CA3141969A1 - F.u.d.-(flap up/down) alerting device - Google Patents

Abstract

An alerting/information device used to expediate the removal of waste and recyclables by employing two injection molded, plastic, mirror image pieces, connected by a two part "living hinge", with one mirror image piece affixed to a chosen surface and the other mirror image piece free to move, each piece containing pertinent information and/or instructions in a raised form and when closed with a combination of hook and loop material, signifies no engagement, but when opened/engaged, it signifies that the device is active and on interaction with a waste/recycle vehicle, the device will reset itself to the no engagement mode.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION
F.U.D.-(Flap Up/Down) Alerting Device.
This application is for a Provisional Patent Application filed for on December 07, 2021.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention pertains to an alerting/information device.
More specifically, a device that will signal to a waste/recycle vehicle driver, as to whether a particular refuse/recycling, cart/container requires emptying or not. The device will help in identifying carts/containers which may or may not require servicing.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] In modern and older municipalities, carts for refuse and recycling are located in various locations, for the storing of said refuse and recyclables. In older neighbourhoods, back alleys are the norm, whereas most modern municipalities require carts to be brought out to the curb. Refuse and recyclables are deposited in their respective carts for subsequent collection, normally according to a pre-established day of the week.

[0003] The collection service, will then send their trucks around on that scheduled day, to empty the carts of the customer and remove the content of the carts for disposal or recycling. Today's modern waste system employs vehicles that contain a hopper for receiving and storing a large quantity of waste and recycling material, along with a lifting mechanism for engaging the carts in order to lift and empty the said carts into the hopper.
Once the carts are engaged, they are lifted up and over the hopper, where gravity takes over the contents of the inverted cart and these contents are now deposited into the hopper. This operation is all performed remotely by the driver commanding the waste/recycling vehicle.

[0004] This modern waste/recycling operation has proven to be very efficient in the removal of waste and recyclable materials, but the one major drawback, is the dumping of carts that contain little to no material. This reduces the efficiency of the entire operation, in the respect that it increases the time spent on servicing the routes, which in turn contributes to higher fuel costs, increased wear and tear on the equipment, resulting in more costly vehicle down time and overall higher labor costs. Other industries making use of carts/containers for any of a variety of reasons, will tend to experience a similar problem in this respect, thereby they will benefit from a F.U.D.
device, that will alert them to the fact, as to whether a cart/container needs to be accessed/emptied or not.

[0005] Carts that are moved back to an initial storage site, from the location where the refuse is regularly collected, is dealt with under: Patent #8,720,686, Shuman. The singular concept of this patent, is to alert the customer once the cart has been emptied, so it can be retrieved and returned to it's initial storage site. The cart is moved from the storage site to the collection site, the cart is then emptied, triggering the signalling device and this alerts the customer to the fact that the cart has been serviced. The customer then retrieves the cart and returns it to the initial storage site.

[0006] A device with a somewhat similar concept in its signalling mechanism, but with more of a general usage, is Patent #6,295,946, Kasik, J.P. The object of this invention, is to provide a device for automatically signalling that a container has been serviced. In the case of both of these inventions, the signalling device is triggered by the lid of the container.

[0007] A "Contents Indicator and Container System," invention, is dealt with under: Patent #8,231,000B2, Gonzalez, M. This invention employs a swivelling arm with reflectors and flags to accomplish it's purpose of indicating various states of the container.

[0008] A device encompassing a wireless gauge apparatus, used in conjunction with a large garbage/recycling container, for determining a fill level or a fill rate of a container, is under Patent #

9,163,974B1, Kekalainen, F. This invention is used in conjunction with large bins and is monitored by the company that produces the bins, for the municipality that they service. There is a nine-step process as part of the installation of this unit.
[0009] Two of the major problems today in the waste/recycle industry, are residents who dispose of their waste in a haphazard manner, with little regard to sorting, cleaning or organizing in what they dispose of.

