US20030141299A1 - Methods and apparatus for minimizing waste disposal space - Google Patents

Abstract

A receptacle is fabricated to be folded prior to disposal to minimize waste disposal space. The receptacle includes a first portion including a plurality of fold lines and having a first surface area. The fold lines permit the receptacle to be folded prior to disposal such that the first portion has a second surface area. A fastening mechanism is attached to the receptacle on the first portion. The fold lines are formed to fold the receptacle such that the fastening mechanism maintains the receptacle in a folded position for disposal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• This application relates generally to receptacles and, more particularly, to receptacles which include fastening mechanisms.[0001]
• Every year vast sums of money and resources are used to dispose large quantities of waste and to educate the population on potential waste disposal problems. However, waste disposal is an increasing problem since waste continues to be produced in large quantities. Common household goods that have a large volume or a large surface area when disposed contribute to the problem. For example, discarding only a few disposable plates into a trash receptacle may quickly fill the trash receptacle depending on the positions of the plates when placed within the trash receptacle. Additionally, discarding only a few common cartons, such as tissue boxes or cereal boxes, may also quickly fill the trash receptacle while wasting valuable waste disposal space.[0002]
• To minimize the effect of the waste, rubbish compressing apparatuses compress the waste to a small volume prior to its disposal. Such apparatuses are expensive and require a power source. As a result, such apparatuses are not feasible for use when disposing of rubbish outdoors, such as after a picnic, a fair, or a camping excursion. Additionally, to effectively utilize such an apparatus, the waste must first be sorted to prevent damage to the apparatus. Furthermore, even after sorting, depending on the position of the rubbish during the compacting operation of the apparatus, those goods having a large surface area may not be compressed prior to disposal. As a result, waste disposal costs remain high and waste disposal space continues to be wasted.[0003]
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In an exemplary embodiment, a receptacle is fabricated to be folded to minimize waste disposal space. The receptacle includes a first portion including a plurality of fold lines and having a first surface area. The fold lines permit the receptacle to be folded prior to disposal such that the first portion has a second surface area. A fastening mechanism is attached to the receptacle on the first portion. The fold lines are formed to permit the receptacle to be folded such that the fastening mechanism fastens to maintain the receptacle in a folded position for disposal. As a result, waste disposal space in local trash receptacles and in landfills is conserved.[0004]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is top perspective view of a receptacle including a fastening mechanism;[0005]
• FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 1;[0006]
• FIG. 3 is a side view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 1 folded for disposal;[0007]
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a receptacle including a fastening mechanism;[0008]
• FIG. 5 is a side view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 4 folded for disposal;[0009]
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a receptacle including a fastening mechanism; and[0010]
• FIG. 7 is a view of the receptacle shown in FIG. 6 folded for disposal.[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• FIG. 1 is top perspective view of a[0012]receptacle10 including afastening mechanism12 and afirst portion14. FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view ofreceptacle10.First portion14 is circular and includes anouter border16, atop surface18, and abottom surface20.Top surface18 is substantially planar and is bounded by aperimeter22.Perimeter22 extends circumferentially from anouter periphery23 oftop surface18 toouter border16.Outer periphery23 circumscribesfirst portion14 and defines a first surface area forfirst portion14. In one embodiment,receptacle10 accommodates food products and is a plate.
