Patent Publication Number: US-2002003144-A1

Title: Garbage can with removable bottom

Description:
PRIORITY  
     [0001] This patent claims priority based on Provisional Patent Ser. No. 60/216,756 filed Jul. 7, 2000 and Provisional Patent Ser. No. 60/226,641 filed Aug. 21, 2000. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0003] The invention relates to garbage cans. More particularly, the invention relates to garbage cans with removable bottoms. More particularly, the invention relates to garbage cans for the collection of leaves, yard debris and the like.  
       [0004] 2. Prior Art  
       [0005] Different garbage cans, leaf collectors, various devices to receive leaves, clothes hampers and linen hampers are known in the prior art.  
       GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006] The invention disclosed herein is a garbage can with a removable bottom. The round open, smooth wall cylinder of the garbage can is made of lightweight plastic or fiberglass with no top or bottom, for trash, leaf and lawn debris cans. The invention&#39;s open can cylinder body may come in a variety of different sizes. This allows the unit to accommodate the different size lawn, trash or linen bags being made by other manufactures. In the preferred embodiment the invention comes in two sizes. One is approximately 55 gallon in size, approximately 36″ in height and approximately 24″ in diameter. It holds a 55 gallon plastic yard or linen bag. The other one is approximately 35 gallon in size, approximately 28″ in height and approximately 20″ in diameter. It holds a 35 gallon plastic yard or linen bag.  
       [0007] The open bottom of the open can cylinder&#39;s body may be of slightly larger diameter than the open can cylinder&#39;s body&#39;s open top diameter. This allows one unit to fit over another unit. This in turn allows for consolidation of the units during manufacturing, shipping and storage. This also reduces the amount of display space required for each unit. It also allows loads to be discharged through the bottom.  
       [0008] The bottom of the invention may be as simple as cross straps of webbing. If cross straps are used, they should be sufficiently thick and wide enough so that they can support the weight of the contents in the cylinder. Particularly, if a bag is used, the weight of the contents against the bottom should not tear the bag.  
       [0009] In the preferred embodiment, adjacent to the bottom, the can cylinder has two webbing cross straps, approximately 2″ in width and approximately 40″ in length, each permanently attached at one end to its wheel side or back side of its body by adhesive or molded into the cylinder body. In another embodiment, one webbing cross strap is attached to the right side and one is attached to the left side of the invention&#39;s back side. On the free end of each of these webbing cross straps, held in a straight position, underneath the body, on the side facing the cylinder, is a strip of fastening tape of interlocking hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO), approximately 2″ in width and approximately 10″ in length, sewn on or attached by adhesive to the webbing cross straps. This could be replaced with a buckle. The bottom may have aligning brackets through which the straps pass to keep them from slipping and tightly holding the bottom. This can also keep the straps off the ground so wear is reduced.  
       [0010] In the preferred embodiment the opposite side or front side of the can&#39;s body are two patches of cooperating loop fasteners to work with hooks in the straps, approximately 3″ in width and approximately 10″ in length. They are mounted permanently with adhesive or molded into the cylinder&#39;s body and cooperate with the interlocking hooks on the two webbing cross straps. These patches are located on the left and right lower portion of the invention&#39;s front side. When the hooks of the cooperating hook and loop fasteners on the two webbing cross straps are interlocked with these patches of loops on the front side, they support the bottom of a plastic yard or linen bag and its contents during the filling and moving of the invention.  
       [0011] Also, on the cylinder&#39;s body&#39;s left and right side is a patch of loop fasteners, approximately 3″ in width and approximately 10″ in length. They are mounted permanently with adhesive or molded into its body and cooperate with the Velcro hooks on the two webbing cross straps. These patches are located on the upper back portion of the invention&#39;s left and right sides. When the hooks of the hook and loop fasteners on the two webbing cross straps are interlocked with the loops on these two patches, the webbing cross straps are held out of the way during the emptying of the invention.  
