Patent Publication Number: US-2009226242-A1

Title: Waste receptacle coupling device

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Transport of waste from a place of residence or business to a collection site can be a cumbersome process, which often involves the use of mobile waste receptacles. While these receptacles are able to transport a large volume of waste, there is often a need, due to waste volume or the rate of waste collection, for multiple receptacles. One of the intrinsic properties of these receptacles is that their large size and shape precludes many individuals from comfortably transporting more than a single receptacle at one time. Given the time lost performing multiple trips to the waste collection site, there is an clear need for a device which would enable an individual to transport more than one mobile waste receptacle at a time. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure of the application includes the disclosure of apparatuses for the transport of at least one waste receptacle. According to at least one embodiment of an apparatus for the transport of at least one waste receptacle of the present disclosure, the apparatus comprises a block having a first block surface and a second block surface opposite the first block surface, at least one first prong projecting from the first block surface, at least one second prong projecting from the second block surface, and a retaining bar projecting from the first block surface, wherein the at least one first prong is approximately parallel to the at least one second prong. 
     According to an aspect of at least one embodiment of an apparatus for transporting at least one waste receptacle of the present disclosure, the apparatus comprises a block having a first block surface and a second block surface opposite the first block surface; a first prong having a first prong surface, the first prong surface of the first prong coupled to the first block surface of the block; a second prong having a second prong surface, the second prong surface of the second prong coupled to the second block surface of the block; and a retaining bar coupled to the first block surface of the block, the retaining bar sized to engage a portion of a first waste receptacle. 
     According to an aspect of at least one embodiment of an apparatus for transporting at least one waste receptacle of the present disclosure, the at least one first prong is sized to engage a recessed area of a first waste receptacle. 
     According to an aspect of at least one embodiment of an apparatus for transporting at least one waste receptacle of the present disclosure, the at least one second prong is sized to engage a handle area of a second waste receptacle. 
     According to an aspect of at least one embodiment of an apparatus for transporting at least one waste receptacle of the present disclosure, whereby two waste receptacles may be detachably joined to the apparatus by engaging the at least one first prong with a recessed area of a first waste receptacle and the at least one second prong with a handle area of a second waste receptacle. 
     According to an aspect of at least one embodiment of an apparatus for transporting at least one waste receptacle of the present disclosure, the apparatus, or the block of the apparatus, is comprised of a rigid material, such as, for example, a metal, a plastic, a composite material, or a carbon fiber material. 
     According to an aspect of at least one embodiment of an apparatus for transporting at least one waste receptacle of the present disclosure, the first prong and second prong are positioned approximately parallel to each other. 
     According to an aspect of at least one embodiment of an apparatus for transporting at least one waste receptacle of the present disclosure, the first prong, and/or the second prong, is/are adjustable relative to the block. 
     According to an aspect of at least one embodiment of an apparatus for transporting at least one waste receptacle of the present disclosure, the apparatus further comprises a third prong having a third prong surface, the third prong surface coupled to the first block surface of the block. 
     According to an aspect of at least one embodiment of an apparatus for transporting at least one waste receptacle of the present disclosure, the apparatus further comprises a fourth prong having a fourth prong surface, the fourth prong surface coupled to the second block surface of the block. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will be more apparent and better understood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a rear view of a waste receptacle coupling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is a front view of a waste receptacle coupling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a waste receptacle coupling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of a waste receptacle coupling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of a waste receptacle coupling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of a waste receptacle coupling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a waste receptacle coupling device coupled to a waste receptacle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a waste receptacle coupling device coupled to one receptacle and positioned for coupling to a second receptacle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a waste receptacle coupling device installed between two waste receptacles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a waste receptacle coupling device coupled to two receptacles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , there are shown rear and front views, respectively, of waste receptacle coupling device  10  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , waste receptacle coupling device  10  comprises a pair of rear prongs  20 , a pair of front prongs  22 , a block  24  interposed between rear prongs  20  and front prongs  22 , and a retaining bar  26  extending from block  24 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the elements of waste receptacle coupling device  10  may be comprised of any resilient, rigid material such as, for example, plastic, fiberglass, wood, metal, a carbon fiber material, or a composite of several materials. 