• [0013]First portion14 also includes a plurality offold lines24. In one embodiment,first portion14 includes twofold lines24. Alternatively,first portion14 includes more than twofold lines24.Fold lines24 extend across first portiontop surface18 and permitreceptacle10 to be folded prior toreceptacle10 being disposed. In one embodiment,fold lines24 extend throughperimeter22 toouter border16 and permitreceptacle10 to be folded in quarters.Fold lines24 are stamped on receptacle first portiontop surface18 and are easily visible on first portion top surface. Alternatively,fold lines24 are machined, embossed, or molded withreceptacle10. In one embodiment, firstportion bottom surface20 is reinforced inareas26 corresponding to areas in whichfold lines24 extend across first portiontop surface18.
• [0014]Fold lines24 are formed such that whenreceptacle10 is used, the structural integrity ofreceptacle10 is maintained to prevent inadvertent folding ofreceptacle10. Additionally,fold lines24 are fabricated such that whenreceptacle10 is disposed,fold lines24permit receptacle10 to be folded such thatfirst portion14 has a second surface area and such thatfastening mechanism12 is aligned. In one embodiment,fold lines24 are color-coded to be more visible. In another embodiment,receptacle10 includes arrows to indicatedirections receptacle10 should be folded for disposal.
• [0015]Fastening mechanism12 is attached to receptacle firstportion bottom surface20 with an adhesive material. Alternatively,fastening mechanism12 is integrally formed with receptacle firstportion bottom surface20. Firstportion bottom surface20 is reinforced inareas28 and30 surroundingfastening mechanism12 to provide additional structural support toreceptacle10.Fastening mechanism12 includes amale half30 and afemale half32. Fastening mechanismfemale half32 is sized to receive fastening mechanismmale half30. Alternatively, fastening mechanismmale half30 is removably attached to fastening mechanismfemale half32. In one embodiment,receptacle10 includes a plurality offastening mechanisms12 and eachfastening mechanism12 is color-coded.
• [0016]Fastening mechanism12 is attached to firstportion bottom surface20 in close proximity to first portion top surfaceouter periphery23.Fold lines24 are formed such that afterreceptacle10 is folded, fastening mechanismmale half30 is aligned to engage fastening mechanismfemale half32 to maintainreceptacle10 in a folded position (not shown in FIGS.1 or2).
• FIG. 3 is a side view of[0017]receptacle10 folded for disposal. Receptacle fold lines24 (shown in FIG. 1) permitreceptacle10 to be folded such that receptaclefirst portion14 has a second surface area. In one embodiment, the second surface area of receptaclefirst portion14 is smaller than the first surface area of receptaclefirst portion14.Receptacle fold lines24 are formed such that whenreceptacle10 is in a folded position, as shown in FIG. 3, fastening mechanismmale portion30 is aligned to engage fastening mechanismfemale portion32 to maintainreceptacle10 in the folded position for disposal.
• Fastening mechanism[0018]male portion30 extends from receptacle first portion bottom surface20 adistance40. Fastening mechanismfemale portion32 includes an opening42 sized to receive and engage fastening mechanismmale portion30 such thatreceptacle10 is maintained in a folded position for disposal. In one embodiment,fastening mechanism12 is a snap fitting mechanism. Alternatively, any other suitable fastening device or retaining device may be used which maintainsreceptacle10 in a folded condition for disposal, including, but not limited to mechanical devices, interlocking devices, hook and pile fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, tab and slot devices, locking mechanisms, magnets, tying systems, or clips.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a[0019]receptacle100 including afastening mechanism102 and abase104. FIG. 5 is a side view ofreceptacle100 folded for disposal. In one embodiment,receptacle100 accommodates food products, such as cereal. Alternatively,receptacle100 accommodates non-edible products, such as tissues.Base104 is substantially planar and has a substantially rectangular profile.Base104 includes aperimeter106, anouter surface108, and an inner surface (not shown).Perimeter106 circumscribesbase104 and defines a first surface area forbase104.Receptacle100 includes a left side112, aright side114, afront side116, and a back side (not shown). Aside wall118 extends substantially perpendicularly frombase perimeter106 to a top (not shown).Side wall118 extends betweenreceptacle base104 and a receptacle top (not shown).
• [0020]Base104 is constructed substantially similarly with the receptacle top, and both the top andbase104 also include a plurality of fold lines120. In one embodiment,base104 includes threefold lines120. Foldlines120 extend across baseouter surface108 from receptacle left side112 to receptacleright side114, and from the receptacle back side to receptaclefront side116 to permitreceptacle100 to be folded prior to being disposed. Foldlines120 also extend acrossside wall118 betweenbase104 and the receptacle top. In alternative embodiments, foldlines120 extend in a plurality of directions acrossside wall118. Foldlines24 are stamped onreceptacle base104 and are easily visible on baseouter surface108. In alternative embodiments, foldlines120 are machined, embossed, or molded toreceptacle100.