       [0012] Exhaust or vent holes are provided in the sides of the open can cylinder&#39;s body to allow the garbage bag to expand outward when being filled and to prevent suction from holding it when the bag is removed. These holes are small smooth molded or drilled ventilation holes, approximately ½″ in diameter. These holes prevent a vacuum from forming and holding the bags within the cylinder defined herein.  
       [0013] There is a loose or independent elastic ring or strap, approximately 22″ in diameter that goes around the cylinder&#39;s top, preferably between a molded top lip and a molded bottom lip, which keeps the strap in place. This elastic ring or strap holds a garbage, yard or linen bag in an open position by securing the periphery to the outer circumference of the cylinder tip and ensures that the bag does not fall out or slip down during filling of the bag and moving of the cylinder.  
       [0014] The top and bottom lips mentioned above do not run around the entire open can cylinder&#39;s circumference in the preferred embodiment, but the lips may in alternate embodiments. This partial opening of the lips allows easy access to the elastic ring or strap by exposing it in the gaps to the user.  
       [0015] The invention preferably has one or more handles in order to allow it to be tilted, moved or lifted. These handles may be attached or made into the cylinder&#39;s body. One handle is on the wheel side or the back side of the cylinder and the other on the opposite or its front side. At least one second set of handles, lower down, may allow for easier lifting of the cylinder over the bag.  
       [0016] The invention preferably has two wheels, approximately 6″ in diameter, so that it may be rolled around, for example, to collect leaves or yard debris. These wheels may be attached to the cylinder in several different ways. These wheels on which the invention rolls also support the whole body in a level position. The wheels are preferably attached in such a way to allow the webbing cross straps to be undone, as by releasing Velcro-fastening tape hooks on the webbing cross straps from the patches of Velcro-fastening tape loops on its front side, which allows the cylinder to be tilted, rolled and emptied or lifted up to release what is contained in the body cylinder.  
       [0017] On some embodiments of the invention, lids may be provided to cover the open top of the cylinder&#39;s body. This is not to say or intend that lids will be provided or needed on all embodiments of the invention.  
       [0018] For safety to its user, all manufactured edges of the invention are smooth or dull to protect its user from cuts and abrasions. This also helps prevent cuts and tears to the plastic bags used in the invention.  
       [0019] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the webbing cross straps are not supplemented with a removable base. The webbing cross straps can also be supplemented with swing open and close hinged plates held in place in a closed position by the webbing cross straps.  
       [0020] Thus, the webbing cross straps may be replaced with hinges and the bottom plate may be held in place by the hinge. Elastic straps in retaining holes may be used in place of Velcro. The webbing cross straps can also be replaced with a removable independent base which may be a cylinder, a base plate, which slides in or out of grooves in the bottom, a swing open and close door, a removable net or swing in and out hinged forks.  
       [0021] Also disclosed herein, is a means to allow a single user to lift the cylinder in the event that it is filled by having poles which may extend over this cylinder. A pulley system attached to the poles so that the can may be pulled approximately straight upward in order to lift it above a filled bag.  
       [0022] Some warnings which may be provided on the cylinder are:  
       [0023] Anytime plastic bags of any size or nature are used in this invention or its embodiments, caution should be used around children to prevent suffocation or drowning.  
       [0024] Anytime elastic rubber straps are used, caution should be used to prevent breakage and causing damage to the eyes.  
       [0025] Cross straps, their supplemented parts or their replacement parts may become a tripping hazard if not stored or used in their correct position.  
       [0026] Use proper lifting procedures when lifting and moving this invention or any of its various embodiments.  
       [0027] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide for a plastic garbage, yard or clothing bag to be held open, moved about and removed, holding its contents in a closed confined manner for the various purposes discussed above.  
       [0028] One purpose of the invention is to provide a safe, convenient and easy way to place garbage, leaves, yard debris, soiled clothing or the like in a portable, manageable apparatus. It is another purpose to provide the convenience of easy removal of contents from a garbage can. The contents may be a trash bag or cloth bag.  