And the other major problem, is the emptying of carts by a city/municipality, of carts that are either already empty, or just partially full, resulting in increased costs and reduced operational efficiency. That, along with wasted fuel and added vehicle mileage creating unnecessary wear and tear on company vehicles. But most important of all, these two major problems in their own way, are helping to create a massive increase in CO2 emissions on a world wide basis.
The Prior Art, as in the case of the first three patents mentioned above, reflects the attempts of the inventors to provide a device on waste/recycle carts, that signals to the resident, the state of his cart on collection day. The problem with these inventions and other attempts at solving these problems, is the complexity in the construction and workings of these inventions and the prohibitive costs involved in initiating any large scale employment of said inventions.
This problem can now be solved with the introduction of the F.U.D.
The F.U.D. and it's Program, will make the general public more aware of the waste/recycle industry, which in turn will make the public more self-conscious about proper waste disposal, all this resulting in a more efficient city run operation and in turn a major reduction in Green House Gas Pollution.
The F.U.D. is a device, that is simple in it's design and function and is inexpensive to produce and market on a mass scale.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The F.U.D.,(Flap Up/Down), Alerting Device, is an invention to be used in conjunction with waste/recycling carts, to signify to the driver, when and if, a waste/recycling cart requires emptying or not. A F.U.D. is created from an aromatic polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane/resin, with a Shore hardness of approximately 85A*. This polyurethane/resin can be processed by injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding.
*Shore Hardness is a measure of the resistance a material has to indentation and is an important factor when considering which mold rubber you should choose for making a mold of your original, that would offer enough flexibility, to easily extract the model from the mold once cured.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary's Definitions of: plastic/resins:

1: A Plastic Substance specifically: any of numerous organic synthetics or processed materials that are mostly thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers of high molecular weight and that can be made into objects, films, or filaments.
2: Definition of Resins (a): any of a large class of synthetic products that have some of the physical properties of natural resins but are different chemically and are used chiefly in plastics.
(b): Resin can be used to make plastics. Synthetic resin as a bonding agent, is the main component in plastic."
*All references as to the composition of a F.U.D., in the Specification and Claims, will be referred to as either: plastic or plastic/resin.

[0011] The F.U.D. is created from a factory produced steel mold.
"Definition of a Mold:". .a hollow container used to give shape to molten or hot liquid material, (such as wax, plastic or metal), when it cools and hardens.
The initial design for the F.U.D. mold, was created from a series of F.U.D. prototypes and drawings. The final design for the mold was arrived at, with verbal input and minor alterations/improvements to the mold, as trial runs were conducted with various types of plastics.

Trial production runs were made with other types of plastics until the ideal type of plastic material was found, to satisfy the requirements that a F.U.D. unit would have to have, in order to be successful out in the field. A F.U.D. is created in one operation as a single piece by, "injection molding," using this mold.
"Definition of Injection Molding:". .a process in which molten plastic/
resin, under pressure, is forced into a cavity formed by two or more mold halves, cooled, and then ejected in the form of a finished part/product.

[0012] A F.U.D. consists of two rectangular mirror-image pieces, connected by a, "living hinge." All three parts of the F.U.D., are created in one operation as a single piece by,"injection molding."
"Living hinges," are manufactured in the injection molding process.
"Definition of a Hinge". .A hinge is a piece of metal, wood, or plastic that is used to join two things together, so that one of them can swing freely.
"Definition of a Living Hinge:". .a thin flexible hinge, made from the same material, as the two pieces it connects. It is typically thinned to allow the pieces to bend along the line of the hinge. The minimal friction and very little wear in such a hinge, along with the low cost and ease of manufacturing, makes them quite common in all types of plastic packaging.
The "living hinge" on a F.U.D., is formed as a continuous part of the whole unit, joining the two flaps of the F.U.D. together.
* In the following paragraphs that describe the makeup and function of the two main parts of a F.U.D.,(the fixed and adjacent flaps), in order to make it easier for the reader to understand, these two parts are individually capitalized to avoid confusion.

[0013] There is raised printing on all of the four faces of the two mirror image pieces of the F.U.D., that are connected by the,"living hinge". The printing is in raised lettering and is part of the general makeup of the piece. Of the two pieces, the FIXED flap on top, attaches to the cart and the ADJACENT flap on the bottom, is the moveable part of the unit. On the exterior exposure of the ADJACENT flap that faces out, there are written instructions in deep raised lettering, on how to either, Lower/Open the flap when engaging for pickup of the cart, or, to Raise/Close the flap when no pickup is required.

The FIXED flap is 2 mm. thick,(1/8" of an inch), as opposed to the ADJACENT flap which is 8mm. thick,(5/16" of an inch).
The deep raised lettering on the ADJACENT flap, that creates the added thickness, is very important for three reasons. The added thickness of the ADJACENT/moveable flap, adds weight to the flap, which aids in its closing of the unit when engaged during the dumping of a cart. Please see [0024] for a full explanation.
Once the FIXED flap is affixed to a cart, the ADJACENT flap because of its added thickness where it comes in contact with the cart, causes it to protrude out from the cart at a slight angle. This intentional feature serves two purposes. It aids in the resetting feature of the F.U.D. as the cart is being emptied and it eliminates the possibility of the ADJACENT flap being prevented from closing, due to freezing or cohesive water surface tension, possibly adhering it to the face of the cart.
And the third reason is: the added thickness of the deep raised lettering on the face of the flap, makes it easy for the writing contained thereon, to be "pad printed". When "pad printed" in a solid black colour, it makes it easier for a waste/recycle truck driver, to determine if the flap is closed or not, resulting in the driver being able to quickly determine if a cart requires emptying or not. The deep raised lettering, also makes it easy for a unit to be "pad printed", in the respect that the ink can be applied neatly over the deep raised lettering, with no smearing or blotting.
"Definition of Pad Printing:"., it is an indirect offset, (or a gravure) printing process, where an ink image is transferred via a silicone pad, onto the surface to be printed.
*The "Pad Printing" of a F.U.D. unit, is not an essential part of this invention, but is an added step that will be left up to the client of a F.U.D. Program, to determine whether he wants this step added during production or not.

