A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
Trademarks used in the disclosure of the invention and the applicants make no claim to any trademarks referenced.
The invention relates to trash receptacle and lid assembly configured to aid in the prevention of fires, and, more particularly to a trash receptacle having a lid which is self-closing.
Each year fire claims the lives of 3,500 Americans, injures 18,300, and causes billions of dollars of damage. Leading causes of home and apartment fires are heating, electrical, smoking materials and trash receptacles. Trash receptacles, due to their compact size, variety of their contents, including combustibles, fire initiators and the ready availability of fuel, are an ideal environment for the initiation of fires. However, when the trash receptacle lid is closed, oxygen availability for the fire is reduced, and this can prevent the fire from forming or growing, to the point that the receptacle is compromised.
The problem associated with trash receptacle fires have been exacerbated with the advent of storing and collecting trash in containers within a structure such as garages, trash collection areas in apartment complexes, and individual apartment trash receptacles used by individual collection services.
One way to mitigate the fire hazard, is to provide all trash receptacles with lids which theoretically limit the oxygen available for combustion, and thereby limit the fire hazard. However, removable lids can be removed and not reinstalled by the user after placing trash in the trash receptacle and that defeats the protection afforded by a lid. To address this situation, trash receptacles with attached lids have been deployed to replace trash receptacles with removable lids. The opening and closing of these attached lids is manual and still requires that the user close the lid to ensure that the lid is closed and to provide the protection afforded by a lid. Furthermore, given that there is no restriction in the rotation of the attached lids, in many cases, the lids may not be closed by users, which defeats the fire protection capability of the lid.
Additionally, since most trash receptacles are formed from plastic and composite resins, it therefore eliminates the issues of rusting and denting damage which are problems with metal trash receptacles. Plastic and composite resins present additional problems because the resins can also provide fuel for a fire that starts in the contents of a trash receptacle cavity.
Therefore, what is needed in the art is a trash receptacle with a lid that provides a passive means for insuring that the lid is closed, to minimize the problems associated with trash receptacle fires.
Additionally, there needs to be a formulation for fire-retardant plastic to fabricate a trash receptacle to prevent the plastic from melting and/or burning and allowing the fire to spread.
The invention in one form is directed to a trash receptacle and lid assembly configured to aid in the prevention of fires having a rim-stop on the lid that prevents the lid from being opened beyond the point where the lid's center of gravity is located in the open position, to ensure that the lid stays closed. The fire is the result of combustion of material stored in the trash receptacle.
The invention in another form, is directed to a lid and/or trash receptacle as made from a fire-retardant plastic, to prevent the plastic from melting and/or burning, and providing fuel for a fire which is initiated from the trash receptacle. The fire-retardant plastic may be configured to not sustain a flame.
A further understanding of the nature and advantages of particular embodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification to an existing sub-label, it is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of this description. Those of ordinary skill in the art, with the included descriptions, will be able to implement appropriate functionality without undue experimentation.
References in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment,” may indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that such feature, structure, or characteristic may be deployed in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
Lastly, the terms “or” and “and/or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” or “A, B and/or C” mean “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.
As this invention is susceptible to embodiments of many different forms, it is intended that the present disclosure be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described.
The terms people, user, consumer and individual are used interchangeably to mean an individual who uses the invention.
The terms lid skirt and skirt are used interchangeably to mean the skirt of the lid.
The term solid, as used in the disclosure, refers to a solid surface with no holes except for holes required to fasten parts to, and for providing the hinge properties for the lid and can.
The term trash receptacle, trash container, trash can, receptacle are used interchangeably to mean a trash receptacle of the invention.
The term trash receptacle lid, trash can cover, trash can top are used interchangeably to mean a trash receptacle lid of the invention.
The term can, as used in this disclosure, refers to the bottom portion of the trash receptacle of the invention which is comprised of at least 2 sides, front, back and bottom which form a hollow cavity of the can.
The term hinge and trunnion are used interchangeably in the disclosure, and refer to a movable joint or mechanism on which a door, gate, or lid, swings as it opens and closes, or which connects linked objects.
The term trunnion as used in the disclosure refers to a two-part mechanism comprising of a rotating joint, where a shaft or pin is inserted into and turns inside a hole adapted to receive the shaft or pin.
