US20110036835A1

US20110036835A1 - Chewed gum receptacle

Info

Publication number: US20110036835A1
Application number: US12/541,053
Authority: US
Inventors: Ralph A. Vasquez; Ronald Wells Minnis; Frank Onzo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-13
Filing date: 2009-08-13
Publication date: 2011-02-17

Abstract

In the following embodiments, an approach is described for a chewed gum receptacle. A chewed gum receptacle is provided for receiving and storing chewed gum portions and other foodstuff refuse securely and aesthetically. The chewed gum receptacle includes a housing unit, a displaceable vessel unit configured to be housed in the housing unit, a securing terminal for a source of malleable material, and an aperture within a top surface of the housing unit which allows the transportation of objects from an external location to a location within the housing unit. A patron or diner thus secures a food refuse item within a sheet or piece of malleable material from the terminal and deposits the enveloped food refuse item through the aperture into the receptacle. The receptacle may be emptied by displacing the vessel unit and removing the contents thereof.

Description

BACKGROUND

Smoking in restaurants and other public venues has been made illegal or statutorily limited in several states and municipalities. These same restaurants, bars and similar establishments that historically provided ash trays no longer have need for such objects, and, as a result, may no longer offer such devices on a table or counter for the collection of ash and other smoking-related refuse and paraphernalia. In addition to collecting cigarette ends and ash, ash trays are commonly adapted by patrons and diners to dispose of other non-smoking refuse, such as used chewing gum and other like foodstuffs which have refuse by-products (e.g., fruit with pits or seeds, nuts or legumes with shells). Therefore, the elimination of ash trays from many food-services, entertainment, and other such establishments also eliminates the ability of patrons to conveniently, unobtrusively and hygienically dispose of food refuse.
Used chewing gum pieces present a distinct problem as chewing gum is notorious for adhering to most surfaces and, once hardened, can be extremely difficult to separate from such surfaces. Chewing gum is historically packaged in a wrapper, typically a thin sheet of wax or paper, which is commonly used to enclose the gum after being chewed to prevent the gum from adhering to other objects. However, some newer chewing gum products are not individually wrapped, but rather dispensed from a single, shared, multi-chambered sheet containing a plurality of pieces of chewing gum, and thus lack a wrapper for safe and sanitary disposal.
In a conventional arrangement, food refuse may be disposed in a piece or sheet of absorbent material, collected, and subsequently deposited in a dedicated waste receptacle at a later time. One common example of a sheet of absorbent material is a napkin, which can be either disposable (typically made of variably reinforced paper) or reusable (typically made of cloth. Chewing gum disposed in a reusable napkin and unenclosed in a wrapper may be difficult to remove in its entirety, thus severely impacting the napkin for future use. Due to its disposable nature, paper napkins are in many ways superior to cloth napkins for wrapping offending food refuse. However, many restaurants do not maintain and/or provide paper napkins for their patrons. Furthermore, the use of napkins, both disposable and reusable, to dispose of food refuse has distinct disadvantages. For example, napkins are especially ill-suited to use to dispose of used chewing gum and other food refuse since napkins, as sheets of malleable material, are apt to lie in a free-form position, which may impede efforts to contain, as well as make the transition between containment and collection difficult. Paper napkins in particular typically lack tensile strength and such are severely limited in their capacity to contain larger amounts of food refuse.
Moreover, even wrapped, the problem of what to do with the remaining package still persists. The napkins used to contain refuse items must be collected (by a food server or other wait staff) to prevent an unsightly clutter on a table, bar or other surface. Excessive waiting and/or human error can lead to unwanted and/or accidental disposal areas (e.g., on the floor, or on the street, etc.) which may, in turn create a hazard to patrons and staff members. Napkins (cloth napkins in particular) are also typically limited in number and must be replaced with additional napkins. If left unnoticed, customers may need to proactively request additional paper napkins, which may lead to an adverse dining experience. Thus effective collection requires additional, significant effort on the part of the food server or wait staff, and a potentially large reservoir of additional napkins. Naturally, this procedure can be inefficient, work intensive, and time consuming, particularly if the food refuse must be collected often, there are a significant number of patrons, a shortage of wait staff, or any combination of these factors.
Another conventional solution to the system is to use dedicated chewed gum storage receptacles. U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,662 issued Mar. 14, 1978 to Alice F. Volland depicts one such receptacle. The Volland receptacle discloses a base unit with a cover and a plurality of spaced, recessed storage compartments along an upper surface of the base unit and lined with a disposable lining, with depressed “cup-like” areas juxtaposed atop the plurality of recessed storage compartments. However, a chewed piece of gum deposited in any of the recessed storage compartments and lined with the disposable lining is not completely or even substantially enveloped by the lining. While the cover unit obscures the visibility of the deposited chewed gum portions, each subsequent user of the receptacle will still be able to view and even come into contact with the contents of the recessed storage compartments, which may be both unsightly and unhygienic. U.S. Pat. No. 3,960,269 issued Jun. 1, 1976 to Garry W. Jenkins discloses another gum disposal receptacle combining both an ash tray and a gum disposal receptacle. However, the capacity of the gum disposal receptacle is severely impacted by the inclusion of the ash tray.
With the advent of purpose-specific chewing gums (e.g., as a nicotine replacement and palliative treatment; and as a hunger-suppression and weight-loss aid) along with traditional uses (e.g., breath freshener), chewing gums are poised to become even more popular. Thus, the lack of an easily recognizable yet unobtrusive method of chewed gum and food refuse disposal looms as a potentially larger problem in the near future.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In the following embodiments, an approach is described for a chewed gum receptacle. A chewed gum receptacle is provided for receiving and storing chewed gum portions and other foodstuff refuse securely and aesthetically. The chewed gum receptacle includes a housing unit, a displaceable shelf unit configured to be housed in the housing unit, a securing terminal for a source of malleable material, and an aperture within a top surface of the housing unit which allows the transportation of objects from an external location to a location within the housing unit, preferably occupied by the displaceable shelf unit. A patron or diner thus secures a food refuse item within a sheet or piece of malleable material from the terminal and deposits the enveloped food refuse item through the aperture into the housing unit. The housing unit may be emptied by displacing the shelf unit and removing the contents thereof.
In one embodiment, the chewed gum receptacle is sized such that the receptacle can be conveniently and unobtrusively placed on a table and/or counter, such as a salt or pepper shaker, sugar packet dispenser, etc. In some embodiments, the entire receptacle can be disposable. According to further embodiments, elevation mechanisms for vertically displacing the receptacle from a surface may be included. Further embodiments of the present invention may include means for facilitating the displacement of the shelf unit from a first position within the housing unit, inhibiting means to direct the unilateral movement of objects between an external position to a location within the receptacle, securing means for securing the shelf unit at the first position, and means for facilitating the physical manipulation of the shelf unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a first surface of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a second surface of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2C is an illustration of a third surface of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2D is an illustration of a fourth surface of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle, in accordance with one embodiment

