Abstract:
A trash can is disclosed having an exterior shell, a liner seated within the shell, a latch pivotably attached to the liner for securing a flexible bag to the liner, and a handle to facilitate placing and removing of the liner from the shell. An optional aspect of the invention is to affix the handle of the liner to the latch. The liner of the trash can, in a featured embodiment, utilizes a latch having a body portion into which surplus of the flexible bag may be gathered and held. The trash can may further include a lid connected to the exterior shell. The lid connects to the shell using a front hinge and a back hinge and is actuated by a foot pedal. The actuating foot pedal is preferably seated at a base of the exterior shell and connects to the lever arm of the front hinge such that depressing the foot pedal exerts a downward force on the lever arm to open the lid. In this configuration, the lid is lifted via a downward pull on the first hinge rather than a direct upward force on the lid.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a step can for a bathroom or other such area. Particularly, the present invention relates to a step can having a removable liner and designed to abut a wall or the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Receptacles, such as waste disposal containers, having foot operated mechanisms that allow “hands free” opening of the receptacle&#39;s lid, are well known in the art. Such a receptacle is most commonly referred to as a “step can.” A simple embodiment of a step can has a foot pedal linked to a generally vertical bar, which, in turn, is linked to an end of the can&#39;s lid. When the foot pedal is depressed, the vertical bar is pulled downward, lowering an end of the lid, and thereby opening the receptacle. A slightly more complex linkage mechanism allows more convenient frontal activation of the foot operated mechanism without interference by the vertical bar that lifts the lid. The latter embodiment has a generally horizontal bar (on which the foot pedal is located) pivotally linked to a first end of a generally vertical bar. The vertical bar is, in turn, pivotally linked at its second end to an end of the lid of the receptacle. The lid is hinged to the receptacle radially outwardly from the pivotal link with the vertical bar such that when the horizontal bar is depressed, the vertical bar is raised and the lid is tilted open. Typically, in the either case, the lid swings open to invariably bang against an adjacent surface to which the can was too closely placed. 
         [0003]    Further, placing and removing a flexible bag to and from such receptacles can be a daunting task. Outer shells often lift over enclosed liners or a flexible bag can be retracted and replaced through the open top of the can. 
         [0004]    The above-described foot operated containers are particularly useful in the home, office, public restrooms and the like in which manual operation of an unsanitary container is undesirable. The convenience of easily stepping on a pedal to open a container, while one&#39;s hands may be occupied or needed for holding the object to be disposed also makes such containers popular and rather common in these facilities. 
         [0005]    Nonetheless, the simplicity of foot-operated containers may be a disadvantage where the continuous clang of the lid against an adjacent surface is both distracting and destructive. Even when placed a distance from adjacent objects, subsequent use of the can often pushes the can backward until it meets with an object or surface. Also, the convenience and cleanliness of the hands-free feature may be lost somewhat when it comes time to replacing the disposable bag. 
         [0006]    It therefore would be desirable to provide a step can which maintains a suitable distance from adjacent objects and surfaces at placement and during use. It also would be desirable to provide a step can which provides easy access to removing and replacing the flexible disposable bag without mess or hassle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    There is disclosed herein an improved step can for a bathroom or the like, which avoids the disadvantages of prior devices while affording additional structural and operating advantages. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, a trash can is disclosed comprising an exterior shell, a liner seated within the shell, a latch pivotably attached to the liner for securing a flexible bag to the liner, and a handle to facilitate placing and removing of the liner from the shell. It is an optional aspect of the invention to affix the handle of the liner to the latch. The liner of the trash can, in a featured embodiment, utilizes a latch having a body portion into which surplus of the flexible bag may be gathered and held. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, the trash can further comprises a lid connected to the exterior shell. It is an aspect of this embodiment to connect the lid to the shell comprising a front hinge, a back hinge and an actuating foot pedal. The front hinge preferably includes a first end attached via a pin member to the shell, a second end attached via a pin member to an interior surface of the lid, and a lever arm extending from the first end at an angle to form an “L”. The back hinge preferably includes a first end attached via a pin member to the shell proximate the front hinge attachment, and a second end attached via a pin member to an interior surface of the lid. The actuating foot pedal is preferably seated at a base of the exterior shell and connects to the lever arm of the front hinge such that depressing the foot pedal exerts a downward force on the lever arm to open the lid. In this configuration, the lid is lifted via a downward pull on the first hinge rather than a direct upward force on the lid. 
         [0010]    Still another embodiment of the trash can comprises an exterior shell, a liner seated within the shell, and a spacer attached at a base of the shell for maintaining the trash can a distance from an adjacent object. 
         [0011]    It is an aspect of the embodiment to provide a spacer which is retractable into the base of the shell. It is an optional aspect of the embodiment to provide a spacer which is adjustable in length. 
