CA1324996C - Pivoting container - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT

A container which facilitates access to materials stored therein from either side of a barrier comprising, at least one container with an opening pivotally mounted within an aperture in said barrier, said container or containers being adapted to substantially block visual communication through the aperture while pivoting from a first position having the container opening disposed to one side of the barrier to a second position having the container opening at least partially disposed to the other side of the barrier; means to prevent the container pivoting in either direction substantially past the first and second positions; and wherein the mass of the container is biased relative to the pivot axis of the container so as to urge the container to pivot towards the first position.

Description

1324~96 This invention relates to a pivoting container for the receiving and storage of material and for effecting transfer of the material across a barrier such as a wall or a fence. The container is suitable for the storage and transmittal of a variety of materials including mail and garbage.
Refuse containers are known which are adapted to permit passage of articles through a barrier on a platform which extends on a horizontal plane such as the "garbage" hutch disclosed in Canadian patent No. 659,153.
Pivoting receptacles which facilitate the transfer of articles such as mail across a barrier are known. An example is a form of receptacle found in a common mail collection box which restricts access to the interior of the collection box and which causes articles placed in the receptacle to fall into the collection box once the receptacle is pivoted to a closed position. Such receptacles do not contain the articles for storage.
Such devices provide no visual privacy from one side of the barrier to the other when the container is extended along the horizontal plane. Furthermore, such devices act as a conduit for environmental elements (such as wind or moisture~, persons or certain pest animals.
Canadian patent No. 141,707 discloses a garbage receptacle pivotally suspended within an aperture in a fence.
Such a device does not provide security or privacy in that it permits visual communication or the passage of unwanted environmental elements ~e.g. wind, or moisture), persons or pest 132499~

