Abstract:
The Ceiling Debris Collection Bin is a receptacle with a wide opening that facilitates the nearly complete collection of acoustic ceiling debris removed by the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper—U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,663. The makers this Scraper recommend use of a plastic trash bag for collection of debris but a trash bag is not efficient enough, being limited to an opening defined by the scraper&#39;s flexible band. The new Ceiling Debris Collection Bin is very efficient owing to the flared side design. Debris that flies all over and might escape collection by a trash bag would be captured by this uniquely designed Ceiling Debris Collection Bin with nearly three times the collection area. The collapsible wings of the bin accommodate the flexible metal band of the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper, so that the Scraper can be pushed up to where the ceiling meets the wall.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OF DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0004]    There is an existing product in use called the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper, U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,663, distributed by Homex Products, Incorporated. The makers of this product currently recommend the use of a plastic trash bag for use with their scraper as a collection receptacle. The bag is attached to the flexible band part of their scraper to facilitate the collection of acoustic ceiling debris removed from a ceiling by the scraper. This new invention, the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin, is designed for use with the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper and is a superior replacement of the plastic trash bag. 
         [0005]    Prior to removing material from a ceiling, it is recommended that the ceiling be moistened to facilitate easier removal of the material. If the ceiling material is not sufficiently wet or drying occurs prior to removal, it tends to scatter upon contact with the scrapper blade. The design of the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin controls the scattering and catches and retains the removed acoustic ceiling debris, whether wet or dry. It is much more efficient than a plastic trash bag and is a preferred alternative. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The Ceiling Debris Collection Bin is constructed of sturdy single wall corrugated cardboard. It is attached to the metal band portion of the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper by the use of four nylon cable ties. The unique design of this new invention, with flared front and rear sides, creates a much larger collection opening and surface than an ordinary plastic trash bag, and the slant wall design directs the removed acoustic ceiling material down into the lower box. 
         [0007]    A trash bag has an opening limited to thirty-six (36) square inches (232.26 square cm) which is determined by the area encompassed by the flexible metal band part of the scraper. The Ceiling Debris Collection Bin has an opening of about ninety (90) to ninety-six (96) square inches (580.64 to 619.35 sq. cm), depending on the width of the lower box. The side front wings are collapsible when the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin is pushed against the wall and straighten when pulled away from the wall, returning the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin to its original shape. This feature accommodates the flexible metal band movement of the scraper. The foam rubber wedges on both sides of the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin have a sloped top surface that assists in the debris collection process, by directing debris into the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin. The Ceiling Debris Collection Bin is far more efficient than a common plastic trash bag and is a superior alternative. The Ceiling Debris Collection Bin is a disposable product. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  shows the complete Ceiling Debris Collection Bin invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a view looking down into the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  shows the inside of the right end cap, a unique design made of cardboard that transforms a certain box structure into the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  shows the outside of the left end cap. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  shows the right end cap lined up to the right end flap before attachment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  shows the right foam rubber wedge. There are two of these wedges, one each for the right and left wings. They are exactly alike and they facilitate the collapsing and rebounding of the wings as the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin is pushed up against the wall where the ceiling meets it. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the same right foam rubber wedge. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  shows the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin prior to assembly. It stores, packs and ships flat. The consumer simply folds it out and makes the appropriate connections where two sided tape is affixed to the various flaps. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  shows the right rear corner of the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin. It shows the right rear connector flap prior to being folded over and connected to the rear side flap. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  shows the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin in relation to the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper, U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,663. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  shows the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin connected to the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper, U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,663. This connection is facilitated by the use of cable ties. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  shows the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin in use. Note that the right front wing flattens as it makes contact with the wall. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    It is suggested that  FIG. 1  be included on the front page of the patent application publication and patent. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  shows the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin  2 , which is designed for use with an existing product already in the marketplace known as the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper  48 , U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,663 shown in  FIG. 10 . The Ceiling Debris Collection Bin  2  is constructed of sturdy single wall corrugated cardboard with a recommended minimum 200 lb. (90.72 kg) test rating. Construction begins as a box structure consisting of a lower box  1 , including two end flaps—a right end flap  5  seen in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  and a left end flap  9  shown in  FIG. 2  and two side flaps—a rear side flap  7  and a front side flap  3  seen in  FIG. 1 . The right end flap  5 , shown in  FIG. 1 , has two eyelets—a right end flap front eyelet  4  and a right end flap rear eyelet  6 . 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a top view looking down into the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin  2  and shows the left end flap  9  and the left end flap front eyelet  10  and the left end flap rear eyelet  8 . It also shows another view of the right end flap  5 . All eyelets are positioned five-eighths (0.625) inches (1.59 cm) from the top of the end flaps  5  and  9 , measured to the top rims of the eyelets  4  and  6 , ( FIGS. 1 ), and  8  and  10  ( FIG. 2 ). It also illustrates the much expanded opening for collection of debris. The Ceiling Debris Collection Bin has an opening of about ninety (90) to ninety-six (96) square inches (580.64 to 619.35 sq. cm), depending on the width of the lower box. 
