Abstract:
A receptacle for use with a vehicle is provided. The receptacle is designed to utilize the area between a vehicle&#39;s console and seat to secure a container suitable for receiving objects therein in a substantially fixed position within the vehicle. The receptacle has a container having an open end for receiving objects therein and an insert member removably secured to the container that holds the container in place within the vehicle. By utilizing the common features of a console and a seat, the receptacle accommodates most vehicles types and models and can be installed such that receptacle is accessible to a driver of a vehicle without obstructing driver movement during travel.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention refers generally to a receptacle device for use with a vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     While traveling in a vehicle, individuals often accumulate various materials requiring disposal. Without the presence of a designated receptacle, such materials often end up in the floor or elsewhere within the vehicle, thus reducing usable space within the vehicle and dirtying the interior of the vehicle. Although a variety of vehicular receptacles are known in the art, such receptacles are often configured to attach to areas or features within a vehicle, such as the backside of a seat, that are inaccessible or inconvenient to the driver of the vehicle while traveling. Moreover, known receptacles that are accessible to the driver while traveling are often either configured to attach to features that are not present within newer vehicles, such as a window handle, or obstruct driver movement during travel. 
     Accordingly, a need exists in the art for a receptacle device for vehicles that is readily accessible to the driver of the vehicle while traveling. Furthermore, a need exists in the art for a receptacle for vehicles that achieves this end by utilizing features typically present within most vehicles and that does not obstruct driver movement during travel. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a receptacle for use with a vehicle is provided. The receptacle is designed to utilize the area between a vehicle&#39;s console and seat to secure a container suitable for receiving objects therein in a substantially fixed position within the vehicle. Because most vehicles typically have a console and a seat therein, the receptacle can be installed in most vehicle types and models. 
     The receptacle comprises a container having an open end for receiving objects therein and an insert member secured thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the insert member is generally flat and substantially rigid. The insert member extends outwardly from the exterior of the container and is preferably configured in a generally vertical position when the receptacle is in an upright position. To hold the receptacle in place, the insert member is wedged between a vehicle&#39;s console and seat such that the insert member rests securely between the console and the seat once installed. By utilizing the area between a vehicle&#39;s console and seat to secure the receptacle&#39;s container in place, the receptacle can be installed such that it is accessible to a driver without obstructing driver movement during travel. For instance, in an automobile, a driver may wedge the insert member between the automobile&#39;s center console and passenger-side seat such that the container of the receptacle rests alongside the passenger side of the center console, thereby rendering the container of the receptacle accessible to the driver without obstructing the driver&#39;s freedom of movement. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the container is removably secured to the insert member. To removably secure the container to the insert member, the container preferably has a first interlocking member, and the insert member preferably has a second interlocking member. The first interlocking member and the second interlocking member are configured to interlock and thus removably secure the container to the insert member. The present disclosure also contemplates embodiments wherein the container and insert member may be permanently attached to one another. In another embodiment, the insert member has an anti-skid material attached thereto to further ensure that the insert member does not slide or shift after installation. 
     Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of the present disclosure. The foregoing general description and following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
         FIG. 1  shows a side perspective view of a device embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows a top plan view of a device embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a container embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  shows a partial perspective view of an insert member embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a device embodying features consistent with the principles of the present disclosure, said device being installed in a vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features, including method steps, of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
     The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components. The term “removably secured” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean the joining of two components in a manner such that the two components are secured together, but may be detached from one another without requiring the use of specialized tools. The term “console” as used herein means any substantially rigid fixture within a vehicle positioned parallel to a seat within the vehicle. For instance, a console as referenced herein may include, but is not limited to, the center console present within an automobile that separates the driver-side portion of the vehicle from the passenger-side portion, an arm rest, the interior side of a vehicle&#39;s door, a vehicle&#39;s interior wall, a seat, or any other substantially rigid fixture within a vehicle positioned parallel to a seat within the vehicle. 
     Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility). 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-5  illustrate preferred embodiments of a receptacle device for use within a vehicle. In one aspect, a receptacle  100  for use with a vehicle&#39;s seat and console is provided. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the receptacle  100  has a container  110  configured to receive objects therein and an insert member  120  configured to secure the container  110  in a substantially fixed position. The insert member  120  extends outwardly from the exterior of the container  110 . In a preferred embodiment, the insert member  120  is generally flat and is preferably configured in a generally vertical position when the receptacle  100  is in an upright position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The insert member  120  is configured to wedge between a vehicle&#39;s seat  200  and console  210  such that the insert member  120  rests securely in place, thereby securing the container  110  in a substantially fixed position within the vehicle. Accordingly, the receptacle may be installed in vehicles including, but not limited to, automobiles, planes, trains, boats, helicopters, or any similar types of vehicles. However, it should be understood that the receptacle may be utilized in other settings wherein two objects are placed in a substantially close parallel configuration to each other such that the insert member  120  may be installed therein. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 , the receptacle  100  comprises a container  110  having an opening  111  configured to receive objects therein and an insert member  120 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the receptacle  100  can be installed in a vehicle by wedging the insert member  120  between a vehicle&#39;s seat  200  and console  210  such that the insert member  120  rests securely between the seat  200  and console  210 . When installed, the insert member  120  supports the container  110  in an upright position, thereby preventing the container  110  from overturning and spilling the contents of the container  110 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the container  110  and the insert member  120  are configured such that the container  110  can be removably secured to the insert member  120 . To removably secure the container  110  to the insert member  120 , the container  110  preferably has a first interlocking member  130 , and the insert member  120  preferably has a second interlocking member  140 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The first interlocking member  130  and the second interlocking member  140  are compatible such that the first interlocking member  130  and the second interlocking member  140  can be interlocked to secure the container  110  to the insert member  120 . In a preferred embodiment, the first interlocking member  130  is a male rod protruding from the exterior of the container  110 , and the second interlocking member  140  has a female groove  142  with a top opening  144  and a lip on either side of the groove  142 . The male rod  130  has a groove along each side of the rod and is configured to slide downward into the top opening  144  of the female groove  142 , thereby interlocking the two parts. In an alternative embodiment, the male and female interlocking members may be reversed such that the container  110  has the female member and the insert member  120  has the male member. Additionally, it should be understood that any fastening or securing device suitable for removably securing one object to another object may be used to removably secure the container  110  to the insert member  120  including, but not limited to, snap buttons, hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro), magnets, adhesive tapes, screws, nails, nuts and bolts, or any similar types of fasteners. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the container  110  is molded such that the first interlocking member  130  is self-contained within the container  110 , and the insert member  120  is molded such that the second interlocking member  140  is self-contained within the insert member  120 . The present disclosure also contemplates embodiments wherein either the first interlocking member  130  or the second interlocking member  140 , or both, are attached to the container  110  and the insert member  120 , respectively, instead of self-contained therein. Preferably, as illustrated ion  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first interlocking member  130  substantially spans the height of the container  110  and the second interlocking member  140  substantially spans the height of the insert member  120 . 
     Preferably, the first interlocking member  130  comprises a single member, as shown in  FIG. 3 , and the second interlocking member  140  comprises a single member, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The present disclosure also contemplates embodiments wherein either the first interlocking member  130  or the second interlocking member  140 , or both, may comprise two or more members. For instance, the first interlocking member  130  may comprise two or more hook tape strips (male member of Velcro) and the second interlocking member  140  may comprise two or more loop tape strips (female member of Velcro). 
