EDGE APPARATUS ATTACHABLE TO RECEPTACLE

- INCREDIBLE PLASTICS, INC.

System(s), method(s), and device(s) that facilitate using an edge component to facilitate waste disposal are presented. An edge component having a top portion and bottom portion formed so as to be in a C-like shape such that the edge component can be attached to a top edge of a side portion of container. The edge component can have an edge portion at the opposite end having a substantially fine edge to facilitate transferring waste from a surface into the container via the edge component when the container is placed on its side portion. In embodiments, the edge component can have side walls that can extend up to a desired height to minimize waste dropping off the side of the edge component; or an attachable portion of the edge component can be flexible such that it can conform to a non-straight shape of a side portion of the container.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject innovation generally relates to waste disposal devices, and, more particularly, an edge apparatus that is attachable to a receptacle and facilitates disposal of materials, such as waste.

BACKGROUND

Often, when a person is disposing of waste, for example, after sweeping waste into a pile, the person will use a dustpan and sweep the waste onto or into the dustpan and then dump the waste on or in the dustpan into a waste receptacle (e.g., garbage or trash can). The dustpan typically is only able to handle a relatively small and finite amount of waste. When there is a significant amount of waste being disposed of, due to the limitations of conventional dustpans, this can require that the person make repeated use of the dustpan as the person must repeatedly bend over to sweep portions of the waste pile into the dustpan and dispose of these respective portions in the waste receptacle. As a result, such a process can be inefficient as the amount of time utilized by the repeated sweeping of small waste portions into the dustpan is generally greater than the amount of time that would expended if larger portions or all of the waste in the pile of waste can be deposited in the waste receptacle at substantially the same time, instead of being deposited in respective small portions. Further, the repeated bending over by the person to put the dustpan down on the surface where the waste pile resides, sweep the small waste portions into the dustpan, and/or pick up the dustpan to deposit the waste portions in the waste receptacle, can put the person at risk for injury as well as result in the person expending more physical energy to move the waste from the surface where the pile is to the waste receptacle than if the person was able to deposit the pile of waste into the waste receptacle with a limited amount of bending over or no bending over. Moreover, a conventional dustpan can be inefficient in that sometimes between picking up the dustpan, having a small waste portion therein, from the surface to the waste receptacle, the person may sometimes spill a part of the small waste portion from the dustpan (e.g., from accidentally tilting the dustpan while moving it from the surface to the receptacle), which can result in additional sweeping being performed in order to sweep the spilled part of the waste portion into the dustpan again and depositing it in the waste receptacle.

It is desirable to improve efficiency in waste disposal, for example, by making it easier for a person to dispose of waste in a waste receptacle. Further, it is desirable to facilitate efficient waste disposal in a cost efficient manner.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject innovation provides systems, methods, and devices that can facilitate efficient waste disposal via an edge component (e.g., an edge waste disposal facilitator component) in accordance with various embodiments and aspects. In an aspect, the edge component can be constructed or fabricated to have one end that can have a relatively fine edge that can lie flat or substantially flat on a surface (e.g., floor, ground, etc.) when the edge component is placed on the surface, where the height of the top portion of the edge component can increase in a linear, substantially linear, or non-linear manner the further away from the end having the relatively fine edge towards the opposite end of the top portion of the edge component. The length across of the relatively fine edge can be as desired (e.g., 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, . . . , 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, . . . ). In another aspect, the top portion of the edge component can be connected with a bottom portion (e.g., an end of the bottom portion) of the edge component, for example, at a desired point along the bottom side of the top portion of the edge component that is, nearer to the relatively fine edge than a top end of the top portion, and is a specified distance away from the end having the relatively fine edge. The bottom portion can be shaped in relation to the top portion such that the top portion and bottom portion when joined or formed together can be in or substantially in a C-like form (e.g., an elongated or compressed looking C-type shape), where there can be an open end or partially open end. The top portion and bottom portion together in this C-like form also can be referred to as an attachable portion of the edge component. In an aspect, the open end (e.g., open region) or partially open end can be placed on an edge of a container, such as a waste receptacle (e.g., trash can), pail or bucket (e.g., mop pail or bucket), which, in accordance with various embodiments, can have at least one side that is flat or substantially flat, at least one side that has a portion thereof that is flat or substantially flat, or at least one side that is rounded but shaped such that the attachable portion of the edge component can be placed on and/or attached to the top edge of the open end of such side of the container. In accordance with various embodiments, the top edge of such side of the container can have a lip, a flange, or portion that extends out from such side or such side can have no lip or portion that extends out from such side, as desired. In an aspect, such side, or desired portion thereof, can be placed in the open end, or partially opened end, of the edge component to place the attachable portion of the edge component on or attach the attachable portion of the edge component to the container. In another aspect, the container can be placed or re-oriented so that the side of the container that has the edge component thereon is lying on a desired surface such that the relatively fine edge of the edge component is flat or substantially flat against the surface. In this way, any waste desired to be disposed of into the container can be moved (e.g., swept using a broom, brush, or other desired device; by a person using the person's hands; etc.) from the surface via the edge component into the container.