FIG. 2E is an illustration of a fifth surface of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2F is an illustration of a sixth surface of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a first configuration of an alternate exemplary chewed gum receptacle, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of second configuration of an alternate exemplary chewed gum receptacle, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an alternate exemplary chewed gum receptacle, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the alternate exemplary chewed gum receptacle, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inside of an alternate exemplary chewed gum receptacle with a spring-loaded flap, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inside of an alternate exemplary chewed gum receptacle with a chute, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments. While the subject matter will be described in conjunction with the alternative embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to these embodiments. On the contrary, the claimed subject matter is intended to cover alternative, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter as defined by the appended claims.
Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with equivalents thereof. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components, have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects and features of the subject matter.
In the following embodiments, an approach is described for a chewed gum receptacle. Embodiments include a device for receiving and storing chewed gum portions and other food refuse securely, hygienically, and aesthetically.

Exemplary Chewed Gum Receptacle

With reference now to FIG. 1, an illustration of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle 100 is depicted, in accordance with one embodiment. In a typical configuration, chewed gum receptacle 100 includes an outer casing 101, a chamber 103, an aperture 105 and a terminal 107.
In one embodiment, the outer casing 101 and chamber 103 of chewed gum receptacle 100 may be each formed from a length of sheet metal or other solid, rigid material, such as wood or plastic. In alternate embodiments, the entire chewed gum receptacle 100 may be formed from cardboard or similarly reinforced paper. According to such embodiments, the entire chewed gum receptacle 100 can be disposable. In one embodiment, the outer casing 101 may be formed in the shape of a box, e.g., having four vertical walls adjoining a top surface (e.g., ceiling) and a bottom surface (e.g., floor), the surfaces combining to enclose a hollow cavity. Other shapes may be used according to various embodiments.
In one embodiment, at least one of the vertical walls consists of a frame, that is, a relatively small expanse of surface is used as a margin around the edges of the surface, wherein the center portion of the surface is removed. The chamber 103 is thus configured to fit within the frame of the outer casing 101, i.e., as a shelf or drawer. In some embodiments, the chamber 103 is configured such that the volume of the chamber is at least the near equivalent of the volume of the space enclosed within the outer casing 101. In further embodiments, the chamber 103 may fit within the outer casing 101 such that when the chamber 103 is placed in a first position within the outer casing 101, a surface of the chamber 103 aligns with the frame of the outer casing 101. In alternate embodiments, the chamber 103 may be configured to extend beyond the frame of the outer casing 101.
According to one embodiment, the chamber 103 is displaceable from the cavity enclosed by the outer casing 101 by sliding (e.g., horizontally dragging) the chamber 103 away from the outer casing 101. In one embodiment, the chamber 103 is completely removable from the confines of the outer casing 101. In alternate embodiments, the chamber 103 has a pre-defined length of maximum displacement, wherein the chamber 103 is physically prevented from further displacement.
A typical embodiment also includes an aperture 105, positioned on a top surface of the outer casing 101. In one embodiment, outer casing 101 consists of a single aperture 105 in the center of one or more upper surface(s) of the outer casing 101. According to one embodiment, the aperture 105 is a one-way aperture. In alternate embodiments, a plurality of apertures may be disposed on a plurality of upper surface(s) of the outer casing 101. The aperture 105 serves as an orifice through which objects (e.g., chewed gum, fruit seeds, and nut shells) may be deposited in the receptacle 100. When the chamber 103 is in the first position, that is, is maximally encapsulated within the outer casing 101, items deposited through the aperture are collected in the chamber 103. First position may also comprise the position wherein the back surface of the chamber 103 is adjacent to the inner surface of the back wall of the outer casing 101.
