Patent Publication Number: US-10329086-B1

Title: Trash receptacle for recyclable products and associated use thereof

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a non-provisional patent application that claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/372,385 filed Aug. 9, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure relate to trash receptacles and, more particularly, to a trash receptacle for recyclable products including a bag-lined recycling receptacle configured for disposing of plastic drinking cups in a vertical, nesting or stacked manner and thereby providing environmentally-conscious consumers with a streamlined, space-saving, everyday use receptacle that facilitates easy recycling of commonly used plastic cups. The trash receptacle is a free-standing unit that can also be easily mounted to a wall. 
     Prior Art 
     While it may seem to be a relatively recent concept, recycling has actually been around for thousands of years. As ancient cultures learned to make metal products, they realized they could melt down broken and overused swords and pots to construct new ones. Recycling as it is known today gained popularity in the 1970s as people became aware of its importance to the environment. In addition to recovering valuable raw materials, recycling is the most effective way to keep waste out of landfills. With fewer landfills, there is more space for people to farm, work, and live. Perhaps most importantly, recycling saves energy and greatly reduces pollution, slowing down global climate changes caused by burning fossil fuels like oil and gas. In fact, many states in the U.S. have enacted laws to ensure that materials are properly recycled. Whether following the letter of the law or acting out of a natural concern for the health of their environment, many people strive to properly recycle such household materials such as plastic and glass bottles, newspapers, and magazines. 
     Particularly, the ubiquitous plastic drinking cup is one of the most environmentally beneficial items available for mass consumption. Before they are taken to a recycling center, however, these cups can result in a couple of drawbacks. A family that consumes a large amount of beverages can soon find a veritable mountain of empties clogging up their wastebaskets. In fact, on average, empty cups typically take up about fifty percent of space in a standard kitchen garbage can, necessitating additional cans as well as liners, both of which cost money and space. Even when the cups are properly placed in a recycling bin, such a receptacle can be quickly filled to bursting with containers, requiring a trip to the recycling center sooner than expected. 
     Accordingly, a need remains for trash receptacle for recyclable products in order to overcome at least one aforementioned shortcoming. The exemplary embodiment(s) satisfy such a need by providing a trash receptacle for recyclable products including a bag-lined recycling receptacle configured for disposing of plastic drinking cups in a vertical, nesting or stacked manner that is convenient and easy to use, lightweight yet durable in design, versatile in its applications, and designed for providing environmentally-conscious consumers with a streamlined, space-saving, everyday use receptacle that facilitates easy recycling of commonly used plastic cups. The trash receptacle is a free-standing unit that can also be easily mounted to a wall. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE 
     In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) to provide a trash receptacle for collecting and disposing drink cups. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided by a trash receptacle including a support base, and a portable storage container having a centrally registered longitudinal axis, wherein the portable storage container is detachably seated on the support base such that the support base is located exterior of the portable storage container. A trash bag is removably lined within the storage container and situated about the centrally registered longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the trash bag is suitably configured inside the portable storage container to receive and hold existing drink cups in a vertically stacked pattern. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the support base includes a bottom plate situated along a horizontal axis and having a planar top surface. An annular neck is centrally positioned on top of the planar top surface such that the annular neck extends upwardly therefrom. Notably, the annular neck has a circumferential outer edge detachably engaged about a bottom portion of the portable storage container. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the support base further includes a wall plate situated along a vertical axis that is parallel to the centrally registered longitudinal axis. In this manner, the wall plate is fixedly coupled to the bottom portion and configured to be affixed to an existing vertical support surface. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the portable storage container includes a cylindrical tube extending along a major longitudinal length of the centrally registered longitudinal axis. Such a cylindrical tube has an open proximal end and an open distal end axially opposed therefrom. Advantageously, the bottom portion has a stepped-in shoulder located at the open distal end and extended along an entire circumference thereof, wherein the stepped-in shoulder is integrally formed with the cylindrical tube. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the portable storage container further includes a hollow top lip directly mated to the open proximal end and detachably seated exterior of the cylindrical tube. Such a hollow top lip is axially opposed from the stepped-in shoulder and spaced about the centrally registered longitudinal axis. A lid is pivotally coupled to an outer peripheral edge of the hollow top lip. Such a lid is selectively articulated between an open position and a closed position relative to the open proximal end. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the portable storage container further includes a smooth and continuous interior surface extended along a major longitudinal length of the cylindrical tube. 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the trash bag includes a closed bottom end removably situated inside the cylindrical tube, and an open top end penetrated upwardly through the hollow top lip and situated exterior of the open proximal end. The trash bag is configured to directly abut against the smooth and continuous interior surface of the cylindrical tube such that the existing drink cups are permitted to travel along the centrally registered longitudinal axis and thereby rest in the vertically stacked pattern. 
