Patent Publication Number: US-10781039-B2

Title: Extender for receptacle and method thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application that claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/672,503, filed Aug. 9, 2017, entitled “Extender for Receptacle and Method Thereof,” which is a continuation application that claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/818,175, filed Aug. 4, 2015, and entitled “Extender For a Receptacle and Method Thereof,” which claims priority to Provisional Application No. 62/032,875, having a filing date of Aug. 4, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The following relates to waste management disposal and containment, and more specifically to embodiments of a device that can increase the capacity of a standard receptacle, while also making garbage collection more efficient. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Receptacles, such as garbage cans, typically come in standard sizes. In some households, the standard capacity of the garbage is exceeded before the garbage pickup is scheduled to come. This is especially true when a household hosts a party or an event that results in a larger than normal amount of garbage. The current solution is to stack the garbage next to the garbage can, or purchase an additional garbage can. Stacking the garbage next to the garbage perpetuates an odorous environment, is aesthetically unappealing, and adds labor time for the garbage collectors. Purchasing an additional garbage takes up extra space, can lead to additional charges from a garbage collection company, and may not be compatible with automated garbage trucks. 
     Thus, a need exists for an apparatus and method for increasing a capacity of a receptacle, storing an additional amount of garbage, and a method of disposal. 
     SUMMARY 
     A first aspect relates generally to an extender for a receptacle, comprising: a plurality of walls, each of the plurality of walls being tapered from a first end of the extender to a second end of the extender, the plurality of walls being joined together to define an interior space for receiving waste materials, and at least one vertical slit located on one or more of the plurality of walls, the at least vertical slit permitting a deflection of a section of the one or more of the plurality walls, wherein the extender increases a storage capacity of the receptacle when the extender is inserted into an interior of the receptacle, the further the extender being inserted into the receptacle the stronger the friction fit between the receptacle and the extender due to the plurality of tapered walls. 
     A second aspect relates generally to an extender for increasing a storage capacity of a receptacle, comprising: a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls including a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall, the plurality of walls being joined together to define an interior space for receiving waste materials, and at least one wing located on the first side wall of the plurality of walls, the at least one wing protruding a distance beyond a bottom edge of the first side wall, wherein, when the extender is placed atop the receptacle and external to an interior of the receptacle, the one or more wing is disposed within the interior of the receptacle. 
     A third aspect relates generally to a method for collecting garbage, comprising: providing a receptacle for storing waste materials, the receptacle configured to be lifted and inverted by a mechanical means of a garbage collection vehicle to empty the waste materials, providing an extender for use with the receptacle, the extender cooperating with the receptacle to increase a storage capacity of the provided receptacle, wherein the extender is disposable along with the waste materials, and at the same time, collecting the waste materials and the extender using the mechanical means of the garbage collection means. 
     The foregoing and other features of construction and operation will be more readily understood and fully appreciated from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a schematic view of a first embodiment of an extender located within an embodiment of a receptacle; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the first embodiment of an extender; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of a second embodiment of an extender; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of the second embodiment of an extender with an embodiment of a connection element; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an extender operably configured with an embodiment of a receptacle; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a sectional view of an embodiment of an extender operably configured with an embodiment of a receptacle; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a schematic view of a first position of a receptacle being lifted and inverted for removal of waste contents; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a schematic view of a second position of a receptacle being lifted and inverted for removal of waste contents; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of a third embodiment of an extender; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a sectional view of the third embodiment of an extender; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a perspective view of the third embodiment of an extender having at least one structurally integral wing; 