animals across the barrier. Another disadvantage with the device is that the container extends on both sides of the barrier in its rest position obstructing the space on either side of the barrier and interrupting the continuity of the barrier.
Canadian patent No. 141,851 discloses a garbage receptacle which is pivotally mounted in a frame in a fence. The container has an open top which is angled down from the front to the back. A cover, hinged to the frame, is provided to close the receptacle when it is disposed to the inside of the fence. This device suffers from the disadvantages of not being self-closing when the receptacle has been pivoted to the outside of the fence.
Furthermore, there is an absence of visual privacy and the presence of a conduit for certain pests or environmental elements across the fence at least when the receptacle is pivoted to the outside position.
The aforementioned disadvantages may be overcome by providing a container pivotally mounted within an aperture which is adapted to substantially block the aperture in all pivotal positions. Such a container will be self-closing as a result of biasing the mass of the container relative to the pivot axis so as to urge the container to pivot towards a closed position. Means are provided to prevent the pivoting of the container past a point where the container is overbalanced and the self-closing feature is lost. The means for limiting the pivoting of the container will prevent the container from being pivoted to a point where the aperture is not substantially blocked.
Accordingly, this invention provides a container which ~324996 facilitates access to materials stored therein from either side of a barrier comprising: at least one container having an opening and being pivotally mounted within an aperture in said barrier, wherein the fit of the container relative to the aperture substantially blocks visual communication through the aperture while said container pivots from a first position wherein the container opening is disposed to one side of the barxier to a ~econd position wherein the container opening is at least partially disposed to the other side of the barrier; means to prevent the container pivoting substantially beyond the first and second positions; and, wherein the mass of the container is bi~sed relative to the pivot axis of the container 80 as to urge the container to pivot towards the first position.
This invention also provides a container which facilitates access to materials stored therein from either ~ide of a barrier comprising: at least one container having an opening and belng pivotally mounted within an aperture in said barrier; a removable lid adapted to cover the opening of the container while the container pivot3 from a first position wherein the container opening i8 disposed to one ~ide of the barrier to a second po~ition wherein the container opening i8 at least partially dispo6ed to the other side of the barrier; means to prevent the container pivoting sub~tantially beyond the first and second positions; and, wherein ths mass of the container i8 biased relative to the pivot axis o~ the container so~a9s to urge the container to pivot towards the first position.
The means to prevent pivoting of the container substantially pa~t the fir t or second positions may comprise one or more protruding elements on the container which are adapted to abut stationary surfaces adjacent the aperture.
The container of this invention is adapted to fit within the aperture so as to substantially block visual communication acros~ the aperture. One way in which visual communication is blocked during pivoting of the container is to provide a curved urface on the container forming an arc relative to the pivot axi~ of the container. In such an embodiment, the surfaces of the container which travel thxough the aperture while pivoting remain close to the aperture boundary.
The container may have a variety of shape~
including a generally box-like shape with at least one end which passes through the aperture being curved. The container may also be generally spherical in shape.
To further block communication across the barrier, the container opening may have a lid which prevents access across the barrier through the container while the container is pivoting.
The lid may remain on one side of the barrier and may be hinged to the barrier or a frame defining the aperture. In such an embodiment, the lid covers whatever portion of the container remains on the side of the barrier where the lid is situated while the container is pivoting or is in the second position. One way that this may be accomplished i5 to provide a curved lid which matches a curved surface of the container adjacent the container opening. Preferably the lid has a restraining or locking device to prevent i~s unwanted removal.
It is preferable that the container have at least one rigid side which is substantially flush with the barrier when the container is in the first or closed position. This feature minimizes the presence of an obstruction on the one side of the barrier and maintains the continuity of the barrier on that side. -In addition to positioning the pivot axis of the container to promote self-closing, it is preferable that the pivot axis also be positioned perpendicular to a medial point on a vertical axis of the container. This feature promotes a partial counterbalancing effect which does not eliminate the self-closing feature~ For example, in a container with a top opening, this embodiment permits the mass o the container (and contents) located above the pivot axis to partially counterbalance the mass `-``` ~324996 of the container (and contents) located below the pivot axis which facilitates pivoting of the container by an individual.
In a container with a generally box-like shape and a top opening, it is most preferable to locate the pivot axis at a point on a vertical axis of the container between the middle of the container and the container bottom with the mass of the container biased so as to promote self-closing and partial counterbalancing.
The length of the container between the pivot axis and the top relative to the length of the container below the pivot axis provides mechanical advantage which facilitates the pivoting of the container. This is especially advantageous when the container is only partially filled resulting in a substantial proportion of the mass being below the pivot axis.
It is preferred that the container be weather tight when in the first or closed position. The fit of the container relative to the aperture substantially blocks visual communication through the aperture at all times. The fit and the optional lid substantially reduces any conduit for environmental elements, pests, etc. By ensuring the closest possible fit of the container relative to the aperture (e.g. by the provision of sealing elements between the container and the barrier, between the container and lid and, if necessary, on the abutting surfaces of the stopping means), the container may be made weather tight.
The container of this invention may also comprise a multiplicity of containers partially mounted on a common axis.
For example J several box-shaped containers which together block the aperture may be provided. Provided the surfaces of the 1~24996 individual containers adjacent each other fit closely while a container pivots, the blocking of visual communication is maintained.
The container of this invention may be pivotally mounted within a frame that is adapted to be removable from the barrier aperture. For example, the frame may be mounted on wheels so that the container can easily be placed and optionally secured within an appropriate aperture.
In drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention:
Fiaure l; is a perspective view partly in section of the container of this invention pivotally mounted to a frame which defines an aperture with said container in the first or closed position;
Fiaure 2; is a side elevation partly in section of Figure 1 showing the container in both its first or closed and second positions; and Fiaure 3; is a front elevation of a frame for pivotally mounting a container of this invention.
Fiaure 4; is a cross-section of a container in the first position mounted on the frame of Figure 3.
Figure 1 shows a container of this invention in the first or closed position. The container comprises a bin (A) which is pivotally mounted within an aperture within a barrier. The aperture is surrounded by frame (8) which is attached to the barrier. Suitable brackets on the frame support pivot axles (9) which are attached to the bin. The pivot axis (10) is disposed along a generally horizontal line. While not shown in this 132~99~

