Abstract:
A magnetic trash can anchoring system includes a plate anchored to a trash can and a magnetic plate which is attached to a desired ground surface. The system secures the trash can in an upright position to prevent overturning and accidental toppling. Alternately, the system can also be part of the original equipment of the trash can. In a second alternative, the anchor plate is further provided with a wheeled assembly to assist with disengagement of the anchor plate and magnetic plate and to assist with transportation of the attached trash can.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/415,176, filed Mar. 8, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a trash can, and in particular, to anchors for trash cans. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The task of taking out the trash is one that most people do not enjoy. One must endure smelly trash, leaking bags, flies, and other undesirable circumstances while taking the day&#39;s trash out to the trash can. One (1) facet of this task that is particularly annoying is the fact that many cans, especially when empty, tend to blow all over the yard, get run over and damaged by passing traffic, or just generally become lost. Those of us who are unable to retrieve their cans on trash collection day from the curb when they are emptied, usually arrive home to find the cans nowhere in sight and must search the neighborhood for them. Other problems arise when dogs or other animals knock over trash cans to get at food scraps that are disposed of. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which trash cans can be prevented from being knocked over by wind or animals in a manner that addresses the problems described above. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide an anchor for trash can. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 2,971,739, issued in the name of Kirkland, describes a trash can hold and lid securing means. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,582, issued in the name of Sipple, describes a weighted trash can container. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,349, issued in the name of Najd, describes a trash can having tip resistant features. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more disadvantages. Many such devices are not suited to securely anchor a trash can into a ground surface. Another problem area is the lack of ease to utilize. Furthermore such devices can not be utilized on all types of trash cans. Accordingly, there exists a need for trash can with anchor without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for an anchoring means for a trash can. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present embodiments of the invention to solve at least one of these problems. The inventor has addressed this need by developing a magnetic anchor for a trash can. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic trash can anchor. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide the magnetic trash can anchor with a trash can plate, a stake, and a ground plate. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the trash can plate with a ferrous metal. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a trash can plate upper surface with a plurality of fastening means. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the stake with opposing anchors for securing into the ground plate. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the ground plate with a housing and a magnet. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide the ground plate housing with an aperture and slots to receive the stake. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an alternate trash can and an integral alternate plate. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an alternative plate with wheel assemblies and a slide bar to assist with disengaging the alternative plate and trash can from the ground plate and transport the trash can about the wheels. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of fastening the trash can plate to a trash can with a fastening means, securing the ground plate into a ground surface with the stake, engaging the trash can plate to the magnet on the ground plate to secure the trash can to the anchor, and sliding the trash can plate off of the ground plate to remove the trash can from a secured position. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a magnetic trash can anchor  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a trash can plate  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an opposing perspective view of the trash can plate  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a spike  30  and a ground plate  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an underside perspective view of the ground plate  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment  50 , of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7 , a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment  60 , of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  a bottom perspective view of the alternative embodiment  60  with the wheel assemblies  74  removed for illustration into each wheel opening  84 , of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cross sectional side view along the A-A line (see  FIG. 7 ) of the alternative embodiment  60  showing an internal view of a first slide channel  65 , of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is another partial cross sectional side view along the A-A line (see  FIG. 7 ) of the alternative embodiment  60  showing an internal view of a first slide channel  65 , of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial cross sectional side view along the B-B line (see  FIG. 7 ) showing the wheel assembly  74  of the alternative embodiment  60 , of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of the alternative plate  61  with the alternative upper surface  62  removed for illustration into a first slide channel  65 , of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 13  is an environmental view of the alternative embodiment  60  showing a person  11  employing the alternative embodiment  60  by advancing the slide bar  79  into the alternative plate  61 , of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  magnetic trash can anchor 
               11  trash can 
               12  trash can bottom surface 
               13  ground surface 
               14  person 
               20  trash can plate 
               21  trash can plate upper surface 
               22  first fastening means 
               23  trash can plate bottom surface 
               30  stake 
               31  anchor 
               40  ground plate 
               41  housing 
               42  aperture 
               43  slot 
               44  magnet 
               45  magnet aperture 
               50  alternate embodiment 
               51  alternate trash can 
               52  alternate plate 
               60  alternative embodiment 
               61  alternative plate 
               62  alternative upper surface 
               63  alternative lower surface 
               64  second fastening means 
               65  first slide channel 
               66  second slide channel 
               67  longitudinal direction 
               68  first side 
               69  second side 
               70  slide top surface 
               71  lateral side surface 
               72  slide bottom surface 
               73  slide slot 
               74  wheel assembly 
               75  wheel 
               76  axle 
               77  upward and downward motion 
               78  wheel bottom 
               79  slide bar 
               80  flange 
               81  fork 
               82  wheel top 
               83  beveled tip 
               84  wheel opening 
               85  detent 
               86  outer side 
               87  latch 
               88  beveled edge 
               89  flat edge 
               90  front end 
               91  back end 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 , within an alternate embodiment  50  of  FIG. 6 , and within an alternative embodiment of  FIGS. 7 through 12 . A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a magnetic trash can anchor (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides a means to secure a trash can  11  to a desired surface which eliminates misplacement and toppling. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a trash can plate  20 , a stake  30 , and a ground plate  40 . The trash can plate  20  is attached to a bottom surface  12  of a desired trash can  11 . The ground plate  40  is attached to a ground surface  13  and secured with the stake  30 . The trash can plate  20  and ground plate  40  are magnetically attachable from each other to secure the trash can  11 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the trash can plate  20  and  FIG. 3 , an opposing perspective view of the trash can plate  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The trash can plate  20  is comprised of a plate comprised of a ferrous metal. The trash can plate  20  can be fabricated in various shapes which correspond to the shape of the trash can bottom surface  12 . A trash can plate upper surface  21  includes a plurality of first fastening means  22  which are depicted as adhesive strips which adhere to the trash can bottom surface  12 . Adhesive strips provide a non-damaging device for attachment. The first fastening means  22  can also include other mechanical devices such as nuts and bolts or the like. A trash can plate bottom surface  23  engages the ground plate  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of the stake  30  and the ground plate  40  and  FIG. 5 , an underside perspective view of the ground plate  40 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The stake  30  is inserted through the ground plate  40  and into the ground surface  13  to secure the ground plate  40 . The stake  30  is comprised of a cylindrical shape with a tapering end point. The stake  30  also includes a pair of opposing anchors  31  which secure the stake  30  into the ground surface  13  and prevents accidental removal. 