[0014] The unit is solid fluorescent in color, both inside and out, as a result of colorants being added to the plastic/resin granules during production, in order to obtain the desired color; this, along with a UV
additive to improve exterior durability and reduce surface degradation caused by sunlight or other UV light sources.

[0015] Refuse containers are produced in various sizes, shapes, types and configurations. Wheeled containers are used in residential areas and are either wheeled back and forth to and from the curb, for curb side collection, or are accessed along back alleys in generally older neighbourhoods.
Each container is defined by a tapered upright sidewall which assists in the release of the contents when being emptied.
Preferably fabricated of polyethylene by various conventional molding processes, the typical container is characterized by a relatively flexible sidewall with a smooth exterior surface and a lid to cover the opening.
The F.U.D. was originally designed to be attached to the most common type of waste/recycle cart used today; the residential blue, black, and green carts holding 240L.(60 gal.) in volume and/or 60 kg.(133Ibs) of material, but a F.U.D. can be easily attached to any size container used in the waste/recycle industry today, any and all containers that are serviced by a waste/recycle vehicle.

[0016] The conventional waste/recycle collection vehicle, has an extendable/retractable lifting arm, with a gripping, pincer style apparatus at the end of the lifting arm, known in the industry, as a "grabber". The "grabber" arms encircles the cart for lifting. The lifting arm and the "grabber" are remotely controlled by the vehicle driver in the cab. The body of the vehicle has a hopper and a storage bin for receiving and storing the waste/recyclables.
In operation, the lifting arm is extended and the "grabber" engages around the waste/recycle cart and then the lifting arm is elevated up and over the hopper, where the cart is inverted upside down and the contents of the cart are dumped into the hopper for disposal or future recycling. The lifting arm is then lowered, releasing the cart into an upright position, the lifting arm is retracted and the vehicle moves on to the next cart.

[0017] Although they may differ in the size, the shape, the locaion of the lifting arm on the vehicle and in the style of the "grabber," all waste/recycle vehicles today, have the same basic parts, construction and function.
These vehicles have a cab, an open hopper, a storage bin, a lifting arm and a "grabber." The only variations in major design in these parts, are in the lifting arm and the "grabber." Although the function of the lifting arm and the "grabber" are the same world wide, (to pick up a cart and dump it into a hopper), each vehicle manufacturer, has their own design on the lifting arm and the "grabber," in order to compete in a market to produce a vehicle with the easiest/most efficient way to accomplish this goal.
Because of these variations in "grabber" design, each city/municipality may have a different style of "grabber" on their waste/recyle vehicles, where it comes to grasping a cart and lifting it over a hopper to have it emptied. Each "grabber" will perform the same function, but where and how it contacts a cart in order to grasp it for lifting, will be different.
Because of this fact, where to mount a F.U.D., on a cart, will depend on where and how the "grabber" grasps the cart for lifting. Once this is known, the location on the cart where to mount a F.U.D., can be determined.
A location preferably, that makes the raised printed information on the F.U.D., easy for a resident to access in order to read, but a location that also must be easily seen, in the sight line required by the waste/recycle truck driver, to readily spot the F.U.D. and recognize whether it is engaged or not.
Once a F.U.D. Program is adopted in a city/municipality, it will be up to that entity, to determine where to mount a F.U.D. on their carts, using the contact points of their waste/recycle vehicles, "grabber," as a guide.

[0018] The F.U.D., is designed to be firmly affixed to a waste/recycling cart in one of three ways. It can be affixed with the two 3/4" strips of double backed tape on the back of the FIXED flap, that are running lengthwise along the exterior edges of the FIXED
flap. In between these strips of tape on this FIXED flap, are instructions in raised lettering, to: CLEAN THE BIN SURFACE-REMOVE TAPE BACKING and MOUNT IN THE DIRECTION OF
THE ARROWS POINTING UP, instructing the user, as to the proper mounting procedure of a F.U.D., to a cart.