Typical configurations also include at least one terminal 107 configured to receive a source of malleable or flexible material. In one embodiment, a terminal 107 is positioned on an external surface of the outer casing 101. In further embodiments, the external surface is a vertical wall of the outer casing 101, upon which the terminal 107 may be positioned with either a horizontal or vertical orientation. A typical terminal 107 may be implemented as, for example, a plurality of guide rails for securing a source of malleable material. In one embodiment, the malleable or flexible material may comprise one or more sheets of tissue or wax paper. The source of malleable or flexible material may thus be a disposable tissue or wax paper box. In still further embodiments, the source may be replaced when necessary.
By incorporating a source of malleable material readily available, used chewing gum or other conventionally unsightly and/or particularly adhering objects may be enveloped in a sheet or piece of the material to both reduce the risk of the object adhering to unintended surfaces as well as improving the aesthetic quality of the disposed object. Thus, a patron at a restaurant may remove a sheet of paper from the paper dispenser secured by the terminal 107, wrap the chewing gum or other offending food particle in the sheet of paper, and deposit the package into the receptacle 100 through the aperture 105, whereupon the package lands in, and is contained by, the chamber 103. Periodically, the receptacle 100 may be emptied by removing the contents of the chamber 103.
Removing the contents of the chamber 103 may be accomplished by, for example, displacing the chamber 103 from its first position inside the outer casing 101, such as by removing the chamber 103 from the outer casing 101 entirely, or to a pre-defined maximum distance, or any distance in between, wherein access to the contents in the chamber is thereafter granted. In one embodiment, the contents of the chamber may be easily removed by altering the vertical orientation of the receptacle 100 or the separated chamber 103. The contents may be deposited in, for example, a larger, general waste receptacle out of sight of the establishment's patrons.
With reference now to FIGS. 2A-2F, illustrations of the various surfaces (e.g., sides A-F) of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle 200 are depicted, in accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 2A is an illustration of a first side view A of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle 200, in accordance with one embodiment. First side view A displays a perspective view of a housing unit 201 and a shelf unit 203 configured to fit within a cavity enclosed by the housing unit 201 through an opening in the housing unit 201 on side A. In one embodiment, the opening in the housing unit 201 on side A forms a frame through which the shelf unit 203 may be deposited. In typical embodiments, chewed gum receptacle 200 also includes a paper dispenser securing unit for securing a paper dispenser to a vertical surface (e.g., a wall of the housing unit 201) of the chewed gum receptacle 200.
Chewed gum receptacle 200 may also be equipped with one or more elevation units 209, for vertically displacing the housing unit 201 above a surface (e.g., a table). In one embodiment, the elevation units 209 may be formed as rubber pads. According to some embodiments, receptacle 200 may also be equipped with a means for gripping the shelf unit 203. In one embodiment, the means for gripping the shelf unit 203 is implemented as a hole or groove 211, with which an individual may be able to more easily displace the shelf unit 203 from a position in the housing unit 201. According to other embodiments, the hole or groove 211 may also be implemented with a grip, or as a handle, or any other such means to facilitate an easier tactile manipulation thereof.
FIG. 2B is an illustration of a second side view B of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle 200, in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 2B may depict, for example, the “back” of the chewed gum receptacle 200, that is, the side of the chewed gum receptacle 200 opposite to side A described above. FIG. 2B depicts a housing unit 201, paper dispenser securing unit 207 and elevation units 209, as described above with reference to FIG. 2A.
FIG. 2C is an illustration of a third side view C of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle 200, in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 2C may depict, for example a lateral surface of the chewed gum receptacle 200. FIG. 2C depicts a housing unit 201, a lateral view of the paper dispenser securing unit 207 and elevation units 209, as described above with reference to FIG. 2A. As depicted, paper dispenser securing unit 207 is displayed as a plurality of guide rails coupled by a flat support or back. In one embodiment, the guide rails protrude from the side of the chewed gum receptacle 200 (e.g., perpendicular to the chewed gum receptacle 200 along a z-axis) to a height configured to be able to receive and hold a paper dispenser. In further embodiments, the paper dispenser may be a tissue or wax paper box of a standardized size and capacity that can be slid along the flat support between the protrusion of the guide rails and the flat support. Other embodiments may comprise any similar mechanical securing means for a paper box or other such container/distributor of malleable material.
