Patent Publication Number: US-2013248471-A1

Title: Bin Systems

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to copending U.S. Application Ser. No. 61615793, filed on Mar. 26, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to bin systems. In particular, bin systems with integrated frames and sanitary bins are described. 
     Known bin systems are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, existing bin systems are not aesthetically pleasing; therefore, it is most desirable to place known bin systems out of plain sight. Known bin systems require a user to inconveniently store the bin system inside a cabin under a kitchen counter; thus, using current bin systems requires the user to remove the bin from storage prior to using the bin. Removing bins from under-cabinet storage is also inconvenient because a user must stoop below a cabinet when removing the bin from storage and when returning the bin to storage after using the bin. 
     An additional limitation of known bin systems is that storing the bin under a cabinet requires the bin to be transported to and from the storage location between each use. When using an existing bin system, the bin must be placed at counter height or on the floor. Bins located on a counter or on the floor are not ideal for scraping food scraps from used dishes or cooking utensils into the bin. Indeed, using the bin when located on a counter or on the floor requires hopeful aiming of unwanted compostable food scraps, which often results in messy counter tops or floors, thus requiring additional cleaning. 
     In addition, unsightly conventional bin systems may be stored in an inconvenient adjacent pantry. Although storing a bin system in a pantry may eliminate the inconvenient stooping required by under-cabinet storage, storing known bin systems in the pantry is even less convenient because known lam systems still must be retrieved before using them. Thus, inconveniently storing bin systems in an adjacent pantry does not eliminate the issues discussed above when actually using known bin systems on either the counter top or floor. Additionally, due to limited space within the pantry area, bin systems may be hidden or packed behind other items. Storing existing bin systems outside of arm&#39;s reach leads to the bin systems being used less or not at all. 
     In addition to being inconveniently located in an adjacent location, storing known bin systems in a pantry s undesirable because consumable food items are stored in the pantry. Storing food to be consumed in the future adjacent to known bin systems containing degrading compostable food scraps is unsanitary and undesirable as known bin systems lack odor control capabilities and are odiferous. Thus, odor causing gaseous particles released from refuse stored within known bin systems often ruin food that would otherwise be consumable. 
     Thus, there exists a need for bin systems that improve upon and advance the design of known bin systems. Examples of new and useful bin systems relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below. 
     SUMMARY 
     A bin system including a bin support frame and a bin. The bin support frame for supporting the bin and selectively mounting to a support member, including a shoulder member, a retaining member, a body member, and a shelf. The shoulder member is configured to selectively secure to the support member. The retainer member projects from the shoulder member and is complimentarily configured with a retainer slot of the bin, wherein selectively inserting the retainer member into the retainer slot of the bin retains the bin on the shoulder member. The body member extends from the shoulder member. The shelf is spaced from the retainer member a distance corresponding to the distance between the retainer slot of the bin and a bottom of the bin. Further, the shelf extends transverse from the body member and is configured to support the bottom of the bin when the bin is retained on the retainer member of the shoulder. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first example of a bin system. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the bin shown in  FIG. 1  depicting the bin with a closed lid. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the bin shown in  FIG. 1  depicting the bin with an open lid. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the bin system shown in  FIG. 1  depicting the shelf of the bin support frame. 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the bin system shown in  FIG. 1  depicting the interaction between the bin and the bin support frame. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-section view through the retainer members of the bin support frame shown in  FIG. 1  depicting the interaction between the retainer slot of the bin and the retainer members of the bin support frame. 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevation view of the bin support frame shown in  FIG. 1  depicting a cross-section line. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the bin system shown in  FIG. 1  depicting the interaction between the bin and the lain support frame. 
         FIG. 9  is a close-up cross-section view of the interaction between the retainer slot of the bin and the retainer member of the bin support frame. 
         FIG. 10  is a close-up cross-section view of the interaction between the lip of the bin and the shelf and channel of the bin support frame. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of a second example of a bin system. 
         FIG. 12  is a dose-up perspective view depicting the latch of the bin support frame shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a front elevation view of the bin support frame shown in  FIG. 11  depicting the latch in a rest position with the latch engaged position in dashed lines. 
         FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of the bin support frame shown in  FIG. 11  depicting the channel portion of the shelf. 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevation view of the bin support frame extension member shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 16  is a side elevation view of the bin support frame extension member shown in  FIG. 11 . p  FIG. 17  is a from elevation view of the bin support frame shown in  FIG. 11  depicting the extension mechanism. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosed bin systems will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake, of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description. 