         FIG. 12  depicts a sectional view of the third embodiment of an extender having one or more structurally integral wing; 
         FIG. 13  depicts a perspective view of the third embodiment of the extender operably configured with an embodiment of a receptacle; 
         FIG. 14  depicts a sectional view of the third embodiment of the extender operably configured with an embodiment of a receptacle; 
         FIG. 15  depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a receptacle having a plurality of support elements; 
         FIG. 16  depicts a schematic view of a first position of a receptacle being lifted and inverted for removal of waste contents; 
         FIG. 17  depicts a schematic view of a second position of a receptacle being lifted and inverted for removal of waste contents; 
         FIG. 18  depicts a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an extender operably configured with a receptacle; 
         FIG. 19  depicts a top view of the fourth embodiments of an extender operably configured with a receptacle; and 
         FIG. 20  depicts a flowchart of an embodiment of a method. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Referring to the drawings,  FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of an extender  100 ,  200  operably engaged with a receptacle  50 . The extender  100 ,  200  may be a device that may be configured to be placed at least partially within a receptacle  50 , such as industry standard sized garbage can, to extend or otherwise increase a capacity of the receptacle  50 . The increased capacity, labeled as increased capacity  25  in  FIG. 1 , is an amount of volume for storing garbage, waste, yard waste, leaves, etc., or any contents suitable for placement in a receptacle that is in addition to a maximum volume afforded by the receptacle  50 . For example, if the receptacle  50  becomes full of waste materials  15 , such as garbage, waste, recyclables, yard waste, and the like, any additional waste materials will not fit properly within the receptacle  50 , and likely fall to the side of the receptacle  50 , or can blow away due to the wind or other environmental elements. To increase a volume or storage capacity of the receptacle  50 , embodiments of an extender  100 ,  200  may be placed at least partially within the receptacle  50  so that additional waste materials  15  may be added to the waste material already within the receptacle  50 . While the extender  100 ,  200  is operatively attached to the receptacle  50 , a storage capacity of the receptacle  50  is effectively increased because of the walls of the extender  100  extending beyond a top end  51  of the receptacle  50 . Embodiments of the receptacle  50  may be a garbage can, a pail, a garbage pail, a transportable waste container, a waste collection device, a barrel, a bucket, and the like. Embodiments of the receptacle  50  may be an industrial garbage can, and may be compatible with automatic garbage truck loaders, for example, receptacles provided by waste collection companies for scheduled pickup. In some embodiments, the receptacle  50  may include a cover  53  that can be hingedly or otherwise pivotally attached to the receptacle  50 . Further, embodiments of receptacle  50  may be various sizes, as might be offered/provided by a waste collection company or a municipality, or otherwise available for purchase at a home improvement store. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of extender  100  is depicted in  FIG. 2 . Embodiments of extender  100  may be an insert, a tapered box, a tapered structure, a garbage containment unit, a cardboard insert, or the like, sized and dimensioned to be placed within a receptacle  50  of various sizes. Embodiments of extender  100  may include a first end  31 , a second end  32 , an outer surface  33 , an inner surface  34 , and a general opening extending therethrough. Embodiments of extender  100  may be cone-shaped, and may be comprised of a single wall. Embodiments of the extender  100  may be tapered. For instance, embodiments of the extender  100  may taper in a direction from the first end  31  toward a second end  32 , such that a width of the extender  100  may gradually decrease from the first end  31  to the second end  32 . A tapered structure or configuration of the extender  100  may ensure or promote a friction fit with the receptacle  50  as the extender  100  is lowered or otherwise placed within an interior of the receptacle  50 . The tapered configuration may also accommodate various sizes of an interior of various receptacles  50 . Further embodiments of the extender  100  may include a tapered section proximate or otherwise near the second end  32 , wherein a portion of the extender  100  (e.g. proximate or otherwise near the first end  31 ) is not tapered, and only begins to taper at a point proximate or otherwise near the second end  32 . 
