Abstract:
A mobile bin cart which supports recycling bins. The cart has a vertically oriented frame with wheels at the bottom for tilting back and moving the cart. A plurality of horizontal cross braces spans the frame, with each brace vertically mounted above the others. At least two contoured support brackets are adjustably mounted to each cross brace so that the hook elements are oriented vertically upwards. The circumferential lip of a standard recycling bin is then supported by the hook elements, with the bin swinging backward to butt against the cart frame for additional support. The bins can then be removed and replaced with a vertical lifting motion hence making loading and unloading the cart much easier for the user.

Description:
This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/028,182 filed on Feb. 23, 1998, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/623,246 filed on Mar. 28, 1996, now abandoned. 

   FIELD OF INVENTION 
   This invention relates to a carrying device which facilitates releasable attachment of recycling bins in a stacked arrangement onto a wheeled cart for transport. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Recycling of waste products is a continuing concern of individuals and communities as natural resources are depleted and landfills filled to capacity. In many places, the government mandates the separation of garbage into recyclable categories, such as glass, plastics, paper, etc. Standardized recycling bins facilitate the efficient collection of such recyclable materials. When filled with materials such as metal cans or glass, these bins can often become heavy and cumbersome to move. 
   As a result, the prior art includes a variety of carts for moving recycling bins. U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,092 discloses a recycling bin carrying device with at least two horizontally extending shelves for holding loaded bins. The cart is designed with each horizontally extending shelf positioned so as to overhang the next shelf, with the bins being slid onto the desired carrying shelf as necessary. The design also suggests that the bin containing the heaviest materials be located close to the ground for easy removal. Each shelf is pivotally attached to a front and back frame which allows for simultaneous folding of the front frame and shelves against the back frame to facilitate storage. 
   The &#39;092 patent employs horizontally extending shelves which are oriented in a step-like fashion, each subsequent shelf overhangs the next and generally interferes with placement of a bin on the shelf. Instead of being able to vertically place the bin, the user must reach outward to slide the bin onto its desired shelf. As a result, the shelf-like orientation makes it difficult to load and unload bins onto the cart, particularly if they are heavily loaded. The patent also suggests a preference and is constructed for loading the heaviest bins on the bottom shelf. This complicates the ease of usage because a user must bend over further to pick up the heaviest bin. This is often very difficult, particularly for older users, and users with back problems. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,903 discloses a tubular metal cart which accommodates a plurality of bins placed side-by-side on the cart bracing. Each rectangular bin is a specially shaped, vertically-oriented, canister-like receptacle with a handle on the outwardly facing front. Each side-by-side rectangular bin is then simultaneously accessible from the top, with a common pivoting lid being used to hold the bins in place during transport. 
   In the &#39;903 patent, the bins are not stackably oriented, and accordingly each bin must be lifted from its position on the bottom bracing of the cart. Each bin has single handle on its front which facilitates carrying the bin like a pail, albeit with the bin angled accordingly. Reloading the bin onto the cart involves reorienting the bottom of the bin to the horizontal plane and sliding it onto the cart. While this might be easily achievable with an empty bin, it would be very difficult with a loaded, heavy bin. The weight of the bin would cause resistance to both the horizontal orientation and sliding movements. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,154 discloses a hand truck having a single vertical frame member for transporting multiple bins. The vertical has a handle on one end and an axle assembly on the other. The frame may be tubular metal with horizontal supports attached to the vertical member for holding the weight of the bins. Above each sup ort is a horizontal channel shaped member into which the edges of the bins are inserted. 