     In an alternative embodiment, the insert member  120  may be permanently attached to the container  110  such that the receptacle  100  is a unitary piece of material comprising the container  110  and the insert member  120 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the receptacle  100  installed within a vehicle by utilizing the area between the seat  200  and the console  210  of the vehicle. A user may install the receptacle  100  in a vehicle by wedging the insert member  120  between the vehicle&#39;s seat  200  and console  210  until the insert member  120  rests securely in place. The user may install the receptacle  100  by first securing the container  110  to the insert member  120  and then wedging the insert member  120  between the seat  200  and the console  210  of the vehicle. Alternatively, the user may first install the insert member  120  between the seat  200  and console  210  and then secure the container  110  to the insert member  120 . To secure the container  110  to the insert member  120 , the bottom of the first interlocking member  130  of the container  110  is aligned with the top opening  144  of the groove  142  of the second interlocking member  140 , which is located at one end of the insert member  120 . The user then pushes the container  110  downward so that the first interlocking member  130  slides down into the groove  142  of the second interlocking member  140 , thereby securing the container  110  to the insert member  120 . To detach the container  110 , the user lifts the container  110  upward until the interlocking members are disengaged. Detaching the container  110  allows the user remove the container  110  from a vehicle without having to remove the insert member  120  from between the seat  200  and console  210  of the vehicle. In this way, the receptacle  100  enables a user to easily remove the container  110  for purposes such as emptying or cleaning the container and then subsequently reinstall the container  110  within the vehicle. 
     To ensure the insert member  120  securely rests between a vehicle&#39;s seat  200  and console  210  without significant sliding or shifting, the insert member  120  is preferably at least one inch thick, though the insert member  120  may be any thickness suitable to allow the insert member  120  to fit between a vehicle&#39;s console  210  and seat  200  for installation. In a preferred embodiment, to further reduce sliding or shifting of the insert member  120  after installation, an anti-skid material  121  may be attached to the insert member  120 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Preferably, the anti-skid material  121  is attached to the insert member  120  such that the anti-skid material  121  is in contact with the side of the vehicle&#39;s seat  200  when the insert member  120  is installed. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-skid material  121  may comprise a serrated material, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In another embodiment, the insert member  120  may be made at least partially of an anti-skid material to prevent shifting or sliding. In a preferred embodiment, the insert member  120  is made of plastic. It is understood, however, that the insert member  120  may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, rubber, wood, metal, glass, or any combination thereof. The insert member  120  is preferably made of a dishwasher-safe material. 
     In a preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the insert member  120  is substantially flat and configured in a vertical position so that the insert member  120  can be wedged into a generally vertical space between the seat  200  and console  210  of a vehicle. In addition, the insert member  120  is preferably substantially rigid. As used herein, the term “substantially rigid” means that the insert member  120  is sufficiently rigid such that the insert member  120  can be wedged between the seat  200  and console  210  of a vehicle and support the container  110  in an upright position when the receptacle  100  is installed. The insert member  120  may maintain its shape when wedged between a vehicle&#39;s seat  200  and console  210  but may have some flexibility such that the insert member  120  can bend to accommodate the specific contours of a particular vehicle&#39;s seat  200  or console  210  when installed in the vehicle. 
     In a preferred embodiment, as best seen in  FIG. 1 , the height of the insert member  120  is substantially the same height as the container  110 . It should be understood, however, that the height of the insert member  120  may be varied. For instance, the insert member  120  may be an elongated rod wherein one end of the rod is removably secured or permanently attached to the exterior of the container  110 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the insert member  120  is preferably shaped such that the width of the insert member  120  is greater than the height of the insert member  120  in order to provide better support for the container  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , in a preferred embodiment, the container  110  has a base  112  and a peripheral sidewall  113  extending upwardly from the base  112 . The peripheral sidewall  113  preferably has at least one side that is substantially straight such that the insert member  120  and the straight section of sidewall  113  rest flush against the side of the console  210  of the vehicle, as shown in  FIG. 5 , when the receptacle  100  is installed. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the container  110  and insert member  120  are configured for installing the receptacle  100  on the passenger side of the console  210 . In another embodiment, the container  110  and insert member  120  may be configured for installing the receptacle  100  on the driver side of the console  210 . 
     The width of the opening  111  of the container  110  preferably increases as the opening  111  extends farther away from the insert member  120 , as best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In a preferred embodiment, the width of the opening  111  is no greater than about six inches in order to limit obstruction of driver or passenger movement. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the container  110  is made of plastic. However, it is understood that the container  110  may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to, rubber, wood, metal, glass, or any combination thereof. The container  110  is preferably made of a dishwasher-safe material. 
     It is understood that versions of the invention may come in different forms and embodiments. Additionally, it is understood that one of skill in the art would appreciate these various forms and embodiments as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.