Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CONTAINER FOR RECYCLABLE AND OTHER MATERIALS
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a container that can be used to transport and
store
any number of items or materials. In a particular aspect of the invention, the
container is particularly useful for recyclable materials.
Description of the prior art
In the domestic recyclable industry, consumers are asked to place paper and
cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, and the like in containers which are then
placed on
a curb for pick up by municipal authorities. These containers, particularly in
North
America, can take the form of rigid bins, which are small enough to be carried
by a
person with both hands and large enough to provide adequate volume for placing
items within it. Some users will also supplement the storage capacity of these
bins
with paper bags, empty cardboard boxes, etc.
ln some areas, not only is recycling encouraged, but also the municipality (or
other
local or regional authority) may further require sorting of the items by the
consumer. For example, glass and plastic needs to be sorted and separated from
paper, and further separated from metal. This allegedly reduces the burden on
the
municipality of having to sort the materials at a central location. Compliance
with
these requirements is tepid at best.
Rigid plastic bins do suffer some disadvantages, in that breakage can occur
often
requiring replacement of the bin altogether. Furthermore, the bins can become
relatively heavy if loaded with newspapers and empty glass bottles, which
deters
from universal acceptance and use.
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Summary of the invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a container for materials,
and
more particularly recyclable materials, which will promote acceptance and use
by a
greater segment of the population.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a container having an open
top,
a closed bottom and an outside surface, the container including:
- framing elements connected to the bottom and projecting upwards from
the bottom towards the top, the framing elements being symmetric about
a transverse plane transecting the bottom and top, the transverse plane
defining a front section and a back section of the container;
- fabric material connected to the framing elements thereby defining a
volume bounded within the framing elements and by the bottoni;
- a closure mechanism for selectively closing the open top, the closure
mechanism comprising:
- a primary flap for covering the open top hingedly connected at the
open top to the back section, the primary flap operable between a
closed position and an open position, the primary flap covering the
open top and being under elastic tension when in a closed
position, the primary flap exposing the open top and being free of
the elastic tension when in an open position; and
- a first handle operatively connected to the primary flap for
snappingly engaging an open position of the primary flap; and
- a second handle disposed in the front section of the container for
handling and transporting the container.
The bottom may be releasably secured to the framing elements for selectively
engaging an operative position of the container.
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In accordance with an embodiment of the container, the bottom may be foldable
along an axis within the transverse plane for engaging a collapsed position of
the
container.
The closure mechanism may further include a secondary flap hingedly connected
to the front side and overlappable over the primary flap. Preferably, the
secondary
flap is operable between a closed position and an open position, the secondary
flap overlapping the primary flap and being under elastic tension when in a
closed
position, the secondary flap exposing the open top and being free of the
elastic
tension when in an open position.
The first handle may include a loop of material operatively connected to the
primary flap and the back section.
Brief description of the drawings
The present invention and its advantages will be more easily understood after
reading the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments
thereof,
made with reference to the following drawings in which:
FIGs. la and lb are perspective views of the container according to an
embodiment of the present invention, showing the container respectively in a
closed and open position;
FIGs. 2a and 2b are top views of the container of FIG. 1, showing the
container
respectively in an open and closed position;
FIG. 3 is a perspective detailed view showing the closure mechanism for the
container of FIG. 1;
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FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the container of FIG. 1;
FIGs. 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d are side views of the container of FIG. 1, showing
respectively open, closed, folded and flat configurations of the container;
FIG. 6 is a front view of a container according to another embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the container of FIG. 6;
FIG. 9 is a different perspective view of the container of FIG. 6;
FIG. 10 is a perspective side view of the container of FIG. 6, showing a
collapsed
configuration of the container;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 6, showing the
container in a
closed configuration;
FIG. 12 is a perspective back view of the container of FIG. 11, showing the
closure
mechanism;
FIG. 13 is a different perspective view of the container of FIG. 6, showing
the
container in a closed configuration;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 6, showing the
container
being transported;
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FIGs. 15a, 15b, and 15c are respectively perspective, front and side views of
the
container according to yet another embodiment of the invention;
FIGs. 16a and 16b are front and back views of the container of FIG. 15a;
5
FIG. 17a is a partial side view of the top of the container of FIG. 15c; FIG.
17b is a
detailed partial view of FIG. 17a;
FIG. 18a is a top view of the container of FIG. 15a; FIG. 18b is a detailed
partial
side view of the bottom of the container of FIG. 15c;
FIG. 19a is a side view of an alternating stack of containers according to the
embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15a; FIG. 19b is a detailed partial
perspective view of the stack of containers of FIG. 19a; and FIG. 19c is a
perspective view of the stack of containers of FIG. 19a.