drawing, the pivot axle may extend through the bin along the pivot axis.
The bin is generally box shaped having planar sides (2), (3), (4), and (5). The container has a generally planar bottom (1) and an open top fitted with a lid (6). Edges (23) of the top of the container are curved to form an arc relative to the pivot axis. The lid is curved to fit the top of the container and is attached by means of hinge (7) to the upper member of frame (8).
It is contemplated that while in the first position which is shown in Figure 1, the container is disposed to the inside of the barrier which may be a building wall, a fence, or some other structure defining an enclosure. While in the first position, access to the interior of the container is possible once the lid is lifted.
nhen constructed in a suitable size, this container is suitable to contain refuse which may be loaded into the container from the inside of a building or enclosure.
It is possible for the container of this invention to comprise several bins similarly shaped to bin (A) shown in Figure 1. While not shown in the Figures, the multiplicity of bins may be mounted on a common pivot axle.
Bin (~) is dimensioned to fit closely within the aperture defined by frame (8). Sides (2) and ~3) and the curved edges (23) of the top of the container travel through the aperture when the container is pivoting. It is intended that these surfaces and edges fit as closely as practicable to the perimeter of the aperture. Further, it is desirable that the top of the container fit closely within the lid (6). Seals (e.g.
compressible rubber strips) may be provided between the container and the aperture boundary and between the container and the lid to enhance the fit of the container, the blocking of visual communication and the blocking of passage of environmental elements, etc., through the aperture.
In this embodiment, the bottom of the bin extends below the lower member of the frame and remains to the inside of the barrier. While in the first position, the lower part of the bin back (4) abuts the surface of the lower member of the frame.
Figure 2 shows the bin (A) in its first (X~ and second (Y) positions. Typically, the container's first position is situated within a building, etc. on side (C) of barrier (B). The containerls second position is typically located to the outside of the barrier on side (D).
While in its first position, the bin back (4) is substantially flush w th the surface of the frame (8) on side (D).
The bin is prevented from pivoting further in the direction of side (C) by the abutment of surface (17), on protrusion (25) of the bin, with surface (18) on an indentation situated in the upper member of frame (8). This abutting relationship is designated (13). Further means to prevent the pivoting of the bin towards side (C) is shown by abutment relationship (12) wherein surface (15) on an indentation in bin back (4) abuts with surface (16) on the lower member of frame (8). Appropriate seals may be provided at abutments (12) and (13) to promote weather tightness.
While bin (A) is in the first position, the lid may be 1324~96 lifted in direction (E) to provide access to the interior of the bin. Depending lip (30) of the lid may be provided with means to effect a seal against frame (8) when the lid is in the lower position. The abutment of lip (30) against the frame prevents the lid from dropping further when the lid is not supported by the bin. Locking means may be provided (e.g. at points (21) or (22)) to prevent the lifting of the lid or the pivoting of bin (A) towards the second position (Y). Such locking means may comprise a removable pin located in matching holes in the side lip (24) of the lid and the bin at point (21).
The bin may be pivoted to the second position (Y) in direction (F). This is facilitated by the provision of a recessed handle in protrusion (25). In this embodiment, the lid is intended to remain disposed on side (C) and not pivot with the bin. The lid continues to close the portion of the opening of the bin which remains on side (C) during pivoting in direction (F).
Means may be provided to prevent the lifting of the lid while the bin is pivoting to prevent access to side (C) from side (D) through the interior of the bin. For example, cooperating means such as a sliding pin or tongue and groove may be provided on the side (24) of the lid and adjacent edge (23) of the bin which prevents the lifting of the lid while the bin is pivoted from the first position.
The indented shape of the bin adjacent the lower member of the frame and the extension of the bottom of the bin below the lower member prevents visual communication across the aperture while the bin is pivoted to the second positionO

