Abstract:
Systems and methods to facilitate the cleaning of arenas, such as stadiums having different seating levels. Pivotable bins can collect and funnel trash from different levels such as the concourse level. A series of tubes or chutes can be fixed to the arena structural undercarriage. Approximately 24″ diameter tubes can be used to funnel trash from the bins located on perimeter arena walkways to receptacle containers, recycling containers at ground levels, and even refuse removal trucks. The chutes and tubes can be located adjacent to walkway aisles on different levels of the arena. The chutes/tubes can be vertically oriented and/or be inclined as long as refuse can move down the chutes by gravity. Grates can be also used beneath the bins. And locks can further provide safety.

Description:
This invention claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/726,891 filed Oct. 14, 2005. 

   FIELD OF INVENTION 
   This invention relates to debris removal, in particular to systems and methods of using pivotable trash containers and bins to funnel debris from various levels in stadiums and public arenas by gravity through chutes to lower level based receptacles and trash removal vehicles. 
   BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
   Large public arenas such as outdoor and indoor stadiums that can seat tens of thousands of fans will often generate great amounts of debris and refuse during entertainment and sports type events. Typically, refuse must be collected in fixed trash receptacles in many locations throughout these stadiums. Generally each of the many receptacles usually will have trash bags that when full must then be individually emptied, and then followed by adding new trash bags that must be individually installed into each receptacle. 
   The filled trash bags must then be individually transported often from the various different levels and locations in these large arenas to dumpsters and/or garbage trucks, and the like, that are located on different floors such as being on the ground level. 
   Clearly, the cleaning time, the costs to replace bags, and the associated labor costs from cleanup crews to constantly empty and refill individual receptacles are time consuming and very expensive. 
   Various patented devices and systems have been proposed over the years. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 893,267 to Schellenberg; 1,360,569 to Off; 1,538,239 to Claudespierre; 1,583,833 to Howell; 1,719,545 to Grapp; 2,177,328 to Pender; 2,792,171 to Rosset; 3,813,128 to Ekstrom; 3,869,050 to Michel; 3,951,461 to De Feudis; 4,013,215 to Mercier; 4,589,592 to Wassdahl; 5,031,829 to Shantzis; 5,127,507 to McDermott; 5,155,976 to Okabe et al.; 5,190,165 to Garfield, Jr.; 5,213,402 to Bermal et al.; 5,551,576 to Importico; 5,678,975 to Okabe et al.; 5,695,115 to Shantzis et al.; 5,749,186 to Kaufman et al.; 5,806,759 to Axisa; 6,354,441 to Geiman; and 6,698,142 to Denny. However, none of these techniques solves all the problems that are addressed above. 
   Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A primary objective of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for transporting refuse in arenas such as stadiums using pivotable bins that open to pass refuse by gravity through chutes to receptacles, recycle containers and trucks. 
   A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for transporting refuse that can be built into arenas such as stadiums where the cost pays for itself within a short time by saving on labor and materials over current systems. 
   A third objective of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for transporting refuse that can be easily retrofitted into existing arenas, and pay for itself within a short time. 
   A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for transporting refuse in arenas such as stadiums that reduces existing cleaning costs. 
   A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for transporting refuse in arenas such as stadiums that reduces existing labor costs. 
   A sixth objective of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for transporting refuse in arenas such as stadiums that are environmentally friendly. 
   A seventh objective of the present invention is to provide systems and methods for transporting refuse in arenas such as stadiums that is safe to maintenance workers and custodians and can be easily implemented over existing techniques. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the invention can include pivotable trashcan type bins that open up to chutes below the chutes that in turn feed into lower level based refuse collectors. The invention can be built (integrated) into new arenas that are being constructed or retrofitted into existing arenas. For example, the chutes can be fastened by straps and hangers below the undercarriage of an arena and/or be directly built into support walls and/or support structure beams of the arena. The cost of applying the invention to new or old arenas can be recouped within a few years at most from the savings in labor and cleaning costs based on existing trash/refuse removal. 
   The invention can be built to be integral with the arena structure. Trash can type containers can be placed at exit stair locations along aisles between lower and upper seating sections. This location will allow fans/patrons at the arena the ability to dispose of trash during and after events, such as games occurring at the arena. 
