ES2363176T3 - RECEPTACLE WITH VENTILATION HOLE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Receptacle (10, 110), comprising: a first chamber section (12, 112) configured to house articles, the first chamber section having a first side wall (16, 116) and a bottom wall (18, 118) ; a second chamber section (14, 114) located above the first chamber section, in which the second chamber section has a second side wall (20, 120) and an internal width that is wider than an internal width from the first chamber section; and a vent hole (22, 122) that provides fluid communication between the second chamber section and a lower zone (13, 113) of the first chamber section, characterized in that the vent hole is formed by an outer projection (30, 130) from the first side wall that runs from the first chamber section to the second chamber section, in which the outer boss includes two lateral surfaces, and because the outer boss has an internal width between the two surfaces laterals ranging from approximately 2.54 cm (1 inch) to approximately 8.89 cm (3.5 inches) and a depth of approximately 0.64 cm (0.25 inches) to approximately 2.29 cm (0.90 cm) inches).

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a receptacle with a vent orifice that provides fluid communication with a lower area of the receptacle, according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a method of using such a receptacle 5.

Background

Waste receptacles or containers have a variety of useful applications and are available in several different sizes. For example, large receptacles (for example 166.6 or 208.2 liter (44 or 55 gallon) receptacles are commonly used for the disposal of garbage, grass, leaves and other materials. Coatings are often used in combination with the receptacles to simplify the emptying of the receptacles and the removal / transport of the full liner.

Many coatings are composed of an elastic or deformable material (for example, garbage bags or polymer coating) that will adapt to the shape of the receptacle. This can cause the liner to adapt to the sides of the receptacle during removal, thereby forming a seal and preventing air from passing through it towards the bottom of the receptacle. This seal can create a suction or vacuum effect on the bottom of the receptacle when the liner is removed. Therefore, as an example, when a liner containing dense materials is removed from a larger receptacle, the vacuum can be added significantly to the user’s strain.

The following documents all disclose a receptacle according to the preamble of claim 1. 20

US Patent 5,492,241 discloses a waste container comprising a container means for housing and supporting a garbage bag and a ventilation means coupled to an inner surface of the container means for venting air into the interior of the container means below the garbage bag to exclude a vacuum coupling of the garbage bag with the container medium. The vent means comprises a substantially rectangular panel attached to adjacent interior surfaces of the side wall of the container means near a corner. The rectangular panel acts in conjunction with the corner of the side wall to define a ventilation duct.

US Patent 4,294,379 discloses a rigid trash receptacle having a main body with a closed lower end and an open upper part. The main body includes along its side walls a plurality of vented hollow duct tubes positioned peripherally and axially aligned 30 which are internal to or part of the inner wall of the garbage receptacle and which are open at both ends that end approximately 1 ”from the open top and the closed bottom end of the trash receptacle. Ventilated hollow duct tubes allow ambient air to escape from the top of the hollow duct vented tubes to the bottom of the hollow ducted vented tubes.

US Patent 6,474,495 teaches a garbage can comprising a receptacle that has an open end and a closed end to accommodate a garbage bag. The open end of the receptacle has a plurality of openings sized to expel air out of the receptacle when the trash bag is inserted into the receptacle and to introduce air into the receptacle when the trash bag is removed from the receptacle. The closed end of the receptacle also defines a plurality of openings sized to expel air from the receptacle when a garbage bag is inserted into the receptacle and to introduce air into the receptacle when the trash bag is removed from the receptacle.

US Patent 6,581,796 proposes a trash receptacle that includes an upper flange, side walls and a lid. The trash receptacle includes a pair of recessed channel parts arranged on opposite side walls and a pair of handles arranged on each of the channel parts of the trash receptacle. The garbage receptacle is adapted to accommodate garbage bags in which the presence of the recessed channels 45 helps to break any void that forms between the garbage bags and the side walls of the garbage receptacle 100, and to prevent the formation of such empty.

It is desirable to ventilate the lower part of the receptacle so that air can flow into the lower part during removal of the liner and to avoid or release a vacuum. There is a need to provide an economical way to reduce or minimize the force required to completely remove the liner from the receptacle without sacrificing the utility or structural integrity of the receptacle.

Summary

In an exemplary embodiment, a receptacle includes a first chamber section configured to accommodate items. The first chamber section has a first side wall and a bottom wall. A second

Camera section is located above the first camera section. The second chamber section has a second side wall and an internal width that is wider than an internal width of the first chamber section. A vent hole provides fluid communication between the second chamber section and a lower area of the first chamber section, the vent hole being formed by an outer projection from the first side wall that runs from the first chamber section to the second chamber section, including the outer projection two lateral surfaces and having an internal width between the two lateral surfaces ranging from about 2.54 cm (1 inch) to about 8.89 cm (3.5 inches) and a depth from about 0.64 cm (0.25 inches) to about 2.29 cm (0.90 inches).

