US20100237074A1 - Receptacle with motion damper - Google Patents

Abstract

A receptacle having one or more lids can be provided one or more dampers configured to slow the movement of the lids from their open position toward its closed position. The lids of the receptacle can have a shape which facilitates dampening of the movement of the lids from an open position to a closed position. The lids and lid portion can have walls which are juxtaposed relative one another in a close relationship such that air briefly retained within the body when the lids are moved from an open position to a closed position.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY
• This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/162,224, filed Mar. 20, 2009, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
• 1. Field of the Inventions
• The present inventions relate to receptacles having doors or lids, some of the inventions relating to mechanisms configured to slow at least the closing movement of the lids.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• Receptacles and other devices having lids or doors are used in a variety of different settings. For example, in both residential and commercial settings, trashcans and other devices often have lids or doors for preventing the escape of the contents from the receptacle. In the context of trashcans, some trashcans include lids or doors to hide the trash within the receptacle from view. Additionally, the lid of a trashcan helps prevent contamination from escaping from the receptacle.
• Recently, trashcans with rotary-type motion dampers for slowing the motion of the lids have become commercially available. More specifically, these rotary dampening mechanisms are connected to the lids of the trashcans so as to slow the closing movement of the lids. As such, the trashcan is more aesthetically pleasing because the lid closes slowly, thereby preventing a loud slamming noise when the lid is moved to a closing position.
• These types of trashcans often are pedal-actuated, i.e., they include a foot pedal which is connected to the lid for moving the lid toward the open position. The rotary mechanisms are connected to the internal linkage connecting the foot pedal to the lid so as to slow the closing movement of the lid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS
• An aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that trash receptacles can be configured to use multiple techniques for dampening one or more movements of a lid.
• Thus, in accordance with an embodiment, a trashcan can comprise a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion. The trashcan can further comprise a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion comprising a lid support having an interior peripheral wall and two lids moveably mounted to the lid support so as to be independently moveable between open and closed positions, at least one of the lids having a generally concave profile. The trashcan can further comprise a first motion damper connected to the lid portion, and a second motion damper connected to the lid portion, wherein the first and second motion dampers are configured to dampen a movement of at least one of the two lids from the open position to the closed position. At least one of the two lids can comprise an exterior peripheral wall, the interior peripheral wall of the lid portion and the exterior peripheral wall of the lid being juxtaposed relative one another when the at least one lid is in the closed position so as to trap air within the lid portion and dampen lid movement when the at least one lid is moving from the open position to the closed position.
• In accordance with another embodiment, a trashcan can comprise a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion. The trashcan can further comprise a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion comprising at least one pivotable lid having a generally concave profile, each lid being independently moveable between open and closed positions such that the generally concave profile of the lid traps air within the interior space when the at least one lid moves from the open position to the closed position.
• In accordance with another embodiment, a trashcan can comprise a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion. The trashcan can further comprise a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion comprising at least one lid moveably mounted to the lid portion so as to be independently moveable between open and closed positions, the lid portion comprising an interior peripheral wall, and at least one of the lids comprising an exterior peripheral wall. The interior and exterior peripheral walls can be positioned adjacent one another when the at least one lid is in the closed position so as to trap air within the lid portion and dampen lid movement when the at least one lid is moving from the open position to the closed position.
• In accordance with another embodiment, a trashcan can comprise a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion. The trashcan can further comprise a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion comprising at least one lid moveably mounted to the lid portion so as to be independently moveable between open and closed positions, the lid portion further comprising an air guide configured to guide air downwardly into the interior space as the at least one lid moves from the open position towards the closed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The above mentioned and other features of the inventions disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, but not to limit the inventions. The drawings contain the following figures:
• FIG. 1 is a top, front, and left side perspective view of a trashcan in accordance with an embodiment, having dual lids with the lids in their closed position, with an exterior shell removed.