     The ground plate  40  includes a housing  41  and a magnet  44 . The ground plate  40  is preferably flush with the ground surface  13  with the magnet  44  orientated upwardly toward the trash can bottom surface  12  (see  FIG. 4 ). The housing  41  and a magnet  44  are depicted as having a cylindrical shape for illustration purposes only it is known that other shapes can be utilized without limiting the scope of the system  10 . The magnet  44  is adhered within the housing  41 . The housing  41  is a nonferrous material and provides shielding and protection to the magnet  44 . The housing  41  comprises an open top which reveals the magnet  44  to enable a magnetic attraction between the magnet and the trash can plate bottom surface  23 . A bottom surface of the housing  41  includes an aperture  42  which further includes a pair of opposing slots  43 . The aperture  42  and slots  43  enable the stake  30  and anchors  31 , respectively, to be routed through to further engage the ground surface  13 . The aperture  42  is to be slightly larger than the stake  30  and the slots  43  are to be slightly larger than the anchors  31 . The magnet  44  is to also comprise a magnet aperture  45  which enables the magnet  44  not to interfere with the insertion of the stake  30  into the aperture  42  and slot  43 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of an alternate embodiment  50 , of the present invention, is disclosed. The alternate embodiment  50  includes an alternate trash can  51  and an alternate plate  52 . The alternate trash can  51  is depicted as a cylindrical refuse container for illustration purposes only; it is known that other shapes may be utilized without limiting the scope of the invention. The alternate trash can  51  is fabricated from durable materials such as plastic. The alternate trash can  51  can also comprise various sizes and capacities. The alternate plate  52  is similar to the abovementioned trash can plate  20 , yet is integrally molded into a bottom portion of the alternate trash can  51 . It is known that the alternate embodiment  50  would also utilize a stake  30  and a ground plate  40  as abovementioned. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , perspective views of an alternative embodiment  60  of the present invention are disclosed. The alternative embodiment  60  includes an alternative plate  61 . The alternative plate  61  has an alternative upper surface  62 , which is similar to the trash can plate upper surface  21  of the preferred embodiment. The alternative upper surface  62  is provided with second fastening means  64  that are similar to the first fastening means  22  disposed on the trash can upper surface  21  of the preferred embodiment. The alternative plate  61  has an alternative lower surface  63  that is similar to the trash can plate bottom surface  23  of the preferred embodiment, but it is provided with at least two (2) wheel openings  84  as shown in  FIG. 8 . Within a central portion of the alternative plate  61  are at least two (2) slide channels  65 ,  66  comprising a first slide channel  65  and a second slide channel  66 . Each slide channel  65 ,  66  is arranged in a parallel manner with respect to each other and situated along a longitudinal direction  67  of the alternative plate  61 . Each slide channel  65 ,  66  is identical to the other, preferably rectangular in shape, and extends from a first side  68  of the alternative plate  61  to a second side  69 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  11 , partial cross sectional side views along the A-A line and B-B line (see  FIG. 7 ) of the alternative embodiment  60 , are disclosed.  FIGS. 9 ,  10 , and  11  only illustrate the first slide channel  65 , however, it is understood that the second slide channel  66  is identical to the first slide channel  65 . Each slide channel  65 ,  66  comprise a slide top surface  70 , two (2) opposing lateral side surfaces  71 , and a slide bottom surface  72 . Again,  FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate a single lateral side surface  71 ; however, it is understood that each lateral side surface  71  is identical. Each slide channel  65 ,  66  is provided with at least one (1) pair of slide slots  73  disposed on the lateral side surfaces  71  and diametrically opposing each other. Rotatingly affixed to each pair of slide slots  73  is a wheel assembly  74  comprising a wheel  75  rotatingly affixed to an axle  76 , where distal ends of each axle  76  slidably engage opposing side slots  73 . It is envisioned for each wheel  75  to be rotatingly affixed to the axle  76  via a hub and ball-bearing construction commonly used in the art and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,572,835; however, other methods of rotatingly affixing the wheel  75  to the axle  76  may be utilized without deviating from the teachings of the system  10 . A wheel opening  84  is disposed in a slide bottom surface  72  directly below each wheel assembly  74 , and is configured to enable each wheel  75  to protrude through the alternative lower surface  63 . Each slide slot  73  is configured to enable upward and downward motion  77  of the wheel assembly  74  so that each axle  76  may traverse a length of the side slots  73 . The length of each side slot  73  is such that when each wheel assembly  74  is motioned in a fully upward direction each wheel bottom  78  is flush with, or recessed within, the alternative lower surface  63 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . When each wheel assembly  74  is motioned in a fully downward direction, each wheel bottom  78  enables an elevated supported position of the alternative plate  61 , where each wheel  75  creates a space between the alternative lower surface  63  and the ground surface  13 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . It is envisioned for each wheel  75  to comprise a very weakly magnetic material or nonferrous material such as aluminum, plastic, or rubber. 