FIG. 2D is an illustration of a fourth side view D of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle 200, in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 2D may depict, for example a lateral surface of the chewed gum receptacle 200 opposite the surface C. FIG. 2D depicts a housing unit 201 and elevation units 209, as described above with reference to FIG. 2A. According to one embodiment, side D of the housing unit 201 may be bare. According to alternate embodiments, paper dispenser securing unit 207 may also be disposed on side D of the housing unit 201. As depicted, paper dispenser securing unit 207 is displayed as described above with reference to FIG. 2C, and includes a plurality of guide rails coupled by a flat support or back. Other embodiments may comprise any similar mechanical securing means for a paper box or other such container/distributor of malleable material.
FIG. 2E is an illustration of a plan view of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle 200, in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 2E may depict, for example, the top side E of the chewed gum receptacle 200. As depicted, FIG. 2E depicts a housing unit 201 and a paper dispenser securing unit 207, as described above with reference to FIG. 2A. In a typical configuration, FIG. 2E may also include one or more apertures 205. In one embodiment, aperture 205 is a one-way aperture and comprises a hole or orifice in the top surface of the housing unit 201. The one-way aperture 205 thus allows the transfer of objects between an external location to a position enclosed by the housing unit 201 of the chewed gum receptacle 200.
In some embodiments, aperture 205 further comprises a plurality of flanges 205 b arranged in a ring around the aperture 205. In further embodiments, the flanges 205 b may be shaped into wedges coming to a point and directed at the center of the aperture 205. According to some embodiments, the flanges may be constructed from rubber, or any other thick, semi-flexible material. The ring-arrangement of the flanges 205 b thus allow a unilateral transfer of objects (e.g., depositing objects into the receptacle 200) with ease whilst simultaneously inhibiting the transfer of objects from the interior of the receptacle 200 to an external position through the aperture 205. In still further embodiments, the flanges 205 b are secured to the top surface of the housing unit 201 around the aperture 205 by a ring device 205 a. In one embodiment, the ring device 205 a is constructed from rubber or other solid material and configured to fit around the aperture 205.
FIG. 2F is an illustration of a bottom view of an exemplary chewed gum receptacle 200, in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 2F may depict, for example, the bottom side F of the chewed gum receptacle 200 opposite the top side E. As depicted, FIG. 2F depicts a housing unit 201, shelf unit 203, a paper dispenser securing unit 207, a plurality of elevation units 209, and a means for gripping the shelf unit 211 as described above with reference to FIG. 2A. As depicted, the elevation units 209 are distributed as four separate pyramidal units proximate to the corners of the bottom surface of the housing unit 201. In one embodiment, the elevation units 209 are constructed from rubber. However, other distributions, arrangements, configurations and unit composition and shape may be employed according to various implementations.
In a typical configuration, FIG. 2E may also include securing means 213 for securing the shelf unit 203 in a first position within the housing unit 201. For example, securing means 213 may be configured to lock the shelf unit 203 and prevent its displacement within the housing unit 201 when the shelf unit 203 is completely within the shelf unit 203, to the extent possible. In one embodiment, securing means may be implemented as a latch or switch, which, when activated, fastens a corresponding device in the shelf unit 203 to prevent movement thereof. Other embodiments are well-suited to feature similar locking mechanisms.
With reference now to FIG. 3, an illustration of a first configuration of an alternate exemplary chewed gum receptacle 300 is depicted, in accordance with one embodiment. In a typical configuration, chewed gum receptacle 300 includes a gum garbage box 301, a gum garbage pull out tray 303, a plurality of guide rails 307, and a plurality of rubber pads 309.