Description of preferred embodiments of the invention
In general, the present invention provides a container useful for transporting
and
storing any number of items or materials, including recyclable materials. At
least
one advantage of this container lies in the easily-actuated closure mechanism
used
to close the contents of the container. The description of preferred
embodiments
of the invention is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, FIGs. 1
a to
19c, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a container 10
that has
an open top 21, a closed bottom 11 and an outside surface. The open top 21
provides an opening 29 allowing placement of items within the container 10 and
removal of the items therefrom.
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The container 10 inciudes framing elements 13 connected to the bottom 11 and
projecting upwards from the bottom 11 towards the top 21. The framing elements
are symmetric about a transverse plane 23, transecting the bottom 11 and top
21
and defining a front section (also referred to as consumer side) 37 and a back
section 39 (also referred to as collector side) of the container 11.
Of course, the framing elements may be embodied by rods, wires, strips of
material
(see FIGs. 1 to 5) or any other appropriate embodiment capable of providing a
framing structure for the container 10. The framing elements 13 are preferably
connected to each other, for example via mechanical means, such as live or
mechanical hinges 36 or press-fit connections, or in the case of framing
elements
made of rigid fabric, they may be for example sewn together or glued together.
Alternatively, they may be made of a single piece of material, for example a
single
piece of extruded plastic, as seen in the embodiment of the container 10 in
FIGs. 6
to 14 and the embodiment in FIGs. 15 to 19.
As especially seen in FIGs. 6 to 14, the framing elements 13 may further
define
supports 51. extending from the bottom 11 for supporting the container in an
upright
position when in operative use. The supports advantageously also maintain the
bottom 11 of the container off the ground surface allowing for aeration of the
contents of the container and drainage of any accumulated liquid (for example
rainwater or liquid that may have come from the disposed recycled material)
through any holes 62 in the bottom 11 of the container 10.
Fabric material 15 is attached, sewn, glued or otherwise connected to the
framing
elements 13, and generally espouses the shape defined by the framing elements
and defines a volume bounded within the framing elements 13 and by the bottom
11. The fabric material may be a breathable material allowing aeration of the
contents of the container. Mesh material, of any suitable composition such as
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nylon or plastic, may be used to advantageously provide aeration and visual
inspection of the contents.
The container 10 itself, in general, may be made of any appropriate material,
including a thermoplastic material flexible over a wide temperature range.
Preferably, the fabric material 15 used is HDPE, which is resistant,
relatively firm
but flexible enough to not crack especially in areas of harsh elements (for
example
cold temperatures). Further preferably, the frame elements 13 are semi-rigid,
providing stiffness to the container but also allowing some play for users
that will
often fill the container to the brim or with heavier or bulkier objects.
Alternatively, the container 10 may be made of a single extruded piece of
plastic as
with the embodiment shown in FIGs 15 to 19. In an alternative embodiment shown
in FIGs. 6 to 14, the container is foldable but made of a rigid plastic,
preferably of a
mesh type configuration permitting air circulation and visual inspections of
the
contents.
The bottom 11 of the container 10 may be solid. As seen in the embodiment of
FIGs. 15 to 19, where the container is a unitary structure, it may be integral
with
the container structure itself. The bottom may include a breathable fabric
material
or be made of a mesh material similar to the fabric material 15 used for the
outer
surface of the container 10. It may further be rigid. In the case of a solid
bottom,
the bottom may be advantageously provided with at least one drainage hole 62.
The bottom 11 may be hingedly connected to the framing elements 13, for
example
using such hinges as a mechanical hinge (e.g. hinge 33 and 35 seen in FIG. 4),
a
live hinge or any other type of hinge, to allow the container to collapse into
a less
voluminous configuration. The bottom may be releasably secured in an operative
position to ensure the non-collapse of the container when in use. It may be
foldable
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along an axis 25 within the transverse plane 23 for engaging the collapsed
position
of the container.
Now, in order to be able to selectively close the open top 21 of the container
10, a
closure mechanism 60 is provided. The closure mechanism includes a primary
flap
53 for covering the open top 21. The primary flap 53 is hingedly connected,
preferably using a live hinge 57, to the back section 39 (the collector side)
at the
top 21 of the container 10. To close the open top 21, the primary flap 53 is
flipped
over to cover the open top 21 and in so doing it is placed under elastic
tension from
the hinged connection; this elastic tension also serving to maintain the
primary flap
in place. When the primary flap 53 is flipped back to the open position to
uncover
the open top, the elastic tension is released and the primary flap is no
longer under
this elastic tension.
A secondary flap 55 may be provided. This secondary flap 55 is hingedly
connected to the front side (consumer side) 37 and overlaps the primary flap
53.
When engaging the closed position of the top 21, this secondary flap 55 is
flipped
over the primary flap 53 and is thus placed under elastic tension, keeping it
in the
closed position. When engaging the open position, the secondary flap 55 is
flipped
back and the elastic tension is released.
To secure the container in the closed position, securing means such as a tie
or clip
hinge 61 may be provided.
To facilitate the re-engagement of the open position from the closed position
of the
primary flap 53, and closure mechanism in general, a first (collector) handle
19 is
provided. This collector handle 19 is operatively connected to the primary
flap.