[0019] The F.U.D can be affixed to a cart with a pop rivet. In the centre of the FIXED flap, is a small reinforced pilot hole. Using this observed hole in the centre of the FIXED flap as a pilot guide for a drill bit, a hole is drilled through the point on the cart's surface that the F.U.D. is to be mounted to and a pop rivet is then inserted through the pilot hole in the FIXED flap and on through the hole drilled into the cart's surface and the rivet is then "popped," to complete the operation and affix the F.U.D. firmly to the cart.

[0020] The F.U.D. can also be affixed to a cart with a screw. In this case, the same observed pilot hole in the centre of the FIXED flap, is used once again as a guide and the screw is inserted through the pilot hole in the FIXED flap and then driven into the soft plastic of the cart with a screwdriver or screwgun, securing the F.U.D. to the cart.

[0021] "Definition of Hook and Loop Tape". .hook and loop tape is a fastener closure system. The rough side is called hook and its softer mate is called loop. The hooks engage into the loop and provide the closure mechanism. The most common name for VELCRO Brand hook and loop and other products, is hook and loop fasteners.
On the two inside surfaces of the F.U.D.; on the inside top center outer edge of the FIXED flap that is affixed to the cart and at the inside bottom center outer edge of the ADJACENT flap, which hangs down freely on the "living hinge", are hook and loop tape material.
When the ADJACENT flap is raised, the loop on the ADJACENT flap engages the hook on the FIXED flap, to hold the ADJACENT flap closed until it is manually disengaged for pickup.

[0022] When opened for pickup, (ADJACENT flap is lowered), it exposes the two inside fluorescent surfaces of the F.U.D. The information on these surfaces in raised lettering, tell/remind the resident, what to, or what not to put in the carts. At present, the F.U.D. comes in two different fluorescent colors, each one attached to a different cart and each one with a different message.
As an example below.. An Orange F.U.D. is on a Recycle cart and a Yellow F.U.D. is on a Waste cart.
Orange F.U.D./Recycle Cart:..written in raised lettering on the inside top half of the FIXED flap, are items that are NOT to be put into a recycle cart. (e.g., electronics, black garbage bags, disposable cups, etc.) On the inside bottom half of the ADJACENT flap are items that CAN be put into the recycle cart. (e.g., paper, glass bottles, metal cans, jars, etc.) See Diagram FIG.1A.
Yellow F.U.D./Waste Cart:..written in raised lettering on the inside top half of the FIXED flap, are items that are NOT to be put into a waste cart, (e.g., batteries, paint, used oil, aerosol cans, etc.).
On the inside bottom half of the ADJACENT flap, are instructions on where to safely place a cart for pickup, in relation to the curb or the alley. These instructions are also on: cart spacing for pickup, safe cart pickup distances from: vehicles, hedges and other obstacles;
overhead clearances when dumping carts and other pertintent information. The information on this ADJACENT flap, would apply to both carts.

[0023] Because of the quick reference information on the fluorescent surfaces of the F.U.D., the customer will also become more aware of what not to put in the carts in regards to hazardous materials, thus preventing unforeseen consequences, that could result in costly repairs to equipment or possible worker injury.
And the information on the recycle cart in raised lettering, tells/reminds the resident what to, or what not to put in a recycle cart, thus preventing whole loads of recyclables from being contaminated by bags of improperly placed waste material and this material ending up in a landfill, resulting in a loss in recycling revenue, along with these truckloads of contaminated recyclables now taking up space in the landfill and producing harmful gases that will eventually end up in our atmosphere helping to cause global warming.
The raised lettering information and messaging on the F.U.D.s', will help to prevent these incidents from happening.

[0024] When engaged for pickup, the fluorescent color makeup of a F.U.D., make it easy for the driver to see and acknowledge. With fewer carts requiring emptying, a city/municipality will save fuel costs, vehicle maintenance costs and wear and tear on their vehicles, resulting in less down time and paid employee wages.
Prior to this invention, the waste/recycling truck driver, was responsible for emptying all carts and he had no idea whether a cart was empty or full, so he would empty all the carts, regardless. The object of this invention, is to assist the state of awareness afforded a driver, by now indicating if a cart needs emptying or not. This can now be accomplished with a F.U.D., a device that is inexpensive to manufacture, durable, easy to detect when engaged and requires zero maintenance after installation.