     Throughout the following detailed description, examples of various bin systems are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-17 , a first example of a bin system, bin system  100  will nosy be described. Bin system  100  includes a bin  180 , a bin support frame  110 , and one or more fasteners  160  configured to selectively couple bin support frame  110  with a support member  115 . Bin system  100  may be mounted on the inside of a kitchen cabinet, cabinet exterior, pantry door, or interior wall of a pantry area so that bin system  100  is not in plain sight. Additionally, bin system  100  may be mounted at a height that eliminates stooping when scraping food scraps. In the case of mounting bin system  100  to the inside of a below counter kitchen cabinet, a height may be selected to allow a user to comfortably scrape plates or peel vegetables into bin system  100  without stooping. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , support member  115  is a cabinet door, in other examples, the support member is a variety of rigid vertical surfaces. For example, the support member may be a wall, a cabinet exterior, a closet door, or a vertical shelf member. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , bin  180  is made from plastic and is configured to store food refuse for composting. However, the bin may be comprised of any durable, readily sanitizable material including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, wood, or composites. While storing food refuse for composting is an excellent application for bin  180 , the bin may be configured to store, any variety of items, including cleaning supplies, tools, household goods, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , bin  180  includes a body  181 , a lid  190 , an activated carbon layer  192 , a cavity  183 , a bottom  188  including a lip  189 , and a retainer slot  184 . In some examples, bin  180  is equipped with a handle as shown in  FIG. 2 . In other examples the bin may be equipped with handle on top of the lid, or on the sides of the body. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 3 , body  181  defines cavity  183  for storing refuse. In some examples, body  181  may be configured in any shape that allows maximum cavity  183  volume, but maintains a low-profile design, including, but not limited to cylindrical, ovoid, rectangular, and square. Cavity  183  may accept refuse directly, or be outfitted with lining material to facilitate easy emptying and cleaning of cavity  183 . Ideally, cavity  183  lining material be biodegradable, so that the lining material may be removed and disposed with each full cavity  183  volume of refuse; then a new fresh lining may be placed within cavity  183 . 
     Additionally depicted in  FIGS. 2-3 , lid  190  is configured to selectively cover body  181 . Lid  190  is pivotally mounted to body  181 , and configured to pivot between a closed position covering cavity  183  and an open position allowing access to cavity  183 , in other examples, the lid is not pivotally mounted, but instead attaches to the body by a friction fit and is selectively removable. 
     Activated carbon layer  192 , mounted to lid  190  proximate cavity  183 , absorbs odor causing gaseous particles released from refuse stored within cavity  183 . Activated carbon layer  192  may be selectively mounted to lid  190  and selectively removed from lid  190 . Activated carbon layer  192  may be selectively mounted using any now known or later discovered mounting element including, but not limited to snap-clasp, peg-and-hole, and button. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , activated carbon layer  192  covers substantially all the surface of lid  190  proximate cavity  183 . In other examples, the activated carbon layer may be shaped in strips, ovals, rectangles, or circles covering less than substantially all the surface of the lid proximate the cavity. 
     As shown most clearly in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  8 - 10 , bin  180  is complimentarily configured with bin support frame  110  such that bin  180  may be quickly and easily mounted within and removed from support frame  110 . Bin  180  defines retainer slot  184  and bottom  188  includes lip  189 . Retainer slot  184  is complimentarily configured to receive retainer members  114  of bin support frame  110 . Shown most clearly in  FIG. 8 , a distance D between retainer slot  184  of bin  180  and bottom  188  of bin  180  corresponds to complimentarily configured portions of bin support frame  110  to be discussed below. 
     Turning attention to  FIG. 4 , bin support frame  110  includes a shoulder member  112 , a retainer member(s)  114 , a body member  116 , a shelf  118 , a latch  130 , a first stop member  127 , and a second stop member  128 . Bin support frame  110  may also include an extension mechanism  120 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . Likewise, bin support frame  110  may include a tray  126  as depicted in  FIG. 4 , or may not include the tray as depicted in  FIG. 11 . Bin support frame  110  is configured to support bin  180  and to selectively mount to support member  115 . Bin support frame  110  may be selectively mounted to support member  115  using fastener(s)  160 . 
     Bin support frame  110  is comprised of 16-gauge steel and powder coated to limit or prevent corrosion. In other examples, the bin support frame may be comprised of any rigid durable material including wood, plastics, biodegradable plastics, metals, and composites. In the case of metal bin support frames, an anti-corrosion coating may be applied to prolong the bin support frame&#39;s usable life. 