• Fold[0021]lines120 are formed such that whenreceptacle100 is used, the structural integrity ofreceptacle100 is maintained to prevent inadvertent folding ofreceptacle100. Additionally, foldlines120 are formed such that whenreceptacle100 is to be disposed, foldlines120permit receptacle100 to be folded such thatreceptacle base100 has a second surface area and such thatfastening mechanism102 is aligned. In one embodiment, foldlines120 are color-coded to be more visible. In another embodiment,receptacle100 includes arrows to indicate directions receptacle100 should be folded for disposal.
• [0022]Fastening mechanism102 is attached to receptacle baseouter surface108 with an adhesive material. Anadditional fastening mechanism102 is attached to an outer surface (not shown) of the receptacle top. Alternatively,fastening mechanism102 is integrally fabricated with receptacle baseouter surface108 and the receptacle top outer surface. Baseouter surface108 is reinforced inareas128 and130 surroundingfastening mechanism102 to provide additional structural support toreceptacle100.Fastening mechanism102 includes amale half132 and afemale half134. Fastening mechanismfemale half134 is sized to receive fastening mechanismmale half132. Alternatively, fastening mechanismmale half132 is removably attached to fastening mechanismfemale half134. In one embodiment,receptacle100 includes a plurality offastening mechanisms102 and eachfastening mechanism102 is color-coded.
• [0023]Fastening mechanism12 is attached to basebottom surface20 in close proximity toreceptacle side walls118. Foldlines120 are formed such that afterreceptacle100 is folded, fastening mechanismmale half132 is aligned to engage fastening mechanismfemale half134 to maintainreceptacle100 in a folded position. Foldlines120 are also formed such that afterreceptacle100 is folded,receptacle base104 has a second surface area. In one embodiment, the second surface area ofreceptacle base104 is smaller than the first surface area ofreceptacle base104.Receptacle fold lines120 are formed such that whenreceptacle100 is in a folded position, as shown in FIG. 5, fastening mechanismmale portion132 is aligned to engage fastening mechanismfemale portion134 to maintainreceptacle100 in the folded position for disposal.
• Fastening mechanism[0024]male portion132 extends from receptacle base outer surface108 adistance140. Fastening mechanismfemale portion134 includes anopening142 sized to receive fastening mechanismmale portion132 such thatreceptacle100 is maintained in a folded position for disposal. In one embodiment,fastening mechanism102 is a snap fitting mechanism. Alternatively, any other suitable fastening device or retaining device may be used which maintainsreceptacle100 in a folded condition for disposal, including, but not limited to mechanical devices, interlocking devices, hook and pile fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, tab and slot devices, locking mechanisms, magnets, tying systems, or clips.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a[0025]receptacle200 including afastening mechanism202 and aside wall204. FIG. 7 is a side view ofreceptacle200 folded for disposal. In one embodiment,receptacle200 accommodates food products, such as oatmeal. Alternatively,receptacle200 accommodates non-edible products.Side wall204 is annular and has a substantially circular cross-sectional profile.Side wall204 includes anupper edge206, alower edge208, abody210 extending betweenupper edge206 andlower edge208, and anouter surface209.Upper edge208 circumscribes a top212 andlower edge210 circumscribes a bottom214.Side wall204 has a first surface area extending between receptacle top212 andreceptacle bottom214. Receptacle top212 andreceptacle bottom214 are each substantially perpendicular toside wall204.
• [0026]Side wall204 includes a plurality offold lines220 to permitreceptacle200 to be folded prior to disposal. Foldlines220 extend along side wallouter surface209 between receptacle top212 andreceptacle bottom214, and circumferentially aroundreceptacle200 along side wallouter surface209. Foldlines220 also extend acrossreceptacle top212 and the receptacle bottom. Foldlines220 are stamped onreceptacle200. In alternative embodiments, foldlines220 are machined, embossed, or molded toreceptacle200.
