Container with living hinge bag retainer   

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a bin having an open end; a bag mounting ring mounted inside a perimeter of the bin adjacent to the open end and comprising living hinges to flexibly and movably join the bag mounting ring to the inside perimeter of the bin; a handle, having two ends that extend inside and are coupled by pivots to inside walls of the bin, and a top bar that fits inside the bin when the handle is closed; wherein the bag mounting ring comprises offset ring portions that are configured to clear the handle when the handle is closed. In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises a bin having a floor, side walls and an open end; a bag mounting ring mounted inside a perimeter of upper wall portions of the bin adjacent to the open end; a lid that is movable on pivots on the upper wall portions, wherein the lid fits over and at least partially covers the bag mounting ring when the lid is closed.

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of prior provisional application 61/501,638, filed Jun. 27, 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. This application is related to application Ser. No. 13/041,551, filed Mar. 7, 2011.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to containers. The disclosure relates more specifically to containers for temporarily holding waste materials or materials intended for other uses such as recycling.

The approaches described in this section are approaches that could be pursued, but not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

Municipalities are increasingly requesting or requiring customers to recycle new kinds of household waste such as food scraps. Typically consumers collect food scraps in a container in the kitchen or other food preparation area and then transport the container to a curbside collection bin shortly before a scheduled time for collection of the contents of the bin.

Waste disposal containers are typically formed as buckets with or without handles and with or without lids. These designs fill a need, but also create problems for users when users transport and dump the contents. Typical waste disposal containers also are structured with the majority of their functional parts, such as the handle, on the exterior. Such an arrangement typically results in an unattractive appearance; the handle or other external functional parts may create obstacles for storage, or opportunities for breakage or entanglement with other objects in the environment. Typical waste disposal containers also are complex to use. Some users require a bag in the container, while for other users factors such as ease of placement, secure placement and removal are important. Still other users need a way to separate different kinds of contents within a given container.

SUMMARY

The appended claims may serve as a summary of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a container apparatus of one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a container apparatus of one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of a container apparatus of one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a container apparatus of one embodiment with lid closed;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a container apparatus of one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a section view taken on lines A-A of FIG. 17;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of one embodiment showing lid closed and carry handle partially raised;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of one embodiment showing lid closed and carry handle fully raised;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of one embodiment showing lid open and carry handle down and with a bag mounting ring omitted or removed;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of one embodiment showing lid open and carry handle down and with a bag mounting ring installed;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of one embodiment showing lid open and carry handle down and with a bag mounting ring installed and pivoted upward in a first direction;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a container apparatus of one embodiment showing lid open and carry handle down and with a bag mounting ring installed and pivoted upward in a second direction;

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a container apparatus of one embodiment showing detail of a carry handle pivot and tilted bag mounting ring;

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of a container apparatus of one embodiment showing detail of a tilted bag mounting ring;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an upper end of a container apparatus of one embodiment showing details of pivots for a bag mounting ring and for a lid;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a container apparatus of one embodiment with lid omitted to illustrate interior details;

FIG. 18 illustrates four (4) views A, B, C, D of an example carry handle and comprising a perspective view (A), end elevation view (B), top plan view (C), and side elevation view (D);

FIG. 19 illustrates four (4) views A, B, C, D of an example bag mounting ring and comprising a top plan view (A), end elevation view (B), side elevation view (C), and perspective view (D).

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bin having a living hinge bag retaining ring, with the ring shown in a retracted position.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged exploded partial perspective view of the bin and ring of FIG. 20 showing living hinges of the ring in extended positions.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the bin of FIG. 20 with the living hinge bag retaining ring shown in an extended position.

FIG. 23 is a series of illustrations of a procedure for installing a bag or liner on the ring and in the bin of FIG. 20, FIG. 21, FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a partly enlarged illustration of a rear portion of a bin showing a lid open position retainer.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged exploded partial perspective view of a bin and a bag retaining ring featuring ring position detents.

FIG. 26 illustrates the bin and ring of FIG. 25 with the lid open and the ring in a non-tilted position.

FIG. 27 illustrates the bin and ring of FIG. 25 with the lid open and the ring in a rear tilted position.

FIG. 28 illustrates the bin and ring of FIG. 25 with the lid open and the ring in a front tilted position.

The drawings are not rendered to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

1.0 Overview

In an embodiment, a container comprises a bin, a concealable handle, a pivoting bag mounting ring that is positioned within and spaced apart from the handle, and a pivoting lid that is closable within the handle and providing means for ventilating contents of the bin.