     Moreover, embodiments of the extender  100  may include a plurality of walls  40   a ,  40   b ,  41   a ,  41   b . The plurality of walls  40   a ,  40   b ,  41   a ,  41   b  may form or otherwise define an interior space  35  of the extender  100 . Each of the plurality of walls  40   a ,  40   b ,  41   a ,  41   b  may be shaped like a trapezoid to facilitate the tapered shape/configuration of the extender  100 . A number and an arrangement of the plurality of walls, when operably configured, may correspond to a geometric shape of an opening of the receptacle  50  so that it may at least partially fit within the receptacle  50 . In one embodiment, the extender  100  may include four walls, with a front wall  40   a , a back wall  40   b , a first side wall  41   a , and a second side wall  41   b . The walls  40   a ,  40   b ,  41   a ,  41   b  may be equal in size, or may vary in size with respect to each other. Furthermore, the walls  40   a ,  40   b ,  41   a ,  41   b  may be structurally integral with each other and joined along each edge to the next wall, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The edges may be creased or pre-creased to facilitate or promote flexibility of the extender  100 . The flexibility of the extender  100  may vary, but in some cases, the extender  100  may be able to be folded into a flat unit, while all of the edges of the walls  40   a ,  40   b ,  41 ,  41   b  remain connected, structurally integral or otherwise. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of extender  200 . Embodiments of extender  200  may share the same or substantially the same structural and functional aspects of extender  100 , including a first end  231 , a second end  232 , an outer surface  233 , and inner surface  234 , a general opening therethrough, and an interior space  235 . However, extender  200  may include at least one edge of one of the plurality of walls  240   a ,  240   b ,  241   a ,  241   b  may be a free edge, which may also allow the extender  200  to be packaged and sold as a flat, or relatively flat, or a folded flat unit. For example, a left edge of front wall  240   a  may be a free edge, while the other, right, edge of the front wall  240   a  is connected to the left edge of first side wall  241   a . In this example, an edge of the second side wall  41   b  may also be a free edge. Any configuration or combination of free edges may be implemented to form extender  200 . In some operable configurations, such as shown in  FIG. 4 , the free edges may be connected to each other for added stability once ready for use. For instance, the free edges may be connected to each other using a connection element  245 . Embodiments of connection element  245  may be an adhesive tape, such as duct tape, staples, glue, clap, or other suitable material or component that may join two edges of the walls  240   a ,  240   b ,  241   a ,  241   b  together. In other operable configurations, the free edges may remain unconnected when placed within the receptacle  50 , wherein the free edges are proximate or otherwise near each other when in this operable configuration. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , embodiments of extender  100 ,  200  may also include a deflection flap  36 ,  236 . Embodiments of deflection flap  36 ,  236  may be a section of the extender  100 ,  200  of one or more walls of extender  100 ,  200  that may deflect inward or outward to accommodate various sizes of receptacle  50 . The deflection, inward or outward, may further promote or otherwise ensure a friction fit between an inner surface of the receptacle  50  and the extender  100 ,  200 . For example, receptacle  50  may have various interior shapes (e.g. protrusions, etc.) that may engage portions of the extender  100 ,  200  with a different force than another area of the extender  100 ,  200 . The deflection flap or deflection portion  36 ,  236  may deflect or otherwise move inwardly or outwardly to increase a mechanical interference or friction fit between the receptacle  50  and the extender  100 ,  200  to compensate for looser connections between the receptacle  50  and the extender  100 ,  200  in other areas. The deflection of the flap  36 ,  236  may also be affected by waste materials already within receptacle  50 , which may also promote friction fit between the extender  100 ,  200  and the receptacle  50 . Embodiments of the deflection flap  36 ,  236  may be formed by one or more vertical slits  237   a ,  237   b  extending from a second end  32 ,  232  of the extender  100 ,  200  a distance towards the first end  32 ,  232 . The vertical slits may permit deflection inwardly or outwardly, as described above. The vertical slits  237   a ,  237   b  may be perforations, or may be a continuous cut into the extender  100 ,  200 . Furthermore, embodiments of the extender  100 ,  200  may be made out of cardboard or other suitable material. The material(s) forming the extender  100 ,  200  may be disposable. However, in some embodiments, the extender  100 ,  200  may be made of a material that can be reused without significant risk of damage if exposed to environmental elements. In further embodiments, the extender  100 ,  200  may be made out a metal, such as aluminum, or plastic and can be recycled with the other contents within the receptacle  50 , such as known recyclable items that are commonly discarded. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , embodiments of extender  100 ,  200  are shown in an operable configuration and engaged with receptacle  50 . The extender  100 ,  200  may be provided to an end user as a flat and/or folded unit, as described above, or may be provided to an end user partly folded or otherwise intact. If the extender  100 ,  200  comes in a folded or flat unit, a user may manipulate the plurality of walls  40   a ,  40   b ,  41   a ,  41   b  to form a box-like structure, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Once assembled or otherwise formed into a box-like structure, the extender  100 ,  200  may be inserted within an interior  55  of the receptacle  50 . Embodiments of the extender  100 ,  200  may be placed within the receptacle  50  from a top end  51  and driven further into the interior  55  of the receptacle  50 . Because embodiments of the extender  100 ,  200  may be tapered, further displacement into the interior  55  of the receptacle  50  eventually results in mechanical interference between the walls  40   a ,  40   b ,  41   a ,  41   b , or one or more deflection flaps  36 ,  236 , and an inner surface  54  of the receptacle  50 . The extender  100 ,  200  may be driven/pushed, forced, placed, etc. into the interior  55  of the receptacle  50  a distance, h r , so as to provide a friction fit between the two components to prevent, hinder, or impede dislocation of the extender  100 ,  200  while the receptacle  50  is an upright, storage/collection position, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In some embodiments, the extender  100 ,  200  may include a lip, edge, protrusion, or other surface feature that extends perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly from an inner surface  34 ,  234  proximate, at, or otherwise near the second end  32 ,  232 . The lip or engagement surface may extend perpendicularly into a center of the interior space  35 ,  235  so that waste materials  15  added into the extender  100 ,  200  may engage the lip to further hinder dislocation of the extender  100 ,  200  from the receptacle  50 . The lip may be bent inwards by a user or may come perforated or creased for easy folding. The distance, represented by h r , the extender  100 ,  200  enters the interior  55  of the receptacle  50  may vary and may depend on a size of the receptacle  50 . In this position, the extender  100 ,  200  may be physically pulled out from and removed from the receptacle  50  by a user, but may be able to withstand other external forces such as wind, rain, addition of waste materials  55  to the receptacle, and the like. Furthermore, in this position, the extender  100 ,  200  may protrude, extend, or otherwise rise from a top end  51  of the receptacle  50  a distance, h e , which may represent an increased storage capacity for waste materials  15 . For instance, when waste materials  15  fill or substantially fill the interior  55  of the receptacle  50 , the extender  100 ,  200  may be utilized to add an additional storage volume to the receptacle  50 . The volume added depends on the distance, h e , or height, the walls  40   a ,  40   b ,  41   a ,  41   b  extend from a top end  51  of the receptacle  50 , as well as the width of each of the walls  40   a ,  40   b ,  41   a ,  41   b . Thus, additional waste materials  15  (i.e. in addition to waste materials  15  already stored or located within the interior  15  of the receptacle  50 ) may be collected, stored, accommodated, received, etc. between the walls  40   a ,  40   b ,  41 ,  41   b  of the extender  100 ,  200 , when the extender  100 ,  200  is engaged with the receptacle  50 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a manner in which the waste materials  15  and the extender  100 ,  200  may be disposed is now described. While the receptacle  50  is in an upright, collection position, with the extender  100 ,  200  operably engaged with the receptacle  50 , waste materials  15  may be collected and stored for eventual pickup and removal by a garbage removal company or municipality service. When it comes time for the waste materials  15  to be picked up and removed, the garbage collectors may utilize a collection vehicle  1000 , such as a garbage truck, to secure, grab, or otherwise manipulate the receptacle  50  to invert, at least to some degree, the receptacle  50  to allow the waste materials  15  to exit the interior  55  of the receptacle  50  and into a collection area of the collection vehicle  1000 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , an initial amount or portion of the waste materials  15  may exit the extender  100 ,  200  and/or the receptacle  50  and into the collection area of the collection vehicle  1000 . As the waste materials  15  continue to exit the receptacle  50 , a weight of the remaining waste materials  15  passing by the extender  100 ,  200  may engage the extender  100 ,  200 , for example, may engage an internal lip of the extender  100 ,  200  proximate the second end  32 ,  232 , and may help drive or otherwise urge the extender  100 ,  200  out of physical engagement with the inner surface  55  of the receptacle  50 , and into the collection area of the collection vehicle  100  along with other waste materials  15 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Therefore, the waste materials  15  and the extender  100 ,  200  are efficiently disposed of and collected in a single motion—or a single lift and invert of the receptacle  50 . This may save time for the garbage collectors because they do not need to stop, bend over, and hand collect waste material stacked next to the receptacle  50  because the receptacle  50  lacked the capacity to store all of the waste. Further, no additional time may be wasted to collect the additional waste materials  15  collected/stored by the presence/use of the extender  100 ,  200  because the extender  100 ,  200  may be disposed of and collected by the garbage collection vehicle  1000  in the same motion as if just collecting the waste stored in the receptacle  50 . 