• Fold[0027]lines220 are formed such that whenreceptacle200 is used,receptacle200 maintains its structural integrity to prevent inadvertent folding ofreceptacle200. Additionally, foldlines220 are fabricated such that whenreceptacle200 is to be disposed, foldlines220permit receptacle200 to be folded such thatreceptacle side wall204 has a second surface area and such thatfastening mechanism202 is aligned. In one embodiment, foldlines220 are color-coded to be more visible. In another embodiment,receptacle200 includes arrows to indicate directions receptacle200 should be folded for disposal.
• [0028]Fastening mechanism202 is attached to receptacle side wallouter surface209 with an adhesive material. Alternatively,fastening mechanism202 is integrally fabricated with side wallouter surface209. Side wallouter surface209 is reinforced inareas228 and230 surroundingfastening mechanism202 to provide additional structural support toreceptacle200.Fastening mechanism202 includes amale half232 and afemale half234. Fastening mechanismfemale half234 is sized to receive fastening mechanismmale half232. Alternatively,male half232 is removably attached tofemale half234. In one embodiment,receptacle200 includes a plurality offastening mechanisms202 and eachfastening mechanism202 is color-coded.
• [0029]Fastening mechanism202 is attached to side wallouter surface209 in close proximity to upper andlower edges206 and208. Foldlines220 are formed such that afterreceptacle200 is folded, fastening mechanismmale half232 is aligned to engage fastening mechanismfemale half234 to maintainreceptacle200 in a folded position. Foldlines220 are also formed such that afterreceptacle100 is folded,receptacle side wall204 has a second surface area. In one embodiment, the second surface area ofreceptacle side wall204 is smaller than the first surface area ofreceptacle side wall204.Receptacle fold lines220 are formed such that whenreceptacle200 is in a folded position, as shown in FIG. 7, fastening mechanismmale portion232 is aligned to engage fastening mechanismfemale portion234 to maintainreceptacle200 in the folded position for disposal.
• Fastening mechanism[0030]male portion232 extends from receptacle side wall outer surface209 adistance240. Fastening mechanismfemale portion234 includes anopening242 sized to receive fastening mechanismmale portion232 such thatreceptacle200 is maintained in a folded position for disposal. In one embodiment,fastening mechanism202 is a snap fitting mechanism. Alternatively, any other suitable fastening device or retaining device may be used which maintainsreceptacle200 in a folded condition for disposal, including, but not limited to mechanical devices, hook and pile fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, tab and slot devices, locking mechanisms, magnets, tying systems, or clips.
• [0031]Receptacles10,100, and200 includefold lines24,120, and220, respectively, which permitreceptacles10,100, and200 to be folded prior to disposal and each receptacles'fastening mechanism12,102, and202, respectively, maintains the folded position of eachreceptacle10,100, and200 for disposal. Accordingly, the folded position of eachreceptacle10,100, and200 reduces an amount of waste disposal space utilized by eachreceptacle10,100, and200 in local trash receptacles and in landfills. In one embodiment,receptacles10,100, and200 are used by bulk shippers including, but not limited to, food preparers, grocers, shippers, wholesalers, and similar other professions, to minimize disposal space following shipments of large quantities of items or bulk goods. In another embodiment,receptacles10,100, and200 are used by food preparers including, but not limited to, hospitals, hotels, schools, and restaurants forced to serve food on disposable receptacles when dish washing facilities are not available. In a further embodiment, becausereceptacles10,100, and200 are folded, any food remaining onreceptacles10,100, and200 is contained in the folded receptacle,receptacles10,100, and200 are used to increase hygienic practices by organizations including, but not limited to, disaster and emergency relief agencies and the military. In another embodiment,receptacles10,100, and200 are used to facilitate clean-up practices by organizations at sites including, but not limited to, national parks, entertainment parks, sporting arenas, picnic areas, and concert venues. In yet another embodiment,receptacles10,100, and200 are used in areas having limited disposal space or means including, but not limited to, automobiles, trains, planes, and buses.
• The above described receptacle is cost-effective and reliable. Each receptacle includes a plurality of fold lines and a fastening mechanism. The fold lines permit the receptacle to be folded prior to disposal. When discarded, the fastening mechanism maintains the receptacle in a folded position, thus limiting an amount of waste disposal space occupied by the receptacle within the trash receptacle. As a result, land fill space and waste disposal space is conserved.[0032]
• While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.[0033]

