Coupling assembly for releasably connecting a trash container with a fixed object

The present invention provides for a coupling assembly for releasably connecting a trash container with a fixed object, such as a wall or cabinet. The coupling assembly acts to prevent the trash container from being easily tipped onto its side, while allowing user to easily disconnect the trash container from the fixed object. The coupling apparatus includes a first coupling connected with the fixed object a second coupling member connected with the trash container. The second coupling member includes an extended portion adapted to be received within a pocket on the first coupling member. The coupling assembly can be configured to work with trash containers having different shapes and sizes. The trash container can also include a lid further restrict access to the inside of the trash container. As described below, a latch or clasp can also be used to selectively lock the lid in closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to trash containers, and more particularly, a coupling apparatus for releasably connecting trash containers with a fixed object, such as a wall or cabinet.

b. Background Art

Trash containers are well known in the art. Many trash containers are adapted for use in a household or office environment for temporary storage of waste and garbage. Based on a regularly scheduled janitorial service or once such a trash container is full, the trash container is typically emptied and its contents transported to a dump or other similar facility. Because these containers are adapted for use in a household or office environment, they are typically configured to hold a relatively small volume of garbage. Many such trash containers are configured with a body having a bottom side adapted to be supported on a floor or a ground surface. Sides extending upward from the bottom to an open top define a volume of space to hold refuse and garbage deposited therein. Because these trash containers typically have a relatively high center of gravity, a relatively small tipping force applied to a side of the trash container can cause the trash container to be tipped onto a side.

Tipping forces applied to a trash container can come from any number of sources. For example, an animal interested in eating garbage placed in a trash container can sometimes tip a trash container onto its side in order to gain access to the garbage contained therein. Household pets, such as dogs, are notorious for this sort of behavior. In another example, a curious toddler may tip the container onto its side. In yet another scenario, a pedestrian inadvertently bumping into the trash container can cause the container to tip onto its side. Sometimes, trash containers set in an outdoor environment can be tipped over due to wind forces. Once a trash container is tipped onto its side, some garbage contained therein may spill from the open top and onto the floor, creating an unwanted mess. Further, the open top can provide easy access for an animal or toddler to the remaining garbage inside container. Sometimes the trash container is placed near or against a wall to remove it from general traffic areas and to provide some additional stability to prevent tipping. However, placing a trash container near or against a wall is often not enough to prevent a hungry pet or curious toddler from tipping the container onto its side.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a coupling assembly for releasably connecting a trash container with a fixed object, such as a wall or cabinet. The coupling assembly acts to prevent the trash container from being easily tipped onto its side, while allowing a user to easily disconnect the trash container from the fixed object. The coupling apparatus includes a first coupling member connected with the fixed object and a second coupling member connected with the trash container. The second coupling member includes an extended portion adapted to be received within a pocket on the first coupling member. The coupling assembly can be configured to work with trash containers having different shapes and sizes. The trash container can also include a lid to further restrict access to the inside of the trash container. As described below, a latch or clasp can also be used to selectively lock the lid in a closed position.

In one aspect of the present invention a coupling assembly for releasably connecting a trash container to a fixed object includes a first coupling member adapted to connect with the fixed object. The connection between the first coupling member and the fixed object defines a pocket having an open top and a least one side. The coupling assembly further includes a second coupling member adapted to connect with the trash container. The second coupling member includes an extended portion adapted to be received within the pocket. When the extended portion of the second coupling member is received within the pocket, forces exerted on the trash can in a direction orthogonal to the at least one side are resisted.

The present invention also provides a method for releasably coupling a trash container to a fixed object. A first coupling member is connected with the fixed object, the first coupling member including a recess forming a pocket between the first coupling member and the wall. A second coupling member is connected with the trash container, the second coupling member having an extended portion adapted to be received within the pocket. The trash container is then moved to insert the extended portion of the second coupling member into the pocket.