As a result, in effect, the subject innovation container and edge component can be utilized together to act as a dustpan to obviate the need for a dustpan. The subject innovation can thereby eliminate the repeated use of a dustpan to move small portions of a waste pile from a surface to a container. As a further result, the distinctive features of the subject innovation can facilitate reducing the time and energy expended in moving waste from a surface into a container as compared to conventional waste disposal devices and techniques.

In another aspect, as desired, the container can have a bag or liner (e.g., plastic garbage bag or garbage bag fabricated using another desired material) placed therein such that the top end (e.g., the open end) of the bag or liner extends over the top edges of one or more sides of the container, including the container edge(s) that can have the edge component placed thereon or attached thereto. After the bag or liner has been inserted in the open end of the container, the attachable portion of the edge component can be placed on or attached to the edge of the desired side of the container to facilitate retaining, holding, or securing the bag or liner so that the bag or liner is not able to fall out of the container or have the top end of the bag or liner fall into the container, for example, when the container is on its side against a surface to facilitate disposal of waste by moving the waste from the surface into the bag or liner via the edge component or when the container is standing up (e.g., when the open end of the container (and bag or liner) is facing up).

In accordance with another embodiment, as desired, an edge component can comprise side portions (e.g., side walls) that can extend up (e.g., perpendicularly) from the top portion of the edge component when the edge component is placed against a surface with end having the relatively fine edge resting flat or substantially flat against the surface. The side portions can be on the sides that are adjacent to the end having the relatively fine edge. In an aspect, the side portions can facilitate guiding waste being moved from the surface to the container (or bag or liner therein) via the edge component to reduce or minimize the risk that at least some of the waste falls off the edge component (e.g., fall off the side ends of the edge component) as the waste is moved from the surface into the container. In yet another embodiment, as desired, the side portions can be angled or curved outward, and the end of the edge component having the relatively fine edge can be extended such that it is longer (e.g., wider) than the opposite end that is attached to the container to facilitate providing a wider area (e.g., an edge that is increased in length), so that there is a wider path at the entrance (e.g., flat or substantially flat edge) of the edge component to facilitate moving the waste or other materials or substances into the container.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the invention. However, these aspects are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example edge component that can facilitate disposal of materials in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate diagrams of an example system that can employ an edge component to facilitate disposal of materials in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of an example edge component that can facilitate disposal of materials in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict diagrams of an example edge component that can have a flexible attachable portion and/or a shaped attachable portion to facilitate attaching the edge component to a container having a non-straight portion (e.g., rounded side walls or irregularly shaped side walls) to facilitate disposal of materials in accordance with still another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example methodology that can facilitate constructing or forming an edge component in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of an example methodology that can facilitate forming side portions (e.g., side walls) of an edge component in accordance with an aspect of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an example methodology that can facilitate forming an edge component that can be employed to attach to a non-straight portion (e.g., rounded portion, irregularly shaped portion) of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of an example methodology that can facilitate utilizing an edge component with a container to facilitate disposal of materials in accordance with an aspect of the disclosed subject matter.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the present invention.