     Additionally, body member  116  extends from shoulder member  112  and shelf  118  extends transverse from body member  116 . Shelf  118  is spaced from retainer member  114  a distance D corresponding to the distance between retainer slot  184  of bin  180  and bottom  188  of bin  180 . Shelf  118  is configured to support the bottom of bin  180  when bin  180  is retained on retainer member  114  of shoulder member  112 . 
     Shoulder member  112  is configured to selectively secure bin support frame  110  to support member  115 . Shoulder member  112  includes a lateral portion  142 , defining a plurality of laterally spaced mounting holes  140 , and a second lateral portion  146  defining a second mounting hole  144 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , second lateral portion  146  includes additional, optional mounting holes beyond second mounting hole  144 . The plurality of laterally spaced mounting holes  14  and second mounting hole  142  are each configured to receive a fastener  160  to enable shoulder member  112  to be selectively secured to support member  115  with fastener  160  at a plurality of lateral positions along shoulder member  112 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 17 , extension mechanism  120  is movingly coupled to shoulder member  112  and configured to selectively extend an effective lateral reach of bin support frame  110 . Extension mechanism  120  includes a bracket  122 , slidingly mounted to shoulder member  112 , push-tab retaining elements, and an extension member  124  extending from bracket  122 . 
     Thus, extension mechanism  120  is configured to slide to different positions along shoulder member  112  to extend a selected portion of extension member  124  beyond shoulder member  112  to selectively extend the effective lateral reach of bin support frame  110 . By selectively extending the effective lateral reach of bin support frame  110 , extension mechanism  120  facilitates mounting bin support frame  110  on a multitude of support members  115 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 11 , push-tab retaining elements  123  secure extension member  124  to shoulder member  112 . In further examples, the extension member may be secured to the shoulder member using straps, channel-peg, or clamp-style retaining elements. 
     Retainer members  114  project from shoulder member  112 . Retainer members  114  are complimentarily configured with retainer slots  184  of bin  180 . Selectively inserting retainer members  114  into retainer slots  184  of bin  180  retains bin  180  on shoulder member  112 . 
     As shown most clearly is  FIG. 11 , shelf  118  defines a channel  129 . Channel  129  is complimentarily configured with lip  189  on bottom  188  of bin  180  to mate with lip  189  when supporting bottom  188  of bin  180 . In other examples, the shelf may be flat and the bottom of the bin also flat such that the bottom of the bin simply rests on top of the shelf when the bin is secured on the retaining elements. In still further examples the shelf may define a square-bottom, or U-bottom channel complimentarily configured to receive the bottom lip of the bin when the bin is secured on the retaining elements. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 11-13 , latch  130  is mounted to shoulder member  112  proximate bin  180  when bin  180  is supported by bin support frame  110 . Latch  130  is configured to selectively move between a rest position, shown in dashed lines abutting first stop member  127  in  FIG. 13 , and an engaged position, also shown in dashed lines abutting second stop member  128  in  13 . Latch  130  abuts lid  190  of bin  180  and retains lid  190  in an open position when bin  180  is retained on shoulder member  112  and lid  190  is in the open position. 
     Latch  130  is pivotally mounted to shoulder member  112 . Second stop member  128  projects from shoulder member  112 , adjacent latch  130 , to abut latch  130  when latch  130  is in the engaged position. First stop member  127  projects from shoulder member  112 , adjacent latch  130 , to abut latch  130  when latch  130  is in the rest position. In the example shown in  FIG. 13 , latch  130  is pivotally mounted to shoulder member  112 . In other examples, the latch is slidingly or swingingly mounted to the shoulder member to retain the lid in an open position when the latch is in an engaged position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , latch  130  is bent at two positions, a first bend  131  and a second bend  132 , to define a first portion  133 , a second portion  134 , and a third portion  135 . First portion  133  is proximate shoulder member  112  and second portion  134  is opposite first bend  131  from first portion  133 . Second portion  134  extends transverse to first portion  133 , and third portion  135  opposite second bend  132  from second portion  134 , extends transverse to second portion  134 . In the current example, latch  130  has the shape of a lightning bolt or a stretched-S; thus, first portion  133  and third portion  135  of latch  130  extend in substantially parallel planes. In other examples the latch may be flat, hooked, or arced. 
     The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limning sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring; nor excluding two or more such elements. 
     Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.