Abstract:
A collapsible container having an integral scoop is disclosed. The collapsible container is arranged to form a partially enclosed rectilinear structure for maintaining a bag in an open state predominately within the rectilinear structure. The elongated panel includes a pair of longitudinal score lines which define first and second subpanels. A first lateral score line defines a top panel which is pivoted downward to form the integral scoop. A second lateral score line defines a base panel extending obliquely from a bottom edge of main panel. The base panel is dimensioned to span intermediate bottom edges of the first and second subpanels to form a closed base which limits abrasion to the bottom of the bag. The collapsible container is collapsible at least along the longitudinal and lateral score lines into a generally planar structure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application claiming benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from co-pending U.S. provisional applications Ser. Nos. 61/212,476 filed on Apr. 13, 2009; 61/217,967 filed Jun. 8, 2009; 61/270,796 filed Jul. 14, 2009 and co-pending US non-provisional patent application 12/698,236 filed Feb. 2, 2010. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/698,236 takes priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. provisional application 61/270,796 filed Jul. 14, 2009. All of the foregoing patent applications are to the instant inventor and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     RELEVENT FIELD 
       [0002]    This application is directed generally toward a refuse container and more specifically toward a collapsible refuse container. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Various refuse containers are known in the relevant art to maintain a bag in an open state to receive materials. The majority of these arrangements require that the bag encompass the support structure which makes handling of the combination of bag and support structure cumbersome, particularly when the bag becomes full of materials. In many cases, the support structures of the relevant art lack sufficient stability to maintain the bag in an open state to receive materials within the bag. While relatively simple to manufacture, the placement of support structures within the bag allows the support structure to become soiled or damaged by materials disposed within the bag, thus limiting the lifespan of the support structure. 
         [0004]    In other arrangements, metal frame based support structures are typically cumbersome, awkward to setup and disassemble, require multiple parts, corrode and may result in pinched fingers when attempting to fold the structure for storage. Accordingly, there is a need in the relevant art for a lightweight and low cost collapsible container that is simple to setup and store and avoids one or more of the undesirable properties of collapsible containers known in the relevant art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In view of the foregoing, various exemplary embodiments of a collapsible container having an integral scoop are disclosed. The exemplary embodiments described herein provide a lightweight, collapsible and partially enclosed rectilinear structure which may be used for collection of recyclable materials, yard wastes, trash, refuse, garbage or other materials in a bag supported upright thereby or used separately as a type of industrial-sized dust pan or scoop. The collapsible container is configured to be collapsible at least along longitudinal and lateral score lines into a generally planar structure for easy and compact storage. 
         [0006]    When used to support a bag, the bag may be of any convenient type but is typically a limp plastic bag. The collapsible container is generally formed from an elongated panel arranged to form a partially enclosed rectilinear structure with a solid base. In an exemplary embodiment, the partially enclosed rectilinear structure is configured to maintain a bag in an open state predominately within the structure. The collapsible container may be horizontally oriented to allow for raking of leaves, yard waste and/or sweeping of other materials directly into the bag or onto a planar surface of the collapsible container when used without a bag. The collapsible container may be scaled to accommodate any particular bag size. For example, plastic bags are typically provided in 32 and 42 gallon capacities. 
         [0007]    In an exemplary embodiment, the elongated panel includes a pair of spaced longitudinal score lines which define a main panel and first and second subpanels. The first and second subpanels are pivotally coupled to opposing sides of the main panel to form a collapsible U-shaped bag retention area in conjunction with the main panel. The rectilinear structure includes an open forward face opposite the main panel which allows expansion of the bag as refuse is collected therein. 
         [0008]    A first lateral score line defines a top panel pivotally coupled to a top lateral edge of the main panel. The top panel is configured to fold down between the first and second subpanels to form a type of chute which directs refuse into a bag supported by the collapsible container. The top panel is dimensioned to at least span a width of the main panel intermediate the pair of spaced longitudinal score lines. A second lateral score line defines a base panel pivotally coupled with a bottom lateral edge of the main panel. 