In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Moreover, articles “a” and “an” as used in the subject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example edge component 100 (e.g., waste disposal facilitator component or device) that can facilitate disposal of materials (e.g., garbage, debris, liquid substances, etc.) in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. In an aspect, the edge component 100 can be constructed or fabricated from one or more materials, such as, for example, one or more of a polymer-based material (e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.), metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, copper, etc.), fiberglass, wood, etc.

In an aspect, the edge component 100 can be constructed or fabricated to have a top portion 102 that can span from a desired height down to an edge portion 104 at the other end of the top portion 102, where the edge portion 104 can be formed or shaped such that it can have a relatively fine edge that can lie flat or substantially flat on a surface (e.g., floor, ground, etc.) when the bottom side of the edge component 100 is placed on the surface. The height of the top portion 102 can increase in a linear, substantially linear, or non-linear manner proceeding away from the edge portion 104 towards the top end 106 (e.g., opposite end) of the top portion 102 of the edge component 100. In accordance with various embodiments, the top portion 102 can be formed to have a substantially convex shaped curve (as depicted), to have the height decrease linearly from the top end 106 to the edge portion 104, to be convex shaped in the area at or near the top end 106 and concave shaped at or near the edge portion 104, etc. In another aspect, the length of the edge portion 104, from one side of the relatively fine edge to the other side, can be as desired (e.g., 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, . . . , 10 inches, 11 inches, 12 inches, . . . ).

The edge component 100 also can include a bottom portion 108 that can be connected, on one of its ends, to the bottom side 110 of the top portion 102 of the edge component 100, wherein the bottom portion 108 can be connected, for example, at a desired point along the bottom side 110 of the top portion 102 that is a specified distance away from the end of the edge portion 104, wherein such desired point can be relatively nearer to the edge portion 104 than the top end 106. In an aspect, the bottom portion 108 can be shaped in relation to the top portion 102 such that the top portion 102 and bottom portion 108 together can be in or substantially in a C-like form (e.g., an elongated or compressed looking C-type shape), where there can be an open region 112 (e.g., partially open region). The top portion 102 and bottom portion 104 together in this C-like form also can be referred to as an attachable portion of the edge component 100.

In an aspect, the attachable portion can be attached to a top edge of an open end of a container (e.g., waste receptacle, trash or garbage can, mop pail or bucket, etc.) (not shown in FIG. 1; e.g., as depicted, for example, in FIGS. 2A and 2B, 4A and 4B) by inserting the top edge of the container into the open region 112 such that the top edge of the container is within the C-shaped area between the top portion 102 and bottom portion 108, where, in accordance with various embodiments, the container can have at least one side that is flat or substantially flat, at least one side that has a portion thereof that is flat or substantially flat, or at least one side or portion that is rounded or irregularly shaped but shaped such that the attachable portion of the edge component can be placed on and/or attached to the top edge of the open end of such side or portion of the container.

As a result, in effect, the subject innovation container and edge component 100 can be utilized together to act as a dustpan to obviate the need for a dustpan. The subject innovation can thereby eliminate the repeated use of a dustpan to move small portions of a waste pile from a surface to the container. As a further result, the distinctive features of the subject innovation can facilitate reducing the time and energy expended in moving waste or other materials (e.g., solid or liquid materials or substances) from a surface into a container as compared to conventional waste disposal devices and techniques.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate diagrams of an example system 200 that can employ an edge component to facilitate disposal of materials in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. In an aspect, the system 200 can include an edge component 100 that can comprise the same or similar features and functionality as the edge component 100 described with regard to FIG. 1. In another aspect, the system 200 can include a container 202 that can be utilized to hold waste to facilitate waste disposal. As shown in FIG. 2A, the container 202 is shown lying on a flat side 204, where the container 202 can comprise at least one flat side, including flat side 204, that is a straight or substantially straight side of the container. In accordance with various embodiments, the other sides of the container can be straight or substantially straight (as depicted), the container can have another side that is in the form of a semi-circle such that the container can be formed in the shape of a half of a cylinder, or the other wall(s) of the container can be formed in another desired shape, for example. The container 202 can have a bottom end 206 that is attached to the at least one flat side 204 and other sides of the container 202 so that the container 202 can act as a container to hold waste or other desired items. The other end of the container 202 (opposite from the bottom end 206) can be an open end in which waste or other desired items or substances can be deposited to be held within the container 202.

