Patent Application
20220089365
The present disclosure generally relates to a cylinder system. More specifically, the present invention provides a cylinder system for storing and disposing of items/trash.
Containers that are store items such as trash often are containers with a fixed height and width. The containers cannot be adjusted to store more trash if necessary. If more trash needs to be stored, and a container already is full with trash and other items, another container has to be used to store the additional trash.
Another drawback of traditional containers is that they can only fit within certain areas of the room. In certain parts of a home, and certain rooms within a home or building, only containers of a certain height may be able to fit into certain areas of the room. Since most traditional containers have a set height, the containers typically can only fit in certain set areas of a room, and cannot be used to fit into tight spaces in the corner areas of rooms where the height of containers need to be reduced.
Another inconvenience is that a container that has to be emptied typically has to be emptied manually, wherein the container has to be lifted from its resting position, and tilted in the air to empty items. Alternatively, items can be manually removed from the container as well. Both ways of disposing of items/trash which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Therefore, it is imperative to have a container that can have its height adjusted in a container system to enable the container and other containers to be able to store more items/trash. In addition, the height of a container should also be adjustable to enable a container to fit within any area of a room, whether an area requires more or less height for the container. Further, it is imperative that a container or container system has an efficient and less cumbersome way of disposing of items/trash.
An embodiment relates to a system comprising: A first cylinder configured to move in a vertical direction with an adjustable height and fixed diameter. The system may also include a second cylinder configured with an adjustable height and fixed diameter, wherein the second cylinder is configured with the diameter less than the diameter of the first cylinder to enable the second cylinder to be positioned within the first cylinder. In addition, the system can include one or more cushioned pads that encircle an exterior portion of the diameter of the second cylinder, wherein the one or more cushioned pads enable the first cylinder to glide vertically along the exterior portion of the second cylinder. Further, the system may include a ring endcap configured on the second cylinder, wherein the ring endcap is positioned on the second cylinder to form a corresponding base for the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The system may further include a pushplate configured underneath the first cylinder and the second cylinder, wherein the pushplate rests on the ring endcap and forms a bottom portion for the first cylinder and second cylinder and enable items to be moved out of the second cylinder.
The one or more cushioned pads provide friction to hold the first cylinder in place with the second cylinder.
The adjustable height of the first cylinder is equal to the adjustable height of the second cylinder.
The pushplate is moved in a vertical direction to move the items out of the second cylinder.
An embodiment relates to a system comprising: a first cylinder with an adjustable height and fixed diameter configured around a second cylinder with an adjustable height and a fixed diameter. The system may also include a plurality of cushioned pads configured on an exterior portion of the fixed diameter of the second cylinder, wherein the plurality of cushioned pads enable the first cylinder to adjust the height of the first cylinder and the second cylinder. Further, the system can include a ring endcap configured on a bottom portion of the second cylinder, wherein the ring endcap forms the base for the first cylinder and the second cylinder when the first cylinder and second cylinder are in a fixed or moving position. In addition, the system can include a pushplate configured on the ring endcap, wherein the pushplate is positioned on the ring endcap to form a floor for the first and second cylinder and push items within the second cylinder.
The fixed diameter of the first cylinder is greater than the fixed diameter of the second cylinder.
The plurality of cushioned pads enable the second cylinder to remain in contact with the first cylinder when the first cylinder adjusts the height of the second cylinder.
The plurality of cushioned pads encircle the exterior portion of the second cylinder to enable the second cylinder to remain in contact with the first cylinder.
The pushplate is adjusted in a vertical direction to move the items out of the second cylinder.
A method can include positioning a first cylinder with a plurality of cushioned pads in a first position. The method may also include positioning a second cylinder with a fixed diameter and adjustable height in a second position, wherein the second cylinder is in contact with the plurality of cushioned pads and encircles the first cylinder. Further, the method may include configuring a ring endcap at a position below the first cylinder, wherein the rind endcap forms a base for the first cylinder and the second cylinder. In addition, the method may include configuring a pushplate below the ring endcap, wherein the pushplate is confirmed to be in contact with the ring endcap and move in a vertical direction along the first cylinder and the second cylinder.
The second cylinder can be slid against the plurality of cushioned pads to adjust the height of the first cylinder and the second cylinder to create additional space around the first and second cylinder.
The pushplate can be moved in a vertical direction to push one or more items out of the first cylinder.
The height of the first cylinder and the second cylinder can be decreased to bring the pushplate closer to a top portion of the first cylinder.
One or more materials are wrapped around the first cylinder and the second cylinder.
Other contemplated embodiments can include objects, features, aspects, and advantages in addition to or in place of those mentioned above. These objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings.
The system of providing cylinders which can store and hold items/trash, and also dispose of the items/trash is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like reference numerals are intended to refer to like components, and in which:
Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
The disclosed embodiments are best understood by reference to the Figures and detailed description herein.
