Abstract:
A dumpster screen comprising a fenced enclosure around one (1) or more trash dumpsters commonly found by commercial establishments. The fence material is made of an outdoor weather-proof textile material supported on its vertical sides using fence posts and along its horizontal edges using cables. A front portion of the enclosure, typically accessed by trucks to empty the dumpsters, comprises a gate portion. This enables the incoming truck to lower its forks across the reinforced top of said gate and continue lowering it until it can remove the dumpster in the normal manner. After emptying, the dumpster is replaced in the same manner and the front barrier automatically returns to position.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Apr. 3, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to trash disposal facilities, and in particular, to a dumpster enclosure adapted for quick access via a conventional waste collection truck forklift assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In many commercial and residential settings, trash collection is consolidated via conventional dumpsters prior to attendance by a local waste collection agency. Due to associated odors and other health concerns, dumpsters are generally located outdoors. The outdoor location further facilitates easy access by waste collection vehicles for lifting and emptying. However, trash receptacles such as dumpsters are generally considered to be unsightly and also to pose various health and safety hazards. As a result, most such receptacles are housed inside a fencing assembly or other enclosure in order to provide a visual screening and physical barrier between the waste materials and people in the vicinity. 
     While such enclosures indubitably serve their purposes, enclosure of dumpsters inhibits the efficiency with which waste collection vehicles and the like are able to access the dumpsters for emptying. General practice is for a driver or operator of such a vehicle to park and exit the vehicle, open the dumpster enclosure, lift and empty the dumpster, replace the dumpster, and again exit the vehicle to close and secure the enclosure. While individual dumpsters are often only accessed on a periodic basis, repeated performance of these actions during a daily route adds a significant amount of time and physical exertion to the routine of the operator. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide waste receptacle enclosures. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 3,924,913, issued in the name of Cooper, describes a garbage can enclosure device which provides a screened enclosure for conventional outdoor trash cans. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,576, issued in the name of Shirk, describes a gate assembly which provides a durable and shock absorbent gated enclosure for a conventional dumpster. 
     Additionally, ornamental designs for a waste receptacle enclosure exist, particularly U.S. Pat. Nos. D 402,375 and D 549,917. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many existing enclosures are difficult and time consuming to access for an operator of a conventional waste collection vehicle. Also, many existing enclosures require a user to exit a vehicle in order to selectively access the enclosed structure. Furthermore, many existing enclosures such as conventional fencing assemblies do not provide a desirable level of aesthetic screening to an enclosed waste receptacle. Accordingly, there exists a need for a dumpster enclosure 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 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for an enclosure suitable for outdoor use with a conventional dumpster which provides features of aesthetic screening and ease of access via a conventional existing waste collection vehicle. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dumpster screen which conceals an existing conventional trash receptacle. 
     Another object of the present invention is to allow a conventional trash receptacle with front loading sleeves to be accessed for loading and emptying via a conventional trash collection vehicle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enclose a trash receptacle on four (4) sides. The apparatus comprises a rectangular structure further comprised of a plurality of pipe frame sections, a gate portion, a moveable rod, and a plurality of screening sections. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a gate on a front portion which can be lowered and locked via downward force provided by loading arms of an existing trash collection vehicle. This is accomplished via a movable rod which is attached at an upper location to inner side portions between front side posts of the frame. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to automatically return to an original concealing position after a trash collection vehicle removes and empties a contained trash receptacle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow vertical motioning of the movable rod via “U”-shaped channels positioned vertically to the front posts of the frame. The posts further comprises integral pulley assemblies including steel cables, pulley axles, counter weights, pulley fasteners, and the like which provide a means for support the movable rod and returning it to an initial position upon removal of a trash collection vehicle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide selectable decorative screening of a contained trash receptacle via the screening portions. The screening portions are constructed of a durable weatherproof material for outdoor use. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to attach the apparatus to a level ground surface via a plurality of rectangular feet which support the apparatus vertically. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of positioning the structure around an existing trash receptacle in order to provide a concealing function, utilizing an existing trash collection vehicle with conventional loading arms in order to depress the movable rod for access to the contained receptacle, lifting and emptying the receptacle in a conventional manner, replacing the receptacle, and automatically returning the front gate to a closed position upon removal of the collection vehicle in order to return the apparatus to a concealing configuration without need for leaving the vehicle. 