     The present disclosure further includes a method of utilizing a trash receptacle for collecting and disposing drink cups. Such a method including the steps of: providing a support base; providing a portable storage container having a centrally registered longitudinal axis; detachably seating the portable storage container on the support base such that the support base is located exterior of the portable storage container; providing and removably lining a trash bag within the storage container and about the centrally registered longitudinal axis; and configuring the trash bag inside the portable storage container to receive and hold existing drink cups in a vertically stacked pattern. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure so that the following detailed description may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the relevant art(s) may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed to be characteristic of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a trash receptacle, affixed to a vertical support surface, for collecting and disposing recyclable products, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 1 a    is an enlarged view of section  1   a  taken in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a trash receptacle, affixed to a horizontal support base, for collecting and disposing recyclable products, in accordance with another non-limiting exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a transparent perspective view of the trash receptacle shown in  FIG. 2  wherein multiple drinking cups are collected in a vertically stacked pattern within a trash bag; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the trash receptacle shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a reduced front elevational view of the trash receptacle shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the trash receptacle shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the trash receptacle shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a reduced front elevational view of the trash receptacle shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the trash receptacle shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the trash receptacle shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a reduced front elevational view of the trash receptacle shown in  FIG. 3 ; and 
         FIG. 11 a    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  11   a - 11   a  shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in the figures nor the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) set forth herein. Rather, such non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the relevant art(s). Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures. 
     The illustrations of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the present disclosure. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the structures, systems and/or methods described herein. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the disclosure. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be utilized and derived from the disclosure such that structural, logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. 
     One or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s)” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the true spirit and scope of this application to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiment(s) have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment(s) shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of other embodiment(s). Combinations of the above embodiment(s), and other embodiment(s) not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the description. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment(s)”, “an embodiment(s)”, “a preferred embodiment(s)”, “an alternative embodiment(s)” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least an embodiment(s) of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). The appearances of the phrase “non-limiting exemplary embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment(s). 
     Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiment(s) and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting. 
     If used herein, “about” means approximately or nearly and in the context of a numerical value or range set forth means±15% of the numerical. 
     If used herein, “substantially” means largely if not wholly that which is specified but so close that the difference is insignificant. 
     Non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are referred to generally in  FIGS. 1-11   a  and are intended to provide a trash receptacle  10  for recyclable products including a bag-lined recycling receptacle configured for disposing plastic drinking cups  15  in a vertical, nesting or stacked manner  37  and thereby providing environmentally-conscious consumers with a streamlined, space-saving, everyday use receptacle that facilitates easy recycling of commonly used plastic cups  15 . The trash receptacle  10  may be a free-standing unit or it can also be easily mounted to a wall. It should be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may be used to recycle a variety of cups, and should not be limited to any particular cup described herein. 
     The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) is/are referred to generally in  FIGS. 1-11   a  and is/are intended to provide a trash receptacle  10  including a support base  11 , and a portable storage container  12  having a centrally registered longitudinal axis  13 , wherein the portable storage container  12  is detachably seated on the support base  11  such that the support base  11  is located exterior of the portable storage container  12 . A trash bag  14  is removably lined within the storage container  12  and situated about the centrally registered longitudinal axis  13 . Advantageously, the trash bag  14  is suitably configured inside the portable storage container  12  to receive and hold existing drink cups  15  in a vertically stacked pattern  37 . 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the support base  11  includes a bottom plate  16  situated along a horizontal axis  17  and having a planar top surface  18 . An annular neck  19  is centrally positioned on top of the planar top surface  18  such that the annular neck  19  extends upwardly therefrom. Notably, the annular neck  19  has a circumferential outer edge  20  detachably engaged about a bottom portion  21  of the portable storage container  12 . 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the support base  11  further includes a wall plate  22  situated along a vertical axis  23  that is parallel to the centrally registered longitudinal axis  13 . In this manner, the wall plate  22  is fixedly coupled to the bottom portion  21  and configured to be affixed to an existing vertical support surface  25 . 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the portable storage container  12  includes a cylindrical tube  26  extending along a major longitudinal length  27  of the centrally registered longitudinal axis  13 . Such a cylindrical tube  26  has an open proximal end  28  and an open distal end  29  axially opposed therefrom. Advantageously, the bottom portion  21  has a stepped-in shoulder  30  located at the open distal end  29  and extended along an entire circumference thereof, wherein the stepped-in shoulder  30  is integrally formed with the cylindrical tube  26 . 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the portable storage container  12  further includes a hollow top lip  31  directly mated to the open proximal end  28  and detachably seated exterior of the cylindrical tube  26 . Such a hollow top lip  31  is axially opposed from the stepped-in shoulder  30  and concentrically spaced about the centrally registered longitudinal axis  13 . A lid  32  is pivotally coupled to an outer peripheral edge of the hollow top lip  31 . Such a lid  32  is selectively articulated between an open position  33  and a closed position  34  relative to the open proximal end  28 . 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the portable storage container  12  further includes a smooth and continuous interior surface  36  extended along a major longitudinal length  27  of the cylindrical tube  26 . 