In an embodiment, two or more upper wall portions of the bin comprise an inwardly extending lip and wherein the bag mounting ring is seated on the lips. In an embodiment, the bag mounting ring comprises outwardly extending pins that are snugly engaged in the pivots on the inside walls of the bin. In an embodiment, the pins are formed at midpoints of side ring portions of the bag mounting ring and are configured to permit the bag mounting ring to pivot upwardly or downwardly within the bin.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a movable lid having pivot mouths that snugly engage pivot rods formed in an upper wall portion of the bin, wherein the lid is configured to fit inside the handle and over the bag mounting ring when the lid and the handle are closed. In an embodiment, the lid is formed having at least one perimeter dimension that is smaller than an inside dimension of the open end and defining a ventilation gap between the bin and the lid when the lid is closed. In an embodiment, the pivots are offset from a rear edge of the lid.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a non-movable grab handle formed integrally with and extending outwardly from an upper portion of a rear side wall of the bin. In an embodiment, the grab handle comprises end arms formed integrally with the upper portion and comprising pivot rods, and the apparatus further comprises a pivoting lid having pivot mouths that snugly engage the pivot rods, wherein the lid is configured to fit inside the handle and over the ring when the lid and the handle are closed.

In an embodiment, the grab handle comprises an upper rear edge that is configured to stop rearward pivoting of the lid when the lid is open. In an embodiment, the grab handle comprises a bottom edge defining an open region that is configured to hang. In an embodiment, an elongated recess is in an upper rear edge of the grab handle and a corresponding finger grip ridge is formed on a grip position of the grab handle.

In an embodiment, an apparatus, comprises a bin having a floor, side walls and an open end; a bag mounting ring mounted inside a perimeter of upper wall portions of the bin adjacent to the open end; a lid that is movable on pivots on the upper wall portions, wherein the lid fits over and at least partially covers the ring when the lid is closed.

In an embodiment, each upper wall portion of the bin comprises one or more inwardly extending lips and wherein the bag mounting ring is seated on the lips. In an embodiment, the bag mounting ring is mounted using outwardly extending pivot pins that are snugly engaged in pivots that are formed on the inside walls of the bin. In an embodiment, the bag mounting ring is mounted using outwardly extending pivot pins that are snugly engaged in pivots that are formed on the pivoting ends of the handle. In an embodiment, the pins are formed at midpoints of side ring portions of the bag mounting ring and are configured to permit the bag mounting ring to pivot upwardly or downwardly within the bin.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a pivoting lid having pivot mouths that snugly engage pivot rods formed in an upper wall portion of the bin, wherein the lid is configured to fit inside the handle and over the bag mounting ring when the lid and the handle are closed. In an embodiment, the lid has at least one perimeter dimension that is smaller than an inside dimension of the open end and defining a ventilation gap between the bin and the lid when the lid is closed. In an embodiment, the pivots are offset from a rear edge of the lid.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a non-pivoting grab handle formed integrally with and extending outwardly from an upper portion of a rear side wall of the bin. In an embodiment, the grab handle comprises end arms formed integrally with the upper portion and comprising pivot rods, the apparatus further comprising a pivoting lid having pivot mouths that snugly engage the pivot rods, wherein the lid is configured to fit inside the handle and over the ring when the lid and the handle are closed. In an embodiment, the grab handle comprises an upper rear edge that is configured to stop rearward pivoting of the lid when the lid is open.

In an embodiment, the grab handle comprises a bottom edge defining an open region that is configured to hang. In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an elongated recess in an upper rear edge of the grab handle and a corresponding finger grip ridge formed on a grip position of the grab handle.

In an embodiment, a container comprises a bin, lid, handle and ring that allow opening, filling and emptying the bin. In one embodiment, the container can allow for the separation of different waste streams such as food waste and garbage. In an embodiment as further detailed herein, the lid may be more easily opened than prior designs, more easily filled because of the lid design described herein, and easily emptied due to the handle design.

In addition, in an embodiment the placement of a bag inside easier to accomplish, more aesthetic and securely fixed in place by means of a pivoting offset bag mounting ring as more further described herein. The ring may be flexible and may hold more than one bag. The ring may allow for variable volume within the attached bag. The ring may be structured in several different sizes and the overall perimeter size of the ring is not critical to an embodiment.

The bag ring may be inside of the can, and as a result the ring may allow the handle to be hidden. The bag ring or frame may be made of a minimum amount of material to accomplish secure bag placement. The bag ring or frame may be attached to the can with a pivoting pin into a boss, a slot, a knob or simply rest on a step on the can inner surface. The boss or slot also can be formed in or as part of the pivoting ends of the carry handle. The inner ring may allow for ventilation of the can by means of an offset construction that forms a gap around a perimeter of the lid.

In an embodiment, a handle is structured and affixed in a manner that permits dumping the container using a single hand. The one hand dump handle may be facilitated by the design of the inner ring because of its location inside of the bin.

In an embodiment, the lid is pivotally affixed in a manner that permits the lid to stay open on its own, with gravity, facilitating the use and filling of the bucket.

The carry handle may be hidden from view when it is not in use.