As used in the invention, the term plastic and resin are used interchangeably to mean the plastic material used to make the trash receptacle and trash receptacle lid of the invention.
The prior art does not provide for a trash receptacle the has a passive means for insuring that the lid is closed to minimize the problems associated with trash receptacle fires. The prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 10,450,135 issued Oct. 22, 2019; U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,003 issued Jul. 4, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,983 issued Oct. 5, 1999; U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,923 issued Jan. 28, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 2,246,975 issued Jun. 24, 1941; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,237,016 issued Aug. 14, 1917, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
The trash receptacle and lid assembly comprises of a trash receptacle or can, a lid and a hinge or trunnion that connects the top of the trash receptacle to the lid such that the lid is rotatably attached to the top of the trash receptacle. The trash receptacle and lid assembly of the instant invention is configured to aid in the prevention of fires by providing a method to passively close the lid after every opening. The concept of passive closing is an important one, in that it does not require the user to close the lid, but that when the user opens the lid to deposit trash into the trash receptacle, and the user releases the lid, it is rotated around the axis of the hinge returning the lid to the closed position. This is accomplished by the incorporation of a rim-stop on the lid, that prevents the lid from being opened more than an opening angle where the center of gravity is positioned; the lid will therefore return to the horizontal closed position when it is released. Theoretically, a maximum angle of 85 degrees will ensure that the lid returns to the closed position after being open, however, any angle where the lids' center of gravity, is outside of the center of the hinge axis, can be used. The preferred embodiment of the rim-stop of the invention, extends from the back side of the lid, and engages or hits the back surface of the receptacle container forming the can of the trash receptacle, when the lid is rotated into the open position. This prevents the lid center of gravity from being opened further then the center of the hinge axis, which provides the gravitational force to return the lid to the closed position. When the lid is released, the force of gravity acting on the lid will rotate the lid, returning it to the closed position without the user having to close the lid. The opening angle or open angle of the lid, with respect to a horizontal axis can be from 89 degrees to 50 degrees, to allow the user adequate clearance to deposit the trash in the opening of the trash receptacle caused by the rotation of the lid away from the front of the trash receptacle. The rim-stop of the instant invention may be an extension located on the rim of the lid that extends down below the rim and results in an interference between the lid and the back of the trash receptacle can. The rim-stop can be either one or more extensions, and can be either an integrally molded part of the lid or they can be attached to the lid with the appropriate fasteners such as adhesive, screws or bolts. The preferred embodiment of the rim-stop may be extended down furthest to create the interference with the back side of the trash receptacle or receptacle. A preferred rim-stop of the instant invention may have a curved surface to provide a gradual engagement with the surface of the receptacle that may flex upon engagement with the rim-stop, creating the interference with the back side of the trash receptacle or receptacle.
The lid of the trash can or receptacle of the invention, is coupled to a trash receptacle or receptacle by a hinge. The lid and the trash receptacle each have a component of the hinge which makes the lid rotatable about the back of the trash receptacle when the user lifts the front of the lid of the trash receptacle rotating the lid about the hinge and creating an opening to allow the user to deposit trash into the can. A preferred hinge of the invention comprises a post and an aperture or slot that extends over or partially around the post. Specifically, a post may extend from opposing sides of the trash receptacle or receptacle, and the lid may have slots on either side that are configured to extend around the post on the trash receptacle or receptacle. Note that the post may alternatively be reversed, and extend from the lid and into apertures or slots in the receptacle.
The trash receptacle or receptacle of the instant invention may have a rim that extends down over the top perimeter of the receptacle to enclose the top opening. This may further prevent air entry into the receptacle when the lid is closed, which reduces the available oxygen for any combustion inside of the trash receptacle or receptacle.
The lid and/or trash receptacle or receptacle of the instant invention is preferably made from a fire-retardant plastic, to prevent the plastic from melting and/or burning and allowing the fire to spread. The fire-retardant plastic may be configured so as to not sustain a flame. The most common flame-retardant plastic additives are brominated flame retardants (BRFs). Brominated flame retardants are organohalogen compounds. The lid or receptacle may meet a UL94 rating of 5VA, 5VB, V-0, V-1, V-2 or HB, as detailed in Table 1 below. The highest rating is V-0 which is the preferred rating.