The gum garbage box 301, gum garbage pull out tray 303, guide rails 307 and plurality of rubber pads 309 may correspond, for example, to the outer casing 101, chamber 103, terminal 107 and elevation units 109, respectively, as described above with reference to FIG. 1. As depicted, the gum garbage tray 303 is approximately the volume of the enclosed space of the gum garbage box 301, less the volume of the frame around the gum garbage tray 303. The gum garbage tray 303 is further presented in a first position, wherein the gum garbage tray 303 is interred in the gum garbage box 301 to the extent possible. That is, at the first position, the back surface gum garbage tray 303 is in contact with the inner surface of the back wall of the gum garbage box 301.
In further embodiments, chewed gum receptacle 300 also includes a means 311 for securing the gum garbage pull out tray 303 at the first position, corresponding to means 211 of FIG. 2A. As presented, the gum garbage box 301 also includes a hole in the roof of the gum garbage box 301. In one embodiment, the hole is depicted as circular in shape and a plurality of rubber flanges 305 b are arranged in a ring around the hole. In further embodiments, the arrangement of the rubber flanges 305 b are secured in place by a rubber “O” ring 305 a, which can be configured to fit over the hole in the roof of the gum garbage box 301. According to one embodiment, each portion of the entire chewed gum receptacle 300, including the “O” ring 305 a and the plurality of flanges 305 b may be constructed of disposable material, such as cardboard or other similarly reinforced paper.
As depicted, guide rails 307 are arranged in a horizontal configuration, wherein one of the plurality of guide rails 307 is arranged horizontally across a side surface of the gum garbage box 301 at a higher position, and another of the plurality of guide rails 307 is arranged horizontally across the same side surface of the gum garbage box 301 at a lower position, the distance between the guide rails being approximately the width of a paper dispenser 415. In further embodiments, the guide rails may be coupled to a back plate which provides additional support for the guide rails, the back plate spanning the area between the guide rails and physically attached to the side surface of the gum garbage box 301. In one embodiment, the paper dispenser dispenses a pre-stored amount of individual sheets 317 of paper. The paper dispenser may be positioned between the guide rails by, for example, sliding the top and bottom of the paper dispenser through the guide rails and along the back plate. According to some embodiments, the guide rails 307 and back plate may be constructed from sheet metal, plastic or other such rigid material.
With reference now to FIG. 4, an illustration of a second configuration of an alternate exemplary chewed gum receptacle 400 is depicted, in accordance with one embodiment. In a typical configuration, chewed gum receptacle 400 includes the gum garbage box 301, gum garbage pull out tray 303, rubber “O” ring 305 a, plurality of rubber flanges 305 b, plurality of rubber pads 309, means 311 for securing the gum garbage pull out tray, and paper dispenser 315 for dispensing individual sheets 317 of paper, as described above with respect to receptacle 300. As depicted in FIG. 4, gum garbage pull out tray 303 is presented in a second configuration, wherein the gum garbage pull out tray 303 has been displaced from the first position within gum garbage box 301. In one embodiment, gum garbage pull out tray 303 may be moved along a pre-determined course within gum garbage box 301. In further embodiments, the gum garbage pull out tray 303 is moved along a course determined by a means to facilitate the displacement of the gum garbage pull out tray 303. The means to facilitate the displacement of the gum garbage pull out tray 303 may include, for example, a sliding-rail mechanism. 419. Embodiments are well suited to employ alternate mechanical means for facilitating movement along pre-set displacement routes.
As shown in FIG. 4, chewed gum receptacle 400 also includes guide rails 407 to secure a position of the paper dispenser 315 at a position proximate to a side surface of the gum garbage box 301. As depicted, the guide rails 407 are arranged in a vertical configuration, wherein one of the plurality of guide rails 407 is arranged vertically across a side surface of the gum garbage box 301 at a position towards the front of the gum garbage box 301, and another of the plurality of guide rails 407 is arranged vertically across the same side surface of the gum garbage box 301 at a position towards the rear of the gum garbage box 301, the distance between the guide rails being approximately the length of a paper dispenser 415.
In further embodiments, the vertical guide rails may be coupled to a horizontal guide rail coupling the vertical guide rails, which provides additional support for a paper dispenser 315. In one embodiment, each of the vertical guide rails, and the horizontal guide rail (where applicable) are physically attached to the side surface of the gum garbage box 301.