   The trash can type containers can be mounted with a hinge on a bottom edge to cover an opening to a chute. The chutes would be preferably vertically oriented so that refuse passes by gravity straight to a large container such as a dumpster which could be later emptied into a trash truck, and the like. Alternatively, the chutes can empty directly into trash trucks, and the like. Still furthermore, the chutes can be downwardly angled as the stadium/arena structure may require. Still furthermore, the chutes can be angled so that two or more chutes can feed into a single lower level based refuse collector. 
   The hinged bottom of the trash receptacle can allow for selected maintenance workers or cleanup crews at the arena to tilt open the container when the event (ie game) is over so that any remaining trash can be swept or blown into the chute. 
   The trash can type container can have a typical opening in the top or along the sides to allow the patron to deposit their trash. In one version, the bottom of the trash can container can be closed, and the trash can container can have a bag liner that when full the bag is then closed by maintenance workers who then would tilt back the trash can container on its&#39; hinge so the closed full trash bag can be deposited down the chute(s). 
   Alternatively, these containers can have an open bottom so that the deposited trash immediately passes into the chutes. 
   The opposite lower edge of the trash can container can have a tamperproof lock, such as a key or combination padlock that keeps the trash can containers from being tilted during the arena events. The lock would make sure safety concerns of having an open chute do not exist when using the invention. 
   Still further more, the trash can container can be marked for recycling, such as being labeled for paper and/or plastic, and/or glass, so that individual trash can containers are limited to passing certain trash down that particular chute. 
   Still furthermore, the trash can containers can be divided into dual compartments which in turn feed into dual chutes so that particular trash such as paper is to pass down one chute while another trash such as plastic is to pass down another chute, etc. 
   The chutes can be made from durable tubing, such as metal tubing such as aluminum, and the like, and can have diameters that range from approximately 6 inches to approximately 24 inches or more in diameter as needed. 
   Grates with narrow openings can be positioned between the trashcan bins and the upper openings to the chutes as an extra safety feature, which are strong enough in closed positions to support the weight of workers that can stand on the grates. 
   The chutes can be oriented in vertical orientations and/or inclined orientations so that refuse will easily move by gravity down the chutes. The invention will allow for two or more chutes to converge together into a main chute that passes the refuse into a single dumpster type receptacle. 
   In operation, after the pivotable bins are emptied and they are pivoted open, maintenance workers can blow loose trash directly into the floor located openings to the chutes by power blowers. Alternatively, the workers can use brooms to sweep the loose trash directly into the chutes. 
   Tools such as elongated rods with plunger type ends can be provided to the maintenance workers and cleanup crew to aid in pushing the refuse down the chutes. 
   The chutes can be cleaned with fluids such as soap and water, and/or detergent when needed that can be flushed down the chute(s). For example, a pressure washer, and/or a garden hose can be used to pass detergent cleansers down the chute to clean up any sticky messes, and the like. 
   Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1A  is a top view of a stadium arena showing the pivotable bins of the novel invention located along different entrances to a concourse. 
       FIG. 1B  is an enlarged perspective view of an arena section of the stadium of  FIG. 1A  with the concourse separating different seating levels. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of two stadium seating levels using the novel chutes in vertical orientations to a dumpster receptacle at ground level. 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of two chutes at inclines which pass refuse into a single receptacle at ground level. 
       FIG. 4  shows using vertical chutes with some for use with recyclables and others for use with regular trash, and/or different types of refuse receivers such as dumpsters and trucks. 
       FIG. 5A  is an enlarged view of the pivotal refuse collector container at the top of a chute. 
       FIG. 5B  shows the collector container of  FIG. 5A  tilted to allow access to the chute. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a patron disposing of refuse into the refuse collector (trashcan) on top of the chutes. 
       FIG. 6B  shows the collector container of  FIG. 6A  tilted to allow access to the chute. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a threaded together chute section. 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of a grate below the pivotable bin and positioned over the chute opening. 
       FIG. 9  shows the pivotable bin with the grate embodiment. 
       FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C shows views and orientations of the novel pivotable bin in operation. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
   The components will now be identified. 
   