The features, utilities, and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention involve coupling assemblies for trash containers that allow a user to releasably connect a trash container with a fixed object, such as a supporting structure, to resist tipping. More particularly, the coupling assembly includes a first coupling member connected with a fixed object, such as the supporting structure, and a second coupling member connected with a side of the trash container. The first coupling member and second coupling member are adapted to be interconnected with each other to hold the trash container securely to the fixed object so as to resist tipping forces. The coupling assembly also allows a user to easily disconnect the trash container from the fixed object in order to empty the contents contained therein. Although the coupling assembly is described and depicted below as being used to releasably connect a trash container with a support structure in the form of a wall, it is to be appreciated that the coupling assembly can be used to releasably connect the trash container with other types of fixed objects or support structures, such as a cabinet. In other applications, the coupling assembly is used to releasably connect a trash container with a support structure in the form of a door. The coupling assembly can be used with various types of trash containers having different sizes and shapes. As discussed in more detail below, the trash container can also include a removable lid to restrict access to the inside of the trash container. To further restrict access to the inside of the trash container, a latch or clasp can be used to lock the lid in a closed position on the trash container.

A trash container100and an embodiment of a coupling assembly102conforming to aspects of the present invention are shown inFIGS. 1-4. As shown inFIG. 1, the coupling assembly102includes a first coupling member104connected with a wall106and a second coupling member108connected with the trash container102. As discussed in more detail below, the connection of the first coupling member104with the wall106defines an upwardly opening pocket110adapted to receive an extended portion112of the second coupling member108. To connect the trash container100with the wall106, the trash container is lifted and moved in a path generally defined by the directional arrow and associated path line114shown inFIG. 1. More particularly, a user connects the trash container100with the wall106by moving the trash container to place the extended portion112of the second coupling member108into the pocket110between the wall106and the first coupling member104, as shown inFIG. 5. Once the trash container100is connected with the wall106, the coupling assembly102resists tipping forces exerted on the trash container. To disconnect the trash container from the wall, the trash container is moved in a generally upward direction parallel to the wall until the extended portion of the second coupling member is removed from the pocket, as illustrated by the directional arrow116inFIG. 7.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, the trash container100includes a body118defined by four sides extending upwardly from a closed bottom side120to an open top121. More particularly, relatively wide right and left sides (122,124) are connected with and are separated by relatively narrow front and rear sides (126,128), defining a generally rectangular-shaped cross section. As discussed in more detail below, the trash container100can also include a lid130pivotally connected with the body118through a hinge132. The lid130is adapted to engage the body118of the trash container100to selectively close the open top121. The trash container100can also be provided with a latch134to selectively lock the lid130in a closed position on the body118. Although the trash container is described and depicted herein as having a body with four relatively flat sides, it is to be appreciated that the present invention can be configured to work with trash containers having other shapes and sizes. For example, the coupling assembly can be configured to work with a trash container having a tubular-shaped body with an arcuate outer side defining a circular or oval cross section.

As previously mentioned, the first and second coupling members (104,108) are adapted to engage each other so as to releasably connect the trash container100with the wall106. In particular, the connection of the first coupling member104with the support structure or wall106defines the pocket110adapted to receive the extended portion112of the second coupling member108. One embodiment of the first coupling104member is shown inFIGS. 8A-8B. The first coupling member104includes a first panel having rectangular-shaped front and rear sides (136,138) separated by four relatively thin edge sides. More particularly, relatively short right and left edge sides (140,142) or side segments are connected with and are separated by relatively long top and bottom edge sides (144,146). A rectangular-shaped recess148in the rear side138of the first coupling member104defines a relatively thin upper segment of the first panel having right and left ledges (150,152) extending downward from the top edge side144. The right and left side ledges are connected with and are separated by a bottom ledge154. The front side136of the first coupling member104defines a generally flat outer surface156, and the rectangular-shaped recess148in the rear side is surrounded by generally flat right and left upper rear surfaces (158,160) and a lower rear surface162defined on a relatively thick lower segment of the first panel. As shown inFIG. 1, when the first coupling member104is installed for use, the right and left upper rear surfaces (158,160) and the lower rear surface162of the rear side138are placed in abutting relationship with the wall106. An open space between the rectangular-shaped recess148and the wall106defines the pocket110adapted to receive the extended portion112of the second coupling member108. It is to be appreciated that the first coupling member can be configured in different ways to form a pocket having a different shape than that which is described and depicted herein.