     In alternative embodiments, a garbage collector(s) may physically lift and invert the receptacle  50  with the extender  100 ,  200  attached thereto and empty into a garbage collection vehicle  1000 , or suitable collection means. The extender  100 ,  200  may likewise disengage from the receptacle  50  for disposal along with the waste materials  15 . 
     With continued reference to the drawings,  FIGS. 9 and 10  depict an embodiment of extender  300 . Embodiments of extender  300  may be a box, an add-on, a cardboard structure, a garbage containment unit, a cardboard accessory, or the like, sized and dimensioned to be placed on top of a cover  53  of a receptacle  50  of various sizes. The extender  300  may be a device that may be configured to be placed upon a cover  53  of a receptacle  50 , such as industry standard sized garbage can, to extend or otherwise increase a capacity of the receptacle  50 . The increased capacity may be an amount of volume for storing garbage, waste, yard waste, leaves, etc., or any contents suitable for placement in a receptacle that is in addition to a maximum volume afforded by the receptacle  50 . For example, if the receptacle  50  becomes full of waste materials  15 , such as garbage, waste, recyclables, yard waste, and the like, any additional waste materials will not fit properly within the receptacle  50 , and likely fall to the side of the receptacle  50 , or can blow away due to the wind or other environmental elements. To increase a volume or storage capacity of the receptacle  50 , embodiments of an extender  300  may be placed on a top of a receptacle  50  so that additional waste materials  15  may be stored in addition to the waste material already stored within the receptacle  50 . While the extender  300  is operatively attached to the receptacle  50 , a storage capacity of the receptacle  50  is effectively increased because of the additional capacity or volume afforded by the extender  300 . Embodiments of the receptacle  50  may be a garbage can, a pail, a garbage pail, a transportable waste container, a waste collection device, a barrel, a bucket, and the like. In some embodiments, the receptacle  50  may include a cover  53  that can be hingedly or otherwise pivotally attached to the receptacle  50 . Further, embodiments of receptacle  50  may be various sizes, as might be offered/provided by a waste collection company or a municipality, or otherwise available for purchase at a home improvement store. 
     Embodiments of extender  300  may include a first end  331 , a second end  332 , an outer surface  333 , an inner surface  334 , and a general opening extending therethrough. Moreover, embodiments of the extender  300  may include a plurality of walls  340   a ,  340   b ,  341   a ,  341   b . Each of the plurality of walls  340   a ,  340   b ,  341   a ,  341   b  may be shaped like a square or rectangle to form a box-like configuration having an interior space  335 . A number and an arrangement of the plurality of walls, when operably configured, may correspond to a geometric shape of a cover  53  of the receptacle  50  so that it may efficiently rest upon a cover  53  of the receptacle  50 . In one embodiment, the extender  300  may include four walls, with a front wall  340   a , a back wall  340   b , a first side wall  341   a , and a second side wall  341   b ; embodiments of the extender  300  may include an optional bottom wall and/or a top wall, wherein the top wall may be opened when needed to place contents therein and closed to hinder access, provide protection against rain or other environmental elements, and/or minimize odor. For instance, a top wall may be movably or pivotally attached to the at least on the walls  340   a ,  34   b ,  341   a ,  341   b . The walls  340   a ,  340   b ,  341   a ,  341   b  may be equal in size, or may vary in size with respect to each other. Furthermore, the walls  340   a ,  340   b ,  341   a ,  341   b  may be structurally integral with each other and joined along each edge to the next wall, as shown in  FIG. 9 . The edges may be creased or pre-creased to facilitate or promote flexibility of the extender  300 . The flexibility of the extender  100  may vary, but in some cases, the extender  300  may be able to be folded into a flat unit, while all of the edges of the walls  340   a ,  340   b ,  341 ,  341   b  remain connected, structurally integral or otherwise. 
     Furthermore, embodiments of extender  300  may include at least one edge of one of the plurality of walls  340   a ,  340   b ,  341   a ,  341   b  may be a free edge, which may also allow the extender  300  to be packaged and sold as a flat, or relatively flat, or a folded flat unit. For example, a left edge of front wall  340   a  may be a free edge, while the other, right, edge of the front wall  340   a  is connected to the left edge of first side wall  341   a . In this example, an edge of the second side wall  341   b  may also be a free edge. Any configuration or combination of free edges may be implemented to form extender  300 . In some operable configurations, the free edges may be connected to each other for added stability once ready for use. For instance, the free edges may be connected to each other using a connection element, such as a component similar to connection element  245  described supra. In other operable configurations, the free edges may remain unconnected when placed within the receptacle  50 , wherein the free edges are proximate or otherwise near each other when in this operable configuration. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , embodiments of extender  300  may include one or more wings  345 . Embodiments of the one or more wings  345  may be a wing, a strap, a flap, a connector, a securing strap, a securing element, and the like. Embodiments of the one or more wings  345  may be a separate section of material that is operably attached to one or more walls, such a first side wall  341   a  and a second side wall  341   b . For example, wings  345  may be affixed, adhered, stapled, or otherwise secured to one or more side walls of the extender  300 . Alternatively, embodiments of wings  345  may be structurally integral with one or walls  340   a ,  340   b ,  341   a ,  341   b  of the extender  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Embodiments of the one or more wings  345  may protrude, extend, or hang down beyond a second end  332  of the extender  300  a distance to allow the wings  345  to be manipulated for operable engagement with the receptacle  50 . Furthermore, embodiments of the extender  300  may be made out of cardboard or other suitable material. The material(s) forming the extender  300  may be disposable. However, in some embodiments, the extender  300  may be made of a material that can be reused without significant risk of damage if exposed to environmental elements. In further embodiments, the extender  300  may be made out a metal, such as aluminum, or plastic and can be recycled with the other contents within the receptacle  50 , such as known recyclable items that are commonly discarded. In even further embodiments, waste materials  15  may be segregated by type/contents by locating certain materials in the extender  300 , and the more conventional or non-hazardous contents in the interior  55  of the receptacle  50 . For example, normal waste materials  15  may be kept in the receptacle  50 , while batteries may be placed within the interior space  335  of the extender  300  to separate the contents, making it easier for collection companies to sort contents. Sorting contents may be made easier because the contents of extender  300  may be dumped into a separate compartment of the collection vehicle  1000  (e.g. recyclables, hazardous, etc.) 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , an embodiment of extender  300  is shown in an operable configuration and engaged with receptacle  50 . The extender  300  may be provided to an end user as a flat and/or folded unit, as described above, or may be provided to an end user partly folded or otherwise intact. If the extender  300  comes in a folded or flat unit, a user may manipulate the plurality of walls  340   a ,  340   b ,  341   a ,  341   b  to form a box-like structure, as shown in  FIGS. 8-11 . Once assembled or otherwise formed into a box-like structure, the extender  300  may be placed on a cover  53  of a receptacle  50  (e.g. when the cover  53  is closed over a top end  51  of the receptacle  50 ). Because the one or more wings  345  may protrude, extend, or hang down beyond a second end  332  of the extender  300  a distance, the wings  345  may be manipulated so as to be placed underneath a cover  53  of the receptacle  50  and into an interior  55  of the receptacle  50 . For instance, a user may place the extender  300  on top of the receptacle  50 , and at least slightly open the cover  53 , and when the cover  52  is at least slightly open, the user may insert the one or more wings  345  into the interior  55  of the receptacle  50 , and then return the cover  53  to a closed position. A weight of the cover  53  may secure the extender  300  in a collection position atop the receptacle  50 , thus affording the receptacle  50  an increased storage capacity for waste materials  15 . As more waste materials  15  are placed within the interior space  335  of the extender  300 , an additional weight/force can be applied to the cover  53 , thus increasing the force exerted against the one or more wings  345 . 