         [0012]    These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readily from the following description and the appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present step can in a closed condition; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  of the step can in an open condition; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of the present step can illustrating one possible extended wall-spacer configuration; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view showing the wall-spacer of  FIG. 3  partially extended; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a liner with bag latch in an open condition; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the liner of  FIG. 5  showing the latch in a closed condition; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of one embodiment of the trash step can assembly; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of the rod and foot pedal linkage for actuating the opening of the can lid; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a close up of an embodiment of the lid hinge connection points; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a close up of the open lid of  FIG. 9 ; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a cut away side view of the double hinge mechanism. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to embodiments illustrated. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-11 , there is illustrated embodiments of a bathroom step can, generally designated by the numeral  10 , and its several components. The step can  10  is comprised of an exterior shell  12 , a liner  14  seated within the shell  12 , and a lid  16  covering the open top of the shell  12 . While the several features of the present device are described in connection with a trash step can, such as the type used in a kitchen or bathroom, it should be understood that such features may have applications to other types of trash cans as well. Such cans are not intended to be excluded from the scope of this application, except to the extent they are outside the bounds of the appended claims. 
         [0027]    The exterior shell  12  is preferably a substantially rectangular or square cylinder with rounded corners, having an open top  20  defined by a rim  22 , a sidewall  24  defining an interior space, and a base  26  closing off the bottom of the shell  12 . Alternatively, the shell  12  may be a round or oval cylinder, or any other suitable, easy to manufacture shape. The base  26  may be flared as is known in the art for added stability, and it may be an integral or separate component from the shell  12 . The shell  12 , including the sidewall  24  and base  26 , may be made of a number of different materials (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.), including any combinations of these known materials, and may present a decorative exterior for aesthetic purposes. The material and decorative features may dictate the preferred construction method of these components. 
         [0028]    A preferred embodiment of the can liner  14  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5-6 . The liner  14  sits within the space of the shell  12  defined by the sidewall  24 , and is comprised of a sidewall  40  adjoined to a bottom wall  42 , which defines a second interior space  44 . The liner  14  is preferably shaped similar to the exterior shell  12  in order to properly sit within the space of the shell. However, a flared rim  46  of the liner  14  abuts the rim  46  of the shell  12  to support the liner  14  within the shell  12 . Naturally, the liner  14  may be made such that it sits on and is supported by the base  26  of the shell  12 , or an alternative support structure (not shown) may be used within the shell  12  or on the liner  14  as desired. 
         [0029]    The liner  14  comprises a hinged latch  50  attached at a front face  43  of the sidewall  40  within a recessed channel  48 . The latch  50  is designed to achieve at least three functions. First, the latch  50  secures a flexible bag (not shown) to the liner  14 . After a bag is placed into the liner  14 , in a known manner, it is doubled over the liner rim  46 . By moving the latch  50  into a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the bag is secured by virtue of being clamped between the liner rim  46  and the latch  50 . The latch  50  engages the rim  22 , specifically a top surface of the rim  22 , in a friction or snap fit manner to be locked in place. By locking in place over the top of the rim  22 , the present latch is sure to contact the flexible bag. Other means for actually locking the latch  50  in a closed position are certainly possible. 
         [0030]    A second function of the latch  50  is to hide much of the excess flexible bag which is folded over the liner rim  46 . The preferred latch  50  has a wide, channel-shaped body  52  to allow excess bag to be gathered within. This feature allows the flexible bag, which might otherwise just drape over the rim  22 , to be pulled taut around the complete periphery of the liner opening. Again, by moving the latch  50  to the closed position, the gathered bag is secured between the latch body  52  and the liner sidewall  40  thereby holding the taut condition about the liner rim  46 . 
         [0031]    Finally, a third function of the latch  50  is to provide a handle which allows the liner  14  to be readily lifted from the space of the shell  12 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , the latch  50  can be seen to have a C-shaped handle  54  affixed at the top of the body  52 . The handle  54  preferably has a longer upper flange  55  to facilitate grasping by a user&#39;s hand. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle  54  is accommodated by the liner sidewall  40  by a small cut-out section  47  having a width to approximately match that of the handle  54 . A channel  48  in the sidewall  40  of the liner  14  accommodates the body of the latch. The bottom flange  57  of the handle  54  may provide a friction or snap fit with the top edge of the cut-out section  47 , as described above. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9-11 , another feature of the present invention can be more readily understood. Preferably, the step can  10  comprises a hinged lid  16  to cover the open top of the exterior shell  12  (and thus the seated liner  14 , as well) and a foot pedal  60  proximate the base  26  of the exterior shell  12 . The lid  16  and foot pedal  60  are connected via linkage  62  hidden against the shell sidewall  24  beneath the liner  14 . Upon depressing the foot pedal  60 , the lid  16  is actuated to an open position. Conversely, release of the foot pedal  60  results in the lid  16  returning to a closed position. 
         [0033]    However, the lid  16  of the present invention preferably does not swing open from the rear edge of the lid like most prior art step can lids. Rather, through use of a unique double hinge mechanism connected at a distance from the rear edge, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the lid  16  is capable of opening wide with less swing. By allowing the back edge of the lid  16  to descend below the pivot points, the open height of the lid is also reduced. 