         [0023]    In  FIG. 1  the right end flap front eyelet  4  and the right end flap rear eyelet  6  are spaced three (3) inches (7.62 cm) apart measured center to center and equidistant from an imaginary vertical center line of the right end flap  5 . 
         [0024]    In  FIG. 2  the left end flap front eyelet  10  and the left end flap rear eyelet  8  are spaced three (3) inches (7.62 cm) apart measured center to center and equidistant from an imaginary vertical center line of the left end flap  9 . 
         [0025]    The eyelets accommodate cable ties  50 ,  51 ,  52 , and  53 , which are an existing product shown in  FIG. 11 , and which attach the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin  2  to the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper  48  shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0026]    The right end cap  11  is shown in  FIG. 3  and the left end cap  26  is shown in  FIG. 4 . These end caps,  11  and  26 , are unique in that their attachment to a proper box transforms the box into the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin  2  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0027]    The right center section  13 , seen from the inside in  FIG. 3 , has two eyelets—the right front eyelet  12  and the right rear eyelet  14 . Eyelets  12  and  14  are positioned five-eighths (0.625) inches (1.59 cm) from the top of the center section  13  measured to the top rims of eyelets  12  and  14 . 
         [0028]    The right front eyelet  12  and the right rear eyelet  14  are spaced three (3) inches (7.62 cm) apart measured center to center and equidistant from an imaginary vertical center line dividing the right center section  13 . 
         [0029]    The right rear wing  15  is shaped like an isosceles triangle with the vertical leg  16  and opposing leg  17  having a length of four (4) inches (10.16 cm) each. The vertex angle  18  is thirty degrees (30°). The shape of the right rear wing  15  allows for a wider opening and greater collection area for debris scraped off the ceiling. 
         [0030]    The right rear connector flap  19  is rectangular in shape and measures 1″×4″ (2.54 cm×10.16 cm) and facilitates, in conjunction with the other connector flaps, the assembly of the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin  2  ( FIG. 1 ) when unfolded, by means of appropriately placed two sided tape. 
         [0031]    The right front connector flap  20  and right front wing  21  have the mirror image configuration as the right rear connector flap  19  and right rear wing  15 , respectively. The right front connector flap  20  is rectangular in shape and measures 1″×4″ (2.54 cm×10.16 cm). The right front wing  21  is shaped like an isosceles triangle with the vertical leg  23  and opposing leg  24  having a length of four (4) inches (10.16 cm) each. The vertex angle  25  is thirty degrees) (30°). The shape of the right front wing  21  allows for a wider opening and greater collection area for debris scraped off the ceiling. 
         [0032]    An additional part is the right foam rubber wedge  22  that is glued to the inner surface of the right front wing  21 . The right front wing  21  is creased down the middle to the center of the vertex angle  25  to allow the wing to collapse when it comes in contact with the wall where the ceiling meets the wall. The right foam rubber wedge  22  assists the right front wing  21  to rebound back into shape. 