The first coupling member104can be connected with a fastening system to the wall106in several different ways. For example, as shown inFIGS. 8A-8B, two screws164received through two screw apertures166in the first coupling member104can be used to connect the first coupling member to the wall. An adhesive strip168placed on the rear side138of the first coupling member104along the lower rear surface162can also be used to connect the first coupling member104with the wall106. In some applications, it is advantageous to use the adhesive strip168in combination with the screws164to connect the first coupling member104with the wall106. Different quantities and/or types of screws can be used with present invention, and are not limited to use with that which is described and depicted herein. In addition, it is to be appreciated that various types and/or quantities of adhesive can be used to connect the first coupling member with the wall. For example, one embodiment of the present invention utilizes double-sided tape manufactured by Bron. In another scenario, Velcro™ is used to connect the first coupling member with the wall.

As previously mentioned, the extended portion112of the second coupling member108is adapted to be received through a slotted access at the top of the pocket110between the wall106and the first coupling member104. One embodiment of the second coupling member108is shown inFIGS. 9A-9B. The second coupling member108includes generally rectangular-shaped second panel with front and rear sides (170,172) separated by four relatively thin edge sides. More particularly, relatively short right and left edge sides (174,176) are connected with and are separated by relatively long top and bottom edge sides (178,180). The second coupling member108also includes a relatively thick upper segment or portion182connected with a relatively thin lower segment or portion184. The intersection of the relatively thick upper portion182and the relatively thin lower portion184defines an upper ledge186extending along the front side170between the right and left edge sides (174,176), as shown inFIG. 9A. The relatively thin lower portion184extends downward from the upper ledge186and defines the extended portion112of the second coupling member108adapted to be received within the pocket110as mentioned above. The rear side172of the second coupling member108defines a generally flat outer surface188which is positioned adjacent to the wall106when the second coupling member108is connected with first coupling member104. The front side170of the second coupling member108is defined by a generally flat upper front surface190and a generally flat lower front surface192separated by the upper ledge186. As shown inFIG. 1, when the second coupling member is108connected with trash container100for use, the upper front surface190of the front side170is placed in abutting relationship with the trash container100. The extended portion112of the second coupling member108is spaced apart from the trash container100by a distance defined by the width of the upper ledge186. As such, a gap194is defined between the lower front surface192of the front side170of the second coupling member108and the trash container100. It is to be appreciated that the upper front surface can be configured with different shapes to conform to differently shaped trash containers. For example, the upper front surface can be arcuately shaped to conform to a curved outer surface of a trash container with a round or oval-shaped cross section. Further, the extended portion of the second coupling member can be configured in different shapes and sizes and should not be limited to that which is described and depicted herein.

As described above with reference to the first coupling member104, it is to be appreciated that the second coupling member108can be connected with the trash container100in several different ways. For example, as shown inFIGS. 9A-9B, two screws196received through two screw apertures198in the second coupling member108can be used to connect the second coupling member with the trash container100. An adhesive strip200placed on the front side170of the first coupling member104along the upper front surface190can also be used to connect the second coupling member108with the trash container100. In some applications, it might advantageous to use the adhesive strip in combination with the screws to connect the second coupling member with the trash container. Different quantities and/or types of screws can be used with present invention, and are not limited to use with that which is described and depicted herein. As described above with the reference to the first coupling member, various types and/or quantities of adhesive can be used to connect the second coupling member with the wall. In addition, Velcro® can be used to connect the second coupling member with the trash container.

It is to be appreciated that the first and second coupling members (104,108) can be constructed from various types of materials. For example, in one application, the first and second coupling members are constructed from a PVC (poly vinyl chloride) material, such as Komatex®. In yet another application, the first and second coupling members are constructed from plastic through an injection molding process.

The coupling assembly102can be installed for use in various locations depending upon the particular application and/or the user's preference. The coupling assembly102, described with reference toFIGS. 1-9B, may be installed according to the method depicted inFIG. 10. As illustrated, a user first selects the fixed object106to which the first coupling member104will be connected (step1000). As previously mentioned, the first coupling member can be connected with various types of fixed objects, such as a wall or a cabinet. Next, user selects an installation height above the floor or ground201at which the first coupling member104will be located (step1001). The installation height can vary depending upon the user's preference and the size of trash container100. For example, in one application, the desired installation height is 14 inches from the floor to the bottom edge side146of the first coupling member104. Once the installation height is selected, the user aligns the bottom edge side of the first coupling member parallel with the floor or ground201(step1002). Alignment of the first coupling member104with the floor or ground201can be accomplished in a number of ways. For example, the user can make two marks on the fixed object at equal heights above the floor or ground. The user can align the bottom edge side of the first coupling member with the two marks. In another scenario, the user utilizes a level to align the first coupling member. Once the first coupling member is properly aligned, the first coupling member104is connected with the fixed object106(step1003). As mentioned above, the first coupling member can be connected with the fixed object in a number of different ways. For example, the first coupling member104shown inFIGS. 8A-8Bcan be connected with the fixed object106with the adhesive strip168on the rear side138, with the two mounting screws164, or a combination of both screws and adhesive.