     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 a perspective view of a dumpster screen  10  depicting a closed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the dumpster screen  10  depicting an open state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the dumpster screen  10  depicting a frame  18 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a gate  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the gate  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of a single post portion  32  of the gate  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a side entrance  70 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  dumpster screen 
               15  trash receptacle 
               16  sleeve 
               18  frame 
               20  rear corner pipe 
               21  screen 
               22  tab 
               23  first rod 
               24  second rod 
               25  movable rod 
               26  third rod 
               27  side pipe 
               30  gate 
               31  channel 
               32  post 
               33  pulley 
               34  pulley access panel 
               35  cable 
               36  spring 
               37  spring access panel 
               38  first counter weight 
               39  second counter weight 
               40  diverter gate 
               50  first counter weight fastener 
               52  locking arm 
               60  foot 
               61  foot fastener 
               70  side entrance 
               71  elastic cord 
               72  cord spring 
               73  cord hook 
               80  first pivot 
               81  second pivot 
               82  spring attachment point 
               83  spring fixed point 
               90  pulley axle 
               91  pulley fastener 
           
         
       
    
     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 7 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and 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 dumpster screen (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for concealing an existing conventional trash receptacle  15 , yet allowing said trash receptacle  15  to be accessed for loading and emptying thereof. Said apparatus  10  preferably utilized with conventional front end trash receptacles  15  which comprise a pair of front sleeves  16 , thereby allowing a conventional front loading garbage truck to utilize said sleeves  16  for conventional emptying. Other trash receptacles  15  may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . Said apparatus  10  comprises a rectangular shape, thereby enclosing the trash receptacle  15  thereon four (4) sides. Said apparatus  10  also comprises a pair of rear corner pipes  20 , a plurality of screening  21 , a plurality of first rods  23 , a movable rod  25 , a pair of third pipes  26 , a pair of side pipes  27 , a gate portion  30 , a pair of pulleys  33 , a first counter weight  38 , a second counter weight  39 , and a side entrance  70 . Said apparatus  10  allows the areas around trash receptacle  15  to be contained for security and aesthetic reasons. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a closed state and  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting an open state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. In use, the apparatus  10  is positioned on a level ground surface encompassing an existing trash receptacle  15 , thereby concealing said trash receptacle  15 . A gate  30  (also see  FIG. 4 through 6 ) located on a front portion of the apparatus  10  is lowered and locked via a downward force provided by a pair of loading arms thereon the front loading garbage truck. The garbage truck then removes the trash receptacle  15  for emptying in a conventional manner. When finished the garbage truck replaces the trash receptacle  15  via the pair of loading arms  16  to its original position which also unlocks the gate  30 , thereby positioning the apparatus  10  to an original concealed position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a frame  18 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is depicted without a plurality of screening  21  for illustration purposes only; it is known that screening  21  is to be incorporated into the final design for concealing of the trash receptacle  15 . The apparatus  10  comprises a rectangular frame  18  which also comprises a pair of rear corner pipes  20 , a plurality of first rods  23 , a pair of second rods  24 , a movable rod  25 , a pair of third rods  26 , a pair of posts  32 , and a plurality of feet  60 . A pair of tubular rear corner pipes  20  is positioned vertically at rear corners of the frame  18 . A tubular first rod  23  is horizontally positioned at a ninety degree (90°) angle from the rear corner pipes  20  at an upper and a lower location, thereby supporting said rear corner pipes  20 . The rear corner pipes  20  located at the rear corners of the apparatus  10  and the first rods  23  