   Accordingly, a bin carrying device is needed which receives standard sized, rectangular tub-shaped recycling bins, which are removably attached via a hook device to the front of the cart. The device should allow for the bins to be vertically loaded and unloaded onto the cart in a sequential fashion for convenience and ease of loading. Such an arrangement would allow the heaviest bins to be loaded on the top hooks so that the user will not have to bend down to lift and move the loaded bin. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention teaches a recycling bin cart for stackably accommodating standard sized recycling bins having a rectangular tub and an overhanging lip. The dolly-like bin cart consists of first and second handled side members which are attached to respective first and second leg members. The leg members are wheeled at the back and have a support appendage at the front. Various cross-bracing members complete formation of the cart frame. A plurality of cross braces horizontally span between the first and second side members to support placement of contoured support brackets, usually two per cross bracing member. An upturned retention arm of these brackets supports removable placement of a recycling bin by catching. 
   Another embodiment of the invention has a single vertical member with a handle on the upper end. A plurality of cross braces are fixed, by brackets, to the single vertical member along it&#39;s length. The cross braces carry hooks and load clips for movable placement of the bins. The lower end of the vertical member is attached to an axle assembly through the single leg member. 
   With this stacked arrangement, each bin can be easily unloaded and loaded onto the cart in an upward and downward vertical motion. This is advantageous because heavy loads are more optimally carried close to the user&#39;s body, as lifted more properly by the user&#39;s legs. Any other motion puts the back and arms at risk of injury due to the weight of the load. Hence, the present invention promotes a more safe lifting motion in that the user can position his hands on either side of the recycling bin, with the back held straight and the chest oriented towards the center of gravity of the load. The load is then lifted straight up off the hooks and carried to its destination. With the stacking arrangement, once the uppermost bin is removed, then the next bin down can be similarly lifted upwards. Also, the cart frame is constructed to facilitate supporting the heaviest bins on the uppermost hooks so that a user might not have to bend over to pick up and move the heaviest bins. 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wheeled recycling bin cart which facilitates removable placement of standardized recycling bins in a vertically stacked orientation. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a wheeled recycling bin cart with cross-braces spanning the cart frame and hooks attached to the cross-braces for supporting recycling bins. 
   It is still a further object of the present invention to provide contoured support brackets which releasably interface with the overhanging lip of standard recycling bins. 
   It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a means for supporting recycling bins of varying size that is adjustable without tools. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide contoured support brackets which suspendably support each recycling bin so that the cart frame provides bracing support against the inwardly-facing side of the bin. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a recycling bin cart with a single vertical frame member carrying cross braces for supporting standard recycling bins. The cross braces having U-shaped hooks and J-shaped load clips for removable attachment of the bins. 
   Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a mobile recycling bin cart which facilitates vertical stacking orientation of the recycling bins. 
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of the mobile recycling bin cart of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a side view of one cross-brace and bracket arrangement as used to suspend the recycling bin by its overhanging lip. 
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of the support bracket of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a cross sectional view of the support bracket of  FIG. 3 , taken along line  5 — 5  in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a modified mobile recycling bin cart. 
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a bracket for mounting cross braces on the cart of  FIG. 6 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Although the invention has been described in terms of a specific embodiment, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art that various modifications, rearrangements and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the recycling bin cart  10  is shown with various parts drawn in phantom to more fully illustrate the invention. A first side member  12  and second side member  14  are shown parallelly disposed, each having a front edge  13 , a back edge  15 , a top portion  17  and a bottom portion  19 . Each top portion has a handle  16  curving backwards and angled upwards to facilitate a more horizontal disposition of the handle when the cart is tilted back on its wheels  18 . Each side member  12 ,  14  is attached to corresponding leg member  20  and  22  which each support a wheel  18  at the back and have a curved leg support appendage  24  at the front. The cart framework includes a pair of parallel cross braces  26  and  28  spanning the leg members  20  and  22 . Additionally, a pair of angled cross braces  30  and  32  join the back of the leg members  20 ,  22  to the back of their corresponding side members  12 ,  14 . 