     The alternative embodiment  60  is further provided with a slide bar  79 . The slide bar  79  comprises a flange  80  with a fork  81  for each slide channel  65 ,  66 , perpendicularly affixed to the flange  80 , where each fork  81  is arranged in a parallel manner to each other. Each fork  81  has a shape complementing the shape of each slide channel  65 ,  66 , yet exhibiting a slightly smaller cross-sectional area than that of each side channel  65 ,  66  so as to enable insertion of a fork  81  into a slide channel  65 ,  66 . The slide bar  79  is configured to slidably engage the slide channels  65 ,  66  and enable motion of the slide bar  79  in the longitudinal direction  67  so that each fork  81  may traverse an entire length of each slide channel  65 ,  66  with which they are engaged. As the slide bar  79  is slid into the alternative plate  61  from the first side  68  to the second side  69 , each fork  81  engages a wheel top  82  and forces each wheel assembly  74  into a fully downward direction. As the slide bar  79  is slid from the second side  69  to the first side  68 , each fork  81  disengages each wheel top  82 , allowing each wheel assembly  74  to freely traverse the side slot  73  in which it is rotatingly engaged. Each fork  81  preferably is configured to have a beveled tip  83  to facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement with each wheel top  82 . It is envisioned for the slide bar  79  to comprise a very weakly magnetic material or nonferrous material such as aluminum or plastic. 
     The alternative plate  61  may also be employed with the alternate embodiment  50  depicted in  FIG. 5  without deviating from the teachings of the system  10 . In this embodiment, the alternate plate  52  is replaced with the alternative plate  61  and slide bar  79 . The alternative plate  61  is affixed, or integrally molded, to a trash can  51  as described in the alternate embodiment  50 . 
     In use, the alternative plate  61  is fastened to the bottom of the trash can  11 ,  51  with the second fastening means  64 , or be integrally molded, similar to how the trash can plate  20 ,  52  is fastened/molded. The ground plate  40  is positioned into the ground  13  as described in the preferred embodiment. The slide bar  79  is positioned to force each wheel assembly  79  into a fully downward direction, thus allowing the trash can  11 ,  51  and alternative plate  61  to be transported about on the wheel assemblies  74 . Once positioned over the ground plate  40 , the slide bar  79  is slid from the second side  69  to the first side  68  so that each fork  81  disengages each wheel top  82 , allowing each wheel assembly  74  to freely traverse the side slot  73  in which it is rotatingly engaged. The weight of the trash can  11 ,  51  and alternative plate  61 , along with the magnetic force pulling the alternative plate  61  and ground plate  40  together, forces the two (2) plates  61 ,  40  to abut each other, whereby each wheel assembly  74  is forced into a fully upward direction. When it is desired to disengage the trash can  11 ,  51  and alternative plate  61  from the ground plate  40 , the slide bar  79  is slid from the first side  68  to the second side  69  so that each fork  81  engages a wheel top  82  and forces each wheel assembly  74  into a fully downward direction, whereby providing a lifting force to disengage the plates  61 ,  40  and support the trash can  11 ,  51  and alternative plate  61  in an elevated position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a partial perspective view of the alternative plate  61  with the alternative upper surface  62  removed for illustration into a first slide channel  65 , of the of the alternative embodiment  60 , is disclosed.  FIG. 12  only shows one (1) wheel assembly  74  in place in order to illustrate the configuration of each slide channel  65 ,  66 . Although only the first slide channel  65  is shown, it is understood that the second slide channel  66  is identical to the first slide channel  65 . Furthermore, although a single lateral side surface  71  is shown for the first slide channel  65 , it is understood that the other lateral side surface  71  is identical. Each fork  81  is further provided with a detent  85  disposed on an outer side  86  surface thereof, which comprises a front end  90  and a back end  91  as shown in  FIG. 7 . A spring-loaded latch  87  is disposed on a lateral side surface  71  near the first side  68  of each slide channel  65 ,  66 . Each spring-loaded latch  87  is further provided with a beveled edge  88 , which faces towards the first side  68 , and a flat edge  89 , which faces towards the second side  69 . The configuration of each spring-loaded latch  87  and detents  85  arrests motion of the slide bar  79  as it is slid from the second side  69  to the first side  68  so as to prevent removal of the side bar  79  from the alternative plate  61 . As the slide bar  79  is advanced from the first side  68  to the second side  69 , the beveled edge  88  allows the back end  91  to force the latch  87  into the lateral side surface  71 , clearing the way for motion of the slide bar  79  along the longitudinal direction  67 . As the slide bar  79  is advanced from the second side  69  to the first side  68 , the detent  85  permits the latch  87  to protrude from the lateral side surface  71 , but as the slide bar  79  advances further, the flat edge  89  abuts the front end  90  arresting the motioning in that direction. The abutment of the front end  90  and the flat edge  89  arrest the motioning in that direction because there are no force vectors to force the latch  87  to move into the lateral side surface  71 . If the slide bar  79  is advanced from the first side  68  to the second side  69  again, the abutment of the back end  91  with beveled edge  88  enables generation of force vectors to force the latch  87  into the lateral side surface  71 . The spring-loaded latch  87  operates similar to other spring-loaded latch mechanisms and spring-loaded tumbler pins common in the art and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,309 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,699,353; however, other spring-loaded latch  87  mechanisms may be utilized without deviating from the teachings of the system  10 . 