Alternate Exemplary Chewed Gum Receptacle

FIG. 5 depicts an illustration of an alternate exemplary chewed gum receptacle 500, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 5, the chewed gum receptacle comprises two approximately sized and attachable halves, a base unit 503 comprising a plurality of vertical surfaces coupled by a bottom horizontal surface and a cover unit 501, comprising a plurality of vertical surfaces coupled by a top horizontal surface and configured to cover the base unit 503 when placed in a first position (the position depicted in FIG. 5). In some embodiments, an opening 505 is disposed on the top horizontal surface of the cover unit 501, such that the opening 505 allows access to the base unit 503 from a location external to the receptacle 500. Thus, the opening 505 enables the depositing of food refuse objects into the base unit 503, wherein the food refuse objects may be contained until the receptacle is emptied. According to some embodiments, a plurality of elevating mechanisms (e.g., elevation units 525, for vertically displacing the receptacle 500 above a surface (e.g., a table). In one embodiment, the elevation units 525 may be formed as rubber or wooden pads.
According to further embodiments, a wrapper dispenser securing mechanism (collectively, shelf 511 and brackets 513 depicted in FIG. 6) may secure a dispenser of malleable material (such as paper, wax, foil, etc.) to a vertical surface of either the base unit 503 or the cover unit 501. In some embodiments, both the dispenser of malleable material and the wrapper dispenser securing mechanism may be disposed on an external vertical surface of the base unit 503 or either internal or external vertical surface of the cover unit 501 (FIG. 6 shows a configuration of the wrapper dispenser securing mechanism 511, 513 disposed on an external vertical surface of the base unit 503). In configurations featuring a dispenser of malleable material and wrapper dispenser securing mechanism disposed on an external vertical surface of the base unit 503 or an internal vertical surface of the cover unit 501, the corresponding vertical surface of the cover unit 501 may also comprise an aperture (such as a slit 507) to allow external access to the units of the malleable material.
In some embodiments, the cover unit 501 is configured such that when both the base unit 503 and the cover unit 501 are positioned in the first position, the base unit 503 and the cover unit 501 is automatically secured by a cover securing mechanism (e.g., clasp 523). The cover securing mechanism may secure the cover unit 501 to the base unit 503 by, for example, a clasp or groove configured to fashion the units together. In still further embodiments, a portion of the cover unit 501 may be removed to form a gripping mechanism (e.g., finger groove 509).
In some embodiments, the opening 505 may be configured with a cover, such as the combination of flanges and ring device described above with respect to FIGS. 2E, 3, and 4. In alternate embodiments, the opening 505 may comprise a displaceable portion of the cover unit 501 (e.g., such as a flap) which provides external access to the base unit with the application of pressure (e.g., a push from a finger). In further embodiments, the opening 505 may be spring-loaded (e.g., spring-loaded mechanism 517 of FIG. 7), such that when the pressure is removed or no longer applied, the flap returns to a pre-defined, original position. In still further embodiments, a button 519 coupled to the spring-loaded mechanism 517, which, when actuated (e.g., through the application of pressure), external access to the base unit and prevents access to the base unit when not actuated.
FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view 600 of the alternate exemplary chewed gum receptacle 500, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. As depicted, FIG. 6 includes the cover unit 501, base unit, 503, opening 505, slit 507, cover securing mechanism (collectively, clasp 523 and grooves 515), and wrapper dispenser securing mechanism (collectively, shelf 511 and brackets 513) described above with reference to FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view 700 of the inside of an alternate exemplary chewed gum receptacle 500 with a spring-loaded flap 517, in accordance with some embodiments. As depicted, FIG. 7 displays the cover unit 501, base unit, 503, opening 505 coupled on its underside to a spring-loaded mechanism 517, and wrapper dispenser securing mechanism (collectively, shelf 511 and brackets 513) described above with reference to FIG. 5.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view 800 of the inside of an alternate exemplary chewed gum receptacle 500 with a chute 521, in accordance with some embodiments. As depicted, FIG. 8 displays the cover unit 501, base unit, 503, opening 505, and wrapper dispenser securing mechanism (collectively, shelf 511 and brackets 513) described above with reference to FIG. 5. As depicted, the underside of the opening 505 may be coupled to a chute 521 which directs the travel of objects placed through the opening 505 to a space within the base unit 503. In some embodiments, the chute may be comprised of the same material as the cover unit 501, for example, and may be configured such that visibility into the contents of the receptacle 500 is obscured by the chute when the cover unit 501 is secured to the base unit 503 at the first position.
As depicted in FIGS. 1-8, a patron of a food-service establishment or other such venue where foodstuffs with refuse by-products are produced may envelop an item of refuse in a sheet of malleable material (e.g., paper) drawn from a dispenser secured by the wrapper dispenser securing mechanism (e.g., dispenser securing units 107, 207, 307, 407, and collectively, shelf 511 and brackets 513) disposed on a side surface of the receptacle (e.g., receptacles 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500) and deposit the item in an aperture of the receptacle (e.g., apertures 105, 505) of the food refuse receptacle, where the item is collected and stored. By providing a dispenser of malleable material, the chewed gum storage receptacle (e.g., receptacles 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500) provides the advantages of an unobtrusive, hygienic, and effective way to dispose of refuse by-products.
The collected contents of wrapped and contained items may be subsequently removed (e.g., the receptacles 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 may be emptied) by displacing a portion of the receptacle (e.g., the gum garbage tray 303 or the cover unit 501) from the first position and either physically removing the collected contents from the vessel (e.g., gum garbage tray 303 or base unit 503) or altering the vertical orientation of the vessel (e.g., gum garbage tray 303 or base unit 503) such that the contents spill out to, for example, a larger and/or dedicated waste receptacle. In further embodiments, the receptacle (e.g., receptacles 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500) may be constructed from disposable material (e.g., cardboard, paper, etc.), and the receptacle (e.g., receptacles 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500) itself may be disposed along with its contents. In alternate embodiments, the gum garbage tray 303 of FIG. 3 may be constructed from disposable material and the gum garbage tray 303 alone may be disposed along with its contents and subsequently replaced. Thus, while the individual items are collected and stored within the receptacle, diners and patrons are spared the task of traveling to a waste receptacle and/or the sight of an un-collected, clearly visible food refuse by-product.
Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

an outer casing;

a chamber for storing content and capable of having at least a portion thereof being disposed in said outer casing;

an aperture, disposed on an external surface of said outer casing, said aperture providing access to said portion of said chamber enclosed within said outer casing; and

a terminal disposed on an external surface of said outer casing, said terminal configured to dispense malleable material;

wherein a visibility of said content in said chamber is obscured.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said malleable material comprises material capable of being wrapped to enclose an object.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said terminal comprises a means to dispense a plurality of individual units of said malleable material from a source of malleable material.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said source of malleable material is a removable dispenser of individual sheets of paper.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said chamber is configured to contain a plurality of objects enclosed in said malleable material.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said chamber is configured to receive a plurality of objects enclosed in said malleable material through said aperture.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said chamber is capable of being displaced such that at least a portion of said chamber is not completely disposed in said outer casing.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said contents are removable from said device when said chamber is displaced such that at least a portion of said chamber is not completely disposed in said cavity.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein objects disposed in said chamber are inhibited from being displaced through said aperture by an inhibition means.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein said visibility of said content in said chamber is obscured by said an inhibition means.

11. A refuse receptacle comprising:

a base unit comprising a plurality of vertical surfaces adjoining a bottom horizontal surface and configured to contain a plurality of objects deposited in said base unit;

a cover unit comprising a plurality of vertical surfaces adjoining a top horizontal surface, the cover unit being configured to cover the base unit;

an opening disposed in said top horizontal surface, said opening configured to permit a depositing of a plurality of objects in said base unit;

a wrapper dispenser securing mechanism, said wrapper dispenser securing mechanism being disposed on a vertical wall of at least one of said base unit and said cover unit; and

a cover securing mechanism for securing a position of said cover unit to said base unit when said cover unit is covering said base unit,

wherein a visibility of said plurality of objects deposited in said base unit is obscured when said cover unit covers said base unit.

