WASTE RECEPTACLE
United States Patent 3608712
A reusable waste receptacle includes: an outer container having foldable sidewalls and a bottom V-shaped in cross section; and, in inner array of disposable bags in vertically disposed relation, the innermost bag resting against the rear wall of the container, the outermost bag covering the remaining bags, and when in use being supported by the V-shaped bottom of the outer container. An interlockable lid holds the container in compact closed position. When opened, however, the container snaps open and the outermost bag folds into place. Adhesive strips on the container and a removable punch in the rear wall of the container allow same to be held by or affixed to a supporting means.
US Patent References:
Combination waste receptacle and bag dispenser
Latvala - November 1955 - 2725141
Dispenser and receptacle mounting
Hargraves - May 1959 - 2887216
Dispose all litter bag
Murch - November 1961 - 3008569
Automobile seat litter receiving device
Weigle - May 1963 - 3088771
Reclosable dispenser
Marsh - August 1967 - 3333690
Combination waste receptacle and bag dispenser
Latvala - November 1955 - 2725141
Dispenser and receptacle mounting
Hargraves - May 1959 - 2887216
Dispose all litter bag
Murch - November 1961 - 3008569
Automobile seat litter receiving device
Weigle - May 1963 - 3088771
Reclosable dispenser
Marsh - August 1967 - 3333690
Application Number:
05/002795
Publication Date:
09/28/1971
Filing Date:
01/14/1970
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
229/164.200, 229/149, 206/554
International Classes:
B65D83/08; B65F1/06; B65F1/04; B65D5/60
Field of Search:
229/14B,14BA,14BE 206/19.5R,57A
US Patent References:
| 3392825 | Continuous bag system | July 1968 | Gale |
Primary Examiner:
Norton, Donald F.
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. A reusable waste receptacle comprising:
2. A reusable waste receptacle comprising:
1. A reusable waste receptacle comprising:
2. A reusable waste receptacle comprising:
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to waste receptacles, and in particular to an improved reusable waste receptacle comprising an outer container and an inner array of disposable bags.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the past a single disposable bag was placed in a container and when filled, removed and a new disposable bag inserted.
Alternatively disposable bags with no outer container have been used.
Also, a combination waste receptacle and bag dispenser involving an outer, rigid, generally rectangular container with an inner plurality of paper bags has been suggested.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is a reusable waste receptacle.
Another object is such a receptacle which is simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture.
Still another object is such a receptacle that contains a large number of disposable bags.
These and other objects are accomplished in accordance with the present invention, one illustrative embodiment of which comprises a waste receptacle that includes an outer container, having foldable sidewalls and V-shaped bottom, and an inner array of plastic bags, the outermost bag covering the remaining bags when in use, and being removable when it becomes filled, the V-shaped bottom of the container serving to support the outermost bag as it is being filled, to prevent breakage, and to facilitate settling of the waste to the bottom. An interlockable lid holds the container in compact closed position. When the lid is opened, however, the container snaps open and the outermost bag falls into place. Adhesive strips on the container and a removable punch in the rear wall of the container allow same to be held by or affixed to a supporting means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the present invention and accompanying drawing, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a waste receptacle constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention with the receptacle in closed position;
FIG. 2 is a cross section view showing the receptacle in open position;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the receptacle in open position while in use;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the area where the bag array is fastened to the outer container; and,
FIG. 5 is a front view of FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing, a waste receptacle constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is shown as including an outer container 11, and an inner array 12 of disposable bags.
As best seen in FIGS. 1 through 3, the outer container 11, which preferably comprises a relatively rigid material such as cardboard, has an open top 13, a lid for closing the top 14, front 15 and rear 16 walls, foldable sidewalls 17 and a closed bottom 18, generally V-shaped in cross section.
The container 11 is so constructed as to define in open position a top opening generally rectangular in cross section for depositing waste material in one of the plurality of plastic bags comprising the bag array held within the container.
The lid 14 has a tab 19 adapted to be lockingly engaged within slits 20 in the front wall 15 of the container, and allows the receptacle to be stored compactly (See FIG. 3), thus requiring less store shelf or home storage space. In some instances too it may be desirable to keep the container closed when it is being used though not at that express moment.
The lid 14 may be serrated at its common point with the rest of the container so that the lid can be removed and disposed of should space requirements so demand.
As mentioned above the front wall 15 is provided with slits 20 for reception of the lid tab. Rear wall is provided with a die cut hole 21 which is serrated so that a central portion 22 can be punched out, allowing the container to be hung on door or drawer knobs and the like. In addition, an adhesive strip 23 is attached across the top of the rear wall and is covered by a backing strip 24. This would permit the rear wall of the container to be affixed to a surface by removal of the backing strip. A further advantage then would be that the container could be hung with the lid in closed position.
The front 15 and rear 16 walls together define a bottom 18 generally V-shaped in cross section. The V-shaped bottom assures that the plastic bag will be properly supported, thus preventing breakage of the bag as the waste material deposited therein becomes more weighty, and facilitates settling of the waste.
Finally, the sidewalls 17 are foldable, being creased along a line which bisects the bottom and extends to the top opening at right angles thereto.
When the container is closed these sidewalls 17 are slightly under compression, so that when the lid tab 19 is removed from the front wall slits 23, the container springs or pops open.
As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 the inner array 12 includes a cardboard backing strip 25, stapled at 26 to the rear wall of the container and a plurality say 10, of waterproof plastic bags 27, typically polyethylene, 0.001 mil thick. The bags are in overlapping relationship, so that the one bag in use covers the remaining unused bags. Each bag has an extended rear lip 28 stapled at 29 to the backing strip 25. This rear lip is also serrated at 30 so that when the bag in use has been filled with waste material it can be torn off and the next as yet unused plastic bag will simply fall into place, filling the outer container.