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of using a receptacle with such a liner 10 includes: pulling the liner from the first chamber section of the receptacle that is configured to house articles, and pulling the liner from the second section of Receptacle chamber that is located above the first chamber section. The lining of the first chamber section is pulled so that the vent hole provides fluid communication between the second chamber and the lower area of the first chamber section. fifteen

Brief description of the drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the receptacle of Figure 1. 20

Figure 3 is a front view of the receptacle of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a side view of the receptacle of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a top view of the receptacle of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a bottom view of the receptacle of Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a receptacle according to the present invention. 25

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the receptacle of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a front view of the receptacle of Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a side view of the receptacle of Figure 7.

Figure 11 is a top view of the receptacle of Figure 7.

Figure 12 is a bottom view of the receptacle of Figure 7. 30

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle taken from the line A-A in Figure 3.

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle taken from line B-B in Figure 6.

Detailed description

The presently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. An effort has been made to use equal or similar reference numbers in all drawings to refer to equal or similar parts. In this document the construction and use of a receptacle is described with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1-14.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a receptacle 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the receptacle includes a first chamber section 12, a second chamber section 14, and a vent hole 22. The receptacle 10 may be configured to accommodate items (eg, a liner 24, another receptacle, or other elements).

The first chamber section 12 is defined by a side wall 16 and a bottom wall 18 (also shown in Figures 2-6). The side wall 16 may be formed, for example, with a plurality of side wall portions 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. The first chamber section 12 has a lower zone 13. As shown in Figure 14, the lower zone 13 is a location where a vacuum can be formed in the absence of the vent hole 22.

The second chamber section 14 is located above (or overlying) the first chamber section 12.

The second chamber section 14 is defined by the side wall 20. The side wall 20 may be formed, for example, from a plurality of side wall portions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d as shown in Figures 2- 3.

The vent hole 22 provides fluid communication between the second chamber section and the lower zone 13 of the first chamber section 12. The vent hole 22 prevents the accumulation of a vacuum and therefore reduces the negative pressure at the bottom 13 of the first chamber section 12 when the liner 24 is removed from the receptacle 10.

The ventilation hole 22 may be formed, for example, by a series of outer projections 30 in each of the four corners of the receptacle 10, that is, in the locations where the side wall portions 16a, 16b 16c are located, and 16d. The outer projections 30 preferably run vertically upwardly from the side of the receptacle 10. The outer projections 30 form airways or channels that allow air to flow from the second chamber section 14 to the first chamber section 12. The projections exterior 30 are designed to have a relatively small volume compared to the first and second chamber sections 12, 14. Specifically, the external projections 30 are designed to have a depth and width that do not easily allow a full liner ( for example, 24) it is filtered into the interior cavity of the projections and block the ventilation holes, as discussed hereinbelow.

As shown in Figure 2, for example, the outer projections 30 preferably have a variable internal width. For example, the internal width of the projection 30 in the lower part of the receptacle 10 may be smaller than the internal width in the upper part of the receptacle. In this way, the vent 22 can provide air to the bottom 13 of the receptacle 10 while allowing the receptacle 10 to be formed with economical machining.

As shown in Figure 13, a cross-sectional view of the receptacle 10 taken from the line AA in Figure 3 is shown. The protrusions 30 preferably have a width that is sufficient to prevent the liner 24 from filling the passage of air 35 defined by the projections. For example, in a preferred embodiment that substantially adapts to the dimensions of a conventional SLIM JIM container (approximately 58.4 cm 25 (23 inches) long, approximately 27.9 cm (11 inches) wide, and approximately 76, 2 cm (30 inches) high), the internal width of the air passage has a decreasing section from approximately 2.54 cm to 5.08 cm (1 to 2 inches) (more preferably approximately 3.81 cm (1.5 inches)) at the bottom to approximately 6.35 cm to 8.89 cm (2.5 to 3.5 inches) (more preferably approximately 7.37 cm (2.9 inches) ) at the top, and its depth is approximately 0.64 cm 30 (0.25 inches) to approximately 1.91 cm (0.75 inches) (more preferably approximately 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) )). As shown in Figure 14, the air in the lower area 13 of the receptacle can pass to the liner 24 when the liner 24 is being removed from the receptacle.

The outer projections 30 can be formed or included in the receptacle 10 using various manufacturing methods. For example, the mold of the present receptacle 10 can include notches for the outer projections 35 30. In this way, the receptacle 10 with ventilation holes 22 can be manufactured without a significant increase in machining costs or material costs.