       [0029] Another purpose is to eliminate the need for the user to lift heavy bags of leaves, yard debris or soiled clothing and linens.  
       [0030] Another purpose is to provide a gathering can which requires only one person to use and makes pick up of piles of leaves or yard debris easy. The user need only tilt the device and roll it from pile to pile. The device makes street or curb pick up of trash easy. The user need only roll to the curb and remove bag. The device makes transporting garbage, dirty clothing or linen easy.  
       [0031] For cosmetic reasons, it is suggested the preferred embodiment be green or forest green in color. The removable base may be a separate color to make it easily visible so it is not accidentally filled without a base.  
       [0032] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become better understood hereinafter from a consideration of the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings forming part thereof, and in which like numerals correspond to parts throughout the several views of the invention. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
     [0033] For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:  
     [0034]FIG. 1 shows the invention&#39;s side view of the wheels or the left side of the invention.  
     [0035]FIG. 2 is a plain view showing the rear view of the wheels or the back side of the invention.  
     [0036]FIG. 3 shows the invention with a filled plastic garbage or yard bag in place.  
     [0037]FIG. 4 shows the invention&#39;s right side with a square body shape.  
     [0038] FIGS.  5  shows an alternate embodiment having secondary strap securing locations to hold the strap out of the way.  
     [0039]FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment having a hinged base.  
     [0040]FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment having clips and hooks to secure the base to the cylinder.  
     [0041]FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment having a base which slides on rails in contact with the base of the cylinder.  
     [0042]FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment having a bag retaining strap held between lips at the top of the cylinder.  
     [0043]FIG. 10 shows an alternate embodiment having a hinged side.  
     [0044]FIG. 11 shows an alternate embodiment having a net for a base.  
     [0045]FIG. 12 shows an alternate embodiment having clips and hooks to secure the base to the cylinder.  
     [0046]FIG. 13 shows a pulley lifting system used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in FIG. 14.  
     [0047]FIG. 14 shows an alternate embodiment having multiple handles and interior surface ridges.  
     [0048]FIG. 15 shows an alternate embodiment having a top support surface. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
     [0049] As best be seen by reference to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment comprises an open can cylinder  1 , which is cylindrical in design. Referred to as the body herein. The body also may be square in design  2 , as shown in FIG. 4. It has an open top  3  and an open bottom  4 . The side the wheels are mounted on is the wheel side or backside  5  of the invention. Opposite from the backside is the front side  6 . Looking at the invention from its backside  5 , it has a right side  7  and a left side  8 .  
     [0050] It has two webbing cross straps  9  mounted permanently on its backside  5 . These webbing cross straps  9  may be replaced with elastic cross straps  42  as shown on FIG. 4. Preferably these are on the back side and are mounted permanently at one end by adhesive or molded onto the body&#39;s backside  5 , as shown in FIG. 4. The loose or free ends  10  of the webbing cross straps  9  have interlocking hooks  11 . On the cylinder&#39;s front side  6 , the cylinder has two patches of interlocking loops  12  which cooperate to make a releasable connection with the hooks  11  on the webbing cross strap&#39;s  9  loose ends  10  during filling and moving the invention around with a plastic garbage or yard bag  22  in place. At this time, the open bottom  4  is at least partially enclosed by the two cross straps  9  running underneath its open bottom  4 .  
     [0051] These webbing cross straps  9  may be replaced with rubber elastic straps  42  and the hooks  11  replaced with locking devices  43  located on the free ends  10  of the rubber elastic cross straps  42 , as shown in FIG. 4. These elastic rubber cross straps  42  may also have finger tabs  44  located on their free ends  10 , as shown in FIG. 4. If the webbing cross straps  9  are replaced with elastic rubber straps  42 , the patches  12  of loops will be replaced with molded notched locking device receivers  45 . These receivers  45  (here a u-shaped receiver) will cooperate with the locking device  43  (here a ball of rubber which fits within the u-shaped receiver) on the free ends  10  of the rubber elastic cross straps  42 . A filled bag  22  can be seen in FIG. 3 showing a clear view of the interior.  