located perpendicular to said rear corner pipes  20  create a rear panel structure of the frame  18 . The length of the first rod  23  located between the pair of rear corner pipes  20  which are located at the rear portion of the apparatus  10  is wider than that of the trash receptacle  15 , thereby allowing said trash receptacle  15  to be located therein. The first rods  23  also provide a suspending means to screening  21 , thereby attaching said screening  21  thereto the first rods  23  (see herein below). The rear corner pipes  20  are fabricated from conventional steel piping preferably comprising a diameter of two (2) inches and comprising a height which is an appropriate dimension to conceal the trash receptacle  15 , yet other dimensions may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The first rods  23  and rear corner pipes  20  are fabricated from a steel material, yet other durable materials may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     A side portion of the frame  18  is created via positioning a pair of tubular second rods  24  at an upper and a lower position perpendicular to a rear corner pipe  20 . Distal end portions of the second rods  24  are attached to the rear corner pipe  20  with fastening means such as, but not limited to: welding, interference fitting, or the like. Proximal end portions of the second rods  24  are connected to a rectangular post  32  located parallel to the rear pipe  20  via a fastening means which is similar as abovementioned. Said post  32  is located at a front portion of the apparatus  10  and is an integral element of a gate  30  (see  FIG. 4 through 6 ). The addition of the pair of second rods  24  to the rear corner pipe  20  and post  32  provides a side panel to the frame  18  and also provide a suspending means to screening  21 , thereby attaching said screening  21  thereto the second rods  24  (see herein below). The second rods  24  are appropriate dimensions to conceal the width of the trash receptacle  15  and are fabricated from steel, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     Another side portion of the frame  18  is created via positioning a pair of tubular third rods  26  at an upper and a lower position perpendicular from the other rear corner pipe  20 . The third rods  26  are then attached to a tubular side pipe  27 , thereby securing said third rods  26  in a horizontal position. Attached to an upper and lower opposite portion of the side pipe  27  are a pair of elastic cords  71  which are further attached to a rectangular post  32 , thereby creating a side entrance  70  (see  FIG. 7 ). The side pipe  27  is located at an intermediate position between the rear corner pipe  20  and the post  32 . The third rods  26  and elastic cords  71  also provide a suspending means to screening  21 , thereby attaching said screening  21  thereto the third rods  26  (see herein below). 
     The post  32  is parallel to the opposite post  32  and rear corner pipe  20 . The posts  32  are separated at an appropriate width that which corresponds to the width of the first rods  23  via a tubular movable rod  25  and another first rod  23 . The movable rod  25  is positioned at an upper location between the posts  32  and provides an upward and downward motion of gate  30  (also see  FIGS. 4 through 6 ) and an attachment means to screening  21 . The movable rod  25  is attached to inner side portions of the posts  32  via an internal pulley  33  (see  FIG. 4 through 6 ). The first rod  23  is positioned at a lower position between the posts  32  and attached thereto with fastening means such as, but not limited to: welding, interference fitting, or the like, thereby creating a structurally sound frame  18 . The posts  32  are fabricated from conventional steel rectangular pipe with a diameter of five (5) inches, yet other materials and dimensions may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The movable rod  25  is fabricated from conventional steel pipe with a diameter of one-and-a-half (1½) inches, yet other materials and dimensions may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     The frame  18  is attached to a level ground surface via a plurality of rectangular feet  60 , thereby supporting the apparatus  10  vertically. The feet  60  are preferably attached via conventional welding techniques thereto a bottom distal portion of the rear corners pipes  20 , the side pipe  27 , and the posts  32 . Said feet  60  are then fastened to the ground surface therewith foot fasteners  61  which are comprised of conventional fasteners such as, but not limited to: bolts, stakes, or the like. The feet  60  are fabricated from steel, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     The frame  18  of the apparatus  10  comprises a plurality of screening  21  (also see  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 , and  7 ) as abovementioned, thereby providing a concealing means to the trash receptacle  15 . Said screen  21  may be fabricated from a variety of outdoor weatherproof