     Accordingly, in this position, the extender  300  may protrude, extend, or otherwise rise from a top cover  53  of the receptacle  50  a distance, which may represent an increased storage capacity for waste materials  15 . For instance, when waste materials  15  fill or substantially fill the interior  55  of the receptacle  50 , the extender  300  may be utilized to add an additional storage volume to the receptacle  50 . The volume added depends on the distance, or height, the walls  340   a ,  340   b ,  341   a ,  341   b  extend from a top end  51  of the receptacle  50 , as well as the width of each of the walls  340   a ,  340   b ,  341   a ,  341   b . Thus, additional waste materials  15  (i.e. in addition to waste materials  15  already stored or located within the interior  15  of the receptacle  50 ) may be collected, stored, accommodated, received, etc. between the walls  340   a ,  340   b ,  341 ,  341   b  of the extender  300 , when the extender  300  is engaged with the receptacle  50 . 
       FIG. 15  depicts an embodiment of a receptacle  50  that may include a plurality of support elements  56 . Embodiments of support elements  56  may be supports, box supports, extender supporters, framing elements, guide elements, corner elements, or any suitable component for preventing or hindering slidable movement of the extender  300  across the cover  53  of the receptacle  50  when placed atop the receptacle  50 . Embodiments of the support elements  56  may be positioned in or more corner locations of the cover  53  of the receptacle  50 . Additionally, support elements  56  may be positioned on the cover  53  at a location that may correspond to where a wall  340   a ,  340   b ,  341   a ,  341   b  engage the cover  53  of the receptacle  50 . Embodiments of the support elements  56  may include a right angle or a substantially right angle to accommodate or correspond with a corner of the extender  300 . Embodiments of the support elements  56  may include a first wall and a second wall, or a single wall, that may protrude or extend upwards from the cover  53  of the receptacle. Thus, an extender  300  may be placed between the support elements  56 , wherein the support elements  56  may prevent or hinder slidable movement of the extender  300  to help retain the extender  300  in position. Further, embodiments of the support elements  56  may be structurally integral with the cover  53 , or may be separately attached to the cover  53 , and may be made of the same or different material of the cover  53 . In most embodiments, the support elements  56  may be comprised of a rigid material. 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , a manner in which the waste materials  15  and the extender  300  may be disposed is now described. While the receptacle  50  is in an upright, collection position, with the extender  300  operably engaged with the receptacle  50 , waste materials  15  may be collected and stored for eventual pickup and removal by a garbage removal company or municipality service. When it comes time for the waste materials  15  to be picked up and removed, the garbage collectors may utilize a collection vehicle  1000 , such as a garbage truck, to secure, grab, or otherwise manipulate the receptacle  50  to invert, at least to some degree, the receptacle  50  to allow the waste materials  15  to exit the interior  55  of the receptacle  50  and into a collection area of the collection vehicle  1000 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , an initial amount or portion of the waste materials  15  may exit the extender  300  into the collection area of the collection area. As the waste materials  15  exit the extender  300  and the receptacle  50  is at least partially inverted, the cover  53  also begins to open, releasing the one or more wings  345  of extender  300 . When the one or more wings  345  are released (i.e. the cover  53  no longer pinches the wings  345  against a top lip of the receptacle  50 ), the extender  300  is physically disengaged with the receptacle  50 , and drops into the collection area of the collection vehicle  100  along with other waste materials  15 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . Therefore, the waste materials  15  and the extender  300  are efficiently disposed of and collected in a single motion—or a single lift and invert of the receptacle  50 . This may save time for the garbage collectors because they do not need to stop, bend over, and hand collect waste material stacked next to the receptacle  50  because the receptacle  50  lacked the capacity to store all of the waste. Further, no additional time may be wasted to collect the additional waste materials  15  collected/stored by the presence/use of the extender  300  because the extender  300  may be disposed of and collected by the garbage collection vehicle  1000  in the same motion as if just collecting the waste stored in the receptacle  50 . 