         [0033]    The left end cap  26  is shown in  FIG. 4 . The left center section  28  has two eyelets—the left front eyelet  27  and the left rear eyelet  29 . These eyelets  27  and  29  are positioned 0.625 inches (1.59 cm) from the top of the left center section  28  measured down to the top of the eyelets. The left front eyelet  27  and the left rear eyelet  29  are spaced three inches apart center to center and are equidistant from an imaginary vertical center line dividing the left center section  28 . 
         [0034]    The left rear wing  30  is shaped like an isosceles triangle with the vertical leg  31  and opposing leg  32  having a length of four (4) inches (10.16 cm). The vertex angle  33  is thirty degrees (30°). The shape of the left rear wing  30  allows for a wider opening and greater collection area for debris scraped off the ceiling. 
         [0035]    The left rear connector flap is a rectangle measuring 1″×4″ (2.54 cm×10.16 cm) and helps to facilitate the connection of the left end cap  26  to the rear side flap  7  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0036]    The left front connector flap  35  and left front wing  36  have the mirror image configuration as the left rear connector flap  34  and left rear wing  30 , respectively. The left front connector flap  35  is a shaped like a rectangle measuring 1″×4″ (2.54 cm×10.16 cm). The left front wing  36  is shaped like an isosceles triangle with the vertical leg  38  and opposing leg  39  having a length of four (4) inches (10.16 cm). The vertex angle  40  is thirty degrees (30°). The shape of the left front wing  36  creates a wider opening and greater collection area for debris scraped off the ceiling. 
         [0037]    An additional part is the left foam rubber wedge  37  that is glued to the inner surface of the left front wing  36 . The left front wing  36  is creased down the middle to the center of the vertex angle  40  to allow the wing to collapse when it comes in contact with the wall where it meets the ceiling. The left foam rubber wedge  37  assists the left front wing  36  to rebound back into shape. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  shows the right end cap  11  being lined up for attachment to the outside of the right end flap  5  of the box. Eyelets  12  and  14  of the right center section  13  are lined up with eyelets  4  and  6 , respectively, of the right end flap  5 . The two parts are then glued together with proper adhesive for gluing cardboard. The left side is assembled in the same fashion. Once the end caps are attached to the end flaps, the eyelets may be reinforced with either metal or plastic eyelets which will accommodate the cable tie width of 0.10 inch (0.254 cm). This is simply an option. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  shows the right foam rubber wedge  22  prior to attachment to the right front wing  21  as seen in  FIG. 3 . The right foam rubber wedge  22  is shaped like an isosceles triangle with the two legs (opposing sides) having a length of four (4) inches (10.16 cm) and a vertex angle  41  of thirty degrees (30°). 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the right foam rubber wedge  22 . The top portion is cut to an angle  42  of thirty degrees (30°) resulting in a downward slope of the top surface  43  of sixty degrees (60°). This slope facilitates the collection of additional ceiling debris by directing the debris down into the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin  2  seen in  FIG. 2 . The left side foam rubber wedge is the same cut. 
         [0041]    A market ready Ceiling Debris Collection Bin  2  is seen in  FIG. 8 . This packs flat and simply needs to be folded out, closure flaps  44 ,  45 ,  46 , and  47  ( 46  and  47  are obscured from view) folded over and secured with two sided tape already affixed at the factory. A recommended tape is 3M Double Sided Extended Liner Tape or one of similar quality. 
         [0042]      FIG. 9  shows the right rear connector flap  19  prior to connection with the right side of the rear side flap  7 . This connection is accomplished by the use of two sided tape of the kind previously described. The right rear connector flap  19  is simply folded over onto the rear side flap  7  and connected. Another option is to have the connector flaps fold inside of the front and rear side flaps. This would increase the collection opening by about three (3) square inches (19.35 sq. cm). 