Upon grabbing of this handle 19, the primary flap 53 is snapped out of its
closed
position, releasing the elastic tension which held it in the closed position,
and is
flipped into an open position uncovering the top and allowing access to the
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contents of the container 10. This first handle 19 may include a loop of
material
connected to the primary flap as shown in the embodiment of FIGs. 15 to 19.
The
first handle 19 may be connected to the primary flap 53 and the back section
(collector side) 39 of the container 10 near the top of the container or to
the primary
flap 53 and the back section (collector side) 39 of the container 10 near the
bottom
of the container. Of course, as long as it is operatively connected to the
primary
flap 53, it may be connected to any appropriate spot which would allow the
actuation of the open position.
A second (consumer) handle 17 disposed in the front section (consumer side) 37
of the container 10 for handling and transporting the container. This consumer
handle 17 may include an opening in the fabric material 15 or the framing
elements
as shown in the embodiment of FfGs. 15 to 19 or a loop of material as seen in
the
embodiments of FIGs. 1 to 14.
A third handle 31 may be provided for further facilitating handling the
container 10.
This third handle may be disposed on or near the bottom 11. It may be a recess
in
the bottom 11 of the container or it may include a loop material.
The first 19, second 17, and third 31 handles may be integral with the
container 10
and its structural elements.
Although the many features of the present invention have been described
hereinabove with reference to many alternate forms of embodiments of the
container of the present invention, a more detailed description of one of the
embodiments, that shown in FIGs, 1 to 5d, illustrating a working relationship
of the
elements, follows.
As seen in FIG. 4, the bottom 11 is preferably hexagonal in shape, where its
long
axis is generally coincident with the transverse axis 25 of the transverse
plane 23.
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The frame elements 13 thus comprise a bottom element 42 shaped and sized to
conform to the outside of bottom 11. Opposite ends of the elements 42 include
vertical posts 41. Intermediate posts 43 also project upwardly, and join at
5 intermediate apex 27. Bridge segment 45 bridges the frame from intermediate
apex 27 to top 21 of frame. The frame elements 13 are completed by top arms 47
extending from top 21 of frame to the upper portion of the vertical posts 41.
Viewed
from the top, the top arms 47 define a square opening (see FIG. 2a).
10 The vertical posts 41 of the consumer side are preferably hingedly
connected to
the vertical posts 41 of the collector side.
Also preferably, the intermediate posts 43 project outwardly, so that the
intermediate apex 27 projects beyond the bottom 11.
The bottom 11 is preferably hingedly connected to the frame 13 along an edge
parallel to the plane 23 on the consumer side. Furthermore, for purposes which
will
be explained hereinafter, the bottom 11 is also foldable along axis 25.
A closure mechanism 60 is further provided at top 21 of container 10, to close
the
container to protect the contents from the elements.
The closure mechanism is preferably a clip hinge 61.
The consumer handle 17 is preferably connected in the vicinity of apex 27 on
the
consumer side of the container. The apex is further preferably located
slightly
below the top of the vertical posts, so that the fabric over the intermediate
posts
and the bottom defines an outwardly projecting surface 49 (see FIGs. 1a, lb
and
5a). The distances are so selected that when the container is lifted for
transport,
the cooperation between the center of gravity of the container and the
consumer
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handle results in surface 49 lying generally parallel to a consumer's leg,
preventing
interference from the container when walking.
On the other side of container, the collector handle 19 is preferably a loop
of
material extending from the apex 27 (or higher) to the top 21 of container.
Further
preferably, the handle 19 is further preferably operatively connected to hinge
61 so
that when the collector grabs handle 19, the weight of the container 10
combined
with the pulling motion on the handle 19 opens hinge 61 (if closed, of course)
in
one step. Advantageously, in order to facilitate the emptying of the container
10 in
a truck or the like, the container is further provided with a second collector
handle
31 on the bottom. Thus, with his or her two hands, the collector can
efficiently grab
the bag from the top and the bottom in order to empty container 10.
As mentioned previously, a variety of hinges, mechanical or otherwise, are
provided in container. Notably, the bottom 21 is hingedly connected to the
frame,
so that the bottom can be snapped into the operative position, giving shape to
the
bottom of the frame. It can also be unclipped or unsnapped and pivoted
upwardly.
In such a case, and referring now to FIGs. 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d, the container
can be
completely folded and flattened, for shipping and storage purposes (a definite
advantage of the rigid plastic bins of the prior art).
In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGs. 6 to 14, the container is
foldable
but made of a rigid plastic, preferably of a mesh type configurations
permitting air
circulation and visual inspections of the contents. In another embodiment, as
shown in FIGs. 15 to 19, the container is not collapsible and is made of a
single
piece of extruded plastic. All other structural elements remain basically the
same.
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail
herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood
that the
invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various changes
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and modifications may be effected therein without departing from the scope of
the
present invention.