Another exemplary embodiment of a receptacle 110 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 7-12. As in the embodiment described above, this receptacle 110 includes a first chamber section 112 defined by a side wall 116 and a bottom wall 118, a second chamber section 114 40 defined by a side wall 120, and an orifice of vent 122 that reduces the negative pressure in a lower portion 113 (as shown in Figure 14) of the first chamber section 112 when a liner 124. is removed, as shown in Figures 9-10, the side wall 116 is formed with side wall parts 116a, 116b, 116c and 116d. The side wall 120 is formed with side wall 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d. The vent hole 122 may be formed by a plurality of outer projections 130. The projections 130 preferably have a width that is sufficient to prevent the lining 124 from filling the air passage 135 defined by the projections. For example, in a preferred embodiment that substantially adapts to the dimensions of a conventional 166.6 liters (44 gallons) BRUTE container (approximately 61 cm (24 inches) in diameter at the top and approximately 78.7 cm (31 inches) high), the internal width of the air passage has a decreasing section from approximately 2.54 to 3.81 cm (1 to 1.5 inches) (more preferably 50 to approximately 3.05 cm (1 , 2 inches)) at the bottom to about 5.08 cm to 7.62 cm (2 to 3 inches) (more preferably about 6.35 cm (2.5 inches)) at the top, and its depth is from about 0.77 cm (0.3 inches) to about 2.29 cm (0.9 inches) (more preferably about 1.68cm (0.66 inches)). Preferably, the structures in the receptacle 110 are configured to be performed in a manner similar to that described for the receptacle 10. 55 In addition, the bottom wall 118 may include ribs 142, as shown in Figure 11, which increase the separation between the liner 124 and the bottom wall 118 of the receptacle 110, and thereby increase the fluid flow.

In each embodiment, a flange 32, 132 is provided at the top of the receptacle 10, 110. The flange 32,

132 includes a handle portion 38, 138 with which the receptacle 10, 110 can be transported by hand.

Clamping mechanisms 34, 134 (as shown in Figures 4 and 10) may be incorporated in the receptacle 10, 110. The clamping mechanism 34, 134 may include grooves 36, 136 in the handle portion 38,183. The grooves 36, 136 are included to group the liner 24, 124 (as shown in Figures 1, 7 and 13-14) therein and to keep it in place. Four slots 36, 136 are included in the handle portion 38, 138 that provide 5 four anchors, one or more of them being able to be used to fixedly position the liner 24, 124 with respect to the receptacle 10, 110. Openings 40 may also be provided The clamping mechanism is described in EP-A-1 981 783.

The conformation of the receptacle 10, 110 can be configured based on the desired application. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-6 and 13-14, the receptacle 10 preferably has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional conformation 10. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the first and second chamber sections 12, 14 preferably have substantially rectangular cross-sectional conformations. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7-12, the receptacle 110 preferably has a substantially circular cross-sectional conformation. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the first and second chamber sections 112, 114 preferably have substantially circular cross-sectional conformations. fifteen

In both embodiments, the second chamber section 14, 114 preferably has a width greater than the first chamber section 12, 112, which enhances the rigidity of the receptacle 10, 110 and allows for easier removal of the liner 24 when it approaches the upper part of the receptacle 10, 110. In particular, the first chamber section 12, 112 has an internal width w1, w3 and the second chamber section 14, 114 has an internal width w2, w4, as shown in the figures 5 and 11. Preferably, the internal width w2, w4 of the second chamber section 14, 114 is wider than the internal width w1, w3 of the first chamber section 12, 112. Although the width w1, w3 of the First chamber section 12, 112 may increase from the bottom wall 18, 118 to the second chamber section 14, 114, still the width of the first chamber section 12, 112 measured from any point is preferably smaller than the width of the second a chamber section 14, 114 measured from any point. 25

The receptacle 10,110 is preferably configured to fit at least 50% of a substantially similarly shaped receptacle in a vertical direction in a nesting relationship. Configuring the receptacle so that it can be nested in this way provides obvious advantages, such as the reduced space required for transport.

The receptacle 10, 110 may be composed of any acceptable material, including those known within the art. For example, the receptacle may be composed of a polymer. The receptacle 10, 110 can be formed by any suitable methods, such as injection molding, which are known in the art.