     In alternative embodiments, a garbage collector(s) may physically lift and invert the receptacle  50  with the extender  300  attached thereto and empty into a garbage collection vehicle  1000 , or suitable collection means. The extender  300  may likewise disengage from the receptacle  50  for disposal along with the waste materials  15 . 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  depict yet another embodiment of an extender  400 . Embodiments of extender  400  may be permanently attached to a receptacle  50 . For instance, embodiments of extender  400  may be permanently attached to a cover  53  of the receptacle  50 . Embodiments of extender  400  may be collapsible, such that when additional storage capacity is not needed, the extender  400  may be collapsed into a first, flat position, and when needed to increase a storage capacity of the receptacle  50 , the extender  50  may be unfolded or moved to a second, erect position. Moreover, embodiments of the extender  400  may include a plurality of walls  440   a ,  440   b ,  441   a ,  441   b , an outer surface  433 , and inner surface  434 , and an interior space  435  to accommodate waste materials  15 . At least two of the walls  440   a ,  440   b ,  441   a ,  441   b  may be spring loaded and hingedly movable from a flat position to an upright, erect position. While the spring loaded walls are held erect or partially erect, another wall, which may not be spring loaded, can be raised to fit between the spring loaded wall. The force of the spring loaded wall acting on either side of the free standing wall will keep the walls erect, and in the second, upright position configured to received and store waste materials  15  beyond or in addition to the waste materials  15  stored within the receptacle  50 . A remaining wall, which may not be spring loaded, may also be lifted upright so as to fit between the spring loaded walls to complete the extender  400 . While embodiments of extender  400  may not be disposable, the method and manner in which the contents of both the extender  400  and receptacle  50  are emptied may be similar to the methods described with respect to extender  100 ,  200 ,  300 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-19 , and additional reference to  FIG. 20 , embodiments of a method for collecting garbage may include a step of providing a receptacle, such as receptacle  50 , for storing waste materials. For example, a garbage collecting service may provide homeowners, users, renters, etc. with a receptacle  50  of a certain size, wherein the receptacle  50  may be configured to be lifted and inverted by a mechanical means of a garbage collection vehicle  1000  to empty the waste materials  15  within the receptacle  50 . Another step may be to provide an extender  100 ,  200 ,  300  for use with the receptacle  50 , the extender cooperating with the receptacle  50  to increase a storage capacity of the provided receptacle  50 , wherein the extender  100 ,  200 ,  300  is disposable along with the waste materials  15 . Another step may be collecting the waste materials  15  and the extender  100 ,  200 ,  300  at the same time, using the mechanical means of the garbage collection means  1000 . For example, the extender  100 ,  200 ,  300  and the receptacle  50  may be emptied of waste materials in a same motion. This method may save labor time for the garbage collectors because a driver or operator(s) may stay in the truck and pick up the receptacle according to existing methods, yet dump the contents of the extender (and potentially the extender itself) in the same motion. Moreover, the method may allow customers to purchase a smaller trash service (e.g. smaller size container) with a temporary means in which to increase a capacity of the purchased receptacle. The disposability of the extender  100 ,  200 ,  300  may be a cost-effective alternative to buying a larger receptacle service, and may be a way for a garbage service collection company to secure more customers by including one or more extenders in a package. 
     While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as required by the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.