     
       
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               1. 
               Stadium/arena 
             
             
               5 
               section of arena 
             
             
               10 
               concourse 
             
             
               20 
               upper level 
             
             
               30 
               lower level 
             
             
               50 
               entranceway(s) 
             
             
               100 
               pivotable bin 
             
             
               110 
               window to bin 
             
             
               111 
               upper open sides 
             
             
               150 
               hinge 
             
             
               160 
               tab/ring on bottom of bin 
             
             
               165 
               tab/ring on concourse 
             
             
               170 
               lock 
             
             
               200 
               chutes 
             
             
               205 
               upper opening to chute 
             
             
               210 
               inclined chute 
             
             
               220 
               inclined chute 
             
             
               230 
               funnel 
             
             
               240 
               chute tube section 
             
             
               250 
               upper threaded end 
             
             
               260 
               lower threaded end 
             
             
               300 
               refuse receptical(s) 
             
             
               400 
               patron 
             
             
               500 
               trash 
             
             
               600 
               trash bag 
             
             
               700 
               grate 
             
             
               750 
               grate hinge 
             
             
               760 
               upper/lower tabs/rings 
             
             
               770 
               grate lock 
             
             
               800 
               broom 
             
             
               900 
               power blower(gas or electric powered) 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
     FIG. 1A  is a top view of a stadium arena  1  showing the pivotable bins  100  of the novel invention located along different entranceways  50  onto a concourse  50 .  FIG. 1B  is an enlarged perspective view of an arena section  5  of the stadium  1  of  FIG. 1A  with the concourse  50  separating different seating levels  20  and  30 .  FIG. 2  is a side view of two stadium seating levels  20 ,  30  about a concourse  10  with a single pivotable bin  100  above a chute  200  above a dumpster receptacle  300  at ground level. 
   In a preferred embodiment, an arena  1  that has numerous entrance-ways  50  to a concourse  50  that separates a low seating level  30  from an upper seating level  20 , can have an equal number of pivotable bins  100 , and chutes  200  that are adjacent to each entranceway  50 . Likewise, there would be an equal number of refuse receptacles  300 , each directly beneath each of the chutes  200 . For example, an arena  1  having eighteen entrances onto the concourse  50  can have eighteen pivotable bins  100 , each with its&#39; own chute  200 . And each chute  200  can empty out into separate dumpster type receptacles  300 . The dumpsters  300  can be of various sizes such approximately four foot by six foot, and the like. 
   Installation can be easily accomplished during construction of the stadium/arena  1 . The invention can also be retrofitted into existing stadium/arenas  1  by cutting openings in the floor of the concourse to attach the chutes to the openings. 
   The invention can function with a less number of chutes than there are pivotable bin receptacles.  FIG. 3  is a side view of two chutes  210 ,  220  at inclines which pass refuse into a single funnel larger diameter section  230  that empties refuse into a refuse receiving receptacle  300 , such as a dumpster, and the like, at ground level. 
   The invention can also allow for each pivotable bin  100  to have its&#39; own chute  200 A,  200 B and  200 C. In this version in  FIG. 4 , the vertical orientation allows for direct gravity feed into the refuse receptacles  300  under each chute  200 A,  200 B,  200 C. Additionally, the invention can allow for the pivotable bins  100  to be labeled for different types of refuse. For example, pivotable bins  100 A can be labeled for regular trash except for glass, plastic, and metal (cans, and the like), and pivotable bins  100 B can be labeled for recyclables (such as glass, plastic and/or metal). Additionally, the refuse collectors can include different types of receptacles such as for example, dumpsters  300 A for receiving regular trash, and receptacles  310 , such as trash trucks for directly receiving recyclables. Still furthermore, the receptacles can be all dumpsters, or all trash trucks and the like, as well as different combinations, thereof. 