         [0009]    In an exemplary embodiment, the top panel further includes a pair of collapsible winglets disposed at opposing longitudinal ends which form curbs for directing refuse into the chute. 
         [0010]    In an exemplary embodiment, the pair of collapsible winglets are generally triangular shaped and are configured to engage a pair of counterpart stops formed with the first and second subpanels. The stops are configured to capture the winglets and maintain the top panel in a generally parallel face to face relationship with the main panel. 
         [0011]    In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal score lines further include longitudinal bag retaining slits extending downward a predetermined distance toward the base panel. The bag retaining slits are configured to receive a portion of an open end of a bag in a secure wedging relationship for positively retaining the bag in the open state within the collapsible container. 
         [0012]    The base panel is configured to pivot upward and span between bottom edges of the first and second subpanels and forms a closed bottom of the collapsible container. Means are provided to couple the base panel with the first and second subpanels. 
         [0013]    In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of axle supporting members are formed into the main panel proximate to the second lateral score line. Each axle supporting member is coupled to the main panel and projects rearward from a rear planar face of the main panel. Each of the axle supporting members are configured to receive an axle therethrough. 
         [0014]    In an exemplary embodiment, a cylindrical axle is provided which extends through each of the axle supporting members and extends beyond opposing lateral sides of the main panel a sufficient distance to receive a pair of wheels. The pair of wheels are rotationally coupled to opposing ends of the axle in proximity to the base panel. The wheels allow for transport of heavy refuse without having to remove the bag or lift the entire structure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The features and advantages of the various exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals and characters are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the inventive embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described exemplary embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the inventive embodiments as is defined by the claims. 
           [0016]    FIG.  1 —depicts a top view of a template for forming a collapsible container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0017]    FIG.  2 —depicts an exploded perspective assembly view of a collapsible container with bag installation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0018]    FIG.  3 —depicts a frontal view of an assembled collapsible container with bag installation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0019]    FIG.  4 —depicts a side view of an assembled collapsible container with bag installation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0020]    FIG.  5 —depicts a rear view of an assembled collapsible container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0021]    FIG.  6 —depicts a frontal view of a collapsible container in a collapsed state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0022]    FIG.  6 A—depicts an end view of a collapsible container in a collapsed state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Various exemplary embodiments of a collapsible container are disclosed herein. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present inventive embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present inventive embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures, devices or components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present inventive embodiments. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a top view of a template for forming a collapsible container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, an elongated panel  1  from which an inventive embodiment of the collapsible container  100  may be constructed is depicted. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongated panel  1  may be constructed from a substantially rigid material that is lightweight and of sufficient strength to support a bag filled with refuse. The material from which the elongated panel  1  may be constructed includes corrugated plastic or cardboard sheet stock but may be made of any material which satisfies the stated requirements (e.g., sheet metals.) The elongated panel  1  may be cut to form the collapsible container  100  using laser, die cut, arc, mechanical punch, automated saw or other cutting means known in the relevant art. Alternately, the collapsible container  100  may be formed using injection molding technologies. Typically, the elongated panel  1  has a thickness in a range of 0.1875—0.25 inches. However, the thickness and dimensions of the elongated panel  1  may be varied to accomplish a specific design objective. For example, the thickness of the elongated panel  1  may be increased to support a heavy load contained in a multi-ply plastic bag used to collect construction debris. Likewise, the dimensions of the collapsible container  100  may be varied to accommodate bags of various sizes. For example, to provide upright support for a typical 42 gallon plastic trash bag, the longitudinal dimension may be in an approximate range of 35 to 45 inches with a lateral dimension in an approximate range of 20 to 30 inches and a depth in an approximate range of 10 to 15 inches. 
         [0025]    The collapsible container  100  includes a pair of spaced longitudinal score lines  12   a,    12   b  which define a main panel  5  and first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b.  The longitudinal score lines  12   a,    12   b  allow the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  to axially pivot such that the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  are aligned in a predetermined spaced relationship which forms a U-shaped rectilinear structure with the main panel  5  ( FIG. 3 ). An upper portion of the longitudinal score lines  12   a,    12   b  may include longitudinal bag retaining slits  7  extending longitudinally downward a predetermined distance, typically 3-6 inches. The longitudinal bag retaining slits  7  are configured to receive a portion of an open end of a bag in a secure wedging relationship for positively retaining the bag in the open state to receive refuse. 