• FIG. 2 is a partial exploded and perspective view of the lid portion and base portion of the trashcan illustrated inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is another partial exploded and perspective view of the lid portion and base portion of the trashcan illustrated inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is a partial, enlarged, inverted, and perspective view of a lower side of the lid portion of the trashcan illustrated inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 is an enlarged, inverted, exploded, and perspective view of a damping mechanism attached to the lid portion of the trashcan illustrated inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 6 is an enlarged, perspective, and cross-sectional view of the damping mechanism and lid portion illustrated inFIG. 5.
• FIG. 7 is a top, front, and left side perspective view of the trashcan with an optional shell.
• FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the trashcan illustrated inFIG. 7.
• FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the trashcan illustrated inFIG. 7.
• FIG. 10 is a top, front, and left side perspective view of the trashcan illustrated inFIG. 7, with one of the lids in an open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• The embodiments of a receptacle with at least one lid are all disclosed in the context of a trashcan. The inventions disclosed herein are described in the context of a trashcan because they have particular utility in this context. However, the inventions disclosed herein can be used in other contexts as well, including, for example, but without limitation, large commercial trashcans, doors, windows, security gates, and other larger doors or lids, as well as doors or lids for smaller devices, such as high precision scales, computer drives, etc.
• FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of areceptacle assembly20. Theassembly20 can include abody portion22 and alid portion24. Thebody portion22 can include abase portion26 and an upper body portion28. Thebase portion26 and the upper body portion28 can be made from a single monolithic piece or from separate pieces connected together.
• In the illustrated embodiment, thebase portion26 can be configured to support theassembly20 in a stable resting position when theassembly20 rests on a surface such as a floor, which may be smooth, or uneven. Thebase portion26 can be configured to support the upper body portion28 such that the upper body portion28 can extend upwardly from thebase portion26.
• The upper body portion28 can include at least onecontainer30 which can be also be referred to as a “bin” or “liner”. The at least onecontainer30 can be configured to define an interior cavity or cavities. In some embodiments, such as illustrated inFIG. 1, the upper body portion28 comprises twoseparate containers30, each defining one cavity. Each of the interior cavities can be configured, for example, to receive and/or support additional rigid trash liners (not shown). In other embodiments, described below with reference to7-10, an outer shell can enclose thecontainers30 between thebase portion26 and thelid portion24.
• In some embodiments, thecontainers30 can be formed from sheet metals, such as sheet stainless steel, or other metals, or other materials including plastics, etc. In some embodiments, when sheet metal is used, such as sheet stainless steel, thecontainers30 can be made from any of 23-26 gauge stainless sheet steel. Of course, the thinner the gauge sheet steel, the lighter and less expensive thecontainers30 will be.
• Thelid portion24 can comprise alid support member32 extending generally around the periphery of thelid portion24. Thelid support member32 can provide support for and be attached to at least onemoveable lid34.
• Thelid portion24 illustrated inFIG. 1 includes twomoveable lids34 pivotably attached to thelid support member32. In other embodiments, a singlemoveable lid34 can be attached, or more than twomoveable lids34 can be attached. While themoveable lids34 inFIG. 1 are attached such that they both open in the same direction, in other embodiments themoveable lids34 can be attached such that they open in opposite directions from one another. Additionally, while themoveable lids34 are attached such that they pivot generally about a back edge of theassembly20, in other embodiments themoveable lids34 can be attached and/or pivoted about different areas of theassembly20.
• Themoveable lids34 can be moveably mounted to thelid portion24 with any known device, such as a hinge which can allow pivoting motion of themoveable lid34, or other devices providing different movements. The connection between the lid ormoveable lids34 and thelid portion24 can be constructed, for example, so as to connect themoveable lids34 to thelid support member32 or, in some embodiments, directly to the shell orshells30.
• Thelid portion24 can further comprise a handle or handles36. Thehandles36 can be located generally along a front portion of thereceptacle assembly20, such as illustrated inFIG. 1, or can be placed elsewhere. Thehandles36 can comprise recessed areas of themoveable lids34, and/or protruding portions of themoveable lids34, such that an operator is able to grab hold of and/or contact thehandles36 to move themoveable lids34 from a closed position to an open position, the closed position being illustrated inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, thehandles36 can extend from themoveable lids34 such that a user is able to reach underneath themoveable lids34 and lift up on thehandles36 to open themoveable lids34.
• With continued reference toFIG. 1, theassembly20 can further comprise at least onedamper38. Thedamper38 can be attached to thelid portion24, such that as amoveable lid34 is moved from an open position to a closed position, thedamper38 is activated and dampens the downward movement of themoveable lid34, described in greater detail below.