Claims (34)

What is claimed is:

1. A receptacle comprising:

a first portion comprising a plurality of fold lines and a first surface area, said plurality of fold lines disposed within said first portion and configured to permit said receptacle to be folded such that said first portion comprises a second surface area;

a fastening mechanism attached to said receptacle first portion, said fastening mechanism configured to maintain said receptacle in a folded condition.

2. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 1 wherein said fastening mechanism comprises a first portion and a second portion, said fold lines configured to fold said receptacle such that said fastening mechanism first portion engages said fastening mechanism second portion.

3. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 2 wherein said fastening mechanism is integrally formed with said receptacle.

4. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 3 wherein said second surface area is less than said first surface area.

5. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 4 wherein said first portion further comprises a planar portion comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, said top surface bounded by a perimeter extending from said first portion, said fastening mechanism attached to said bottom surface.

6. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 5 wherein said fold lines permit said receptacle to be folded at least twice.

7. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 6 wherein said fold lines permit said receptacle to be folded in quarters.

8. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 7 wherein said receptacle accomodates food products.

9. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 8 wherein said receptacle comprises a plate.

10. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 4 wherein said receptacle further comprises a wall, said first portion comprising an outer perimeter, said wall extending from said first portion outer perimeter.

11. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 10 wherein said first portion outer perimeter is circular, said wall extending circumferentially from said first portion.

12. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 11 wherein said wall comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, said fastening mechanism attached to said outer surface.

13. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 12 wherein said fold lines extend over said receptacle bottom and said receptacle wall.

14. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 13 wherein said receptacle accomodates food products.

15. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 10 wherein said bottom outer perimeter is non-circular, said wall circumscribes said bottom.

16. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 15 wherein said wall comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, said fastening mechanism attached to said outer surface.

17. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 16 wherein said fold lines extend over said container bottom and said container wall.

18. A receptacle in accordance withclaim 17 wherein said receptacle accomodates food products.

19. A method for disposing a receptacle, the receptacle including a first portion and a minimizing system, the first portion having a first surface area, the minimizing system including a plurality of fold lines and a fastening mechanism, the fold lines disposed within the first portion to permit the first portion to be folded to have a second surface area, the fastening mechanism attached to the first portion to maintain the receptacle in a folded condition, said method comprising the steps of:

folding the receptacle along the fold lines;

using the fastening mechanism to maintain the receptacle in a folded condition; and

disposing of the folded receptacle.

20. A method in accordance withclaim 19 wherein the fastening mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion, the fastening mechanism first portion configured to engage the fastening mechanism second portion to maintain the receptacle in a folded condition, said step of using the fastening mechanism further comprising the steps of:

folding the receptacle to align the fastening mechanism first portion with the fastening mechanism second portion; and

fastening the second portion of the fastening mechanism with the first portion of the fastening mechanism.

21. A method in accordance withclaim 20 wherein said step of folding the receptacle further comprises the step of folding the container in quarters.