   Another pair of horizontally disposed cross braces  34  and  36  are attached spanning the side members  12  and  14 . These cross braces are attached via an attachment means such as a nut and bolt combination. A plurality of attachment holes  38  exist on the side members  12 ,  14  so that each brace  34 ,  36  can be positioned and attached to the side members. The cross brace members  34 ,  36  have corresponding mounting holes  40  through each end for aligning with the attachment holes  38 . As a result, the cross braces  34 ,  36  can be positioned and attached at varying elevations according to user preference. 
   The cross braces  34 ,  36  in this embodiment are cylindrical, and the outer surface  42  of each cross braces  34 , 36  receivably interfaces with a pair of contoured support brackets  44  which are attached thereto. Each cross brace  34 ,  36  includes a series of alignment notches  47  which allow for lateral positioning and attachment of the support brackets  44  to the cross braces  34 ,  36 . In keeping with the objects of the present invention, the alignment notches  47  not only provide preferred locations for the positioning tabs  58 , they also hold the notches securely, without the need for separate fasteners. As a result, the support brackets may be attached, removed, and re-positioned all without the need for tools. In an alternate embodiment, the alignment notches  47  may form a horizontal track, not shown, that spans the length of the cross braces  34 ,  36 . In either embodiment, the positioning tabs  58  serve to hold the support brackets  44  securely in a multitude of positions along the width of the associated cross braces  34 ,  36 . The positioning tabs  58  also prevent rotation of the support brackets  44 , with respect to the cross brace central axis. In this way, the support brackets  44  can be positioned to securely handle heavier loads in any given bin, without hook rotation. This arrangement also allows the support brackets  44  to be positioned as needed without tools. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , each support bracket  44  is a one-piece, multi-function element shaped with regions that each serve a particular function. For example, each support bracket includes an L-shaped retention arm  52  that will engage the lip  46  of a bin  48 , 49  placed thereon. Additionally, each support bracket  44  includes integral attachment means  54  shaped to firmly engage the outer surface  42  of a corresponding cross brace  34 , 36 . In a preferred embodiment, the attachment means  54  is an arc-shaped recess and one of the above-mentioned positioning tabs  58  extends toward the center of the recess  54 . The attachment means  54  may be many shapes, in accordance with the shape of the included cross braces  34 , 36 . 
   Each support bracket  44  is removably secured onto a cross brace  34 , 36  through cooperation between the attachment means  54 , the positioning tab  58 , and a cross brace alignment notch  47 . More particularly, the positioning tab  58  is placed within a selected alignment notch  47 , and the support bracket  44  is pivoted about the alignment notch  47  until the bracket attachment means  54  snaps into place, partially-encircling a portion of the cross brace outer surface  42 . The support brackets  44  are preferably constructed from a resiliently deformable plastic to allow repeated installation and removal, other rigid materials may be used if desired. 
   Each support bracket  44  includes an arcuate guide notch  45  that directs a user&#39;s finger into a preferred location during support bracket removal and installation. By using the guide notch  45 , leverage is maximized and the force needed to attach or remove the support bracket  44  is reduced. The bins  48  and  49  are placed so that a portion of the rearward lip  46  interacts and is supported by the support bracket retention arms  52 . The bottom of each bin  48 ,  49  will then swing backwards to rest against the front surface  13  of the side members  12 ,  14 . In this position, each bin  48 ,  49  will securely ride on the cart when it is in either the vertical position with the feet  24  resting upon the ground, or in the mobile position with the cart tilted backwards upon the wheels  18 . 