~` ~324996 The bin is prevented from pivoting past the second position where the top of the bin front (5) would pass beyond frame (8) towards side (D). Surface (19) on a protrusion at the top of front (5) abuts surface (20) of the inside of rear depending lip (30) of the lid which, when the lid is lowered, defines the upper boundary of the aperture. If the lid is raised, surface (20) is no longer positioned to abut with surface (19) and it is then possible to pivot the bin outwards beyond the second position. These features prevent persons from pivoting the bin beyond the second position and thereby opening a conduit from side (D) to side (C). However, if desired, the lid (6) may be raised and the bin pivoted beyond the second position. Providing suitable brackets (e.g. U-shaped) are provided on frame (8) to support pivot axles (9), the bin may be removed altogether from the aperture after pivoting beyond the second position. This feature facilitates servicing the apparatus and cleaning the bin.
In the container shown in Figure 2, the pivot axis (10) is located between the bin back (4) and an imaginary vertical line (11) defining the centre of gravity of the bin. This results in the mass of the bin (and contents) being biased towards side (C).
Providing the bin does not contain materials so unsqually distributed so as to overcome the biasing of mass towards side (C), the bin will be self-closing even when loaded.
In the container shown in Figure 2, the pivot axis is disposed along a horizontal plane perpendicular to a point on imaginary vertical axis (11). Said point is situated between the bin bottom (1) and the middle of the bin. This results in a 1~2499~
733~4-1 partial counterbalancing effect even when the bin contains material. The mass of the bin (and contents) situated above pivot axis will tend to counterbalance the mass of the bin (and contents) situated below the pivot axis. Providing there is a normal distribution of mass with respect to the bin contents, the self-closing feature is not overcome. Furthermore, the length of the bin between the handle in protrusion (25) and, the pivot axis is greater than the length of the bin between the pivot axis and the bin bottom. This difference provides a mechanical advantage facilitating the pivoting of the bin towards the second position by an individual even when the bin is partially filled below with heavy material.
The embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 is preferred as it provides a simple and easily operated means for storing and transferring a quantity of materials from one side of a barrier to another. It is particularly advantageous when it is desired to permit persons on side (D) of the barrier to have access to the contents of the container without permitting access or visual communication through to side (C~. Furthermore, this embodiment permits the container to automatically return to the first or closed position without relying on the person who has pivoted the container to the second position. The container is particularly adapted for the provision of seals to promote weather tightness when the container is in the first position and to minimize the passage of environmental elements while the container is pivoting~
Containers of this invention may be of various dimensions and includes shapes other than those shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, the container may consist of a single substantially spherical container mounted within a substantially circular aperture with the pivot axis passing through the spherical centre of the container. In this case, suitable weighting of the container may be necessary to have the container be self-closing.
Providing the container has a lid, the lid may remain on the container while it pivots. Furthermore, the lid may be adapted to not open unless the container opening is disposed completely to one, or the other side of a barrier. For example, the lid may be hinged to front (5~ of a bin with a curved top surface and adapted to open outwards so the lid cannot be opened while the bin passes through the aperture and the bin cannot be pushed back through the aperture while the lid is open.
The pivoting portion of containers of this invention may not be provided with sides which completely enclose the container.
For example, front side (5) may be replaced by a open frame or basket surface, and a statlonary shellr facia or cover may be provided which surrounds the pivoting portion on side (C). The lid may be fixed to the shell.
The container of this invention may be pivotally mounted on a frame which is adapted to be placed or secured adjacent a barrier aperture so as to permit the container to pivot through the aperture. The frame may be removable from the aperture together with the bin or container mounted thereon. To facilitate removal, wheels or similar support means may be provided on the frame.

132~99~

Figure 3 shows a frame constructed of tubular elements which may be adapted to carry a container of this invention.
Upper member (26) of the frame may act as a stop to prevent pivoting of a bin past the second position. The upper member may also serve as a hinge member for a lid. Middle member (273 may serve as the pivot axle for the bin. Lower member ~28) may serve as a stop to prevent pivoting of the bin past the first position.
The frame is to be suitably dimensioned or shaped, or provided with adjustable means for positioning the frame members, so as to permit the three members to cooperate with the bin. The frame is to be secured adjacent a suitable aperture. Support means such as wheels may be provided, for example, at points (29).
Figure 4 shows a bin (A) and lid (6) in the first position and mounted on the frame shown in Figure 3. The horizontal members (26), (27) of the frame are pivot axles for the lid and the bin respectively. In this embodiment, the bin top surface need not be curved because the presence of the lid prevents the creation of a visual conduit through the barrier while the bin pivots. Protuberance (29) on the bin is adapted to abut axle (26) to prevent the bin pivoting past the second position. While pivoting, the bin protuberance will travel along the under side of the lid. 5uitable means such as a pin located on the protuberance which cooperates with a groove on the inside of the lid may be provided to prevent the lid from being opened while the bin pivots from the first to second positions.
While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims (15)

1. A container which facilitates access to materials stored therein from either side of a barrier comprising: at least one container having an opening and being pivotally mounted within an aperture in said barrier, wherein the fit of the container relative to the aperture substantially blocks visual communication through the aperture while said container pivots from a first position wherein the container opening is disposed to one side of the barrier to a second position wherein the container opening is at least partially disposed to the other side of the barrier; means to prevent the container pivoting substantially beyond the first and second positions; and, wherein the mass of the container is biased relative to the pivot axis of the container so as to urge the container to pivot towards the first position.