     FIG. 5A  is an enlarged view of the pivotal bin  100  used as a refuse collector container at the top of a chute  200 .  FIG. 5B  shows the collector container of  FIG. 5A  tilted and rotated back along a hinge  150  to allow access to the upper opening  205  of the chute  200 .  FIG. 6A  shows a patron  400  disposing of refuse/trash  500  into the refuse collector (trashcan)  100  on top of the chute  210 .  FIG. 6B  shows the collector container of  FIG. 6A  tilted to allow access to the upper opening  205  to the chute  210 . 
   Each refuse collector bin  100  can be fixably mounted to the ground along the concourse level  50  by a hinge type member  150  along one side bottom edge of the container bin  100 . The opposite bottom end of each bin  100  can have a tab/ring  160  that attaches to a tab/ring on the concourse  50  adjacent to the opening  205  preferably by a tamper proof lock  170 , such as an unbreakable durable key lock, where the keys are not easy to duplicate. The locks  160  can be keyed to a single key so that only one custodian has access to the locks with a single key. 
   Each bin  100  can have either or both a side window slot opening  110  or have the entire upper sides being open  111  to allow for trash to be easily deposited therein. 
   In a preferred application each of the bins  100  can have a closed bottom so that a removable trash bag can be inserted inside of the bin  100 . After a stadium event the trash bag can be pulled out of the bin, and then the bin  100  is unlocked allowing the bin  100  to tilt backward allowing access to the opening  205  to the chute  200 . The custodian can then deposit the entire trash bag down the chute  200 . 
     FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a single chute  200  that can be assembled by several threaded together chute section  240 . The chute(s)  200  can be cylindrical and large enough to handle most debris, such as up to approximately 2 feet in diameter, and greater if needed. The chute  200  can be assembled from cylindrical piping/tubing type sections  240  where each end can mateably couple to adjacent pipe ends by threads, and the like. An upper threaded end  250  can have exterior threads that screws together with a lower internal threaded end  260  of an adjacent tube section  240 . Each piping section  240  can be elongated enough so that the sections can be easily coupled together. For example, pipe sections can be for example, approximately six feet in length. 
   The chutes  200  and their sections  240  can be constructed preferably from metal piping such as but not limited to galvanized steel, stainless steel, and the like, for durability. The use of metal is advantageous over plastic, and the like, since metal would not be combustible and would not cause any fires from beneath the chute to travel through the chute itself. The chutes can also be coated with fire resistant coatings to further restrict and hamper flames and fire from different levels. 
   Additional safety measures can include positioning fire extinguisher and/or fire hose equipment adjacent to the chutes so that such equipment can be used to spray down the chutes in case a fire develops at a lower level. 
   The chutes  200  can also be coated inside and even outside with a non-stick surface, such as but not limited to Teflon® coating, and the like, so as to reduce and eliminate any debris from sticking to and clogging up the inside of the chute. 
   Still furthermore, the chutes  200  can be periodically cleaned. For example, after each major event at the stadium or after several events (several sports games), the chutes  200  can be individually cleaned by sending pressurized water from a pressure washer or city water supply, with or without a detergent (soap, and the like) down the individual chutes  200 . 
     FIG. 8  is a top view of another version of the invention that can use a grate  700  below the pivotable bin  100  which is positioned over the chute opening  205 .  FIG. 9  shows the pivotable bin  100  with the grate  700 . 
   A grate  700 , preferably formed from metal such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, and the like can include metal bars  710  that are strong enough to support the weight of plural workers thereon so that the grate  700  can be used an additional safety feature to prevent anyone from accidentally falling down the chute  200 . The bars  710  on the grate can be spaced approximately three inches to approximately six inches apart from one another, and preferably approximately four inches to approximately five inches apart from one another. A separate lock mechanism  770  can lock upper and lower tabs/rings on the grate  700  and concourse  50 , similar to the similar components on the bin  100 . The lock  770  can keep the grate  700  in a down locked position during events at the stadium. Similar to the lock  170  for the bin  100 , only authorized individuals can have access to keys, and the like to open this separate lock. 
   The grates  700  can be used underneath a trash bin  100  that has a floor so that a maintenance worker has to still remove the trash bag  600  physically from the bin  100 , and then separately open the grate  700  to drop the bag  600  into the chute  200 . 