The coating 24, 124 may be composed of several materials including an elastic material (for example, a polymer). The liner 24, 124 is preferably configured to substantially adapt to the conformation of the receptacle 10, 110.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method of using a receptacle with a liner (as shown in Figures 1 and 7) is provided. The steps of the method include: pulling the liner 24, 124 of a first chamber section 12, 112 of the receptacle 10, 110 that is configured to house articles, the first chamber section having a bottom wall 18, 118 and a first wall side 16, 116 with a vent hole 22, 122; and pulling the liner of a second chamber section 14, 114 of the receptacle that is located above the first chamber section. The second chamber section 14, 114 has a second side wall 20, 120 and an internal width (w2, w4) that is wider than an internal width of the first chamber section (w1, w3). The liner 24, 124 of the first chamber section 12, 112 is pulled so that the vent hole 22, 122 provides fluid communication between the second chamber section 14, 114 45 and a lower area of the first chamber section 12, 112. The liner 24, 124 of the receptacle 10, 110 can be pulled by grouping the liner on top of the liner or putting several corners of the liner together and pulling up.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and implementation of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and the examples be considered by way of example only. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present receptacles without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, although the illustrated embodiments show a liner that fits within a receptacle, another embodiment includes boxes that have dense materials, for example, books, which are packaged in a small space. As an additional example, the receptacle can be useful in any situation where an object or objects in the receptacle either form (s) by itself (s) essentially a seal with the side wall of the receptacle or a container containing The object or objects form such a seal, so that in the absence of the ventilation holes it could not reach the bottom of the receptacle. Therefore, it is intended that the present receptacle cover the

modifications and variations of this invention provided that they fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. Receptacle (10, 110), comprising:

a first chamber section (12, 112) configured to accommodate articles, the first chamber section having a first side wall (16, 116) and a bottom wall (18, 118); a second chamber section (14, 114) located above the first chamber section, in which the second chamber section has a second side wall (20, 120) and an internal width that is wider than a width internal of the first chamber section; Y a vent hole (22, 122) that provides fluid communication between the second chamber section and a lower zone (13, 113) of the first chamber section, characterized in that the vent hole is formed by an outer projection ( 30, 130) from the first side wall that runs from 10 the first chamber section to the second chamber section, in which the outer boss includes two lateral surfaces, and because the outer boss has an internal width between the two surfaces laterals ranging from approximately 2.54 cm (1 inch) to approximately 8.89 cm (3.5 inches) and a depth of approximately 0.64 cm (0.25 inches) to approximately 2.29 cm (0.90 cm) inches). fifteen

2. A receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that the first side wall forms a substantially circular cross-sectional conformation with a first radius, and the second side wall (120) forms a substantially circular cross-sectional conformation with a second radius which is greater than the first radius.

3. A receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that the first side wall (16) forms a substantially rectangular cross-sectional conformation with a first width, and the second side wall (20) forms a substantially rectangular cross-sectional conformation with a second width that is greater than the first width.

4. Receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal width of the outer projection (30, 130) is variable, the outer projection being wider at one end of the first chamber section than at another end of the first section of camera.

5. Receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that the first side wall (16) forms a substantially rectangular cross-sectional conformation, the outer projection (30) being arranged in a corner of the cross-sectional conformation so that one of the two lateral surfaces of the outer projection protrudes outward from one side of the conformation in rectangular cross-section 30 and the other of the two lateral surfaces of the outer projection protrudes outward from another side of the conformation in rectangular cross-section that is perpendicular to the first side.

6. A receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal width of the outer projection is sufficient to prevent a lining (24, 124) from filling an air passage defined by the outer projection. 35

7. Receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that the ventilation hole (22, 122) is further formed at least in part by a plurality of outer projections (30, 130) in the first side wall (16, 116); and optionally or preferably in which each outer projection has a width that is sufficient to prevent a lining (24, 124) from filling an air passage defined by the outer projection.

A receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle (10, 110) is configured to accommodate at least 50% of a substantially similarly shaped receptacle in a vertical direction in a nesting relationship.

9. Receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal width formed between the two lateral surfaces of the outer projection (30, 130) is variable and ranges from approximately 2.54 cm (1 inch) to approximately 5.08 cm (2 inches) in a lower part of the outer projection up to 45 approximately 5.08 cm (2 inches) to approximately 8.89 cm (3.5 inches) in an upper part of the outer projection.

10. Receptacle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vent hole (22, 122) is configured to reduce the negative pressure in the first chamber section when a liner is filled and / or removed from the receptacle. fifty

11. Method of using a receptacle (10, 110) according to claim 1, with a liner (24, 124), comprising:

pull the liner of the first chamber section (12, 112) of the receptacle that is configured to host items; pull the lining of the second chamber section (14, 114) of the receptacle that is located above the first chamber section; whereby the lining of the first chamber section is pulled so that the vent hole provides fluid communication between the second chamber section and the lower zone (13, 5 113) of the first chamber section.