Once the first coupling member104is connected with the fixed object106, the extended portion112of the second coupling member inserted into the pocket110with the rear side172of the second coupling member108adjacent to the fixed object106(step1004). As such, the upper ledge186on the second coupling member108is supported on the top edge side144of the first coupling member104. Next, the trash container100is placed on the floor or ground201with one side of the body118adjacent to the coupling assembly102(step1005). At this point, the user can choose how to connect the second coupling member108with the trash container100(step1006). For example, if an adhesive strip200is used (shown inFIG. 9A), the trash container100can be pressed against the exposed adhesive strip200on the front side170of the second coupling member108(step1007). If screws196are used to connect the second coupling member108, the user can mark the side124of the trash container100adjacent the coupling assembly102along the second coupling member108(step1008). Next, the extended portion112of the second coupling member108is removed from the pocket110(step1009), and the second coupling member108is aligned with the mark on the trash container (step1010) with the upper front surface190of the front side170abutting the trash container100. Screws196, such as those shown inFIGS. 9A-9Bare then used to connect the second coupling member108with the trash container100(step1011). It is to be appreciated that the order in which the operations shown inFIG. 10are performed may vary, and should not be construed to be limited to the order depicted.

Once the first coupling member104is connected with the fixed object106and the second coupling member108is connected with the trash container100, the trash container can easily be connected with and disconnected from the fixed object. For example,FIG. 1shows the first coupling member104connected with the wall106and the second coupling member108connected with the left side124of the trash container100. It is to be appreciated that the second coupling member can be connected with any side of the trash container and is not limited to being connected with only the left side. As previously mentioned, the trash container100can be connected with the wall106by moving the trash container in the direction illustrated by the directional arrow and associated path line114to insert the extended portion112of the first coupling member into the pocket110.

FIGS. 3-5illustrate the trash container100connected with the wall106andFIG. 6shows a cross-sectional view of the extended portion112inserted into the pocket110. As shown in particular inFIGS. 5-6and with reference toFIGS. 8A-9A, the rear side172of the second coupling member108is adjacent to the wall106and the front side170of the extended portion112is adjacent to the rectangular-shaped recess148on the rear side138of first coupling member104. The front side136of the first coupling member104is adjacent to the left side124of the trash container100. In addition, the right and left edge sides (174,176) of the second coupling member108are in closed proximity adjacent to the right and left ledges (150,152) on the first coupling member, respectively. Further, the bottom edge side180of the second coupling member108is in close proximity adjacent to the bottom ledge154of the first coupling member104, and the upper ledge186of the second coupling member108is in close proximity adjacent to the top edge side144of the first coupling member104. As such, the when the trash container100is connected with the wall106, the weight of the trash container is supported by the floor201, as opposed to the first coupling member104. It is to be appreciated, however, that in some applications, the coupling assembly can be configured to support the trash container above the floor.

As previously mentioned, tipping forces from a number of different sources, such as a hungry dog or a curious toddler, can be exerted on the trash container. When the trash container100is connected with the wall106, the engagement between the first and second coupling members (104,108) acts to resist tipping forces exerted on the trash container. For example, a tipping force exerted on the trash container100in a direction away from the wall (represented by directional arrow “A” inFIG. 5) would be resisted the engagement between the lower front surface192of the extended portion112of the second coupling member108and the rectangular-shaped recess148on the rear side138of the first coupling member104. In another scenario, tipping forces exerted on either the front or rear sides (126,128) of the trash container100(represented by directional arrows “B” and “C”, respectively, inFIG. 4) would be resisted by the engagement between the right and left edge sides (174,176) of the second coupling member108and the right and left ledges (150,152) of the first coupling member104.

