect, when the latch locking mechanism 2000 is disposed in the locked latch position, upwardly movement of the latch locking mechanism 2000 relative to the lid 18 is limited or opposed by the lock retainer surface 2004 of the lid 18 such that the latch 22 is not able to assume the above described operative condition. When the latch locking mechanism 2000 is disposed in the unlocked latch position, the latch locking mechanism 2000 is able to move upwardly relative to the lid 18 such that the latch 22 is disposed in the operative condition.
For example, the latch locking mechanism 2000 includes a lock projection 2006 configured to co-operate with the lock retainer surface 2004 to limit or oppose upwardly 32 movement of the latch locking mechanism 2000 relative to the lid 18 when the latch locking mechanism 2000 is disposed in the locked latch position. When the latch locking mechanism 2000 is disposed in the locked latch position, the lock projection 2006 is disposed relative to the lock retainer surface 2004 such that the lock retainer surface 2004 limits or opposes upwardly movement of the lock projection 2006 relative to the lid 18 such that the latch 22 is not able to assume the operative condition. When the latch locking mechanism 2000 is disposed in the unlocked latch position, the lock projection 2006 is retracted from the lock retainer surface 2004 such that the lock retainer surface 2004 is not able to limit or oppose upwardly movement of the lock projection 2006 relative to the lid 18, and the lock projection 2000 is, therefore, able to move upwardly relative to the lid 18 such that the latch 22 is disposed in the operative condition.
For example, the lid 18 includes a receiving notch 2008 for receiving latch locking mechanism 2000. The lock projection 2006 is configured to co-operate with the receiving notch 2008 to limit or oppose upwardly movement of the latch locking mechanism 2000 relative to the lid 18 when the latch locking mechanism 2000 is disposed in the locked latch position. When the latch locking mechanism 2000 is disposed in the locked latch position, the lock projection 2006 is disposed within the receiving notch 2008, and upwardly movement of the lock projection relative 2006 to the lid 18 is limited or opposed by the receiving notch 2008 such that the latch 22 is not able to assume the operative condition. When the latch locking mechanism 2000 is disposed in the unlocked latch position, the lock projection 2006 is retracted from the receiving notch 2008 such that the lock projection 2006 is able to move upwardly relative to the lid 18 such that the latch 22 is disposed in the operative condition.
For example, the latch locking mechanism 2000 is coupled to and moveable relative to the latch 22 for movement relative to the latch 22 between the locked latch position and the unlocked latch position. As a further example, the latch locking mechanism 2000 is slideably coupled to the latch 22 for movement relative to the latch 22 between the locked latch position and the unlocked latch position.
For example, the latch locking mechanism 2000 is supported by the latch 22. For example, the latch 22 includes a latch support surface 2010 for supporting the latch locking mechanism 2000.
Referring to
For example, the latch locking mechanism 2000 is supported by the latch support surface 2010 and includes the retainer tabs 2014, 2016, and the latch 22 includes a latch locking mechanism receiving slot 2018. In this respect, the retainer tabs 2014, 2016 extend through the receiving slot 2018 and the latch 22 co-operates with the retainer tabs 2014, 2016 such that the retainer surface 2012 opposes upwardly movement of the retainer tabs 2014, 2016 relative to the latch 22, and thereby opposes upwardly movement of the latch locking mechanism 2000 relative to the latch 22, and thereby retains the latch locking mechanism 2000 in a coupled relationship with the latch 22. For example, the slot 2018 also functions as guide for facilitating guided movement of the latch locking mechanism between the locked position and the unlocked position.
For example, the retainer tabs 2014, 2016 are a pair of spaced apart retainer tabs 2014, 2016 extending through the slot 2018 (see
For example, the retainer tabs 2014, 2016 are sufficiently resilient such that, during assembly, the retainer tabs 2014, 2016 are pressed through the slot 2018, causing the retainer tabs 2014, 2016 to approach one another (or, become squeezed together) so as to enable the retainer tabs 2014, 2016 to become fitted through the slot 2018. Once fitted through the slot 2018, the resiliency of the retainer tabs 2014, 2016 forces the retainer tabs 2014, 2016 to move apart relative to one another such that the tab projections 2019, 2020 become disposed in opposition to a respective one of the lower surface portions 2024a, 2024b.
For example, a biasing element 2026 is provided for acting between latch locking mechanism 2000 and the latch 22 for biasing the latch locking mechanism 2000 towards the locked latch position. For example, the biasing element 2026 is attached to the latch locking mechanism 2000. As a further example, the biasing element 2006 is a thin sheet of arcuate-shaped material, such as a sheet of arcuate-shaped nylon material having a thickness of about 60/1000 of an inch. As a further example, the latch 22 includes a biasing element retainer surface 2028 for exerting a reaction force to oppose force being applied to the biasing element 2026 in a direction which effects movement of the latch locking mechanism 2000 from the locked latch position. When the latch 22 is disposed in the locked lid position and is seated within the cavity 84, and no unlocking force is being applied to the latch locking mechanism 2000, the biasing element 2026 biases the latch locking mechanism 2000 into the locked latch position.
Although the disclosure describes and illustrates various embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these particular embodiments. Many variations and modifications will now occur to those skilled in the art of headwear. For full definition of the scope of the invention, reference is to be made to the appended claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2624658 | Mar 2008 | CA | national |
2624663 | Mar 2008 | CA | national |
2636306 | Jun 2008 | CA | national |
This application is a Continuation application from application Ser. No. 14/269,488 filed May 5, 2014, which is a Continuation application from application Ser. No. 12/580,116 filed Oct. 15, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,714,404, which is a Continuation-in-Part application from application Ser. No. 12/217,536 filed Jul. 7, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,485,381, which claimed priority from Canadian Patent Application No. 2,636,306 filed Jun. 27, 2008, now issued, and Canadian Patent Application No. 2,624,663 filed Mar. 7, 2008, now issued, and Canadian Patent Application No. 2,624,658 filed Mar. 7, 2008, now issued. All these applications are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
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20170088352 A1 | Mar 2017 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 14269488 | May 2014 | US |
Child | 15372679 | US | |
Parent | 12580116 | Oct 2009 | US |
Child | 14269488 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 12217536 | Jul 2008 | US |
Child | 12580116 | US |