materials such as, but not limited to: wire mesh, nylon, canvas, or the like. The screening  21  is attached to the first rods  23 , the second rods  24 , the movable rod  25 , the third rods  26 , and the elastic cords  71  via a plurality of tabs  22 . Said tabs  22  are preferably attached to the screening via conventional sewing techniques at equidistant intervals and attached to an appropriate horizontal device  23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  71  via fastening means such as, but not limited to: hook-and-loop fasteners, adhesive, sewing techniques, or the like. Said tabs  22  are fabricated from a material such as, but not limited to: canvas, plastic, metal, or the like. The screening  21  may also comprise indicia which may provide script or logos based upon a user&#39;s preference and may include images such as, but not limited to: sports names/logos, personal names, symbols, pictures, and the like to further customize and personalize the apparatus  10  further comprising a variety of colors and patterns. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a front view of a gate  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a gate  30 , thereby providing access to the trash receptacle  15 . The gate  30  comprises a pair of posts  32  as abovementioned thereon each front corners of the apparatus  10 . Each post  32  comprises a channel  31 , a of pulley  33 , a plurality of cable  35 , a spring  36 , a first counter weight  38 , a second counter weight  39 , a diverter gate  40 , and a locking arm  52  (also see  FIGS. 5 and 6 ). Said gate  30  allows the garbage truck to lower its loading arms across the movable rod  25  and continue lowering until the trash receptacle  15  can be removed in a normal manner. After emptying, the trash receptacle  15  is replaced in the same normal manner and the gate  30  automatically returns to an original concealing position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a side view of the gate  30  and  FIG. 6 , a top view of the gate  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. A “U”-shaped channel  31  is positioned vertically to each post  32  and attached to a front portion of each said post  32 , thereby providing a means for the movable rod  25  to descend and rise. Said channel  31  is preferably a four (4) inch steel channel, yet other devices and materials may be incorporated without limiting the features of the apparatus  10 . Said channel  31  is attached to the post  31  via conventional welding techniques, yet other fastening means may be provided without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     The gate  30  lowers and rises via a pair of circular pulleys  33 . A pulley  33  is located at an upper location internally within each post  32  and corresponding channel  31 . A steel cable  35  is wound around the pulley  33  and attached at a lower location to a spring  36  at a spring attachment point  82 , thereby allowing the spring  36  to retract to decrease the length of the cable  35  and extend to increase the length of the cable  35 . An opposite end portion of the spring  36  is fixed within the post  32  at a spring fixed point  83 . A distal portion of each cable  35  is attached to the movable rod  25 , thereby concurrently lowering or raising said movable rod  25  as the length of the cable  35  is increased or decreased, respectively. Each pulley  33  is attached to the post  32  via a pulley axle  90  fastened via conventional pulley fasteners  91  which allow said pulleys  33  to rotate freely in a conventional manner. Each post  32  comprises a pulley access panel  34  thereon a rear top portion and a spring access panel  37  thereon a rear lower portion, thereby providing access to the pulley  33  and spring  36 , respectively, for routine maintenance. 
     As the movable rod  25  is lowered from a downward force applied via the loading arms on the garbage truck the cable  35  is extended downwardly and the spring  36  is extended upwardly. The movable rod  25  travels further downward to come in contact with an “L”-shaped first counter weight  38  thereon each distal end portion, thereby causing said first counter weight  38  to pivot in a downward motion. Said first counter weight  38  is attached to an intermediate outer surface thereon the post  32  via first pivot  80  to a first counter weight fastener  50  such as, but not limited to: a shoulder bolt, a bushing and pin, a bracket, or the like. Said first counter weight  38  is positioned at an appropriate location which will allow for proper pivoting of said first counter weight  38  to enable the movable rod  25  to move beyond. The first counter weight  38  is an appropriate weight to allow for correct pivoting once contacted by the movable rod  25 . A rectangular locking arm  52  is positioned above the resting position of the first counter weight  38 , thereby impeding the upward motion of said first counter weight  38 . The locking arm  52  is preferably a steel device welded to the post  32 . 