UL 94 is a plastics flammability standard released by the Underwriters Laboratories (USA). The standard classifies plastics according to how they burn in various orientations and part thicknesses, from the lowest flame-retardant to most flame-retardant in six different classifications
As detailed in: https://www.craftechind.com/this-plastics-on-fire-4-types-of-flame-retardant-plastic-additives/, most plastics are flammable. Therefore, it is often necessary to add flame retardant plastic additives to meet governmental and industry regulatory standards. Flame retardant plastic additives are compounds added to plastics and other materials to inhibit, suppress, or delay combustion. These compounds are useful in impending burning in the ignition phase of fire. They do not prevent charring or melting, nor do they increase the heat resistance of a material. Flame retardants are also not effective when a fire is fully engaged. There is no universal additive for all plastics, rather each flame retardant is specific to a particular polymer and a particular flammability test.
To understand how flame retardants work, it is necessary to understand how materials burn. When we see the flame of a burning object, we are actually seeing the combustion of flammable gases given off during its thermal decomposition. This process is call pyrolysis.
Pyrolysis is the process in which the long-chain molecules of a polymer chain degrade into smaller hydrocarbon molecules and flammable gases. These gases mix with oxygen, and exothermic chemical reactions occur, producing free radicals (H and OH). In complete combustion, H2O and CO2 are produced, as well as other material specific gases. The way that flame retardants interfere in the pyrolysis of a polymer, depends on the flame retardant(s) used and the plastic burned. Flame retardants can be either active or reactive. Active means blended into a polymer and reactive means inserted in the polymer molecule. Both types can suppress ignition in the vapor (gaseous) state of a fire and in the condensed (solid) state. Three common processes include endothermic degradation, gas phase radical quenching, and thermal shielding.
1) Endothermic Degradation
Mineral compounds such as aluminum and magnesium hydroxides are well known as antacids, but they can also be used as flame retardants. These plastic additives break down endothermically when subjected to high heat. This process removes heat from the plastic and cools the material. While high processing temperatures for plastics and relatively low decomposition temperatures for hydroxides and hydrates can limit their use, aluminum hydroxide did account for over 70% of total market demand in 2012. Mineral flame retardants are usually additive, and include boron compounds, antimony oxides, huntite, hydromagnesite, and zinc oxides.
2) Gas Phase Radical Quenching
The most common flame-retardant plastic additives are brominated flame retardants (BRFs). Brominated flame retardants are organohalogen compounds. Chlorinated and brominated compounds undergo thermal degradation releasing hydrogen chloride and hydrogen bromide. These react with H and OH radicals in the flame producing chlorine and bromine radicals. As the halogen radicals are less reactive than H or OH radicals, they retard the oxidation reactions of the flame. Halogenated flame retardants are low in cost and work on a wide variety of polymers. It should be noted that halogenated retardants are considered toxic to humans and animals and many have been banned.
3) Thermal Shielding
Phosphorus flame retardants, which include phosphate-ester compounds, are non-halogenated compounds that act on the solid state of combustible materials. Phosphorus forms phosphoric acid when heated which chars the solid, forming a thick glassy layer of carbon. This charring prohibits pyrolysis, and thus less fuel is available for the fire. Phosphorous flame-retardant plastic additives can be additive or reactive. Additionally, one can purchase halogenated organic phosphorus compounds that include a halogen and phosphorus. The halogen acts on the gas phase of a fire and the phosphorus inhibits fire in the sold state.
4) Synergists
Most flame-retardant plastic additives are combined to improve their overall efficacy. For example, brominated compounds are often used in synergy with antimony trioxide. This combination acts as a catalyst to speed the release of bromine and chlorine radicals in gas phase radical quenching.
The design of the can is important to the fire containment and extinguishing properties of the trash receptacle or receptacle of the instant invention. The lid must adequately seal the trash receptacle or receptacle, and the trash receptacle or receptacle can, cannot have any openings along the bottom, or the sides to allow entry of air that would support a combustion.
Referring now to the drawings
While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains, and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/894,720, filed Aug. 31, 2019, titled TRASH RECEPTACLE AND LID ASSEMBLY which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
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Number | Date | Country |
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WO-8202701 | Aug 1982 | WO |
WO-2012104441 | Aug 2012 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20210061559 A1 | Mar 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62894720 | Aug 2019 | US |