[0025] One of the main features of a F.U.D., is the fact that the unit can reset itself. In this case, the F.U.D. was engaged by separating the hook and loop material, by lowering the adjacent flap, exposing the two interior fluorescent surfaces, which signalled to the driver, that the cart required emptying. The cart was then grasped by the "grabber" on the lifting mechanism of the truck and raised up and over the hopper of the truck, where the contents of the cart were deposited. The cart was then lowered back down to the ground, resting finally in a upright position, with the F.U.D. reset in the Closed/No Pickup mode.
In the transpiring of this action, the adjacent flap on the F.U.D., leaves the ground in the open, (hanging down), position. As the cart proceeds on its arc from the ground to its final destination over the hopper, the cart moves into an upside down position with the cart now being open and the lid hanging down. Now, the adjacent flap, due to a combination of its weight, the effects of gravity and the momentum of the moving cart, causes the adjacent flap on the F.U.D., to swing shut and engage the hook and loop material. The cart is then lowered back down to the ground, resting finally in a upright position, with the F.U.D. reset in the Closed/No Pickup mode.
Now, in order for the cart to be emptied again, the adjacent flap must once again be physically separated from the initial flap and allowed to drop open, before the next pickup will be performed.

[0026] Collections determined by bins', fill-level sensors, so that bins are only emptied when they need to be, are addressed under, (Patent #9,163,974B1, Kekalainen, F., see [0008]). This invention is used in conjunction with large bins and helps to eliminate unnecessary emptying of a large bin, resulting in wasted fuel, added vehicle mileage, and increased CO2 emissions.
In the same vein, when a F.U.D. is used on standard carts, collection times are determined by the resident/homeowner and this helps to eliminate unnecessary emptying of a cart, which results in wasted fuel, added vehicle mileage and increased CO2 emissions. A
F.U.D. can also be attached to a large bin, resulting in the same benefits, but employing a simpler method of the customer participating in determinating when to empty the bin, as opposed to the sensors employed in Mr. F. Kekalainen's invention.

[0027] Private equity firms play an integral part in the M/A
environment in Europe and North America. They find the industry appealing due to the continuous revenue generated, while being shielded to a large degree from downturns in the wider economy.
Waste must be collected whether we're in a recession or not.
Obviously, the more profitable a company is, the more attractive it is to these firms. One of the ways to create efficiencies and increase profit margins, is through adapting new products and concepts, such as a F.U.D. and the F.U.D. Program.
Reducing business and operational risk is always a priority. In order to stay agile and reduce costs, waste and recycling firms are also reducing their capital assets and associated costs in operations and instead are relying more on subcontractors. Another factor, solely impacting the recycling industry today, is and always will be commodity market shifts. It's the nature of the industry, that prices for raw materials will fluctuate, resulting in diminishing margins. To offset this problem, there is an urgent need to optimize efficiencies and quality in order to offset negative prices. In order to meet regulations and landfill reduction targets and somehow stay profitable, companies must improve operational efficiency. A F.U.D. Product and Program is designed to fill those needs and requirements.

[0028] So, all the above mentioned problems in, (i.e., reducing costs, optimizing efficiencies and the dumping empty carts, resulting in wasted fuel and unnecessary added vehicle mileage, increased CO2 emissions, reduced business and operational risk, companies staying profitable, etc., all these problems exist in the waste/recycle industry today.
As far back as October/2001, this problem was realized in the industry, as observed by: Kasik, J.P., Patent #6,295,946. In his, Summary Of The Invention, lines 7-8-9., he stated: "It also is the object of the present invention, to provide a simple, reliable and low-cost device for automatically signalling that a container has been accessed." Other inventors have patented devices with the same goal in mind, but the complexity of their inventions and cost factors involved in mass producing them, negated any large trial and adoption of their devices.

[0029] A F.U.D. Product/Program will help to fill many of those needs and requirements, especially in the aspect of it's simplicity of design and low production cost, making it profitable to be marketed on a mass scale.
The many benefits of the F.U.D. are: having only one moving part and the simplicity in the design, making the unit very economical to produce. A F.U.D., has excellent cold weather flexibility and moisture resistance; ultraviolet resistance and stability--20 years exposed life;
chemical resistant; durability to withstand impacts, (sanitation truck "grabber"); resistant to fatigue; colorfast colours stay bright over time;
environmentally friendly; is virtually vandal proof; it serves a dual purpose in providing information and instruction; is simple and easy to install because it requires no assembly or adjustment and once installed, it requires zero maintenance.

[0030] Other benefits of the F.U.D., would also include: faster servicing on waste and recycling routes; improved customer service by promoting customer participation; increased collection and material revenue streams and elimination of claims of customers, "not being serviced." Fewer cart pickups may result in streamlining the routes and even condensing the routes to the point, where if there were five routes before, now only four may be required, thus freeing up workers for other positions in the operation.
The F.U.D is created from a thermoplastic polymer. Thermoplastics are, "Environmentally Friendly", in the respect that they have a low carbon footprint and produces significantly less CO2 equivalents by weight, than any other material.