     Once below the first counter weight  38  the movable rod  25  is locked into a downward position between said first counter weight  38  and a diverter gate  40 , thereby stopping the movement of the movable rod  25  and positioning the gate  30  in an open state (see  FIG. 2 ). The diverter gate  40  is comprised of a rectangular steel plate slightly smaller than the dimensions of the channel  31 , thereby enabling insertion therein. In use, this is the moment when the loading arms thereon the garbage trucks are inserted into the first sleeves  16  thereon the trash receptacle  15  for conventional emptying. Once the trash receptacle  15  is placed back within the apparatus  10  the loading arms come in contact with the movable rod  25 , thereby allowing an “L”-shaped second counter weight  39  to pivot upwardly. This interaction also allows the internal diverter gate  40  to correspondingly rotate counterclockwise, thereby enabling the movable rod  25  to travel further downwardly and release itself from the diverter gate  40  further ascending the movable rod  25  to its original upward closed position (see  FIG. 1 ). The second counter weight  39  is attached to a side portion of the channel  31  via a second pivot  81  which is comprised of conventional a shoulder bolt, a bushing and pin, a bracket, or the like, yet other fastening means may be utilized without utilizing the functions of the apparatus  10 . The second counter weight  39  and the diverter gate  40  pivot via a second pivot  81 , thereby attaching said second counter weight  39  and diverter gate  40  together and enabling a simultaneous counterclockwise rotation. The second pivot  81  preferably comprises a bolt and keyhole arrangement which would enable an attachment of the second counter weight  39  and the diverter gate  40  and provide the necessary synchronized pivoting means, yet other fastening and pivoting means may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The second counter weight  39  is an appropriate weight to allow for correct rotation thereof itself and the diverter gate  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a front view of a side entrance  70 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a side entrance  70 , thereby enabling a person to access the trash receptacle  15  for filling in a conventional manner. The upper and lower horizontal portions of the side entrance  70  each comprises an elastic cord  71 , a pair of cord springs  72 , and a pair of cord hooks  73 . The tabs  22  attached to the screen  21  are further attached thereon each elastic cord  71 , thereby suspending said screen thereon. Cord springs  72  encompass each end portions of the elastic cords  71  which are further attached to corresponding cord hooks  73 , thereby providing a fastening means to the post  32  and side pipe  27 . The cord springs  72  provide a tensioning means to the elastic cord  71 , thereby securing the screen  21  thereon. The cord hooks  73  provide an attaching means to the corresponding post  32  and side pipe  27 . The cord hook  73  may attached to the post  32  and side pipe  27  via means such as, but not limited to: engaging an aperture, engaging an eye screw, or the like. The elastic cord  71  is preferably a conventional cotton or nylon cord which comprises a stretchable core, yet other devices may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     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 apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 through 7 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; lowering the gate  30 , thereby forcing the movable rod  25  downwardly thereto descend the cable  35  thereon the pulleys  33  and ascend the springs  36 ; locking the gate  30 , thereby pivoting the first counter weight  38  trapping the movable rod  25  between the first counter weight  38  and the diverter gate  40 ; inserting a trash receptacle  15  therein the frame  18 ; raising the gate  30 , thereby forcing the movable rod  25  downwardly to pivot the second counter weight  39  which simultaneously pivots the diverter gate  40  enabling the movable rod  25  to travel upwardly to its original position; utilizing the side entrance to fill the trash receptacle  15  with desired items, thereby removing the cord hook  73  from the corresponding post  32  and side pipe  27  and enabling the screening  21  to collapse and entering the apparatus  10 ; replacing the cord hooks  73  as desired; allowing a pair of loading arms thereon a garbage truck to lower the gate  30  in a manner as abovementioned for emptying of the trash receptacle  15  and replacing as desired; and, allowing the apparatus  10  to visually cover and physically protect trash receptacle  15  without the disadvantages of conventional gates in a manner which is quick and effective. 
     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.