In an embodiment, a bag mounting ring enables many desirable features of the apparatus such as a concealable carry handle and a grab handle that is configured for one hand disposal operation. In an embodiment, the bag mounting ring comprises an open frame not coupled to or including an inner bucket that has sufficient physical strength and material to securely hold and retain a bag or liner in or to the container. In an embodiment, the bag mounting ring may be mounted in the container in several different ways, such as a pivoting pin that is snugly received in a boss, a slot, or a cantilever, which may be on inner walls of the bin or on a carry handle. In an embodiment, the bag mounting ring is seated inside the container on a step or lip that extends inwardly from on the inner surface of the container.

In an embodiment, the bag mounting ring enables several desirable features. For example, the bag mounting ring enables a user to achieve a hidden liner bag. When a liner bag is installed on the bag mounting ring and the lid of the container is closed, the bag may be entirely hidden from view, which makes the container appear neat and attractive. As another example, because the liner bag does not over the outer rim of the bin, the container may comprise a carry handle just inside a perimeter of upper walls of the bin, resulting in a simple and attractive appearance.

Further, because the bag does not hang over the outer rim of the bin, a grab handle for one hand disposal may be integrated into the outer edge of the bin. As yet another example, integrated ventilation is provided; because the bag can be attached away from the upper edge of the bin, ventilation can be incorporated using a gap between the lid and upper edges of upper walls of the bin, without perforating the lid of the can. This feature is desirable in part because a simplified look is achieved.

In an embodiment, the container comprises an integrated carry handle that may be hidden from view when closed. One benefit of this arrangement is that the container appears simple and elegant. In an embodiment, a top edge of the carry handle is seated in a corresponding recess of a grab handle of a rear wall of the bin. In this arrangement, when closed, the handle remains visible to enable a user to rapidly locate and access the handle. The handle when closed also does not interfere with use or operation of the lid or bin when a user is disposing of the contents of the bin. The handle is configured to remain away from a path of the contents of the bin when the bin is emptied. In particular, in an embodiment, the handle cannot be positioned in front of the lid and therefore it is not possible to pour or spill contents of the bin onto the handle.

In an embodiment, the container comprises a grab handle integrally formed with a rear wall of the bin that facilitates intuitive one handed disposal operations. In an embodiment, the grab handle is configured to permit a user to empty the bin with only one hand. The location of the grab handle allows the user to open the lid with the thumb or other fingers of a hand while holding the bin with the same hand. The grab handle also allows the user to invert the bin while keeping the lid open with the same hand. Use of the grab handle is also intuitive. By grabbing the grab handle in a natural way, the way to open the lid becomes apparent to the user as the user\'s thumb naturally rests on an area of the lid that may be pressed to open the lid.

In an embodiment, the lid incorporates a tab or other protrusion that overhangs the front edge of the bin. By lifting up on the tab, the lid can be opened. The lid is easy to open because there is no latch; instead, the lid stays closed by gravity. When the lid is in the open position, it also stays open by gravity. When open, the lid rests in a position just past the point of balance, and therefore, the lid is easy to close by tapping the lid, nudging the lid, or shaking the bin. In another embodiment, the lid may omit a tab but may extend beyond the front edge of the bin, and the region of the lid that extends beyond the front edge of the bin may be used to lift the lid.

In an embodiment, the container incorporates visually integrated ventilation. In an embodiment, ventilation of the bin is achieved using a specified gap between the lid and the upper edge of upper side walls of the bin. Because the bag liner is attached away from the edge of the bin, a gap may be defined between the lid and the bin. The gap allows air to circulate and reduces undesirable odor buildup, which can occur in other containers when the contents are foods that undergo anaerobic decomposition while in a sealed container. The ventilation does not require perforations in the lid. The lid is simple in appearance and is easy to clean.

2.0 Example Mechanical Configuration

An example container apparatus is now described with reference to the examples shown in the drawings.

The following reference numerals identify the following elements:

 2 bin  4 open end  6 bag mounting ring  8 inside upper perimeter of bin 10 carry handle 11 side arms of carry handle 12 end of carry handle 14 pivot for carry handle 16 inside wall of bin 18 top bar of carry handle 20 offset ring portion 21 rear ring portion 22 upper wall portion of bin 24 inwardly extending lip 26 outwardly extending pins on ring 28 pivots for bag mounting ring 30 ventilation gap of lid 32 grab handle 34 lid 36 pivot mouth 38 bottom edge of grab handle 40 elongated recess 42 upper rear edge of grab handle 44 finger grip ridge 46 floor of bin 48 side wall of bin 50 front wall of bin 52 curved transition of side wall 53 lifting tab of lid 54 rear wall of bin  54′ obtuse angle at which floor meets rear wall 56 midpoint 58 side ring portion 60 pivot rod 66 curved transition 68 rear grab handle wall 70 curved edge 72 gap 74 badge 76 pivot boss 78 edge of bag mounting ring 80 retaining clip 82 slot in upper rear wall 84 side ring portion 86 transitions in ring 88 front ring portion 200  bag retaining ring 202  rear ring portion 205  ring portions  206A first rear side ring portion  204A first ring ear

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