Trashcan stand

Abstract

A support apparatus for multiple trash receptacles. The support apparatus is portable and is easy to assemble and disassemble. The primary components of the apparatus include a base member, a post, multiple can holders, a lid holder and a locking ring. These components are assembled to securely support at least two trash receptacles in a manner to prevent the receptacles from being overturned and also to prevent the receptacle lids from being inadvertently removed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/737,774, filed Nov. 18, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to receptacle support structures. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a support structure for multiple trashcans.

2. Description of the Related Art

Having to pick up strewn trash and garbage after trash receptacles have been overturned by a stray dog(s) is an annoying and somewhat odious task. The above problem is exacerbated as humans move into wooded areas and other animals (raccoons, deer, coyotes, etc.) get into the act. An efficient, easy-to-use and relatively inexpensive system to thwart these four-legged marauders would certainly be a welcomed addition to the art.

The related art is rife with stands for supporting trash receptacles. Pertinent samples of such related art are identified and cited in the accompanying IDS. However, none of the above cited and identified inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to disclose a device for supporting trash receptacles as will subsequently be described and claimed in instant invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is drawn to a support apparatus for multiple trash receptacles. The support apparatus is portable and is easy to assemble and disassemble. The primary components of the apparatus comprise a base member, a post, multiple can holders, a lid holder and a locking ring. These components are assembled to securely support at least two trash receptacles in a manner to prevent the receptacles from being overturned and also to prevent the receptacle lids from being inadvertently removed.

Accordingly, the invention presents first and second embodiments of a trash receptacle support apparatus. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.

A clear understanding of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a trash can stand according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the base of a trash can stand according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the base of a trash can stand according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the post of a trash can stand according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the can holder of a trash can stand according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lid holder of a trash can stand according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the decorative cap of a trash can stand according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the locking ring of a trash can stand according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a second embodiment of a trash can stand according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first directed to FIG. 1 wherein the trashcan stand of the present invention is generally indicated at 10. As illustrated, stand 10 supports multiple trashcans C in a secure manner. Stand 10 comprises a base 12, which base defines the lower end of the stand.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, base 12 has a hollow interior and respective, upper and lower surfaces. The lower surface of base 12 is adapted to rest on a substantially level surface such as the ground or a deck. An opening 12b is disposed in the center of the base and extends through the base to define a cavity 12c. Cavity 12c conforms to the configuration of the lower end of the post as will be described below. Concentric ridges 12a are disposed on the upper surface of the base 12 to provide a stabilizing surface for the receptacles. The hollow interior of the base is filled with a ballast material such as sand S to further enhance stability.

As best seen in FIG. 4, a post is defined by a tubular member 14. Member 14 is provided with a foot portion 14a and an open upper end 14b. An array of apertures 14c is vertically spaced along the length of tubular member 14. When the stand is assembled, tubular member 14 extends through opening 12b in base 12. Foot portion 14a is dimensioned to nest in the cavity 12c.

A can holder (FIG. 5) is fashioned with a larger ring portion 16 that is adapted to encircle a trashcan. An arm 16b extends perpendicularly from the outer circumference of ring 16. A smaller ring portion 16a is connected to arm 16b. The smaller ring portion is adapted to encircle post 14. Ring 16 and ring 16a lie in the same horizontal plane when the stand is assembled. There must be a respective can holder for each trashcan.

FIG. 6 best illustrates the lid holder 18. Lid holder 18 comprises a pair of arms 20 extending diametrically from a ring member 20b. Each arm terminates in a free end 20a. Ring member 20b is adapted to encircle post 14 whereby arms 20 will extend over the lids of the trashcans and respective free ends 20a will engage the lids to hold the lids in place.

A decorative cap 22 (FIG. 7) having flange 22a is fashioned with an insert portion 22b for insertion into the open end 14b of post 14. A locking ring 24 (FIG. 8) is provided to prevent the can holders 16 from sliding vertically on post 14. A flexible strap 28 is utilized to attach a locking pin 30 to locking ring 24. Opening 26 extends through locking ring 24. When the stand is assembled, opening 26 is positioned in alignment with one of the openings 14c in post 14. This arrangement will permit locking pin 30 to be received through opening 26 and the selected opening 14c, thereby to retain the locking ring and the can holders in place.