     In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the trash bag  14  includes a closed bottom end  41  removably situated inside the cylindrical tube  26 , and an open top end  42  penetrated upwardly through the hollow top lip  31  and situated exterior of the open proximal end  28 . The trash bag  14  is configured to directly abut against the smooth and continuous interior surface  36  of the cylindrical tube  26  such that the existing drink cups  15  are permitted to travel along the centrally registered longitudinal axis  13  and thereby rest in the vertically stacked pattern  37 . 
     The present disclosure further includes a method of utilizing a trash receptacle  10  for collecting and disposing drink cups  15 . Such a method including the steps of: providing a support base  11 ; providing a portable storage container  12  having a centrally registered longitudinal axis  13 ; detachably seating the portable storage container  12  on the support base  11  such that the support base  11  is located exterior of the portable storage container  12 ; providing and removably lining a trash bag  14  within the storage container  12  and about the centrally registered longitudinal axis  13 ; and configuring the trash bag  14  inside the portable storage container  12  to receive and hold existing drink cups  15  in a vertically stacked pattern  37 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-11   a  in general, in non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s), the cup-recycling trash receptacle  10  is specially configured for disposing plastic drink cups  15  in a vertical, nesting manner. Boasting a sleek, modern design, the tubular cup-recycling trash receptacle  10  contains a durable stainless-steel exterior, and is sized appropriately to house a large number of cups  15 . Plastic liners (trash bag  14 ) are sized specifically for the narrow channel of the unit. Such liners  14  utilize less plastic than common bin liners, leading to money savings as well as a reduction in waste. The practical size of the cup-recycling trash receptacle  10  allows the receptacle to be unobtrusively stored anywhere, whether in a kitchen, recreation room, garage, or bathroom. Thus, this relatively simple yet extremely effective product is quite easy to use. 
     After placing receptacle  10  in a desired location, the user lines the receptacle  10  with a companion collection bag  14 , securing the top around the lip of the unit and capping it with a provided lid  32 . When disposing of a plastic drinking cup  15 , the user opens the cup-recycling trash receptacle  10 , and drops the cup, right side up, into the receptacle. As each successive empty is tossed in, the cups  15  nest inside each other on their way to the top of the receptacle  10 . When the receptacle  10  is filled, the user need only lift the entire bag  14  from the unit, tie it closed, and place the bagged cups  15  in a recycling bin for further disposal. 
     There are several significant benefits and advantages associated with this unique product. Foremost, the cup-recycling trash receptacle  10  provides an essential recycling implement in one clever and creative unit that reduces the clutter of empty cups left on surfaces, ensuring that the enjoyment of beverages does not result in an unattractive mess. Container  12  is specifically designed to compactly house empty plastic everyday drink cups  15 . This slim-line unit eliminates the need to purchase multiple containers for collection needs. Offering an aesthetically pleasing, stainless steel appearance, the cup-recycling trash receptacle  10  looks striking in today&#39;s modern homes. 
     As an option, a crushing mechanism may be employed to further compact the cups  15  inside bag  14 . 
     In addition, the nesting of cups  15  significantly increases the amount of space available in recycling bins, allowing consumers to discard many more empties before a trip to the recycling center is necessary. Children will especially delight in dropping cups into this unit, watching as each empty cup  15  slides directly into a waiting one below. In this manner, the cup-recycling trash receptacle  10  instills in youth the importance of recycling in a fun and interesting way. Ideal for families and individuals who consume copious amounts of beverages, this clever product proves especially beneficial when hosting parties and get-togethers with family and friends. Made of durable, high quality materials, the cup-recycling trash receptacle  10  will withstand years of continued use. 
     The cup-recycling trash receptacle  10  is an innovative product that provides an extremely useful accessory for recycling and trash collecting efforts. Simple in design yet effective in application, this product proves an invaluable addition to any kitchen, garage, or outdoor patio. 
     While non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) has/have been described with respect to certain specific embodiment(s), it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above Detailed Description, various features may have been grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiment(s) require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter. 
     The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiment(s) which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the above detailed description.