• With reference toFIG. 2, thebase portion26 can be made from a single monolithic piece and/or from separate components connected together. In some embodiments, thebase portion26 includes adivider portion40. Thedivider portion40 can extend from a central area of thebase26. On either side of thedivider40, an internal peripheral wall41 can extend around a flat, recessedarea42. Each flat, recessedarea42 can be configured to receive acontainer30, such that a bottom portion of eachcontainer30 rests flat against the recessedarea42 and is supported by the recessedarea42. In some embodiments aperipheral wall44 can extend around thedivider40, internal peripheral wall41, and recessedareas42.
• With reference toFIG. 3, thelid portion24 can comprise an interiorperipheral wall46. The interiorperipheral wall46 can extend around a portion of, or the entire,lid portion24. In some embodiments the interiorperipheral wall46 can also extend along a finger-grip region orregions48, defined along a side or sides of thelid portion24. As described further herein, the finger-grip regions48 can comprise recessed, open areas along thelid portion24 which provide room for an operator to insert a finger or hand whenmoveable lid34 is in an open position, and lift acontainer30 upwardly through thelid portion24, or in other embodiments, lift a liner from within acontainer30.
• With continued reference toFIG. 3, in some embodiments, thebase portion26 can comprise at least one anti-sliding mechanism50 (e.g. legs) sized to stably support the trash can assembly20 on a flooring surface. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 3, theanti-sliding mechanism50 can comprise a contact member made of any rubber, or other material. The contact member can be made of a material or can include a surface texture that generates appropriate coefficients of friction with the typical flooring materials.
• With reference toFIGS. 4-6, theassembly20 can include one ormore dampers38. Thedampers38 can be any type of dampening device including, for example, but without limitation, rotary dampening devices, friction dampening devices, or fluid damping devices operating with liquid or gaseous working fluids. Other types of dampening mechanisms can also be used.
• In some embodiments, theassembly20 can include at least twodampers38 arranged on opposing sides of thelid support24 so as to provide independent dampening against the movement of each of themoveable lids34. The description of thedamper38 set forth below applies to both of thedampers38, although only onedamper38 and its components are specifically identified below.
• With reference toFIG. 4, thedamper38 can be attached to thelid portion24 in any known manner. In some embodiments, thedamper38 can be connected to a member ormembers52 which extend from a face of thelid portion24. Thedamper38 can be connected to themembers52 withfasteners54, such as for example small screws. Alternatively, in some embodiments thedamper38 can be integrally formed with thelid portion24.
• In some embodiments, thedamper38 can be configured to dampen the downward movement of amoveable lid34. As used herein, the “downward movement” of themoveable lid34 corresponds generally to the movement from a position of themoveable lid34 as viewed inFIG. 10 to a position of themoveable lid34 as viewed inFIG. 1.
• With reference toFIG. 5, thedamper38 can be a fluid type damper operating with air as the working fluid. In the illustrated embodiment, thedamper38 can include ahousing56. Thehousing56 can be mounted anywhere on theassembly20. Further advantages can be provided where, as illustrated inFIGS. 4-6, thehousing56 of thedamper38 can be mounted to thelid portion24. In some embodiments, thehousing56 can define a cylinder, and can be positioned in an inverted orientation, with the closed end of the cylinder being at the bottom of thedamper38 and the open end facing upwardly.
• The dampening function of thedamper38 can be achieved by way of the resistance of the flow of a fluid, such as air, into and out of thehousing56. Additionally, or alternatively, the dampening function of thedamper38 can be achieved by way of the resistance of a biasing element inside thehousing56. This resistance of flow and/or biasing can generate sufficient damping forces for slowing the closing of themoveable lid34. Such forces can be large.
• With continued reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, thehousing56 can enclose internal components of thedamper38, and can include a flange orflanges58. Theflanges58 can be used to connect thedamper38 to thelid support24. For example, theflanges58 can include apertures which can align with apertures on themembers52, such thatfasteners54 are able to be placed through the apertures on both theflanges58 andmembers52, and secure thedamper38 to thelid support24. This type of mounting arrangement can provide further benefits stemming from the symmetry. For example, as noted above, the forces created during dampening can be large. Thus, a symmetric arrangement of flanges, and/or other mounts, can help maintain desired alignment of components.
• Thedamper38 can optionally further comprise a biasingelement60. The biasingelement60 can comprise a spring, elastic membrane, or other type of biasing device. As illustrated inFIG. 6, the biasingelement60 can be nested within a lower portion of thedamper38, and can be connected with and/or in contact with an end of thehousing56.
• The biasingelement60 can also be connected with and/or in contact with apiston support62. Thepiston support62 can comprise an element configured to slide within thehousing56, and can include a groove, recess, or other area for receiving aseal64.
• With continued reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, thedamper38 can comprise apiston66, which can extend along a length of the interior of thehousing56. One end of thepiston66 can be nested inside of or connected to a portion of thepiston support62, such that as thepiston66 is moved towards one end of thehousing56, thepiston support62 is also moved towards the same end of thehousing56. A portion of thepiston66 can extend outside of thehousing56, as illustrated inFIG. 6, through apiston guide68.