     [0052]FIG. 2 shows another patch of loops  12  of Velcro type interlocking loops  13  are attached to the open can&#39;s body  1  on its right side  7  and the can&#39;s left side  8 . These loops  13  cooperate with the hooks  11  on the cross straps  9 , to hold the cross straps  9  out of the way during removal of the plastic bag  22 .  
     [0053] If the webbing cross straps  9  are replaced with elastic rubber cross straps  42 , these patches of loops  13  will be replaced with molded notched locking device receivers  45 . These receivers  45  will cooperate with the locking device  43  on the free ends  10  of the rubber elastic cross straps  42 , as shown in FIG. 4.  
     [0054] The invention&#39;s body  1  has small exhaust vent holes  14 . These holes  14  allow air to be pushed from the body&#39;s  1  interior as the bag  22  is filled and air to return as the bag is removed. These holes  14  are shown in a straight line but may be located in various locations in various patterns. These holes  14  may not be shown on all embodiments but their placement and use are intended where applicable.  
     [0055] Channels formed by notches  100 , as shown in FIG. 14, may aid or replace the holes  14  in allowing air to pass through the interior of the cylinder body.  
     [0056] An independent elastic retaining ring or strap  15  is placed near the open top  3 . This ring  15  helps hold a plastic bag  22  in place. The ring  15  itself is held in place by a top lip  16  and a bottom lip  17 . The ring  15  may have finger tabs  18  for gripping to allow easy access and control of the ring  15  during its placement or removal. The ring  15  and lips  16  and  17  are shown in FIG. 14.  
     [0057] To accommodate lifting, tilting and moving the invention, plastic handles  19  are attached to the body  1  by molded plastic handle supports or retainers  20  at its open top. Handles  19  are not shown on all embodiments but their placement and use are intended where applicable. As shown on FIG. 14, at least one lower set of handles  101  may be used to aid the user in lifting the can off the bag when the base  46  is removed. This second set of handles  101  may be molded close to the side of the container so that they do not interfere with stacking. They may be designed to pivot out in use to be easier to grip.  
     [0058] Other types of handles may be used on the invention and its various embodiments. Handles may be as simple as smooth cut slots  36  shown in FIG. 5. Another simple handle method is handles made of rope or rope like materials  37 , as shown in FIG. 7. These handles  37  are used with rope attached to the body  1  with knots tied on the rope&#39;s ends within the body&#39;s  1  interior forming the rope handles  37 . These rope handles  37  may also run through pieces of PVC pipe  38  to ease hand strain, as shown in FIG. 8. The latter discussed lifting device downward shaped hook handles  39  may be used on the body  1 , as shown in FIG. 7, so that the loops or rings  32  will have something to attach to or lift by, as shown in FIG. 7. This is not to say or intent that other handle methods and their application cannot be used on the invention or its embodiments where applicable.  
     [0059]FIG. 2 shows the invention&#39;s wheel side or backside  5 . The invention&#39;s wheels  23  roll on an axle  24 . The axle  24  may have locking caps  26  to hold the wheels  23  in place. Washers  25  and cotter pins  27  may also be used to hold the wheels in place, as shown in FIG. 6. The axle  24  is held to the body  1  by molded plastic axle guides or supports  28 . As shown in FIG. 5, the axle  24  may be replaced by snap on wheels  29  held to the body  1  by molded plastic snap on wheel retainers  34 . On some of the embodiments, the wheels  23  may be held in place on the body  1  by wheel brackets  35 , as shown in FIG. 6. This is not to say or intend that wheels of other designs and their application cannot be used on the invention and its various embodiments. Wheels  23  and axles  24  may not be shown on all embodiments but their placement and use are intended where applicable.  
     [0060] These features of the invention allow for a single user to make the inter-locking connections between the hooks  11  on the free ends  10  of the webbing cross straps  9  and the patches of loops  12  on the body&#39;s front side  6 . The user may then insert a bag  22 , provided by the user, into the interior of the body  1  of the invention, fold the top of bag  22  over the open top  3  and apply the elastic ring  15  over the bag and between the top lip  16  and the bottom lip  17  holding bag  22  in place. The user then can move the body  1  from location to location and fill bag  22 , for example from one pile of leaves to another.  
     [0061] When the bag  22  is full, the user removes the elastic ring  15  from the body  1 . The method of bag closure is left up to the user, such as tying the bag  22  closed or the use of twist ties or pull strings. Then, the user releases the connection of the hooks  11  on the two cross straps  9  and the two patches of loops  12  located on the body&#39;s front side  6 . The user then makes the connection between the hooks  11  on the two cross straps  9  and the two patches of loops  13  located on the body&#39;s  1  right side  7  and its left side  8 .  
     [0062] The user can then tilt and roll the body  1  by using the handle  19  on its wheel side  5  or lift the body  1  by using both handles  19  (or the second lower handles  101 ) and empty the body  1  of its contents at a desired location, such as, at the curb for trash pick up.  
     [0063] On alternate embodiments, it may be desired to have lids to cover the body&#39;s round open top  3 . These tops may be round  40  in design, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, or square  41  in design, as shown in FIG. 8, depending on the design of the body they are intended to fit and cover.  
     [0064] In FIG. 5, this concept shows a round body  1  in design. It may have some of the features of the preferred embodiment such as handles  19 , vent and exhaust holes  14 , retaining ring  15 , retaining lips  16  &amp;  17  and wheels  23 . A removable bottom cover or base  46  is held in place by the cross straps  9 . The removable base  46  may be notched, as shown in FIG. 14, to define a gap  102  to accommodate the wheel brackets  35 . The  53  removable base&#39;s inside diameter in this embodiment is slightly larger than the body&#39;s  1  outside diameter so that the body  1  will fit into the removable base  46 . The body may also come in a square design  2 . The removable base  46  may also be square in design to fit the square body  2 .  
     [0065]FIG. 1 shows the base as being slightly smaller than the bottom  4  and extensions  104  above the bottom  4  keep the base  46  from going too far into the can.  
     [0066] In FIG. 6, a square body  2  is shown. It may have some of the features of the preferred embodiment such as handles  19 , vent and exhaust holes  14 , retaining ring  15  and retaining lips  16  &amp;  17  and wheels  23 . The webbing cross straps  9  are supplemented with two bottom plates  47  that are held by hinges  48  on the body&#39;s backside  5  and front side  6 . These plates  47  are allowed to swing open or closed by the placement of the two cross straps  9  or their release as described in the same procedure as discussed in the preferred embodiment.  
     [0067] In FIG. 7, there is a round body  1 . It may have some of the features of the preferred embodiment such as handles  19 , vent and exhaust holes  14 , retaining ring  15  and retaining lips  16  &amp;  17  and wheels  23 . The webbing cross straps  9  are replaced with a round swing out or in hinged bottom plate  49  held to the body by a hinge  50  and short elastic rubber straps  51  with a locking device  43  with finger tabs  44  attached to the hinged bottom plate  49 . The locking devices  43  will fit into notched locking device receivers  45  molded onto the body  1 . The user is able to empty the contents of the body  1  by releasing the rubber locking devices  43  from their receivers  45  by the use of the finger tabs  44  and swinging the hinged bottom plate  49  out of the way.  
     [0068] In FIG. 8, a square body  2  is shown. It may have some of the features of the preferred embodiment such as handles  19 , vent and exhaust holes  14 , retaining ring  15  and retaining lips  16  &amp;  17  and wheels  23 . The webbing cross straps  9  are replaced with a slide in and out plate  54  which is held in place by molded or metal slotted guides  55  in the body&#39;s lower interior. The user is able to empty the contents of the body by pulling the slide plate  54  from its guides  55 .  