[0031] One of the main benefits of this invention when employed, will result in the overall reduction of Carbon Pollution, which contributes to Global Warming and in effect helps to create Climate Change. This product will significantly help to reduce the amount of vehicle exhaust gases expelled directly into the atmosphere, which in turn will help to reduce Green House Gas Emissions, all as a direct result of this Invention and its Program. Major downstream benefits from this invention, from reducing fuel consumption to the material in the makeup of the item itself, will all contribute to the reduction in Green House Gases.

[0032] The F.U.D. Program when employed, will reduce the number of empty carts being unnecessarily emptied, which in turn will reduce the amount of vehicle exhaust gases expelled into the atmosphere.
If fewer carts require emptying, a truck can then drive past those carts that are in the alley. A City then, will not only save a major expense in fuel, but with the trucks not starting and stopping every few feet, there will be less idling time between stops, resulting in a marked reduction in Green House Gas Emissions being spewed out into the atmosphere, all as a result of fewer carts requiring emptying.
With the large number of areas of a City presently being serviced, successful implementation of this program could result in a number of trucks being taken out of service, thereby saving a City additional money in fuel, maintenance, repairs and labour costs and dramatically increasing the reduction of CO2 being pumped out into the atmosphere on a yearly basis.
A diesel exhaust spewing vehicle could now be taken off the road, resulting in a saving in that vehicles fuel and maintenance expenses.
In a large city, this could result in a number of vehicles being retired from their routes and diesel fumes from those trucks, no longer being pumped out into the atmosphere as Green House Gas Pollution.

[0033] Residents will become more self conscioius of what they throw out and how they dispose of it, after reading the information in raised lettering on the two flap surfaces of a F.U.D.
This information tells/reminds the resident what to, or what not to put in a recycle cart, thus preventing whole loads of recyclables from being contaminated by bags of improperly placed waste material being mixed in with the recyclables, all now ending up in a landfill and resulting in a loss in recycle revenue, along with these truckloads of contaminated recyclables now taking up space in the landfill and producing harmful gases that will end up in our atmosphere.
The F.U.D. and it's Program, will make the general public more aware of the waste/recycle industry, which in turn will make the public more self-conscious about proper waste disposal, all this resulting in a reduction of Green House Gas Pollution.

[0034] The "preferred size" of a F.U.D., dimension wise; is:
(137mm long x 85mm wide)-/-(5-3/8" long x 3-1/4" wide), but it can be produced in any size, to suit the container or job at hand. It can also be adapted to be placed on large commercial bins or other types and sizes of containers. These containers don't necessarily have to belong to the waste/recycle industry, but could be employed in one of the many commercial or private enterprises.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG.1A is a perspective view of the inside of a F.U.D. When open/engaged in this mode, it signals to the waste/recycle driver, that the container that it is attached to, is to be picked up and emptied.

[0036] FIG.1 B is a perspective view of a F.U.D. in an end view showing the raised lettering and the difference in thickness of the two mirror image pieces.

[0037] FIG.1C is a perspective view of the two outer exposures of the mirror image pieces, the one that is affixed to the chosen surface and the adjacent one that, when engaged, signals whether to, or not to, empty the cart.

* The location of the F.U.D. mounted in FIG.2..FIG.3 and FIG. 4, is hypothetical. The area on a cart where F.U.D.'s will be mounted by cities/municipalities, will be determined by the location of the "grabber" contact to the cart.(please see [0016]).

[0038] FIG.2 is a perspective view of a waste/recycle cart with a F.U.D. attached in the Closed-No Pick Up mode.

[0039] FIG.3 is a perspective view of a waste/recycle cart with a F.U.D. attached in the Open-For Pick Up mode.

[0040] FIG.4 is a schematic view showing the emptying of a cart by a collection vehicle and the corresponding operation of the F.U.D.
Alerting Device as it resets during the operation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] FIG.1A, shows the inside of a F.U.D.1,(Flap Up/Down) Alerting Device, as it would be observed by the driver of sanitation vehicle 14, when it is mounted on a cart 10, the adjacent flap 3 is lowered and it is engaged for pickup. In this scenario, the F.U.D.1, has been affixed to a chosen surface by one of the three methods and in the center of the initial flap 2, the pilot hole 7, serves as a guide to connecting the initial flap 2, to a chosen surface, with the choice of either a screw or a pop rivet 20, the two other alternate methods of attaching the F.U.D.1, to a chosen surface. This exterior face of the initial flap 2, when applied with either one of the three methods of attachment, will be in direct contact with the chosen surface.
The raised print on the mirror image pieces, gives information and direction, on what to and what not to deposit in the cart 10, for disposal.
On the inside top center of the initial flap 2 is a hook 5 and on the inside at the bottom center of the adjacent flap 3, is a loop 6. When this hook 5 and loop 6 material are engaged, they hold the F.U.D.1 closed, till it is opened by the resident. The observed "living hinge" 4, consists of one long thin unbroken strip of the same plastic material and connects the initial flap 2 and the adjacent flap 3 together.
This,"living hinge" 4, allows the adjacent flap 3, to be opened and closed either manually or motion induced during the operation when the cart 10 is being emptied.