         [0026]    In an exemplary embodiment, the main panel  5  has a wide “T” shape and may include a plurality of handholds  35  proximate to a first lateral score line  14 . The handholds  35  may include a hinged punch-out arrangement  36  or completely cut through to form ovoid shaped apertures. The opposing ends  6   a,    6   b  of the main panel  5  which form the lateral part of the “T” may be configured to laterally extend beyond the longitudinal score lines  12   a,    12   b.  When so configured, the opposing ends  6   a,    6   b  of the main panel  5  may be used as a foothold to prevent movement of the collapsible container  100  when horizontally oriented for collecting refuse. The opposing ends  6   a,    6   b  of the main panel  5  may also be used to push or pull the collapsible container  100  in conjunction with the handholds  35  when in a vertical orientation so as to avoid impacting the foot or leg of the user during movement. 
         [0027]    A second lateral score line  16  defines a base panel  15  which extends from a bottom edge of the main panel  5 . Laterally aligned handholds  35  are generally used to push or pull the collapsible container  100  in a vertical orientation while the longitudinally aligned handholds  35  are generally for lifting and lowering of the collapsible container  100  when used to collect refuse and debris in a horizontal orientation. 
         [0028]    All of the score lines  12   a,    12   b,    14 ,  16 ,  21   a,    21   b,    53   a,    53   b,    55 ,  55 ′,  66   a,    66   b  represent folding edges which allow the applicable panels, stops, winglets and tabs to axially pivot along the score lines. When constructed from materials in which score lines are not generally applicable (e.g., sheet metals), hinges may be provided to accomplish the axial pivoting described above. 
         [0029]    A plurality of axle supporting members  40   a,    40   a ′,  40   b,    40   b ′ may be provided in a planar face of the main panel  5  proximate and superjacent to the second lateral score line  16 . In an exemplary embodiment, the axle supporting members  40   a,    40   a ′,  40   b,    40   b ′ are cut in arcs. The closed end of the arcs form hinges  41  which allows the axle supporting members  40   a,    40   a ′,  40   b,    40   b ′ to be punched through as tabs to a rear planar face of the main panel  5 . Each of the axle supporting members  40   a,    40   a ′,  40   b ,  40   b ′include an aperture  42  dimensioned to receive an axle therethrough. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the shape and number of axle supporting members  40   a,    40   a ′,  40   b,    40   b ′ may be varied to accommodate a particular design objective. 
         [0030]    The first lateral score line  14  defines a top panel  20  pivotally coupled to a top lateral edge of the main panel  5 . The top panel  20  is configured to fold down between the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  to form a type of chute which directs refuse into a bag supported by the collapsible container  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the top panel  20  includes a pair of diagonal double scored lines  21   a,    21   b  which defines triangular winglets  20   a,    20   a  on opposing lateral ends of the top panel  20 . The winglets  20   a,    20   a  are configured to fold at an oblique angle relative to the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  thus forming a curved shovel shape or curbed sides of the chute for collection of refuse in a bag. 
         [0031]    For simplicity, the subpanels  10   a,    10   b  may be formed as mirror images of one another and may include a tapered profile  17   a,    17   b  along their outer sides  13   a,    13   b  and bottom edges  11   a,    11   b.  In an exemplary embodiment, each subpanel  10   a,    10   b  includes a stop  45   a,    45   b  which is axially folded downward along lateral score lines  53   a,    53   b.  Each stop  45   a,    45   b  is approximately centered on a top edge of the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  and are configured to capture and maintain the triangular winglets  20   a,    20   b  of the top panel  20  such that the top panel  20  is maintained in approximately a parallel face to face relationship with a frontal planar surface of the main panel  5 . The stops  45   a,    45   b  include edges configured to engage the triangular edges associated with the winglets  20   a ,  20   b.  The stops  45   a,    45   b  may be bound to inner planar surfaces of the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  using any common means. By way of example and not limitation, thermal welding, tack welding, sonic welding, adhesive, tape, chemical bonding, fasteners, etc. The binding points  65  are provided as examples only. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the means for binding the stops with parallel inner surfaces of the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  may be accomplished by a variety of methods to achieve a particular design objective. In an exemplary embodiment, each subpanel  10   a,    10   b  may include ovoid shaped handholds  35  proximate to an outer edge  13   a,    13   b.    