     In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, each rear prong  20  comprises an elongated shape and includes top end  201  and bottom end  203 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, each front prong  22  comprises an elongated shape and includes top end  221  and bottom end  223 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, retaining bar  26  comprises an elongated shape and includes end  261 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a side view of waste receptacle coupling device  10  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 2  are rear prong  20 , front prong  22 , block  24  interposed between rear prong  20  and front prong  22 , and retaining bar  26  extending from block  24 . Also shown in  FIG. 2  are first block surface  241  and second block surface  243 . In the embodiment of waste receptacle coupling device  10  depicted in  FIG. 2 , rear prong  20  may be detachably connected to block  24  at first block surface  241 . For example, rear prong  20  may be detachably connected to block  24  at first block surface  241  through the use of thumb screws, clamps, Velcro®, magnetic force, adhesives, or other fastening methods (not shown in  FIG. 2 ). In such an embodiment of the present disclosure, rear prong  20  may be detached from block  24  and repositioned so that the position of top end  201  relative to block  24  may be adjusted. After rear prong  20  is repositioned adjacent to first block surface  241  with top end  201  and block  24  in the desired relationship, rear prong  20  may be reattached to block  24 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, rear prong  20  is not detachable from block  24 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, rear prong  20  is formed out of block  24  such that rear prong  20  and block  24  are of a unitary construction. 
     Likewise, in the embodiment of waste receptacle coupling device  10  depicted in  FIG. 2 , front prong  22  may be detachably connected to block  24  at second block surface  243 . For example, front prong  22  may be detachably connected to block  24  at second block surface  243  through the use of thumb screws, clamps, Velcro®, magnetic force, adhesives, or other fastening methods (not shown in  FIG. 2 ). In such an embodiment of the present disclosure, front prong  22  may be detached from block  24  and repositioned so that the position of top end  221  relative to block  24  may be adjusted. After front prong  22  is repositioned adjacent to first block surface  243  with top end  221  and block  24  in the desired relationship, front prong  22  may be reattached to block  24 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, front prong  22  is not detachable from block  24 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, front prong  22  is formed out of block  24  such that front prong  22  and block  24  are of a unitary construction. 
     In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, one end of retaining bar  26  is connected to block  24 , and end  261  of retaining bar  26  extends away from block  24 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , retaining bar  26  extends away from block  24  at approximately a 45° angle, but this is not required. The angle between retaining bar  26  and block  24  may be more than or less than 45°. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, retaining bar  26  is formed out of block  24  such that retaining bar  26  and block  24  are of a unitary construction. In the embodiments of waste receptacle coupling device  10  according to the present disclosure shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2 , end  261  of retaining bar  26  comprises a concave shape, but this is not required. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3-5 , there is shown a waste receptacle coupling device  10  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in front perspective view, rear perspective view, and bottom perspective view, respectively. 