[0042] FIG.1B, shows the F.U.D.1, in an end on view. This view demonstrates the difference in thickness in the initial flap 2 and the adjacent flap 3. The thickness of the adjacent flap 3, combined with the deep raised lettering, aids in the self closing feature of the F.U.D.1, due to the extra weight of the flap. When the initial flap 2 is affixed to a cart 10, by either the double backed tape 8, a screw or a pop rivet 20, this causes the adjacent flap 3, to protrude out from the cart at an angle. This aids in the self closing/resetting feature of the adjacent flap 3, of the F.U.D.1, when the cart 10 is being emptied and because the adjacent flap 3, protrudes out from the surface of the cart 10, at an angle, it won't become impeded in closing because .
of some outside influence, such as freezing rain or cohesive water surface tension on the cart 10.

[0043] FIG.1C, shows a F.U.D.1, with both the exterior of the initial flap 2 and the exterior of the adjacent flap 3, exposed in an obverse view. Instructions on the initial flap 2, tell how to apply a F.U.D.1, to a chosen surface, employing the two strips of double backed tape 8.
The adjacent flap 3, has the deep raised letters, that can be "pad printed" in a shiny black finish. When the initial flap 2 is affixed to a cart and the adjacent flap 3 is then raised/closed, engaging the hook and loop 6 material on the inside faces of the F.U.D.1, this then results in the deep raised letters of the adjacent flap 3, facing out from the surface of the cart 10. These deep raised letters, with the operating instructions, make it easy for the user to understand how to engage the F.U.D.1, when he wants to have his cart 10 emptied and the operator of the waste/recycle vehicle 14, upon seeing the F.U.D.1, with the flap up, will now bypass the cart 10.

[0044] FIG.2, is the diagram of a cart 10, most commonly used with the F.U.D.1 Alerting Device. This is a conventional container, similar to the many other produced designs that serve the same purpose, where it comes to waste removal and recycling containers.
This type of container 10, was selected for illustration purposes only, as this invention can be used with any type of refuse/recycle designed carts, as well as other types of containers which are used for purposes other than refuse or recycling collecting. These containers include, but are not limited to: freight, food, waste, mail, crates, box clothing containers and containers that may contain a plurality of items. These containers can be of different sizes, shapes and configurations, be used in any commercial or residential setting and when activated, a F.U.D.1, will serve the purpose of indicating to the waste/recycle driver of the vehicle, whether this particular container/crate/cart/bin, etc.; needs emptying, moving, replacing, or engaged for whatever purpose deemed for the use of a F.U.D.1, at that particular location.

[0045] The container selected for this demonstration, is a waste/recycling cart 10 and consists of a body 11, for storing the contents to be disposed of, a lid 12, for containing the contents, a hinge/handle 9 for aiding with moving of the cart 10 from place to place and a pair of wheels 13, for easy maneuvering of the cart 10.
The F.U.D.1 is attached, on this particular unit, in the center of the body 11, just below the lid 12, on the front of the cart 10.

[0046] FIG.2 shows a F.U.D.1 mounted onto the face of a waste/
recycling cart 10, on the front of the body 11, just below the lid 12.
The F.U.D.1 is in the Closed/No Pickup mode. The adjacent flap 3 is closed, with the hook 5 and the loop 6 material engaged, thereby exposing only the deep raised lettering on the outer surface of the adjacent flap 3. This signifies to the driver of the waste/recycling vehicle 14, that the F.U.D.1 device, has not been activated and this cart 10, will now be bypassed by the waste vehicle 14, on the next scheduled day for waste removal.

[0047] FIG.3, shows a F.U.D.11 mounted onto the face of a waste/
recycling cart 10, on the front of the body 11, just below the lid 12.
The F.U.D.1 is engaged in the FLAP Down-Open For Pick Up mode, with the adjacent flap 3 hanging down, exposing the fluorescent inside surfaces of a F.U.D.1. This signifies to the driver, that the F.U.D.1 device, has been activated, so this cart 10, will now be emptied by the driver of waste vehicle 14, on the next day scheduled for waste removal.