• Thepiston guide68 can extend through a receivingarea70 on thelid support24. The receivingarea70 can include anaperture72. One end of thepiston66 can thus extend through both thepiston guide68 andaperture72.
• With continued reference toFIG. 6, in some embodiments theseal64 can comprise a lip seal. Theseal64 can be comprised at least in part of flexible, resilient material, and can be configured to operate similarly to a check valve. Thus, theseal64 can have any configuration that can provide a similar function.
• Theseal64 can be generally annular in shape, having aninner wall74 and anouter wall76 connected by a top wall78. Theouter wall76 can include anupper portion80 that extends generally parallel to an inner wall of thehousing56, and a projectingportion82 that is biased to extend radially outwardly relative to theupper portion80. As such, the outer diameter of theseal64 defined by theupper portion80 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of theseal64 defined by the projectingportion82. Additionally, the ramped configuration of the projecting portion82 (when in a relaxed state) relative to theupper portion80 helps to achieve the check valve type functionality of theseal64.
• With continued reference toFIG. 6, in some embodiments thepiston66 can be positioned such that its uppermost surface and tip is in a position in which apiston engaging mechanism84 of themoveable lid34 contacts thepiston66 prior to themoveable lid34 reaching its fully closed position. For example, thepiston engaging mechanism84 can comprise a shoulder or extension off of a portion of themoveable lid34, and can further comprise asurface86 configured to contact the end of thepiston66. When thepiston66 is contacted by thepiston engaging mechanism84, thepiston engaging mechanism84 can force thepiston66 down into thehousing56. An air resistance and/or biasing resistance of thedamper38 can slow the closing movement of themoveable lid34 and prevent themoveable lid34 from impacting thebody portion22 in an undesired manner as themoveable lid34 moves toward its closed position. In some embodiments the portion of the piston in contact with thepiston engaging mechanism84, and/or thepiston engaging mechanism84 itself, can further comprise a sound-deadening material.
• In some embodiments, as thepiston engaging mechanism84 pushes thepiston66 down into thehousing56, the relative pressure between the atmosphere acting on the bottom of thepiston support62, and the air trapped between the top of thepiston support62 and the top of thehousing56 can oppose the immediate downward motion of thepiston66 as thepiston66 begins to move downwardly, and thus oppose the downward motion of themoveable lid34.
• In some embodiments, thedamper38 can be configured to provide less resistance to the upward movement of thepiston66 within thehousing56 but provide greater resistance against the downward movement of thepiston66 within thehousing56. This can be accomplished in any known manner.
• For example, with continued reference toFIG. 6, as thepiston66 andpiston support62 move upwardly within thehousing56 in the direction of arrow U, air can flow downwardly along the inner walls of thehousing56, past the projectingportion82 of theseal64. Due to the ramped shape of the projectingportion82, the pressure generated within the upper portion of thehousing56 above thepiston support62 helps deflect the projectingportion82 radially inwardly, thereby allowing the air to pass thereby without generating a larger resistance.
• However, when thepiston66 andpiston support62 move downwardly within thehousing56, the air pressure in the space above thepiston support62 drops relative to the pressure of the atmosphere, thereby causing the projectingportion82 to further expand against the inner walls of thehousing56. This generates additional resistance to the flow of air into the space above thepiston support62. As such, theseal64 generates more resistance to the downward movement of thepiston66 than against the upward movement of thepiston66.
• In some embodiments, theseal64 can be lubricated with graphite powder. Such lubrication with graphite powder and the construction of dampers, which can be applied to thepresent dampers38, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,513,811 and 6,726,219, the entire contents of both of which, including the specific portions including the descriptions of damper design and lubrication with graphite powder, are hereby incorporated by reference. Additionally, the size of thedamper38 can be chosen by the designer to provide the desired functionality and performance.
• For example, the height of thehousing56, which can determine the length of the maximum vertical movement of thepiston66 within thehousing56, can be chosen to accommodate the maximum desired vertical displacement of thepiston support62 within thehousing56. Additionally, the diameter of thehousing56 and the type ofseal64 used can affect the resistance generated during the downward movement of thepiston66. Thus, these dimensions can be chosen to provide the desired dampening characteristics.
• Further advantages can also be achieved where the size of thehousing56 and the position at which thehousing56 is mounted within theassembly20 can be adjusted to provide desired characteristics of the motion of themoveable lid34 during its closing movement. For example, if thehousing56 is mounted in a position where thepiston support62 is spaced excessively far from the top of thehousing56 when thepiston66 is at its maximum vertical position, themoveable lid34 can initially move too quickly from its fully opened position toward its closed position. Such an initial quick movement can cause themoveable lid34 to bounce during its downward movement.