     Although  FIGS. 1-5  show embodiments of the present disclosure comprising two front prongs  20 , two rear prongs  22 , and one retaining bar  26 , other configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure. A waste receptacle coupling device  10  according to the present disclosure may comprise one or more front prongs  20  and one or more rear prongs  22  and one or more retaining bars  26 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a side view of a waste receptacle coupling device  10  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure operably connected to a first waste receptacle  30 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , waste receptacle  30  comprises a recessed area  301 , handle area  303 , contact point  305 , and one or more rear wheels  307  (only one of which is shown in  FIG. 6 ). In at least one embodiment of waste receptacle  30 , contact point  305  comprises a cylindrical crossbar installed substantially parallel to the ground. In at least one embodiment of waste receptacle  30 , recessed area  301  and contact point  305  are arranged and constructed in such a way as to accommodate lifter units on automated refuse collection vehicles. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , waste receptacle coupling device  10  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is operably connected to first waste receptacle  30  by inserting top end  201  (not shown) of rear prong  20  into recessed area  301  of waste receptacle  30 , and placing end  261  of retaining bar  26  in contact with contact point  305 . Where contact point  305  comprises a cylindrical crossbar installed substantially parallel to the ground, end  261  of retaining bar  26  may comprise a concave shape that mates with the cylindrical shape of contact point  305 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a side view of a waste receptacle coupling device  10  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure operably connected to a first waste receptacle  30  and a second waste receptacle  40 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , waste receptacle coupling device  10  is operably connected to first waste receptacle  30  by inserting top end  201  (not shown) of rear prong  20  into recessed area  301  of waste receptacle  30 , and placing end  261  of retaining bar  26  in contact with contact point  305 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , waste receptacle coupling device  10  is operably connected to second waste receptacle  40  by inserting top end  221  of front prong  22  into an aperture in handle area  403  of second waste receptacle  40 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a top view of a waste receptacle coupling device  10  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure operably connected to a first waste receptacle  30  and a second waste receptacle  40 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , each top end  221  of each front prong  22  of waste receptacle coupling device  10  is inserted into an aperture in handle area  403  of second waste receptacle  40 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a side view of a waste receptacle coupling device  10  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure operably connected to a first waste receptacle  30  and a second waste receptacle  40 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , by exerting a force on handle  303 , first waste receptacle  30  is caused to rotate about the axle of wheels  307 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in this embodiment of the present disclosure, rotation of first waste receptacle  30  about the axle of wheels  307  causes first waste receptacle  30  to tip, thereby causing waste receptacle coupling device  10  to move upward. Front prong  22  is forced upwardly through the aperture in handle area  403  of second waste receptacle  40 , causing second waste receptacle  40  to rotate about the axle of wheels  407 . Only wheels  307  and  407  of first waste receptacle  30  and second waste receptacle  40 , respectively, remain in contact with the ground. First waste receptacle  30  and second waste receptacle  40  thereby are placed into a position to be readily moved by pushing or pulling on handle area  303 . 
     To accommodate waste receptacles of varying sizes and shapes and configurations, the arrangement of components of waste receptacle coupling device  10  of the present disclosure may be adjusted accordingly. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, rear prong  20  and front prong  22  may be structured and attached in such a way as to be movable relative to block  24 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance between rear prong  20  and front prong  22  may adjustable by adjusting the size of block  24 . In at least one embodiment, rear prong  20  and front prong  22  may have at least one hole through the prong. Such a hole may be used for attachment of the front prong or rear prong to block  24 . In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, rear prong  20  and front prong  22  may be positioned approximately parallel to each other, but this is not required. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, rear prong  20  and front prong  22  may be adjustable vertically relative to block  24 . For example, in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure the length of either or both of rear prong  20  and/or front prong  22  may be adjusted by a telescoping method. 
     In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, retaining bar  26  may be modified for transportation or adaptability. In at least one embodiment the present disclosure, retaining bar  26  may have a portions defining a hole that may be useful for grasping. 
     At least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a waste transportation system wherein waste receptacle coupling device  10  is integrated into a surface of a waste receptacle, such as, for example waste receptacle  30 . In such an embodiment, waste receptacle coupling device  10  is not detachable from the surface of the waste receptacle. 
     In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of coupling one or more waste receptacles is described which includes the steps of: placing a waste receptacle comprising a recessed area, a contact point (such as, for example, a cylindrical crossbar installed substantially parallel to the ground), and a plurality of wheels upright on a surface; positioning a waste receptacle coupling device comprising a first prong, a second prong, a block and a retaining bar such that the first prong is engageably connected to the recessed area of the waste receptacle; positioning the retaining bar against the retaining wall of the waste receptacle; and positioning the waste receptacle relative to the surface such that the weight of the waste receptacle resides substantially over the plurality of wheels. 
     Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of an item or group of items, but not the exclusion of any other item or group items. 
     While this disclosure has been described as having preferred designs, the apparatus and methods according to the present disclosure can be further modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. For example, any methods disclosed herein and in the appended claims represent one possible sequence of performing the steps thereof. A practitioner may determine in a particular implementation that a plurality of steps of one or more of the disclosed methods may be combinable, or that a different sequence of steps may be employed to accomplish the same results. Each such implementation falls within the scope of the present disclosure as disclosed herein and in the appended claims. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains.