Patent Abstract:
Mechanisms, components, kits, combinations, and methods of securing shredder bags to shredder baskets that allows at least a portion of a top edge of a shredder basket to not be overlapped by a shredder bag.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present invention is generally directed to shredders and, more specifically, to mechanisms, components, kits, combinations, and methods of securing shredder bags to shredder baskets. 
         [0002]    Conventional shredders typically have shredder baskets receive shredded material without the use of a shredder bag. However, this complicates the debris removal process and can result in spilled debris when emptying the shredder basket into a bag. To reduce the potential mess associated with operating a shredder without a shredder bag, some users place a shredder bag in the shredder basket and overlap the bag over the entire upper edge of the shredder bag in a manner similar to that used with regular trash receptacles. However, this method has the disadvantage of looking sloppy, unprofessional, and interrupting the aesthetic of the shredder housing by having edges of the shredder bag protruding between the top of the shredder basket and the rest of the shredder. 
         [0003]    It may be advantageous to provide mechanisms, components, kits, combinations, and methods of securing shredder bags to shredder baskets that allows at least a portion of a top edge of a shredder basket to not be overlapped by a shredder bag. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Briefly speaking, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bag securing mechanism adapted for use with a shredder basket including a plurality of securing components each having lateral sides. The plurality of securing components are detachably engaged in a side-by-side fashion to form a one piece member that is reducible in length. Each securing component includes a first plate adapted to be engaged with the shredder basket. A hook positioned on the first plate that includes a lip that is adapted to receive a portion of a shredder bag thereover. The bag securing mechanism is adapted for placement on at least one side of the shredder basket to secure a portion of the shredder bag thereto. 
         [0005]    In a separate aspect, the present invention is directed to a kit for use with a shredder basket including at least one shredder bag adapted for use with the shredder basket. The kit also includes a bag securing mechanism including a plurality of securing components each having lateral sides. The plurality of securing components are detachably engaged in a side-by-side fashion to form a one piece member that is reducible in length. Each securing component includes a first plate. Adhesive is positioned on the first plate so that the first plate is adapted to be engaged with the shredder basket. A hook is positioned on the first plate that includes a lip that is adapted to receive a portion of a shredder bag thereover. The bag securing mechanism is adapted for placement on at least one side of the shredder basket to secure a portion of the shredder bag thereto. 
         [0006]    In a separate aspect, the present invention is directed to a securing component adapted for use with a shredder basket including a first plate. Adhesive is positioned on the first plate so that the first plate is adapted to be engaged with the shredder basket. A hook is positioned on the first plate and includes a lip that is adapted to receive a portion of a shredder bag thereover. The securing component is adapted for placement on at least one side of the shredder basket to secure a portion of the shredder bag thereto. 
         [0007]    In a separate aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of securing at least a portion of a shredder bag to a shredder basket. The method includes the steps of: providing the shredder basket; providing a bag securing mechanism having a length that is adjustable, the bag securing mechanism being adapted to receive a portion of a shredder bag thereover; adjusting the length of the bag securing mechanism to generally correspond to one side of the shredder basket; positioning the bag securing mechanism on the shredder basket; and securing a portion of the shredder bag to the bag securing mechanism on the shredder basket. 
         [0008]    In a separate aspect, the present invention is directed to a combination bag securing mechanism and a shredder basket. The combination including a shredder basket having a base, a front side, lateral sides, and a rear side. A bag securing mechanism adapted for use with a shredder bag. The bag securing mechanism including a plurality of securing components each having lateral sides, the plurality of securing components being detachably engaged in a side-by-side fashion to form a one piece member that is reducible in length. Each securing component including a first plate adapted to be engaged with the shredder basket. A hook positioned on the first plate comprising a lip that is adapted to receive a portion of the shredder bag thereover. The bag securing mechanism is positioned on the shredder basket to secure a portion of the shredder bag thereto. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a shredder which includes a bag securing mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; the bag securing mechanism allows a shredder bag to be used with the shredder basket without a portion of the shredder bag overlapping the top edge of the preferably front loading shredder basket and protruding therefrom; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective, exploded view of the shredder of  FIG. 1  showing one preferred embodiment of the bag securing mechanism attached to the front side of the shredder basket; The bag securing mechanism is preferably a one piece member that is adjustable in length to correspond to an associated shredder basket; Perforations define lateral sides of some of the securing components and allow securing components to be removed if a shorter one piece member is desired; The securing members are preferably engaged with the inner, front wall of the shredder basket via an adhesive; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged, perspective, partial view of the shredder basket and bag securing mechanism of  FIG. 2  illustrating the shredder bag attached thereto; The bag securing mechanism preferably includes securing components that each preferably have a hook positioned on a first plate that is engageable with the shredder basket; The hook preferably includes a lip that is adapted to receive a portion of a shredder bag thereover; The hook preferably includes a generally U-shaped section formed by a base, a second plate, and the lip; The base, the second plate, and the lip each preferably have a length equal to that of the first plate (as measured between the lateral sides of the securing component); The plurality of securing components are preferably adapted to allow the shredder bag to be secured along the front side of the shredder basket without having to extend over an upper edge of the front side of the shredder basket; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view of the shredder and the bag securing mechanism of  FIG. 2  when the shredder basket is fully engaged with the shredder with a shredder bag secured therein; The shredder basket preferably has a base, a front side, lateral sides, and a rear side, the front side may extend farther from the base than the lateral sides and the rear side; The bag securing mechanism is located proximate to an upper edge of at least one of the lateral sides and the rear side of the shredder basket to facilitate securing the shredder bag without overlapping the front side of the shredder basket; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the bag securing mechanism of  FIG. 2  illustrating a plurality of securing components detachably engaged in a side-by-side fashion to form a one piece member that is reducible in length; Adhesive is preferably placed on a side of the bag securing mechanism opposite the bag receiving hook to allow the bag receiving mechanism to be attached to an existing shredder in a retrofit manner; However, any suitable connection method can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a bag securing mechanism similar to that shown in  FIG. 5  illustrating the removal of a securing component to reduce the length of the bag securing mechanism; An interlocking mechanism is shown between two of the securing components that uses a combination projection and mating recess; Similar connection mechanisms and methods can be used to allow the bag securing member to be shortened or lengthened as desired; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a securing component according to another embodiment of the present invention; The hook is preferably formed by a generally U-shaped section which may include a base, a second plate, and a lip; A bag adhesive is shown positioned generally within the hook to facilitate the securing of a shredder bag therein; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a securing component according to another embodiment of the present invention; The hook is preferably pivotally connected to the first plate via a living hinge or any other suitable pivotal connection; A torsion spring formed by an extruded polymer biases the lip of the hook toward the first plate to secure the shredder bag therebetween; Any suitable type of torsion spring or biasing mechanism can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a cross-sectional view of a securing component according to another embodiment of the present invention; The hook is preferably pivotally connected to the first plate via a living hinge or any other suitable pivotal connection; The first plate and the hook lip are maintainable in an abutting relationship using one or more magnets and/or metallic materials; This allows a user to place a portion of the shredder bag inside the hook and lift up the hook to pinch the shredder bag between the first plate and the lip. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “top,” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the bag securing mechanism or shredder and designated parts thereof. The term “selectable control”, as used in the claims and the corresponding portions of the specification, means “any one of a physical switch, a touch switch, a button, a voice activated switch, a control knob, a remote control switch, or any other known operating mode selection device”. The term “activated state”, as used with selectable control, means that the selectable control has been manipulated so that the selectable control is set for a particular function. For example, if the selectable control is a simple switch, then the activated state may be having the switch turned to another position and if the selectable control is a touch sensor, then the activated state may be initiated by depressing or touching the sensor in a predetermined manner. The language “at least one of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’,” as used in the claims and in corresponding portions of the specification, means “any group having at least one ‘A’; or any group having at least one ‘B’; or any group having at least one ‘C’; —and does require that a group have at least one of each of ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’.” Additionally, the words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-9 , wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there are shown preferred embodiments of a bag securing mechanism  50  and/or securing component  56  which may be incorporated with a shredder  10 , a shredder basket  34 , a kit, or a method of the present invention. Briefly speaking, the bag securing mechanism  50  allows a portion of a shredder bag  82  to be secured thereto without having to necessarily overlap a corresponding portion of the upper edge  44 ,  46  of the shredder basket  34 . The shredder bag  34  is preferably formed of a suitable polymer. However, the shredder bag  34  may be formed of any suitable material without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0021]    Many of the features of the shredder  10 , bag securing mechanism  50 , and or securing component  56  of the present invention are similar and operate in a generally similar fashion. For simplicity, some preferred embodiments will be described and, thereafter, only the differences between the described embodiments and the remaining preferred embodiments will be discussed. Accordingly, it is understood that those features discussed in connection with any one of the embodiments of the shredder  10 , bag securing mechanism  50 , and or securing component  56  will operate generally the same in the remaining embodiments unless otherwise described. Additionally, it is understood from this disclosure that the various features shown in the drawings and described in the specification can be interchanged or omitted without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the present invention includes a shredder  10  with a shredder head housing  12 . The shredder head housing  12  preferably defines at least one slot  14 ,  16  for inserting material to be shredded. The primary slot  14  guides material to be shredded to shredder blades  18  that are driven by a motor  24  located in the shredder head housing  12 . The plurality of shredder blades  18  are disposed within the shredder head housing  12  and are adapted to shred material inserted into one of the slots  14 ,  16 . The first slot  14  is preferably used for paper documents and the second slot  16  is preferably used for more rigid documents, such as credit cards, compact discs, etc. 
         [0023]    Referring still to  FIG. 1 , while the preferred shredder head housing  12  has a generally rectilinear shape, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the shredder head housing  12  can have any shape without departing from the scope of the present invention. The shredder head may also include a bin full indicator or other operational indicators  20 . Shredder head handles may be located on the left and right lateral sides of the shredder head housing  12  to allow easy lifting of the shredder head from the shredder housing  30 . 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the shredder housing  30  may define a chamber  18 . The chamber  18  preferably has a rectilinear shape formed by a base  24 , lateral sides  22 , and a rear side  26 . The shredder basket  34  is preferably removeably positioned in the chamber  18  and is adapted to receive material shredded by the shredder blades  88 . 
         [0025]    The shredder basket preferably includes first and second lateral sides  40 A,  40 B, a rear side  42  and a front side  44 . For stylistic purposes only the front side may extend farther upwardly from the shredder basket base than the remaining basket sides  40 A,  40 B,  42  which results in a differential height  48  therebetween. The basket  34  may include a partially transparent section  36  to allow a user to see when the basket  34  is reaching full capacity. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that although preferred embodiments of the shredder head housing  12 , shredder housing  30 , chamber  18 , and shredder basket  34 , have been described, that any suitable configuration of shredder head housing  12 , shredder housing  30 , chamber  18 , and/or shredder basket  34  can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0026]    While the preferred shredder basket  12  is generally positioned in the front of the shredder housing  30  and inserts horizontally into the housing  30 , those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the shredder basket  12  can be inserted into any side of the shredder, or inserted along any path without departing from the scope of the present invention 
         [0027]    The shredder preferably receives power from an outlet via a power conduit, such as an electrical cord,  32 . However, the shredder can be powered by batteries or any other suitable power source. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the shredder  10  preferably includes a selectable control  28 , such as a power switch, that is in communication with the shredder  10  and has an activated state adapted to configure the shredder  10  to automatically activate the plurality of shredder blades  88  when the material is fed into the slot  14 ,  16 . Alternatively, the shredder may also be activated by a remote control  84  or the like. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bag securing mechanism  50  adapted for use with a shredder basket  34 . The bag securing mechanism  50  preferably, but not necessarily, includes a plurality of securing components  56  each having lateral sides  74 . However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that that bag securing mechanism  50  may comprise a single securing component  56  without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the plurality of securing components  56  are preferably detachably engaged in a side-by-side fashion to form a one piece member that is adjustable (either reducible or increasable) in length  70 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 5 , the bag securing mechanism  50  may have perforations  54  therein that define the lateral sides  74  of at least some of the plurality of securing components  56 . This can allow the bag securing mechanism  50  to be shortened by removing securing components  56  by breaking the perforations  54 . 
         [0031]    The plurality of securing components  56  may be detachable and/or engageable in a side-by-side fashion depending on how they are joined together. The securing components may be attached in side-by-side fashion using a breakaway section; using an adhesive (which may be reusable), using magnets, using interlocking members (further described below), tongue and groove connections, or any other suitable connection. Depending on the type of connection between the securing members  56 , the bag securing mechanisms may be able to have its length  70  increased. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , some of the plurality of securing components  56  may be interlocked using a combination projection  100  and mating recess  102 . In this example, one securing component  56  projection has an enlarged oblong end that fits inside a mating recess  102  in an adjacent securing component  56 . Alternatively, at least some of the plurality of securing components  56  may be secured in the side-by-side fashion using adhesive. 
         [0033]    As best shown in  FIGS. 5-9 , each securing component  56  preferably includes a first plate  66  having an upper edge  58 . It is preferred that the first plate  66  is adapted to be engaged with the shredder basket  34 . The first plate  66  may be engageable with the shredder basket  34  via an adhesive  52 , magnets, a snap fit, or any other suitable method of engaging the two components. 
         [0034]    A hook  60  is positioned on the first plate  66  and preferably includes a lip  64  that is adapted to receive a portion of a shredder bag  82  thereover. The hook  60  may include a generally U-shaped section  62  formed by a base  104 , a second plate  68 , and the lip  64  (which may form a bag retaining surface  72 ). The term generally U-shaped is defined as including rectilinear corners as well as conventional smooth corners. Referring to  FIG. 3 , when the bag securing mechanism is positioned so that the lip  64  is just slightly higher than the first and second lateral shredder basket sides  40 A,  40 B, a bag trap  76  may be formed may allow a portion of the shredder bag  82  to be wedged therebetween with the shredder bag  82  wrapped about the edge  80  of the lip  64 . This may allow the shredder bag  82  to be secured to all sides of the shredder basket  34  without a fold  86  being located on the upper edge of the front side  38  of the shredder basket  34 . 