12. The refuse receptacle of claim 11, wherein said wrapper dispenser securing mechanism is configured to secure a wrapper dispenser to a vertical wall of one of said base unit and said cover unit.

13. The refuse receptacle of claim 12, wherein said wrapper dispenser is configured to dispense a plurality of individual sheets of wrappers.

14. The refuse receptacle of claim 11, wherein said opening comprises:

a flap, said flap comprising a portion of said cover unit configured to be displaced from an original position parallel to said top horizontal surface to a plurality of a positions around a horizontal axis, wherein said flap is displaced with an application of pressure; and, wherein further said flap is coupled to a spring-loaded mechanism such that when said application of pressure is absent, said spring-loaded mechanism returns said flap to an original position.

15. The refuse receptacle of claim 14, wherein said flap inhibits a movement through said aperture of said plurality of objects deposited in said base unit.

16. The refuse receptacle of claim 14, further comprising a button, disposed on said top horizontal surface of said cover unit, said button configured to lower said flap and allow access to said base unit when a pressure is applied to said button.

17. The refuse receptacle of claim 11, further comprising:

a chute, disposed within said plurality of vertical surfaces comprising said cover unit, said chute being coupled to said opening, wherein:

a plurality of objects deposited through said opening travel down the chute to a space enclosed by said base unit;

wherein, said chute is positioned at an angle such said visibility inside said base unit is obscured from external view by said chute; and

wherein further, said chute inhibits a movement through said aperture of said plurality of objects deposited in said base unit.

18. The refuse receptacle of claim 11, further comprising:

a plurality of elevating mechanisms for vertically displacing said housing unit from a supporting surface.

19. A refuse receptacle comprising:

a housing unit comprising a plurality of vertical walls adjoining a top surface and a bottom surface;

an entry terminal disposed in said top surface;

a shelf unit for containing a plurality of objects received through said entry terminal, said shelf unit configured to be removable from said housing unit; and

a paper dispenser securing unit, said paper dispenser securing unit disposed on a vertical wall of said housing unit;

wherein a visibility of a content of said shelf unit is obscured when said shelf unit is enclosed within said housing unit.

20. The refuse receptacle of claim 19, further comprising means to facilitate a displacement of said shelf unit from a first position enclosed within said housing unit.

21. The refuse receptacle of claim 19, wherein said entry terminal comprises:

an aperture in said top surface;

a plurality of rubber flanges arranged in a ring around said aperture; and

a device to secure said plurality of flanges to said top surface.

22. The refuse receptacle of claim 21, wherein said aperture is configured to permit the reception of objects disposed in said refuse receptacle from an external location.

23. The refuse receptacle of claim 22, wherein said plurality of flanges inhibits movement of objects disposed in said chamber through said aperture.

24. The refuse receptacle of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of elevating objects for vertically displacing said housing unit from a supporting surface.

25. The refuse receptacle of claim 19, further comprising a means for facilitating a grip of said shelf unit.

26. The refuse receptacle of claim 19, further comprising:

a securing means for securing said shelf unit in said first position in said housing unit; and

a finger release button for releasing said shelf unit from being secured in said first position.

27. The refuse receptacle of claim 19, wherein the housing unit and shelf unit are constructed of paper products and are disposable.

28. A gum receptacle comprising:

a housing operable to be placed on a surface;

a chamber surrounded by said housing, said chamber for receiving and containing items deposited therein;

a passage through said housing allowing said items to be deposed in said chamber;

an inhibitor associated with said passage wherein said inhibitor restricts items placed in said chamber from being viewed from a vantage point outside said chamber and wherein further said inhibitor restricts items within said chamber from passing through said passage; and

a sheet dispenser attached to said housing for allowing individual sheets of material to be dispensed.

29. A gum receptacle as described in claim 28 wherein said items are chewed gum wrapped in individual sheets of material.

30. A gum receptacle as described in claim 28 wherein said sheets of material are paper.

31. A gum receptacle as described in claim 28 wherein said sheets of material are foil.

32. A gum receptacle as described in claim 28 wherein said inhibitor is a plastic cover which substantially covers said passage.

33. A gum receptacle as described in claim 28 wherein said inhibitor is a lever door rotatively attached at one door edge to said housing and covering said passage when closed.