     It is envisioned for the slide bar  79  to be advanced from the first side  68  to the second side  69  by grasping the slide bar  79  by the flange  80  with a hand of the user  14  and forcing the slide bar  79  along the longitudinal direction  67 . Alternatively, the slide bar  79  may be advanced with the use of a user&#39;s foot by kicking or pushing the flange  80 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . Advancing the slide bar  79  from the second side  69  to the first side  68  may be performed by grasping the flange  80  with a user&#39;s hand and pulling the slide bar  79  along the longitudinal direction  67 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the system  10  and an existing trash can  11 ; fastening the trash can plate  20  onto the trash can bottom surface  12  with the first fastening means  22 ; securing the ground plate  40  into a ground surface  13  with the stake  30 ; engaging the trash can plate  20  to the magnet  44  on the ground plate  40  to secure the trash can  11  in position; sliding the trash can plate  20  off of the ground plate  40  to move the trash can  11 ; utilizing the system  10  as needed; and, utilizing the system  10  to provide a quick and easy way to retain trash cans  11  and prevent damage and toppling in a manner that is quick, easy, and effective. 
     The alternate embodiment  50  of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 6 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the alternate embodiment  50  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the alternate embodiment  50 ; securing the ground plate  40  into a ground surface  13  with the stake  30 ; engaging the alternate plate  52  to the magnet  44  on the ground plate  40  to secure the alternate trash can  51  in position; sliding the alternate plate  52  off of the ground plate  40  to move the alternate trash can  51 ; utilizing the alternate embodiment  50  as needed; and, utilizing the alternate embodiment  50  to provide a quick and easy way to retain trash cans  11  and prevent damage and toppling in a manner that is quick, easy, and effective. 
     The alternative embodiment  60  of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 7 and 13 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the alternative embodiment  60  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the alternate embodiment  60 ; securing the ground plate  40  into a ground surface  13  with the stake  30 ; fastening the alternative plate  61  to the trash can  11 ,  51  with the use of the second fastening means  64  or having it be integrally molded thereto; sliding the slide bar  79  to force each wheel assembly  79  into a fully downward direction, thus allowing the trash can  11 ,  51  and alternative plate  61  to be transported about on the wheel assemblies  74 ; positioning the trash can  11 ,  51  over the ground plate  40 ; sliding the slide bar  79  from the second side  69  to the first side  68  so that each fork  81  disengages each wheel top  82 , allowing each wheel assembly  74  to freely traverse the side slot  73  in which it is rotatingly engaged; allowing the magnetic force to pull the alternative plate  61  and ground plate  40  together; utilizing the alternative embodiment  60  to provide a quick and easy way to retain trash cans  11 ,  51  and prevent damage and toppling in a manner that is quick, easy, and effective; sliding the slide bar  79  from the first side  68  to the second side  69  so that each fork  81  engages a wheel top  82  and forces each wheel assembly  74  into a fully downward direction, whereby providing a lifting force to disengage the plates  61 ,  40  and support the trash can  11 ,  51  and alternative plate  61  in an elevated position; and, transporting the trash can  11 ,  51  on each wheel assembly  74  as desired. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.