• However, if the mounting position of thehousing56 is adjusted, or thedamper38 in general is adjusted, so that thepiston support62 is closely spaced relative to the top of thehousing56 when thepiston66 is at its maximum upper position, thedamper38 can provide additional dampening, at least initially, thereby providing a slower, more aesthetically pleasing motion.
• For example, by adjusting the position of thehousing56 and/or configuration of thedamper38 to space thepiston support62 near the top of thehousing56 when thepiston66 is at its maximum position, themoveable lid34 can begin to move very slowly initially, and slowly accelerate to an acceptably slow closing speed, such that themoveable lid34 does not make an excessive loud noise when it finally comes to rest. In some embodiments, the spacing can be equal to or less than about 10% of the total movement of thepiston66. The initial movement of thepiston66 can be further slowed at a spacing of about 5% or less of the total movement of thepiston66. Finally, mounting thehousing56 and/or adjusting thedamper38 such that the spacing is about 4% or less of the total movement of thepiston66 can provide further slowing, and thus achieve a more aesthetically pleasing movement.
• A designer can choose the appropriate housing, piston, and seal combination to achieve the desired closing speed. Thus, in some embodiments, at least one of themoveable lid34,housing56,piston66,piston support62, and seal64 can be configured to achieve the desired closing speed. In some embodiments, for example, but without limitation, the above parameters can be chosen to achieve a closing speed of the lid of about 5 seconds from the moment the center of gravity of amoveable lid34 passes over a pivot point and gravity begins to pull themoveable lid34 closed.
• With continued reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, the biasingelement60 can additionally, or alternatively, provide dampening support in thedamper38. For example, as thepiston66 andpiston support62 are moved in a downward direction by the force of thepiston engagement mechanism84 pressing on thepiston66, the biasingelement60 can apply pressure to thepiston support62. This pressure can act to resist quick downward movements of thepiston support62 andpiston66 within thehousing56, and dampen the movement of themoveable lid34 as themoveable lid34 moves toward a closed position. In some embodiments, thedamper38 does not include a biasingelement60, and only includes theseal64. In some embodiments the damper does not include theseal64, and only includes the biasingelement60. In some embodiments both elements are included to provide damping effect. In some embodiments, the biasingelement60 only acts to push thepiston66 towards a pre-determined position, and/or highest vertical position, and theseal64 acts to dampen themoveable lid34 movement.
• With continued reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, the biasingelement60 can be a coiled spring. The spring can be pre-tensioned, such that when themoveable lid34 is in a fully opened position, the biasingelement60 is pushing upwardly against thepiston support62, and pushing the top of thepiston66 through thepiston guide68 so that the top of thepiston66 extends well past thewall88 of thelid support member32. In some embodiments, the fully opened position comprises themoveable lid34 being at about a 90 degree angle relative to thebase portion26. In some embodiments, the fully opened position comprises any position in which themoveable lid34 does not contact thepiston engaging mechanism84.
• When themoveable lid34 is moved down towards a closed positions (e.g. when gravity is pulling themoveable lid34 down), thesurface86 of thepiston engaging mechanism84 can contact the top of thepiston66 and drive thepiston66 down through thepiston guide68 and further into thehousing56. As thepiston66, andpiston support62, are moved further into thehousing56, the biasingelement60 can resist the motion of thepiston support62, such that the speed of themoveable lid34 as it is closing is reduced prior to themoveable lid34 reaching a fully closed position. In some embodiments, the fully closed position can be considered the position achieved when themoveable lid34 contacts a portion of thelid support member32. In some embodiments, the fully closed position can correspond to when themoveable lid34 is substantially closed, but not contacting thelid support member32.
• With continued reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, thehousing56 described above can be made from a material commercially available under the trade name Acetal Delrin with 10% Teflon added. Thepiston66 can also be made from the material known as Acetal Delrin. Further, theseal62 can be made from graphite impregnated nitrile. Other materials can also be used.
• Theassembly20 can comprise additional or alternative damping mechanisms apart from thedamper38 described above. For example, thelid portion24 can be configured to utilize the air flow generated during a closing movement of alid34 to further dampen the closing movement.
• For example, in some embodiments, at least one of themoveable lids34 can have a concave configuration and profile, as illustrated for example inFIGS. 1 and 2. This concave profile can generate or enhance a scooping action of the lid which can help, at least temporarily, confine within theassembly20 when thelid34 is moved from an open position to a closed position. For example, amoveable lid34 formed in a curved, concave profile can act like a cup, trapping air underneath themoveable lid34 as themoveable lid34 moved downward. This trapping of air underneath themoveable lid34 and/or inside thebody portion22 can create air resistance to downward movement of themoveable lid34 from the open position to the closed position. Thus, the concave nature of themoveable lid34 can act to dampen movement of themoveable lid34 in at least one direction.