2. A container which facilitates access to materials stored therein from either side of a barrier comprising: at least one container having an opening and being pivotally mounted within an aperture in said barrier; a removable lid adapted to cover the opening of the container while the container pivots from a first position wherein the container opening is disposed to one side of the barrier to a second position wherein the container opening is at least partially disposed to the other side of the barrier; means to prevent the container pivoting substantially beyond the first and second positions; and, wherein the mass of the container is biased relative to the pivot axis of the container so as to urge the container to pivot towards the first position.

3. The container of claim 1 or 2 wherein the means to prevent pivoting comprises at least one protruding element on the container adapted to abut the barrier adjacent the aperture.

4. The container of claim 1 or 2 wherein at least the surface of the container adjacent the container opening is curved to form an arc relative to the pivot axis.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the container opening has a removable lid adapted to prevent access to the container while pivoting.

6. The container of claim 1, 2 or 5 wherein the opening is in the top of the container and the pivot axis is spoditioned perpendicular to a medial point on a vertical axis of the container such that the container is partially counter-balanced on the pivot axis.

7. The container of claim 1, 2 or 5 wherein the container has at least one rigid side which is substantially flush with the barrier when the container is in the first position.

8. The container of claim 1, 2 or 5 wherein the container opening has a removable lid while in the first position and said lid is adapted to remain disposed on the first position side of the barrier and substantially prevents access across the barrier through the container when the container is pivoted from the first position.

9. The container of claim 1, 2 or 5 which comprises a multiplicity of containers which are adapted to independently pivot on a common axis.

10. The container of claim 1, 2 or 5 wherein the aperture is defined by a frame which is removable from the barrier.

11. The container of claim 1, 2 or 5 wherein the fit of the container within the aperture and the means to prevent pivoting past the first position are adapted to make the aperture substantially weather tight when the container is in the first position.

12. The container of claim 1, 2 or 5 wherein the container is generally box shaped with an opening in the top and the pivot axis is positioned perpendicular to a point on a vertical axis of the container situated between the middle of the container and the bottom of the container such that the container is partially counter-balanced on the pivot axis.

13. The container of claim 1, 2 or 5 wherein one substantially spherical container is pivotally mounted within a substantially circular aperture and the pivot axis passes through the spherical center of the container.

14. The container of claim 1, 2 or 5 wherein the aperture is defined by a frame comprising at least upper and lower tubular members which members are pivot axles for a container lid and a container respectively, and the upper frame member cooperates with a container to prevent pivoting of the container past the second position.

15. A container which facilitates access to material stored therein from either side of a barrier comprising at least one generally box-shaped container mounted on a pivot means with a generally horizontal pivot axis within an aperture in said barrier; the container having an open top with top surfaces of the container adjacent the opening being curved in an arc relative to the pivot axis and in the direction of pivoting; said container or containers adapted to fit the aperture so as to substantially block visual communication through the aperture while pivoting from a first position having the container opening disposed to one side of the barrier and at least one rigid surface of the container being substantially flush with the barrier, to a second position having the container opening at least partially disposed to the other side of the barrier; wherein the mass of the container is biased relative to the pivot axis of the container so as to urge the container to pivot towards the first position and the pivot axis is positioned perpendicular to a medial point on a vertical axis of the container such that the container is partially counter-balanced on the pivot axis; a protruding element on the container adapted to abut the barrier adjacent the aperture to prevent pivoting of the container past the first position; a removable lid for the container opening hinged to the first position side of the barrier which lid substantially prevents access across the barrier through the container while the container is pivoted from the first position; and a second protruding element on the container adapted to abut a surface on said lid to prevent the container from pivoting beyond the second position.