         [0035]    Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the thickness  78  of the bag securing mechanism  50  or a securing component  56  can be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is preferred, but not necessary, that the base  104 , the second plate  68 , and the lip  64  each have a length equal to that of the first plate  66  as measured between the lateral sides  74  of the securing component  56 . This allows a single continuous hook  60  to be formed by any number of adjacent securing members  56 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the securing component  56  may include a bag adhesive  98  located on the hook  60  to detachably secure the shredder bag thereto. Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the hook  60  may be pivotally secured to the first plate  66 . It is preferred that the pivotal connection is formed by a living hinge  92 . However, any suitable pivotal connection can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0037]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 8 , the securing component  56  may be biased so that the lip  64  tends to rotate toward the first plate  66 . It is preferred, but not necessary, that the hook  60  is biased by a torsion spring  90 . The illustrated torsion spring  90  is formed by an extruded polymer. As such, the hook  60  is adapted to be manually rotated away from the first plate  66  for insertion of the shredder bag  82  therebetween so that once the shredder bag  82  is located between the hook  60  and the first plate  66 , the hook  60  is automatically biased toward the first plate  66  to secure the shredder bag  82  therebetween. 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the first plate  66  and the hook  60  may include a combination of magnets  94  and or magnets/metallic material  96  so that when the shredder bag  82  is placed therebetween and the lip  64  is positioned proximate to the first plate  66 , the securing component  56  can secure the bag  82  therein. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it is preferred that the bag securing mechanism  50  is adapted for placement on at least one side of the shredder basket  34  to secure a portion of the shredder bag  82  thereto. The securing components  56  are preferably adapted to allow the shredder bag  82  to be secured along at least one side of the shredder basket  34  without having to extend over an upper edge of the one side of the shredder basket  34 . At least one of the securing components  56  may include an adhesive  52  positioned on the first plate  66  so that the bag securing mechanism  50  is adapted to engage the shredder basket  34 . 
         [0040]    The present invention is separately directed to a securing component  56  adapted for use with a shredder basket  34  that may be used alone, if desired. The securing component  56  may be adapted for placement on the shredder basket  34  to secure a portion of the shredder bag  82  thereto. The securing component  56  is preferably adapted to allow the shredder bag  82  to be secured thereto to at least reduce the amount of the shredder bag  82  that has to extend over an upper edge of the shredder basket  34 . 
         [0041]    The present invention is separately directed to a kit for use with a shredder basket  34 . The kit preferably includes at least one shredder bag  82  adapted for use with the shredder basket  34 . The kit also preferably includes either the bag securing mechanism  50  and/or a single securing component  56 . Alternatively, the present invention is separately directed to a combination bag securing mechanism  50  and a shredder basket  34 . 
         [0042]    Multiple preferred implementations of the preferred method of the present invention will be described below (alone or in combination with various embodiments of the bag securing mechanism  50 , the securing component  56 , the shredder basket  34 , and/or the shredder  10 ). The steps of the method of the present invention can be performed in any order, omitted, or combined without departing from the scope of the present invention. As such, optional or required steps described in conjunction with one implementation of the method can also be used with another implementation or omitted altogether. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, similar structure or functions described in conjunction with one method preferably, but not necessarily, operate in a generally similar manner to that described elsewhere in this application. 
         [0043]    A first preferred method of securing at least a portion of a shredder bag  82  to a shredder basket  34  is as follows. The shredder basket  34  is provided. The shredder basket  34  may have a base, a front side  38 , lateral sides  40 A,  40 B, and a rear side  42 . The front side preferably, but not necessarily, extends farther from the base than the lateral sides  40 A,  40 B and the rear side  42 . The bag securing mechanism  50  is preferably located proximate to an upper edge of at least one of the lateral sides  40 A,  40 B and the rear side  42  to facilitate securing the shredder bag  82  without overlapping the front side  38  of the shredder basket  34 . 
         [0044]    A bag securing mechanism  50  is provided that has a length that may be adjustable. The bag securing mechanism  50  is adapted to receive a portion of a shredder bag  82  thereover. The length  70  of the bag securing mechanism  50  may be adjusted to generally correspond to one side of the shredder basket  34 . The bag securing mechanism  50  is positioned on the shredder basket  34  and a portion of the shredder bag  82  may be secured to the bag securing mechanism  50  on the shredder basket  34 . 
         [0045]    It is recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the above described methods and/or shredder  10  without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the above specification, the appended claims and/or shown in the attached drawings.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1