     [0069] In FIG. 9, a round body  1  is used. It may have some of the features of the preferred embodiment such as handles  19 , vent and exhaust holes  14 , retaining ring  15  and retaining lips  16  &amp;  17 . A removable base  46  is shown. The removable base&#39;s inside diameter is slightly larger than the body&#39;s  1  outside diameter so that the body  1  will fit into the removable base  46 . The body may also come in a square design  2 . The removable base  46  may also be square in design to fit the square body  2 . The user is able to empty to the contents of the body  1  by lifting the body  1  approximately straight up, above and out of the attaching cylinder  46  and the body&#39;s contents such as a full plastic garbage bag  22 . This embodiment would be very useful in areas such as lunch rooms, break rooms, etc. where large volumes of heavy garbage are accumulated. The user is only responsible for lifting the body  1  rather than lifting the heavy contents.  
     [0070] In FIG. 10, a square body  2  is shown. It may have some of the features of the preferred embodiment such as handles  19 , vent and exhaust holes  14 , retaining ring  15  and retaining lips  16  &amp;  17  and wheels  23 . The removable bottom concept is replaced by the concept of a permanent or fixed bottom  56  with a hinged door  57  on its front side  6 , held in place to the body  1  by a hinge  58  and kept in a closed position by short elastic rubber retaining straps  51  with a rubber locking device  43  with finger tabs  44  attached to the body  1  that fit into notched locking device receivers  45  molded or fixed on its hinged door  57 . The user is able to empty the contents of the body  1  by releasing the rubber locking devices  43  from their receivers  45  by use of the finger tabs  44  and opening the hinged door  57 .  
     [0071] In FIG. 11, a round body I is shown. It may have some of the features of the preferred embodiment such as handles  19 , vent and exhaust holes  14 , retaining ring  15  and retaining lips  16  &amp;  17  and wheels  23 . The webbing cross straps  9  are replaced with a removable net  52  with holding loops  53  which is held in place to the body by molded “T” receivers  59  in which the net&#39;s holding loops  53  fit over. The user is able to empty the contents of the body  1  by removing the net&#39;s holding loops  53  from the molded “T” receivers  59  which releases the net  52  from the body  1 . The body  1  may also come in a square design  2 .  
     [0072] In FIG. 12, a square body  2  is shown. It may have some of the features of the preferred embodiment such as handles  19 , vent and exhaust holes  14 , retaining ring  15  and retaining lips  16  &amp;  17  and wheels  23 . The webbing cross straps  9  are replaced with two plastic forks  60 . The forks  60  are held in place by hinges  50  on the body&#39;s backside  5  and short elastic retaining straps  51  on the body&#39;s front side  6 . These short elastic straps  51  have locking devices  43  and finger tabs  44  on their free ends  10 . The body  2  has notched locking device receivers  45  on its front side  6 . The user is able to empty the contents of the body by releasing the locking devices  43  from their receivers  45  and moving a hinged fork  60  to the body&#39;s right side  7  and moving the other hinged fork  60  to the body&#39;s left side  8 .  
     [0073]FIG. 13 shows a lifting device which consists of pole framework  30 , a cable  33  from a hand running through a pulley  31  at the top of the pole framework  30  with loops or rings  32  at its end which attach to downward shaped hooked handles  39 , as shown in FIG. 7.  
     [0074]FIGS. 14 and 1 show where strap buckles  105  defining slots  106  through which the straps  10  may pass and these keep the straps  10  in place. These buckles  105  may also elevate the base off the ground so air may pass in to holes  106  in the base.  
     [0075]FIG. 15 shows a support  109  running across the opening  112  in the top of the body  1  to which clips  110  on rods  108  from a grass catcher  107  may be supported so that the opening  111  of the grass catcher  107  can be held over the opening  112  of the body so the catcher  103  can be shaken empty into the body  1  without the user supporting the full weight of the grass catcher. This type of catcher is commonly used on lawn mowers to catch grass. The rods  108  and clips  110  serve to hold the grass catcher  107  in place against an opening in the side or rear (most commonly) of the mower.  
     [0076] Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment(s) herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted a illustrative and not in a limiting sense.