To summarize then and to further explain how the waste receptacle is used, one purchases the unit in its compact closed state, substantially as shown in FIG. 1. The compactness assures savings in space.
To use the receptacle one may attach same to a supporting member or surface, either by removing the central portion, or removing the backing strip 24 from its adhesive strip 23.
Typical uses for the receptacle would be in automobiles, in hospitals on or near beds, in homes near sinks or in bathrooms, in trailers, on picnics, in nurseries for diapers, etc.
When the lid is opened, the outer container springs out and the outermost bag falls open, covering all the unused bags.
The outermost bag is filled with waste. If the smell of the waste material is offensive, the lid, assuming it has not been removed due to space constraints and that the container is not affixed to its supporting surface by the lid adhesive strip, can be closed.
When the outermost bag is full, it is torn off and the next one falls in place.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to waste receptacles, and in particular to an improved reusable waste receptacle comprising an outer container and an inner array of disposable bags.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the past a single disposable bag was placed in a container and when filled, removed and a new disposable bag inserted.
Alternatively disposable bags with no outer container have been used.
Also, a combination waste receptacle and bag dispenser involving an outer, rigid, generally rectangular container with an inner plurality of paper bags has been suggested.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is a reusable waste receptacle.
Another object is such a receptacle which is simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture.
Still another object is such a receptacle that contains a large number of disposable bags.
These and other objects are accomplished in accordance with the present invention, one illustrative embodiment of which comprises a waste receptacle that includes an outer container, having foldable sidewalls and V-shaped bottom, and an inner array of plastic bags, the outermost bag covering the remaining bags when in use, and being removable when it becomes filled, the V-shaped bottom of the container serving to support the outermost bag as it is being filled, to prevent breakage, and to facilitate settling of the waste to the bottom. An interlockable lid holds the container in compact closed position. When the lid is opened, however, the container snaps open and the outermost bag falls into place. Adhesive strips on the container and a removable punch in the rear wall of the container allow same to be held by or affixed to a supporting means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the present invention and accompanying drawing, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a waste receptacle constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention with the receptacle in closed position;
FIG. 2 is a cross section view showing the receptacle in open position;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the receptacle in open position while in use;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the area where the bag array is fastened to the outer container; and,
FIG. 5 is a front view of FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawing, a waste receptacle constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is shown as including an outer container 11, and an inner array 12 of disposable bags.
As best seen in FIGS. 1 through 3, the outer container 11, which preferably comprises a relatively rigid material such as cardboard, has an open top 13, a lid for closing the top 14, front 15 and rear 16 walls, foldable sidewalls 17 and a closed bottom 18, generally V-shaped in cross section.
The container 11 is so constructed as to define in open position a top opening generally rectangular in cross section for depositing waste material in one of the plurality of plastic bags comprising the bag array held within the container.
The lid 14 has a tab 19 adapted to be lockingly engaged within slits 20 in the front wall 15 of the container, and allows the receptacle to be stored compactly (See FIG. 3), thus requiring less store shelf or home storage space. In some instances too it may be desirable to keep the container closed when it is being used though not at that express moment.
The lid 14 may be serrated at its common point with the rest of the container so that the lid can be removed and disposed of should space requirements so demand.
As mentioned above the front wall 15 is provided with slits 20 for reception of the lid tab. Rear wall is provided with a die cut hole 21 which is serrated so that a central portion 22 can be punched out, allowing the container to be hung on door or drawer knobs and the like. In addition, an adhesive strip 23 is attached across the top of the rear wall and is covered by a backing strip 24. This would permit the rear wall of the container to be affixed to a surface by removal of the backing strip. A further advantage then would be that the container could be hung with the lid in closed position.
The front 15 and rear 16 walls together define a bottom 18 generally V-shaped in cross section. The V-shaped bottom assures that the plastic bag will be properly supported, thus preventing breakage of the bag as the waste material deposited therein becomes more weighty, and facilitates settling of the waste.
Finally, the sidewalls 17 are foldable, being creased along a line which bisects the bottom and extends to the top opening at right angles thereto.
When the container is closed these sidewalls 17 are slightly under compression, so that when the lid tab 19 is removed from the front wall slits 23, the container springs or pops open.
As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 the inner array 12 includes a cardboard backing strip 25, stapled at 26 to the rear wall of the container and a plurality say 10, of waterproof plastic bags 27, typically polyethylene, 0.001 mil thick. The bags are in overlapping relationship, so that the one bag in use covers the remaining unused bags. Each bag has an extended rear lip 28 stapled at 29 to the backing strip 25. This rear lip is also serrated at 30 so that when the bag in use has been filled with waste material it can be torn off and the next as yet unused plastic bag will simply fall into place, filling the outer container.
To summarize then and to further explain how the waste receptacle is used, one purchases the unit in its compact closed state, substantially as shown in FIG. 1. The compactness assures savings in space.
To use the receptacle one may attach same to a supporting member or surface, either by removing the central portion, or removing the backing strip 24 from its adhesive strip 23.
Typical uses for the receptacle would be in automobiles, in hospitals on or near beds, in homes near sinks or in bathrooms, in trailers, on picnics, in nurseries for diapers, etc.
When the lid is opened, the outer container springs out and the outermost bag falls open, covering all the unused bags.
The outermost bag is filled with waste. If the smell of the waste material is offensive, the lid, assuming it has not been removed due to space constraints and that the container is not affixed to its supporting surface by the lid adhesive strip, can be closed.
When the outermost bag is full, it is torn off and the next one falls in place.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.