• Additionally or alternatively, and with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, themoveable lid34 can comprise a top edge90, and thelid support member32 can comprise atop edge92. An externalperipheral wall94 adjacent the top edge90 can extend down towards thedamper38. The externalperipheral wall94 can extend around at least a portion of the entire periphery of themoveable lid34. In some embodiments, thewall94 can include cutouts, notches, or gaps if desired.
• Thelid support member32 can include an internalperipheral wall96 adjacent thetop edge92, the internalperipheral wall96 extending around at least a portion of the periphery of thelid support member32. The internalperipheral wall96 can have a shape or configuration complementary to that of theperipheral wall94. In some embodiments, theperipheral wall96 can include cutouts, notches, or gaps if desired. As described above, thelid support member32 can further include alower wall88. Thelower wall88 andperipheral wall96 together can form a shoulder, with theperipheral wall94 sitting or nesting within the shoulder when themoveable lid34 is in a closed position.
• In some embodiments, the fit and/or tight spacing between theperipheral wall94 and the shoulder defined bywalls88 and96 can form a generally air resistant seal between thelid support member32 andmoveable lid34. However, it is not necessary for the above-described fit to form an air resistant seal. The contact and or close spacing between theperipheral walls94 and96 can be sufficiently continuous to resist the flow of air therebetween to achieve the desired dampening effect.
• For example, as themoveable lid34 moves from an open position to a closed position, theperipheral wall94 of themoveable lid34 can move into close proximity to thewall96 of thelid support member32, and a slight compression of the air within thecontainers30 and/orbody portion22 can be generated. When themoveable lid34 is in its open position, the air within thebody portion22, existing within and above any trash that may be contained in thecontainers30 or liners inside thecontainers30, is at atmospheric pressure.
• As themoveable lid34 closes, a positive pressure can be created in theassembly20, and air underneath themoveable lid34, including but not limited to air near thewall88 and air within thebody portion22, is urged out of theassembly20 in order for themoveable lid34 to close completely. However, because of the tight fit between theperipheral wall94 and theperipheral wall96, some or all of the air can be retained, briefly retained, or temporarily trapped, thus providing at least some air resistance to downward movement of themoveable lid34. As gravity, or any other force, continues to push themoveable lid34 toward a closed position, this “trapped” air can leak out through the small space between theperipheral wall94 andperipheral wall96, or through other apertures or openings in theassembly20. The configuration of theperipheral walls94 and96 can thus act as an air guide, guiding the trapped air slowly out of the assembly while dampening the movement of themoveable lid34.
• The clearance between thewalls94 and96 can be altered. For example, the configuration and/or size of thewalls94 and96 can vary, such that the amount of time the walls spend moving past one another, or in close proximity to one another, can change. In some embodiments, an increased height of one or both walls can increase the time themoveable lid34 is dampened, thus slowing down the movement of themoveable lid34 to an even greater degree, or for a greater amount of time. Changing the shape of thewalls94 and96, or introducing other components or elements along the periphery of themoveable lid34 and/orlid support member32, can further alter the dampening effect.
• By providing additional dampening, in additional to the dampening provided by thedamper38, can provide further advantages. For example, because the air “trapping” technique noted above, begins to act just as the lid nears the fully closed position. This is also the point at which the torque created by the weight of thelids34, pivoting thelids34 toward their closed position, is the greatest. This is because as thelids34 move from their fully opened position toward their open position, the centers of gravity of thelids34 move from points nearly directly above the associated hinges, outwardly. As thelids34 reach a horizontal position, their respective centers of gravity are at their maximum horizontal spacing from the axes of the hinges. As such, the greatest torques generated by the weights of thelids34 are generated as thelids34 reach their fully closed positions. Thus, by providing additional dampening as the lid nears its fully closed position helps compensate for this additional torque. Further, modifying thedampers38 to provide quickly increasing damping forces can be difficult.
• With reference toFIGS. 7-10, another embodiment of areceptacle assembly120 is illustrated. Theassembly120 can be similar to theassembly20. Therefore, similar components of theassembly120 are referenced by the same reference numeral as the corresponding components in theassembly20.
• Theassembly120 can comprise alid portion24, anupper body portion128, and abase portion126. Thelid portion24 can comprise alid support member32,moveable lids34, and handles36, as described above. In some embodiments, thelid portion24 can rest on or be supported by theupper body portion128.
• Theupper body portion128 can comprise a singleouter shell31, which can receive thecontainers30 as illustrated inFIG. 10. In some embodiments, outer surfaces ofouter shell31 can be substantially flush with outer surfaces of thelid support member32 of thelid portion24.
• With reference toFIG. 8, thebody128 can further comprise at least one grippingfeature98. For example, thegripping feature98 can comprise a recessed surface or surfaces along theouter shell31. Thegripping feature98 can create an area large enough to accommodate an operator's hand, such that the operator can grip thebody128 along thegripping feature98 and lift theentire assembly120 off of the ground to be transported from one location to another.
• With reference toFIGS. 8 and 9, thebase portion126 can comprise at least oneanti-sliding mechanism50 along a bottom surface. As described above, theanti-sliding mechanisms50 can inhibit unwanted movement of theassembly120.
• With reference toFIGS. 1 and 10, in some embodiments theupper body portion28,128 orlid portion24 can include an upper support member or members. For example, and with reference toFIG. 10, in some embodiments the upper support member can comprise at least a portion of thelid support member32. The upper support member or members can be made monolithically with the shell orshells30 orlid portion24, or can be made from separate components attached to the shell orshells30 orlid portion24.
• The upper support member, such as for examplelid support member32, can be configured to support acontainer30 within the interior cavity or cavities defined by the shell orshells31. In some embodiments, the upper support member can include a shoulder configured to support an outwardly extendinglip102 of thecontainer30. As such, the liner orcontainers30 can hang within the shell orshells31 from the upper support member. However, in other configurations, the liner orcontainers30 can rest upon an interior surface of theupper body portion28,128,lid portion24, or thebase26,126. In such a configuration, the upper support member, while it does not support the weight of the liner orcontainers30, can provide for alignment of the liner orcontainers30 within the body of theassembly20. In some embodiments, the container orcontainers30 can further comprise abag retainer104. Thebag retainer104 can be used to securely hold a plastic, or other type material, bag within thecontainer30. In some embodiments, thebag retainer104 can comprise an elongate slot with a plurality of fingers nested together in a side-by-side relationship. In other embodiments, thebag retainer104 can comprise openings, such as a circle or oval.
• With reference toFIG. 10, when acontainer30 is resting within the shell orshells31, the outwardly extendinglip102 can extend adjacent the finger-grip regions48 such that the finger-grip regions48 provide an opening for an operator to insert a finger or hand, and lift thecontainer30 out of theshell31.
• As with the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1-6, theassembly120 can comprise at least one damper. For example, the damper can comprise adamper38 such as illustrated inFIGS. 4-6. The damper can comprise apiston66, shown inFIG. 10, extending through apiston guide68. Themoveable lid34 can comprise apiston engaging mechanism84, which can move towards and contact thepiston66 when themoveable lid34 is moved toward a closed position.
• Additionally, thelid support member32 can comprise atop edge92. Thelid support member32 can include an internalperipheral wall96 adjacent thetop edge92, the internalperipheral wall96 extending around at least a portion of the entire periphery of thelid support member32. The internalperipheral wall96 can have a shape or configuration complementary to that of a peripheral wall94 (not shown) on themoveable lid34. Thelid support member32 can further include alower wall88. As described above, thelower wall88 andperipheral wall96 can together form a shoulder, with theperipheral wall94 of themoveable lid34 sitting or resting tightly within the shoulder when themoveable lid34 is in a closed position.
• As described above, the fit and/or tight spacing between theperipheral wall94 of themoveable lid34 and the shoulder defined bywalls88 and96 can form a generally air resistant seal between thelid support member32 andmoveable lid34. However, it is not necessary for the above-described fit to form an air resistant seal. The contact and or close spacing between theperipheral walls94 and96 can be sufficiently continuous to sufficiently resist the flow of air therebetween to achieve the desired dampening effect.
• With reference toFIGS. 1 and 10, in some embodiments the moveable lid orlids34 can be biased toward the closed and resting positions, respectively, by way of any known device or configuration. For example, themoveable lid34 can open less than 90 degrees with respect to thebase portion26 and, thus, the weight of themoveable lid34 can be sufficient to move themoveable lid34 toward the closed position when no force other than gravity is acting on themoveable lid34. Optionally, springs can be added to theassembly20, in any known configuration, to bias themoveable lid34 toward the closed position. In some embodiments, once themoveable lids34 are in an open position, they can remain in an open position until an external force, such as for example an operator's hand, moves themoveable lids34 toward a closed position. Initial movement of themoveable lids34 toward the closed position can cause the centers of gravity of themoveable lids34 to pass over a pivot point, thus allowing gravity alone to move themoveable lids34 the rest of the way toward a final closed position.
• In some embodiments, the moveable lid orlids34 can be moved by use of a pedal actuating mechanism or mechanisms. For example, thereceptacle assembly20 or120 can include one or more pedal actuating mechanisms as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0196874, U.S. Pat. No. 7,656,109, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0182551, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/399,828, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0226149, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0237234, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
• Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims (21)