When the trash container100needs to be emptied or moved for various other reasons, a user can easily disconnect the trash container from the wall106by simply moving the container in the proper direction to decouple the first and second coupling members (104,108). For example, as shown inFIG. 7, the trash container100is disconnected from the wall106by lifting the container in an upward direction generally parallel to the wall until the extended portion112of the second coupling member108is removed from the pocket. As such, the user does not need to unlatch or manipulate some sort of locking mechanism to disconnect the trash container from the wall. Instead, the user need only move the trash container in the proper direction to disengage the second coupling member108from the first coupling member104. As such, the coupling assembly102provides a simple way to connect and disconnect the trash container100from the wall106while at the same time resisting movement of the trash container in directions that would otherwise cause the trash container to tip onto one of its sides.

As previously mentioned, the trash container100can also include a lid130to further restrict access to the contents of the trash container. As shown inFIGS. 1-4, the lid130is defined by four sides (202,204,206,208) extending downward from generally rectangular-shaped top side210. The lengths of the four sides (202,204,206,208) of the lid correspond with the widths of the four sides (126,128,122,124) of the body of the trash container100. As shown in FIGS.4and11-12, a relatively thin seal wall212extends downward along a bottom perimeter214of the lid to define a ledge216. When the lid130is in closed position as shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the ledge216engages upper side edges of the trash container body118. In addition, the seal wall212extends downward from the ledge216inside and adjacent to an upper end portion220of the body118of the trash container100. The seal wall212can act to reduce the amount of odors emanating from the trash container, which might be offensive smelling or attract an animal, such as a dog. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the hinge132pivotally connects the lid to the rear side of the trash container body. To open the trash container100, the lid130is pivoted upward as indicated by directional arrow “D” inFIG. 4. To close the trash container, the lid130is pivoted downward as indicated by directional arrow “E” until the ledge216is seated on the upper side edges218of the trash container body118. Although not shown, some trash containers are also equipped with a foot pedal to open the lid. As previously mentioned, although the trash container depicted herein includes a lid pivotally connected thereto, it is to be appreciated that the coupling assembly can be utilized to work with trash containers having removable lids as well as trash containers without lids.

As previously mentioned, the trash container can also include a latch or clasp to selectively lock the lid in the closed position. Various types of latches and clasps can be used with the lid and trash container. For example, the latch134shown in detail inFIGS. 34and1112is similar to the draw latch disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,466,076, titled “Draw Pull Latch,” filed on Sep. 15, 1967, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The latch134includes a latch member222adapted to selectively connect with a stud member224. The latch member222is connected with an upper end portion226of the front side126of the trash container body118, and the stud member224is connected with the lid130. As shown inFIGS. 34and1112, two screws226connect the stud member224with the lid130. The stud member224includes a flange228formed in an upper end portion230and a groove232formed in a lower end portion234. The latch member222includes a base segment236flexibly connected with an intermediate segment238, which in turn, is flexibly connected with a locking segment240. Two screws242connect the base segment236with front side126of the trash container body118. An overhang243located on an upper end portion244of the locking segment defines a recess246adapted to receive the flange228on the stud member224. A plug248extending upward from the base segment is adapted to be received within the slot in the stud member.

FIGS. 3 and 11illustrate the latch134in a locked configuration andFIGS. 4 and 12illustrate the latch134in an unlocked configuration. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 11, when the latch is in the locked configuration, the flange228on the stud member224is received within the recess246on the locking segment240, and the plug240on the base segment236is received within the groove232on the stud member224. The interaction between the base, intermediate, and locking segments in combination with the stud member holds the latch in the locked position. The latch is unlocked by applying force (illustrated by directional arrow “F” inFIG. 12) to the locking segment240, which disengages the latch member222from the stud member224. As previously mentioned, although the trash container100depicted herein includes the latch134to selectively lock the lid130into a closed position, it is to be appreciated that the trash container need not include a latch.

It will be appreciated from the above noted description of the present invention that a coupling assembly for releasably connecting a trash container to a fixed object has been described, which includes a first coupling member and a second coupling member. The coupling members can be formed in various ways and operated in various manners depending upon the shape of the fixed object and trash container. It will be appreciated that the features described in connection with the invention are interchangeable to some degree so that many variations beyond those specifically described are possible. For example, the first coupling member can be connected with the trash container and the second coupling member can be connected with the wall in a orientation that is upside down from which has been described above. It is also contemplated that the first coupling member can include a pocket therein as opposed to forming the pocket between the wall and the rectangular-shaped recess.

Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.