   While only two cross braces  34 ,  36  are shown, any number might alternatively be used to accommodate a corresponding number of larger or small bins. In each case, the bins can be sequentially placed in position upon the support brackets  44  in a stacked fashion until the cart is fully loaded with bins. For instance, the bottom bin  49  would first be placed upon the support brackets  44  attached to cross brace  36  without the any other bins in place. This would allow the user to use a vertical lifting motion to pick up and place the bin, without being impeded by other bins. Subsequently, the upper bin  48  could be placed onto the support brackets  44 , as attached to cross brace  34 , with similar ease. While not optimal for lifting, the lower bin  49  could be removed and replaced with the uppermost bin still in place. Accordingly, the cross braces  34 ,  36  are located a sufficient distance apart to allow enough headroom for lifting each lower bin. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a side view of the mobile recycling bin cart  10  of  FIG. 1  is shown with various dimensions as used on the illustrated embodiment. Each leg member  20 ,  22  has an appendage  24  extending downward a height h 1 . Cross brace  26  is attached to each leg member a width w 2  from the front. Cross brace  28  is mounted a width w 3  back from brace  26 . The center of each wheel  18  is located a width w 1  from the front of each leg member, and a width w 4  from the back, with the wheel having a radius of R 1 . The lower cross brace  36  is attached at a height h 5  from the bottom of the side members  12 ,  14 . The plurality of attachment holes  38  are generally spaced h 7  apart. The angled side braces  30 ,  32  are of height h 6  and are mounted to each leg member immediately in front of the cross brace  28 . The upper end of each brace  30 ,  32  is attached to the side members  12 ,  14  at a height h 4  above cross brace  36 . The upper-cross brace  34  is attached to the side members  12 ,  14  at a height h 3  above the angled brace  30 ,  32  attachment point. The handle  16  angles backward a 1  degrees from the side members  12 ,  14  at a height h 2  from the bottom, and h 8  from the cross brace  34 , each handle having a width w 5 . The side members  12 ,  14  are additionally angled a 2  degrees back from perpendicular to facilitate a more comfortable carting action. 
   The upper bin  48  and lower bin  49  are shown suspended from support brackets  44  which are attached to cross braces  34 ,  36 . As this side view more clearly illustrates, the lip  46  of the bin rests inside the upturned retention arm  52  of the support bracket  44 . The lower rear part  50  of the bin rests against the front surface  13  of the side members  12 ,  14 . This arrangement provides for convenient loading and unloading of the bins  48 ,  49  onto their respective support brackets  44 , wherein each bin rides securely against the cart side members  12 , 14  while the cart  10  is at rest and during cart motion. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a more detailed cross sectional view of the cross brace  34 , attached support bracket  44 , and supported bin  48  are shown. The cross brace  34  includes a series of alignment notches  47 , with each notch being recessed into the cross beam outer surface  42 . Each alignment notch  47  is sized and positioned to accept the support bracket positioning tabs  58 . The support bracket attachment means  54  partially encircles the support bracket outer surface  42 . The retention arm  52  engages the lip  46  of the bin  48 . The cross brace  34  might be mounted at several vertical levels via alignment of brace holes  40  with the different through holes  38  which are located h 7  apart. 
   Referring jointly now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the support bracket  44  is shown with preferred dimensions. The support bracket  44  has a width W 7  and an overall height of h 10 . The positioning tab  58  aligns with a selected alignment notch  47  on the cross brace  34 , 36 . As seen in the Figures, the support bracket  44  is a single-piece member. The brackets  44  are formed from resiliently-deformable plastic. The retention arm  52  which receives and supports the bin has a height of h 13 . The retention arm is spaced apart from the attachment means  54  by a width w 8 . The attachment means has radius R 2  and the guide notch has a radius of R 3 . 
   While the relative dimensions shown in these Figures might be used in any combination to achieve the teachings and advantages of the present invention, the preferred embodiment uses approximately the following measurements: h 1 =3 inches; h 2 =2 feet, 11½ inches; h 3 =9 inches; h 4 =10 inches; h 5 =1 foot, 3½ inches; h 6 =2 feet, 2 inches; h 7 =1 inch; h 8 =1 inch; h 10 =2.52 inches; h 13 =1.67 inch; w 1 =1 foot, 4 inches; w 2 =7 inches; W 3 =10 inches; W 4 =2 inches; w 5 =5 inches; w 7 =0.38 inch; w 8 =0.38 inch; R 1 =3 inches; R 2 =0.46 inch; R 3 =0.42 inch. 