Disclosed embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the detailed description provided herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention may extends beyond these currently disclosed embodiments. Various alternate approaches to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein is envisioned. That is, there are modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice-versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not imply mutual exclusivity.
It is to be further understood that the disclosed embodiments are not necessarily limited to the particular methodology, techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not otherwise intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein in the detailed description and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Physical and/or conceptual structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures.
All words of approximation as used in the present disclosure and claims should be construed to mean “approximate,” rather than “perfect”. Words of approximation, include, yet are not limited to terms such as “substantial”, “nearly”, “almost”, “about”, “generally”, “largely”, etc.
Terms of degree are not necessarily indefinite. “Claim language employing terms of degree has long been found definite where it provided enough certainty to one of skill in the art when read in the context of the invention.” Interval Licensing LLC v. AOL, Inc., 766 F.3d 1364, 1370, 112 USPQ2d 1188, 1192-93 (Fed. Cir. 2014) (citing Eibel Process Co. v. Minnesota & Ontario Paper Co., 261 U.S. 45, 65-66 (1923. Thus, when a term of degree is used in the claim, the examiner should determine whether the specification provides some standard for measuring that degree. Hearing Components, Inc. v. Shure Inc., 600 F.3d 1357, 1367, 94 USPQ2d 1385, 1391 (Fed. Cir. 2010); Enzo Biochem, Inc., v. Applera Corp., 599 F.3d 1325, 1332, 94 USPQ2d 1321, 1326 (Fed. Cir. 2010); Seattle Box Co., Inc. v. Indus. Crating & Packing, Inc., 731 F.2d 818, 826, 221 USPQ 568, 574 (Fed. Cir. 1984).
The term “substantially” is often used in conjunction with another term to describe a particular characteristic of the claimed invention. It is a broad term. In re Nehrenberg, 280 F.2d 161, 126 USPQ 383 (CCPA 1960). The court held that the limitation “to substantially increase the efficiency of the compound as a copper extractant” was definite in view of the general guidelines contained in the specification. In re Mattison, 509 F.2d 563, 184 USPQ 484 (CCPA 1975).
All questions of enablement are evaluated against the claimed subject matter. The focus of the examination inquiry is whether everything within the scope of the claim is enabled.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed embodiments belong. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention.
Although Claims have been included in this application to specific enumerated combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein.
References “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every possible embodiment necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic.
References to “person”, “individual”, “human”, “a party”, or any similar term, as used herein, it should be understood that such references are sole by way of example
Headings provided are for convenience and are not to be taken as limiting the present disclosure in any way.
Each term utilized herein is to be given its broadest interpretation given the context in which that term is utilized.
The following paragraphs provide context for terms found in the present disclosure (including the claims):
The transitional term “comprising”, which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. See, e.g., Mars Inc. v. H.J. Heinz Co., 377 F.3d 1369, 1376, 71 USPQ2d 1837, 1843 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (“[L]ike the term ‘comprising,’ the terms ‘containing’ and ‘mixture’ are open-ended.”). “Configured to” or “operable for” is used to connote structure by indicating that the mechanisms/units/components include structure that performs the task or tasks during operation. “Configured to” may include adapting a manufacturing process to fabricate components that are adapted to implement or perform one or more tasks.
“Based On.” As used herein, this term is used to describe factors that affect a determination without otherwise precluding other or additional factors that may affect that determination. More particularly, such a determination may be solely “based on” those factors or based, at least in part, on those factors.
All terms of example language (e.g., including, without limitation, “such as”, “like”, “for example”, “for instance”, “similar to”, etc.) are not exclusive of other examples and therefore mean “by way of example, and not limitation . . . ”.
A description of an embodiment having components in communication with each other does not infer that all enumerated components are needed.
A commercial implementation in accordance with the scope and spirit of the present disclosure may be configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any function(s of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably changed by those skilled in the art.
The example embodiments described herein can be implemented in a cylinder system to store and dispose of items/trash. A plurality of cylinders can be used to implement the cylinder system.
Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, and systems according to the disclosed embodiments. Each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by various means.
The flowchart and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems and methods according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a segment which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). Functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved.
Further, any sequence of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a condition that the steps be performed in that order. Some steps may be performed simultaneously.
The functionality and/or the features of a particular component may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Also, various embodiments of the present invention need not include a device itself.
Where cylinder systems are described, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that: (i) cylinder structures alternative to those described may be implemented, (ii) other cylinder structures other than described cylinders may be implemented. Any schematic illustrations of cylinder systems and accompanying descriptions of any sample cylinder systems presented herein are example arrangements for stored representations of information. Embodiments of the invention may also be implemented in one or a combination of cylinder systems.
More specifically, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system and/or method. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a plurality of cylinder systems to store and dispose of items/trash.
Additionally, any uses of the phrase “configured to” or “operable for” can include generic structure that is manipulated to operate in a manner that is capable of performing the task(s) at issue. “Configured to” may also include adapting a manufacturing process to fabricate cylinder devices that are adapted to perform one or more tasks.