         [0043]      FIG. 10  shows the entire Ceiling Debris Collection Bin  2  prior to connection to the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper  48 , an existing product in the marketplace—U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,663, dated Aug. 15, 2000. The joining of the two products is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . This is accomplished by the use of four cable ties  50 ,  51 ,  52 , and  53 , another product already on the market and in wide use. It is recommended to use cable ties with a length of four (4) inches (10.16 cm) and a width of 0.10 inch (0.254 cm) with test strength of 18 lbs. (8.16 Kg). These ties run through the eyelets and are secured to the flexible metal band part  49  of the Popcorn Ceiling Scraper  48 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 12  illustrates the entire apparatus scraping a ceiling. Note how the right front wing  22  collapses to accommodate travel of the Ceiling Popcorn Scraper  48  to the ceiling&#39;s edge where it meets the wall. 
         [0045]    The following inside dimensions are recommended for the lower box section of the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin:
       Length of lower box section: 12″ (30.48 cm)   Height of lower box section: 4″-5″ (10.16-12.7 cm)   Width of lower box section: 3.5″-4″ (8.89-10.16 cm)   Length of front and rear side flaps: 12″ (30.48 cm)   Height of front and rear side flaps: 4″ (10.16 cm)   Length of left and right side flaps: 3.5″-4″ (8.89-10.16 cm)   Height of left and right side flaps: 4″ (10.16 cm)   Length of front and rear closure flaps: 12″ (30.48 cm)       
 
         [0054]    Height of front and rear closure flaps: 3.5″-4″ (8.89-10.16 cm) 
         [0055]    Length of right and left side closure flaps: 3.5″-4″ (8.89-10.16 cm) 
         [0056]    Height of right and left side closure flaps: 4″ (10.16 cm) The following dimensions are recommended for the end caps: 
         [0057]    Center section length: 3.5″-4″ (8.89-10.16 cm) Center section height: 4″ (10.16 cm) 
         [0058]    All wings (front and rear, left and right) are shaped like isosceles triangles with the two legs 4″ (10.16 cm) each, the vertex angle 30° and the corresponding base 2.07″ (5.26 cm). 
         [0059]    All connector flaps (front left and right and rear left and right) are shaped as rectangles with dimensions of 1″×4″ (2.54 cm×10.16 cm). 
         [0060]    The foam rubber wedges are shaped like isosceles triangles with the two legs 4″ (10.16 cm) each, the vertex angle 30° and the corresponding base 2.07″ (5.26 cm), which dimensions conform to the left and right front wings. The recommended thickness of the foam rubber is 0.5″ (1.27 cm), but this could vary. The top of the foam rubber wedge is cut to form a 60° slope down into the bin. The suggested material for these wedges is an open cell foam such as Charcoal Firm Foam, with a density of 1.7 lb./cubic ft., or WesLastomer™ Grade 5500 Soft Open Cell Sponge, with an average density of 7.33 lb./cubic ft. or some similar product. 
         [0061]    The eyelets are placed 0.625″ (1.59 cm) below the top of the center section measured to the top of the eyelets. They are centered and spaced 3″ (7.62 cm) apart measured center to center. The eyelets have a minimum diameter of 0.125″ (0.32 cm). A second embodiment of the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin would not have the flexible front wings and therefore no foam wedges, but would otherwise be the same in all other aspects as the first embodiment. Removal of the ceiling texture material next to the wall would then be accomplished with a putty knife, which is required for the corners anyway. 
         [0062]    There may slight variations in the dimensions and materials due to manufacturing requirements and processes which would not alter the basic design or function of the Ceiling Debris Collection Bin. For example, the connector flaps illustrated in the drawings are shown connecting to the outside of the front and rear side flaps. A second option would be for these connector flaps to connect to the inside of the front and rear side flaps adding about three (3) square inches (19.35 sq. cm) to the collection opening. 
         [0063]    The eyelets may also be reinforced with either metal or plastic eyelets which will accommodate the cable tie width of 0.10 inch (0.254 cm). This is an option and not a requirement.