         [0032]    The bottom lateral edges  11   a,    1  lb of the subpanels  10   a,    10   b  are tapered such that longitudinal dimensions along the longitudinal score lines  12   a,    12   b  is greater than the longitudinal dimensions along their outer free edges  13   a,    13   b.  The second longitudinal score line  16  at the bottom of the main panel  5  allows the base panel  15  to axially pivot upward such that the base panel  15  is aligned in an oblique plane relative to the frontal planar surface of the main panel  5  ( FIG. 3 ). The oblique plane is approximately within  15  degrees of being perpendicular to the frontal planar face of the main panel  5 . The base panel  15  may include double-spaced scoring lines  55 ,  55 ′ which extend diagonally across a planar face of the base panel  15  in a plane that perpendicularly intercepts a longitudinal centerline  110  of the main panel  5  when assembled. The base panel  15  is typically configured as a polygon in order to maximize upright stability of the collapsible container  100 . A long dimension of the base panel  15  is dimensioned to approximately span a width of the main panel  5  intermediate the first and second longitudinal score lines  12   a,    12   b . The spaced double scoring lines  55 ,  55 ′ allow for cooperatively collapsing the base panel  15  with the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b.  In an exemplary embodiment, the base panel  15  includes a pair of coupling tabs  60   a,    60   b  pivotally connected to opposing lateral edges  66   a,    66   b  thereof. 
         [0033]    The base panel  15  in conjunction with the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  may be configured to allow the collapsible container  100  to tilt from vertical slightly forward θ  140  ( FIG. 4 ). The slight forward tilt θ  140  provides additional stability when the collapsible container  100  is used in an upright orientation. The coupling tabs  60   a,    60   b  are configured to be axially positioned in parallel with planar surfaces of the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b.  The coupling tabs  60   a,    60   b  may be bound to parallel surfaces of the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  using any of the common means as described above. The base panel  15  forms a solid base which protects a bag secured within the collapsible container  100  and also provides a stabilizing base to prevent the collapsible container  100  from tipping over. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective assembly view of a collapsible container  100  with bag  130  installation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, assembly of the collapsible container  100  is accomplished by rotating the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  in a forward plane which is generally perpendicular to a forward planar surface of the main panel  5 . The base panel  15  is then rotated upward such that a top planar surface of the base panel  15  engages bottom edges of the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b.  The coupling tabs  60   a,    60   b  are configured to be axially positioned in parallel with planar surfaces of the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b.    
         [0035]    The coupling tabs  60   a,    60   b  ( FIG. 1 ) are then bound to parallel surfaces of the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  using any common means as described above. The coupling tabs  60   a,    60   b  may be bound to either the inner or outer planar surfaces of the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b.  The bag  130  may then placed into the collapsible container  100  with the open end facing upward and in juxtaposition to the top panel  20 . Lateral corners of the bag  130  fit downward over top peripheral edges of the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b.  The corners of the bag in juxtaposition to the main panel  5  are drawn into the bag retaining slits  7  which maintains the bag  130  in an open orientation predominately within the collapsible container  100 . The closed bottom end of the bag  130  may rest upon and supported by the base panel  15 . The base panel  15  provides a non-abrasive support in which the closed end of the bag  130  may rest. 
         [0036]    The top panel  20  is then rotated downward intermediate the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  to form a type of chute which directs refuse into a bag  130  supported by the collapsible container  100 . The winglets  20   a,    20   b  are captured by the stops  45   a,    45   b  which maintains the top panel  20  in a parallel face-to-face relationship with the forward planar surface of the main panel  5 . The stops  45   a,    45   b  are bound to the inner planar surfaces of the first and second subpanels  10   a,    10   b  as described above. 