1. A trashcan can comprising:

a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion;

a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion comprising a lid support having an interior peripheral wall and two lids moveably mounted to the lid support so as to be independently moveable between open and closed positions, at least one of the lids having a generally concave profile;

a first motion damper connected to the lid portion, and a second motion damper connected to the lid portion, wherein the first and second motion dampers are configured to dampen a movement of at least one of the two lids from the open position to the closed position;

wherein at least one of the two lids comprises an exterior peripheral wall, the interior peripheral wall of the lid support and the exterior peripheral wall of the at least one lid being juxtaposed relative one another when the at least one lid is in the closed position so as to trap air within the lid portion and dampen lid movement when the at least one lid is moving from the open position to the closed position.

2. A trashcan comprising:

a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion;

a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion comprising a lid support and at least one lid mounted to the lid support, the at least one lid being independently moveable between open and closed positions;

at least one motion damper comprising a housing secured to the lid support and further comprising a moveable piston at least partially housed within the housing;

wherein the at least one lid comprises a surface for contacting and driving the moveable piston as the lid is moved towards the closed position.

3. The trashcan ofclaim 2, wherein the housing is rigidly fastened to a lower wall of the lid support.

4. The trashcan ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one motion damper comprises first and second motion dampers, and wherein the at least one lid comprises first and second lids.

5. The trashcan ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one motion damper is configured to provide less resistance to an upward movement of the piston within the housing but provide greater resistance against a downward movement of the piston within the housing.

6. The trashcan ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one lid is configured to move towards the closed position for a first predetermined distance before engaging the moveable piston.

7. The trashcan ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one motion damper comprises a piston support configured to support one end of the piston inside the housing, a biasing element engaged with the piston support, and a seal engaged with the piston support, the seal having a flexible body configured to facilitate movement of the piston support in one direction within the housing, but inhibit movement of the piston support in an opposite direction.

8. The trashcan ofclaim 7, wherein the seal comprises an upper portion and a flexible projecting portion that is biased to extend radially outwardly relative to the upper portion.

9. The trashcan ofclaim 7, wherein the piston has a predetermined range of linear movement within the housing, and wherein the piston support is closely spaced relative to a top of the housing when the piston is at a maximum upper position.

10. The trashcan ofclaim 9, wherein the distance between the piston support and the top of the housing is approximately less than 10% of the predetermined range of movement of the piston.

11. The trashcan ofclaim 7, wherein the housing comprises a piston guide surrounding the piston.

12. The trashcan ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one lid is a pedal-actuated lid.

13. A trashcan comprising:

a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion;

a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion comprising at least one pivotable lid having a generally concave profile, the pivotable lid being independently moveable between open and closed positions such that the generally concave profile of the lid traps air within the interior space when the at least one lid moves from the open position to the closed position.

14. The trashcan ofclaim 13, wherein the generally concave profile gives the lid a curved surface configured to act like a cup, trapping air underneath the lid as the lid moves towards the closed position.

15. A trashcan comprising:

a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion;

a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion comprising at least one lid moveably mounted to the lid portion so as to be independently moveable between open and closed positions, the lid portion comprising an interior peripheral wall, and the at least one lid comprising an exterior peripheral wall;

wherein the interior and exterior peripheral walls are positioned adjacent one another when the at least one lid is in the closed position so as to trap air within the lid portion and dampen lid movement when the at least one lid is moving from the open position to the closed position.

16. The trashcan ofclaim 15, wherein the interior peripheral wall has a shape or configuration complementary to that of the exterior peripheral wall, such that the interior peripheral wall is generally parallel to the exterior peripheral wall at any point along the lid portion.

17. The trashcan ofclaim 15, wherein the interior peripheral wall comprises notches configured to allow air inside the trashcan container to escape as a lid moves towards a closed position.

18. The trashcan ofclaim 15, wherein the lid portion further comprises a lower wall, the lower wall and interior peripheral wall forming a shoulder for receiving the exterior peripheral wall of the lid.

19. The trashcan ofclaim 15, wherein the spacing between the exterior peripheral wall and the shoulder is configured to form a generally air-resistant seal between the lid and remainder of the lid portion.

20. A trashcan comprising:

a body defining an interior space, the body comprising a base portion and an upper body portion;

a lid portion supported by the upper body portion, the lid portion comprising at least one lid moveably mounted to the lid portion so as to be independently moveable between open and closed positions, the lid portion further comprising an air guide configured to guide air downwardly into the interior space as the at least one lid moves from the open position towards the closed position.

21. The trashcan ofclaim 20, wherein the air guide comprises a curved surface on the lid.

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