The present invention provides a cylinder system for storing and disposing of items/trash. Two cylinders of similar height can be placed in the same system to store and dispose of items/trash. Moreover, one cylinder can have a greater diameter than the other cylinder to enable the one cylinder to be placed around the other cylinder, and also be in contact with the other cylinder. Cushioned pads on the other cylinder can enable the one cylinder to slide vertically while being in contact with the other cylinder. The one cylinder can thereby adjust its height along the height of the other cylinder. In situations where the heights of both cylinders need to be reduced to fit into a specific area, the one cylinder can simultaneously reduce the height of both cylinders to enable both cylinders to fit into the desired area in which the height of both cylinders need to be reduced.
The cylinders can be used to store items/trash. The items/trash can be placed within the innermost cylinder with the lesser diameter among the two cylinders. Should more items/trash need to be placed within one of the cylinders, and not enough storage space is available, the height of both cylinders can be increased to create the additional space to store the additional items/trash. In addition, when the items/trash need to be removed from the cylinders, a pushplate at the bottom of the inner cylinder can be used to push the items/trash out of the inner cylinder. The pushplate can be moved vertically toward the top of the inner cylinder, and the pushplate can move the items/trash out of the inner cylinder. The pushplate may then be moved back to its original position at the bottom of the inner cylinder.
Through the cylinder system, the adjustable heights of the cylinders enable the cylinders to fit into tight areas where the heights of the cylinders need to be reduced. In addition, the adjustable heights of the cylinders can be increased to store more items/trash. In addition, the cylinders need not be moved or tilted over to empty the items/trash. A pushplate from the bottom of the inner cylinder can be moved from the bottom of the inner cylinder to the top of the inner cylinder to push out the items/trash, and then be moved back to its original position at the bottom of the inner cylinder. Accordingly, the cylinders need not be moved to empty trash, and the adjustable heights of the cylinders enable the cylinders to be able to fit in virtually any area within a room. In addition, the exterior of the cylinders be covered with wall paper or other directions to prevent the items/trash from being viewed.
The first cylinder 100 can be configured to receive items/trash for storage. To create additional space for storage, the first cylinder 100 can increase its height in the vertical direction. The first cylinder 100 can be moved from a top portion of the first cylinder 100 to increase the height of the first cylinder 100. Further, the first cylinder 100 can attempt to increase the space around the first cylinder 100 to store the first cylinder 100 in different places or environments. Such different places an include in a corner of room where a only a certain height of the first cylinder 100 would fit accordingly. To accommodate such a situation, the first cylinder 100 can have its height reduced as shown in
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Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments are non-exhaustive and that embodiments other than that described here may be included without departing from the scope and spirit of the presently disclosed embodiments.
Disclosed embodiments relate to methods and systems for more efficiently and effectively allowing one or ways to store items/trash within a plurality of cylinders. By incorporating the dual cylinder system with adjustable heights, more items/trash can be stored. When more items/trash need to be stored, the heights of both cylinders can be increased. The heights of the cylinders can be increased when necessary to store more items/trash.
Another advantage of the cylinder system is to be able to fit in areas of a room where the heights of the cylinder need to be reduced. The heights of the cylinders can be reduced while still storing the same amount of items/trash that may be currently in the inner cylinder among the two cylinders. In an embodiment where the heights of the cylinder need to be reduced, the height of the outer cylinder can be simultaneously reduced with the height of the inner cylinder. Accordingly, the cylinders can both fit within tight areas where both heights must be reduced to fit in such tight areas. The heights of both cylinders can be decreased whenever necessary to fit to certain tight spaces while holding the same amount of items/trash within the inner cylinder.
Yet another advantage of the two-cylinder system is being able to empty the inner cylinder of the items/trash with a false bottom. The pushplate at the bottom of the inner cylinder can be pushed vertically from the bottom of the inner cylinder to the top of the inner cylinder. The inner and outer cylinder can remain in contact while the pushplate is being moved forward. The two cylinder system does not need to disassembled or tilted forward to empty the items/trash from the inner cylinder. As a result, the cylinders can remain assembled and at the same height as the pushplate moves the items/trash out of the inner cylinder.
An additional advantage is that wallpaper and other decorative items can be placed within the cylinder system so that viewers cannot view the items/trash from a front view of the cylinders. Placing wallpaper and other decorative items on the exterior of the cylinders cannot further disguise/mask that the cylinders are being used to store and dispose of items/trash.
Accordingly, the present invention seamlessly and efficiently operates a cylinder system that can store items/trash at various heights, fit into tight areas of the room while storing the same amount of items/trash at their normal height. In addition, the cylinder system can enable items/trash to be disposed by a pushplate while allowing the cylinders to remain in place without being disassembled or tilted forward or over.
All references, including granted patents and patent application publications, referred herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the cylinder system provided thereof may vary depending upon the particular context or application. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or improvements described in the foregoing specification.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.