   After the bag is dropped down the chute, the maintenance worker can close the grate only and then sweep and brush loose trash into the chute, where it easily falls between the bars of the grate. 
   Additionally, the invention can allow for the grate to stay in a locked down position, and the trash bin be used without a collection bag, and without a floor inside of the container. Thus, during a stadium event, refuse deposited into the trash bin falls directly through the grate  700  and into the chute  200 . After the event, the bin can be unlocked and pivoted back so that loose trash and debris is then swept and blown onto the grate and down the chute. 
     FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C shows views and orientations of the novel pivotable bin  100  in operation. In a preferred application the invention allow for the individual bins  100  to have floors and be in locked down positions so that trash bags  600  can be positioned inside of the bins  100 . At the end of the stadium event, a single maintenance supervisor would have the only access to unlock the individual bins so that they can pivot open in the direction of arrow P. Next maintenance workers can remove the filled refuse bags  600  and deposit such bags  600  down the opening  205  to the chutes  200 , which drops the bags  500  into the refuse receptacles  300  that were previously described. 
   Next, the maintenance workers can move loose refuse and trash  650  by sweeping with a broom  800  and/or blowing loose trash with a power blower such as but limited to an electric or gas blowers  900  into the chute openings  205 . After an event or game it is normal to have loose trash such as cups, napkins, and the like, scattered around different locations in the arena. The maintenance workers can easily drive upper deck located trash located under and around seats and the like, with power blowers such as electric or gas powered blowers. Loose trash on the concourse can also be easily moved by sweeping such trash with brooms, and the like. 
   Lower seating levels can also have additional pivotal bins that allow trash to be further directed to lower level trash receivers. For lower levels that are directly adjacent to the playing field, maintenance workers can just use power blowers and brooms to blow and sweep loose trash to single piles, where they can be easily collected. 
   Thus, the invention would eliminate having to separately bag loose refuse and trash after each arena event on each level in the stadium/arena, and would eliminate having to separately transport such bagged refuse to a removal location that is usually on a different floor such as ground level. The invention would have greater savings of time and labor in stadiums/arenas having plural concourses between various seating levels. 
   Although the preferred embodiment describes locating the pivotable bins on concourse levels, the invention can located the pivotable bins in other locations, such as but not limited to aisles, restrooms, skyboxes, and the like. 
   Referring to all the figures, the novel chutes can be used with indoor and outdoor sports arenas such as stadiums having multiple seating levels. The arenas can be any public and private ones that are used for various events from sports (games) to concerts, and the like. 
   The invention can be built (integrated) into new arenas that are being constructed or retrofitted into existing arenas. For example, the chutes can be fastened by straps and hangers below the undercarriage of an arena and/or be directly built into support walls and/or support structure beams of the arena. The cost of applying the invention to new or old arenas can be recouped within a few years at most from the savings in labor and cleaning costs based on existing trash/refuse removal. 
   The invention can be built to be integral with the arena structure. Trash can type containers can be placed at exit stair locations along aisles between lower and upper seating sections. This location will allow fans/patrons at the arena the ability to dispose of trash during and after events, such as games occurring at the arena. 
   As previously described, the chutes would be either or both vertically oriented and/or downwardly angled so that refuse passes by gravity straight to a large container such as a dumpster which could be later emptied into a trash truck, and the like. Alternatively, the chutes can empty directly into trash trucks, and the like. 
   Although the preferred embodiment has trash bins with closed bottoms, bins can also have an open bottom so that the deposited trash immediately passes into the chutes. 
   The trash can containers can have different sizes and shapes that can be marked for recycling, such as being labeled for paper and/or plastic, and/or glass, so that individual trash can containers are limited to passing certain trash down that particular chute. 
   Still furthermore, the trash can containers can be divided into dual compartments which in turn feed into dual chutes so that particular trash such as paper is to pass down one chute while another trash such as plastic is to pass down another chute, etc. 
   Tools such as elongated rods with plunger type ends can be provided to the maintenance workers and cleanup crew to aid in pushing the refuse down the chutes. 
   While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.