         [0034]    The double hinge mechanism consists of a front hinge  64  and a shorter back hinge  66 . Each hinge is connected at a first end, via a pin member  65 , to a flange  68  affixed to a rim  22  situated proximate the interior surface of, and preferably connected to, the shell  12 . Each hinge is also separately attached at a second end, via a pin member  65 , to the under surface of the lid  16 . The front hinge  64  comprises a short lever arm  67 , which extends at an angle, forming an “L” with the hinge body. Preferably, the lever arm  67  is integral to the hinge  64 . To function properly, the pivot point of the front hinge  64 —i.e., the point of connection to the rim of the shell  12 —is located between the first end of the hinge  64  and the lever arm  67 . The lever arm  67  connects the front hinge  64  to the linkage  62 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . Operation of the opening mechanism is discussed in further detail below. 
         [0035]      FIG. 9  shows the connection points on the lid  16  for the front and back hinges. A recess  61  in the underside of the lid  16  allows the lid  16  to lay flat against the rim  22  of the step can  10  by providing space for the back hinge  66  and front hinge  64  to reside in when the lid  16  is closed. 
         [0036]    The hinged lid  16  is preferably operated manually in one of two ways. The first method is to simply pull up on a front portion of the lid  16 , raising it to an open position. Alternatively, the lid  16  may be opened using foot pedal  60 . 
         [0037]    The foot pedal  60  is positioned to extend, like that of most step cans, from a point along the base of the can  10 . The foot pedal  60  should extend a substantial distance from the shell sidewall  24  to facilitate actuation by the users foot. The extended portion of the pedal  60  may be any desired shape which accomplishes the actuating function described. 
         [0038]    The linkage  62  which connects the foot pedal  60  to the front hinge  64  is comprised of a horizontal crank rod  61  and a vertical pull rod  63 . The crank rod  61  is seated within the shell base  26 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , with one end contacting the food pedal  60 . The other end of the crank rod  61  intersects with one end of the pull rod  63 . The opposing end of the pull rod  63  connects to the lever arm  67  of the front hinge  64 . The linkage  62  is preferably concealed between the shell  12  and the liner  14  of the step can  10 . A channel  52  within the liner  14  accommodates the linkage  62 , particularly the pull rod  63 , as it runs from the base  26  to the lid  16 . 
         [0039]    One additional feature of an embodiment of the present invention is provided by spacer  70 . The spacer, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , retains the step can  10  at a distance from an adjacent object or surface. Preferably, the spacer  70  is slidably extendable from the rear of the base  26  of the shell  12 . The position of the spacer  70  is designed to coincide with the space to be occupied by the opened lid  16 . In this manner, the spacer  70  prevents the step can  10  from being positioned too close to an object or surface such that repeated banging of the lid  16  against the object or surface or obstruction of the lid  16  by the object or surface is prevented. 
         [0040]    The spacer  70  may extend either a set distance, variably in a telescoping manner, or variably in an indexed manner using detents or other similar indexing mechanisms. Whether set or variably extendable, the spacer  70  might be capable of extending a distance in the range of about one to eight inches, preferably about two to six inches, and most preferably about four inches. When not extended, the spacer  70  retracts into the base  26  of the shell  12  until needed. While best suited for operation from the shell base  26  in many uses, it should be understood that an embodiment of the spacer  70 , such as for example, a rod (not shown), may be attached to and extend from any suitable component of the step can  10 . 
         [0041]    In typically use, the step can  10  would be positioned in an area such as, for example, a kitchen. The spacer  70  would be extended either fully or, for example, a distance of a couple inches and placed adjacent a wall such that the spacer  70  contacts the wall and the foot pedal  60  is most accessible. 
         [0042]    To line the step can  10 , the lid  16  may be moved to its open position by either lifting by hand or depressing the foot pedal  60 . If the foot pedal  60  is depressed, it turns the horizontal crank rod  61  such that the second end of the crank rod  61  pulls downward on the pull rod  63 . The pull rod  63  in turn acts downward on the lever arm  67  of the front hinge  64 , rotating the second end of the front hinge  64  to push upward on the lid  16  at the connection point. As the lid  16  is opened, the back hinge  66  guides the rear edge of the lid to the rear (i.e., toward the wall) and downward, while the front hinge  64  directs the remainder of the lid  16  upward and back. Together, the two hinges operate to open the lid  16  and provide access to the interior of the step can  10 . 
         [0043]    At this point, the liner  14  may be removed from the step can  10  by grasping the handle  54  of the latch  50  and lifting the liner  14  straight up from the interior space of the shell  12 . The latch  50  can then be moved to a down position. When a flexible bag is properly seated within the liner  14 , the excess bag is folded down the liner sidewall  40  and gathered within the channel  48 . The latch  50  can then be rotated back to the upward position to secure the excess bag within the latch body  50  as well as secure the bag at the rim of the liner  14 . The liner  14 , with flexible bag in place, can then be lifted by the handle  54  and returned to the interior space of the shell  12 . The lid  16  can then be closed over the seated liner  14 . 
         [0044]    The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants&#39; contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.