[0048] FIG.4, shows a waste/recycle vehicle 14, emptying a cart that has a F.U.D.11 affixed to the front of the cart 10. This operation of emptying the cart 10, brings into play the resetting feature on a F.U.D.1. In this operation, the F.U.D.1, has been activated by the customer, by disengaging the hook 5 and loop 6 material, causing the adjacent flap 3 to drop open, exposing the fluorescent colored inside faces of the F.U.D.1.

[0049] The waste/recycle vehicle 14, then approaches the cart 10 and the driver of the waste/recycle vehicle 14, notices that the F.U.D.1 has been activated, so he proceeds to empty the cart 10. He remotely lowers the hydraulic arm 16 and the "grabber" 17, proceeds to grasp the cart 10 and begin to lift it up to be dumped into the hopper 18, on the waste/recycle vehicle 14.

[0050] As the F.U.D.1 leaves the ground, the adjacent flap 3, due to the thickness of the deep raised lettering, causes it to protrude out at an angle from the front of the cart 10. As the F.U.D.1 proceeds on it's arc 19, up and over to the hopper 18, the F.U.D.1 begins to slowly close until the cart 10 is positioned directly over the hopper 18 and the contents of the cart 10, empty out into the hopper 18.

[0051] At this point, the F.U.D.1 is in an inverted positioned, with the heavier adjacent flap 3, above the initial flap 2. The combination of gravity, the weight of the adjacent flap 3 and the momentum of the moving cart 10, cause the adjacent flap 3 to close, engaging the hook 5 and loop 6 material. The cart 10, is then lowered back down to the ground, ending up in an upright position, with the adjacent flap 3, now in the Closed-No Pickup setting.

[0052] It is understood, that a F.U.D.1, aside from it's present shape and form, can also be created and used by adapting other geometric shapes and sizes in it's construction. These shapes may include any polygon, circular or curved shape. A F.U.D.1 may also be of different dimensions in size, measured in either Imperial and/or Metric sizes. The F.U.D.1, may also be created in different colors to highlight it's presence. It may be in other shades of fluorescent, straight colors, mixed colors or various shades in between. The method of holding the two flaps closed, using hook 5 and loop 6 material, could also be replaced by using snap pole magnets, clips, hooks or other market devices, designed for a similar purpose. It is also understood that the raised printed matter on the F.U.D.1, can be changed in content, arrangement, message and size, to accommodate the user and supplier of the F.U.D.1, for the purpose at hand. The F.U.D.1 in this application, is created from a plastic/resin, but it is understood that a F.U.D.1 can be created from any and all natural polymer materials, synthetic polymers, wood, metal or any material that will accomodate this type of application.
Changes and modifications may be made in the form and details therein without departing from the scope and the nature of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

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What is claimed is: .
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1. Claim 1. An alerting device, to be attached to a waste/recycle container; said device comprising: a hinged connection joining two pieces, one fixed piece and one moveable piece; said fixed and said moveable pieces when closed, are held closed with a separatable fastener and said fixed piece of said device is attached to a chosen surface utilizing a plurality of methods.
2. Claim 2. The alerting device of Claim 1, wherein material that both said pieces and said hinged connection are composed of, is plastic.
   Claim 3. The alerting device of Claim 1, wherein both said pieces and said hinged connection are flourescent in color.
3. Claim 3. The alerting device of Claim 1, wherein said method of attachment of said fixed piece to a chosen surface, is with double backed tape.
4. Claim 4. The alerting device of Claim 1, wherein said separatable fastener used to hold the fixed and moveable pieces closed, is in the form of hook and loop fastener material.
5. Claim 5. The alerting device of Claim 1, wherein both said pieces contain raised lettering in the form of information and instructions displayed on all of the four faces of the device.
6. Claim 6. The alerting device of Claim 1, wherein the thickness of said moveable piece combined with the height of the deep raised lettering instructions on its exterior exposure, is greater than the
7. CA 3141969 2022-03-04 '1$
   thickness of said fixed piece-that is attkhed to the chosen surface.
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8. Claim 8. The alerting device of Claim 1, wherein said fixed piece that attaches to the chosen surface, has a pilot hole in its center.
9. Claim 9. The alerting device of Claim 8, wherein said method of attachment of the fixed piece to a chosen surface, is with a screw inserted through the pilot hole in the fixed piece.
10. Claim 10. The alerting device of Claim 8, wherein said method of attachment of the fixed piece to a chosen surface, is with a pop rivet inserted through the pilot hole in the fixed piece.