         [0037]    Each of the axle supporting members  40   a,    40   a ′,  40   b,    40   b ′ may be formed as punch through structures incorporated into the frontal planar face of the main panel  5  so as to project from the rear planar surface of the main panel  5  ( FIG. 5 ). Alternately, the axle supporting members  40   a,    40   a ′,  40   b,    40   b ′ may be formed directly with the rearward planar face of the main panel  5 , for example when formed using injection molding technologies. An axle  95  is then inserted through apertures  42  included in the axle supporting members  40   a,    40   a ′,  40   b,    40   b ′ ( FIG. 5 ). The axle  95  parallels the base panel  15  and is proximate thereto. A pair of wheels  90   a,    90   b  are then rotationally coupled to opposing ends of the axle  95  and held in position either by compression fit with the axle  95  or fasteners (not shown). 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  depicts a frontal view of the assembled collapsible container  100  with bag  130  installed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the collapsible container  100  receives refuse disposed  115  on a planar surface of the top panel  20  which is then collected within the bag  130 . The winglets  20   a ,  20   b  provide a guide which directs the refuse into the bag  130 . The collapsible container  100  may be oriented either vertically or horizontally to receive the refuse. In the vertical orientation, collection of the refuse is typically performed by hand. In the horizontal orientation, the top panel  20  may be used to scoop leaves and/or other debris directly into the bag  130  using a rack, shovel, broom or other means. In an exemplary embodiment, the top lateral edge  22  of the top panel  20  may include a tapered or wedge shape to allow usage as a type of dust pan or sharp sweeping edge. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  depicts a side view of an assembled collapsible container  100  with bag  130  installed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the collapsible container  100  is shown upright and may be wheeled to a desired location by slightly tilting the collapsible container  100  and pushing or pulling the container using any of the handholds  35 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  depicts a rear view of an assembled collapsible container  100  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the axle  95  is shown laterally disposed through apertures  42  in each of the axle supporting members  40   a,    40   a ′,  40   b,    40   b ′ with the wheels  90   a,    90   b  mounted at opposing ends of the axle  95  and along parallel sides of the container. The number of axle supporting members  40   a ,  40   a ′,  40   b,    40   b ′ is not critical. The axle  95  may be constructed of any suitable materials. For example, cylindrical rods or tubes of aluminum, iron or steel alloys. The wheels  90   a ,  90   b  may be constructed from any suitable polymeric material typically using injection molding techniques. Suitable polymeric materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or any similar polymers. 
         [0041]      FIGS. 6 ,  6 A depict frontal and end views of a collapsible container  100  in a collapsed state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the collapsible container  100  may be collapsed by simply disengaging the winglets  20   a,    20   b  from the stops  45   a,    45   b  ( FIG. 3 ) lifting the top panel  20  and folding the first and second subpanels  10   a , 10   b  inward toward the forward planar surface of the main panel  5 . The base panel  15  is configured to cooperatively fold upward and collapse intermediate the planar surfaces of the first and second subpanels  10   a , 10   b  and the main panel  5 . The top panel  20  may then be rotated downward to minimize storage space. In an exemplary embodiment, hook and loop type fasteners  70 ,  70   a,    70   b  may be provided on the top panel  20  and first and second subpanels to maintain the collapsed state of the collapsible container  100  as is shown in  FIG. 6A . When collapsed, the collapsible container  100  forms a generally compact and planar object that is easily handled and stored. 
         [0042]    The various exemplary inventive embodiments described herein are intended to be merely illustrative of the principles underlying the inventive concept. It is therefore contemplated that various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will without departing from the inventive spirit and scope be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. They are not intended to limit the various exemplary inventive embodiments to any precise form described. In particular, it is contemplated that the collapsible container may be constructed from any suitable material with different dimensions and/or bag capacities. No specific limitation is intended to a particular construction material, assembly order or sequence described. Other variations and inventive embodiments are possible in light of above teachings, and it is not intended that this Detailed Description limit the inventive scope, but rather by the Claims following herein.