   The mobile bin cart  70 , shown in  FIG. 6 , has a single vertical frame member  71  attached at the lower end to an axle assembly  72 . The upper end of the vertical member is formed as a handle  73 . 
   The axle assembly  72  has an axle  74  connecting wheels  75  and  76 . Parallel to the axle  74  is a spacer bar  77  extending between each wheel. A single leg member  78  is attached to the center of the spacer bar and extends under the recycling bins when they are in place. The leg member terminates in an appendage  79  which is curved downwardly approximately the radius of the wheels and provides a support and brake for the cart, at rest. The lower end of the vertical member  71  is attached to the leg member  78 . The location of the attachment of the vertical member and the leg member provides a sloped orientation for the multiple bins which partially uncovers the mouth of each bin on the cart. 
   The axle assembly includes angled braces  80  and  81  which extend from the opposite ends of the spacer bar upwardly to the vertical member. The lower ends of the braces have apertures  82  and  83  through which the axle  74  extends. The lower ends of the braces are also attached to the spacer bar about the axle. The upper ends of the braces are connected to the vertical member and themselves by a bracket  84 . The pyramidal structure provides reinforcement and rigidity to the lower part of the cart to resist the twisting forces the bins exert on the frame when the cart is in motion. 
   The bracket  84  serves to attach the ends of both angled braces and cross brace  85  to the vertical frame member  71 . The bracket  84  is similar to the bracket  85 . Bracket  85 , shown in  FIG. 7 , has a horizontal channel  86  on one side and an vertical channel  87  on the opposite side. The cross brace  88  fits into the horizontal channel  86  and the vertical frame member  71  is held in the vertical channel  87 . The side walls of the horizontal channel  86  of the bracket  85  provide sufficient support to hold a full bin. The channel  86  also prevents the cross brace  88  from turning about the vertical member  71 . The vertical channel of bracket  84  holds the ends of the angled braces in addition to the vertical member. Both brackets  84  and  85  have an central aperture  89  for mounting on the cart. 
   The brackets may be fastened on the frame by a bolt through this aperture or other means such as welding or casting. As shown in the drawings, the bolts attach the cross braces and the brackets to the vertical frame member. Other fastening devices could be used, such as rivets or pins. 
   At least one hook is attached to each cross brace  85  and  88  on either side of the vertical frame member. These hooks fit into the overturned lip of the bins and support the weight of the bin. Located beside each hook is a load clip which fits over the lip of the bin. The load clips offset the bending moment the hooks produce in the bin lip and prevent the lip from tearing in the vicinity of the hooks. In effect, the load clips act as reinforcement of the lip. 
   Cross braces  85  and  88  have hooks  90  and  91  disposed on opposite sides of the vertical member  71 . The hooks have a planar fastening plate  91  fixed to the cross brace by a pin, rivet or bolt and nut  92 . The hooks are spaced so as to accommodate the normal sized recycling bin and fit into the lip near the corners of the bin. The curved portion of the hook  93  is sufficiently long to permit the end of the hook to rest against the bottom of the overturned lip without interference. 
   Located adjacent to each hook is a load clip  94 . The load clip  94  is formed like an upside-down J. The shaft  95  of the J is slidably connected to the cross brace  85  so that the clip may move toward or away from the wheels  75  and  76 . The end of the shaft of the J has an enlargement  96  around it. The enlargement  96  may be a washer or rubber doughnut which prevents the load clip from becoming separated from the cross brace. 
   In operation, the recycling bin is placed on the cart with the hooks inserted into the lip of the bin. The load clips are then moved upwardly, away from the wheels, and turned so that the short end of the J is placed inside the mouth of the bin. The load clip is then pressed down to engage the rim of the bin in the curved portion of the J shape. In this manner, the load clip reinforces the lip of the bin in the area of the hook. 
   It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown in the drawings and descriptions.