22. A method for minimizing waste disposal space when disposing receptacles, the receptacles including a first portion and a minimizing system, the first portion having a first surface area, the minimizing system including a plurality of fold lines and a fastening mechanism, the fold lines disposed within the first portion to permit the first portion to be folded to have a second surface area, the fastening mechanism attached to the first portion to maintain the receptacle in a folded condition, said method comprising the steps of:

folding each receptacle along the fold lines;

maintaining each folded receptacle in a folded condition; and

disposing the folded receptacles in a waste disposal location.

23. A method in accordance withclaim 20 wherein the fastening mechanism includes a first portion and a second portion, the fastening mechanism first portion configured to engage the fastening mechanism second portion after the receptacle is folded, said step of folding the receptacles further comprising the step of folding the receptacle such that the fastening mechanism first portion is aligned with the fastening mechanism second portion.

24. A method in accordance withclaim 23 wherein the step of maintaining the folded receptacles further comprises the step of fastening the first fastening mechanism portion with the second fastening mechanism portion.

25. A method in accordance withclaim 24 wherein the receptacle includes a planar portion including a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface bounded by a perimeter for containing food on said top surface, the fastening mechanism attached to the bottom surface, said step of folding the receptacles further comprising the step of folding the receptacle in quarters.

26. A method in accordance withclaim 23 wherein the receptacle includes a planar portion including a top surface and a bottom surface, the fastening mechanism attached to the bottom surface, said step of folding the receptacles further comprising the step of folding the receptacle such that the first portion of the fastening mechanism attached to the bottom surface of the receptacle engages the second portion of the fastening mechanism attached to the bottom surface of the receptacle.

27. A method in accordance withclaim 23 wherein the receptacle includes a bottom and a wall, the bottom substantially planar and including an outer perimeter, the wall extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom outer perimeter, the wall including an inner surface and an outer surface, the fastening mechanism attached to the outer surface, said step of folding the receptacles further comprising the step of folding the receptacle wall such that the first portion of the fastening mechanism attached to the outer surface of the receptacle wall engages the second portion of the fastening mechanism attached to the outer surface of the receptacle wall.

28. A method for manufacturing a receptacle, the receptacle including a first portion and a fastening mechanism, said method comprising:

forming a plurality of fold lines within the first portion, the fold lines configured to permit the first portion to be folded such that the first portion has a first surface area before folding the receptacle and a second surface area after folding the receptacle; and

attaching a fastening mechanism to the first portion, the fastening mechanism configured to maintain the receptacle in a folded condition.

29. A method in accordance withclaim 28 wherein the step of forming a plurality of fold lines further comprises the step of configuring the fold lines such that the second surface area of the first portion is smaller than the first surface area of the first portion.

30. A method in accordance withclaim 29 wherein the step of attaching a fastening mechanism further comprises the steps of:

attaching a first half of the fastening mechanism to one location on the first portion; and

attaching a second half of the fastening mechanism to a second location on the first portion.

31. A method in accordance withclaim 30 wherein the step of attaching a fastening mechanism further comprises the step of attaching the fastening mechanism to the first portion such that the fastening mechanism first half may engage the fastening mechanism second half after the receptacle is folded.

32. A method in accordance withclaim 31 wherein the step of forming a plurality of fold lines further comprises the step of forming the fold lines to permit the fastening mechanism first half to engage the fastening mechanism second half when the receptacle is in a folded condition.

33. A method in accordance withclaim 32 wherein the receptacle further includes a wall, the first portion is substantially planar and includes an outer perimeter, the wall extending from the first portion outer perimeter, said method further comprising the step of forming a plurality of fold lines within the receptacle wall.

34. A method in accordance withclaim 33 wherein the wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface, said method further comprising the steps of:

attaching the fastening mechanism to the wall outer surface; and

configuring the fold lines such that the fastening mechanism first half engages the fastening mechanism second half.

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