FIG. 9 is illustrative of a second embodiment of the invention wherein the can holders utilize angled arms 34 which are employed to connect ring 16 to ring 16a. Ring 16 and 16a lie in different horizontal planes. This arrangement presents a sturdier assembly.

As contemplated, all parts are fabricated from suitable, heavy-duty plastic material. It is obvious, however that other suitable materials might be utilized if desired. It is also obvious that the stand could be configured to support more than two receptacles and that the receptacles could be of other shapes.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A trash receptacle stand, comprising:

a base, said base having an upper surface and a lower surface;

an opening formed through said base;

a cavity formed in said lower surface of said base;

a tubular post member, said tubular post member having an upper end and a lower end, wherein said tubular post member extends through said opening in said base;

a foot member defining said lower end of said tubular post member, said foot member being nested in said cavity; and

at least one trash receptacle holder removably mounted on said tubular post member.

2. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 1, wherein said base has a hollow interior filled with a ballast material.

3. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 1, wherein said tubular post member has a length and including an array of apertures vertically spaced along said length.

4. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 1, wherein said holder comprises a large ring member and a small ring member, said small ring member being attached to said large ring member, whereby said large ring member is adapted to encircle the trash receptacle and said small ring member encircles the tubular post.

5. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 1, including a lid holder, said lid holder comprising a ring member and a pair of arm members extending diametrically from said ring member, whereby said ring member encircles said tubular post.

6. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 1, including a decorative cap positioned on the upper end of said tubular post.

7. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 1, including a locking ring disposed on said tubular post, said locking ring adapted to prevent said trash receptacle holder from sliding on said tubular post.

8. A trash receptacle stand, comprising:

a base, said base having an upper surface and a lower surface;

an opening formed through said base;

concentric ridges disposed on the upper surface of said base;

a cavity formed in said lower surface of said base;

a tubular post member, said tubular post member having an upper end and a lower end, wherein said tubular post member extends through said opening in said base;

a foot member defining said lower end of said tubular post member, said foot member being nested in said cavity; and

at least one trash receptacle holder removably mounted on said tubular post member.

9. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 8, wherein said base has a hollow interior filled with sand.

10. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 8, wherein said tubular post member has a length and including an array of apertures vertically spaced along said length.

11. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 8, wherein said holder comprises a large ring member and a small ring member, said small ring member being attached to said large ring member and positioned in the same horizontal plane, whereby said large ring member is adapted to encircle the trash receptacle and said small ring member encircles the tubular post.

12. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 8, wherein said holder comprises a large ring member and a small ring member, said small ring member being attached to said large ring member and positioned in a horizontal plane different than said large ring member, whereby said large ring member is adapted to encircle the trash receptacle and said small ring member encircles the tubular post.

13. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 8, including a lid holder, said lid holder comprising a ring member and a pair of arm members extending diametrically from said ring member, whereby said ring member encircles said tubular post.

14. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 8, including a decorative cap positioned on the upper end of said tubular post.

15. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 8, including a locking ring disposed on said tubular post, said locking ring adapted to prevent said trash receptacle holder from sliding on said tubular post.

16. A trash receptacle stand, comprising:

a base, said base having an upper surface, a lower surface and a hollow interior filled with a ballast material;

an opening formed through said base;

concentric ridges disposed on the upper surface of said base;

a cavity formed in said lower surface of said base;

a tubular post member, said tubular post member having a length, an upper end and a lower end, wherein said tubular post member extends through said opening in said base;

a foot member defining said lower end of said tubular post member, said foot member being nested in said cavity;

an array of apertures vertically spaced along said length;

at least one trash receptacle holder removably mounted on said tubular post member; and

a decorative cap positioned on the upper end of said tubular post.

17. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 16, including a locking ring disposed on said tubular post, said locking ring adapted to prevent said trash receptacle holder from sliding on said tubular post and a locking pin attached to said locking ring, said locking ring, said locking pin adapted for insertion in a respective one of said array of apertures.

18. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 16, wherein said holder comprises a large ring member and a small ring member, said small ring member being attached to said large ring member and positioned in a horizontal plane different than said large ring member, whereby said large ring member is adapted to encircle the trash receptacle and said small ring member encircles the tubular post.

19. The trash receptacle stand according to claim 16, including a lid holder, said lid holder comprising a ring member and a pair of arm members extending diametrically from said ring member, whereby said ring member encircles said tubular post.