In accordance with various embodiments, the top edge of the side 204 (and/or other sides) of the container 202 can have a lip 208, which can be a flange or portion that extends out from the top edge of the side 204, although, in accordance with another embodiment, such side can have no lip or portion that extends out from such side, as desired. In an aspect, the top edge of the side 204, or desired portion thereof, can be placed in the open region (e.g., 112) of the edge component 100 to place the attachable portion of the edge component 100 on or attach the attachable portion of the edge component 100 to the top edge of the side 204 of the container 202. As shown, the container 202 can be placed or re-oriented so that the side 204 of the container 202 that has the edge component 100 attached thereto can be lying on a desired surface such that the bottom side of the edge portion 104, and relatively fine edge, of the edge component 100 is flat or substantially flat against the surface. In this way, any waste or other materials desired to be disposed of into the container 202 can be moved (e.g., swept using a broom, brush, or other desired device; by a person using the person's hands; moved into the container 202 with a mop or squeegee; etc.) from the surface via the edge component 100 into the container 202.

In another aspect, as desired, and as depicted in FIG. 2B, the container 202 can have a liner 210 (e.g., plastic garbage bag or garbage bag fabricated using another desired material) placed therein such that the top end (e.g., the open end) of the liner 210 extends over the top edges of one or more sides, including side 204, of the container 202. After the liner 210 has been inserted in the open end of the container 202, the attachable portion of the edge component 100 can be placed on or attached to the edge of the desired side 204 of the container 202 to facilitate retaining, holding, or securing the liner 210 to the desired side 204 of the container 202 so that the liner 210 is not able to fall out of the container 202 or have the top end of the liner 210 fall into the container 202, for example, when the container 202 is on its side 204 against a surface to facilitate disposal of waste by moving the waste from the surface into the liner 210 via the edge component 100 or when the container 202 is standing up (e.g., when the open end of the container 202 (and liner 210) is facing up). In this way, the secured portion of the liner 210 and/or other top end portions of the liner 210 can remain in place so that the top end of the liner 210 does not fall into or come out of the container 202, for example, when waste is being swept or otherwise moved into the liner 210 in the container 202 via the edge component 100.

FIG. 3 depicts a diagram of an example edge component 300 (e.g., waste disposal facilitator component or device) that can facilitate disposal of materials (e.g., waste, substances, etc.) in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. In an aspect, the edge component 300 can include a top portion 302, edge portion 304, top end 306 of the top portion 302, bottom portion 308 connected with the bottom side 310 of the top portion 302, and open region 312, which respectively can comprise the same or similar features of respectively named components, such as more fully described herein, for example, with respect to edge component 100 and system 200.

In accordance with an embodiment, as desired, the edge component 300 can comprise side portions 314 and 316 (e.g., side walls) that can extend up (e.g., perpendicularly) from the top portion 302 of the edge component 300 when the edge component 300 is placed against a surface with the end portion 304 resting flat or substantially flat against the surface. The side portions 314 and 316 can be on the sides of the edge component 300 that are adjacent to the end portion 304.

In another aspect, the side portions 314 and 316 respectively can comprise straight portions 318 and 320 that can be located at or near the top end 306 of the top portion 302 of the edge component 300. The straight portions 318 and 320 can have a desired length such that the desired amount of the top portion 302 can be placed within the container (e.g., 202) when the edge component 300 is attached to the side (e.g., 204) of the container to facilitate holding the edge component 300 in place with respect to the container (and/or facilitate holding a garbage bag inserted into the container) and facilitate disposal of waste into the container via the edge component 300. The side portions 314 and 316 also respectively can include flared portions 322 and 324, where flared portion 322 can be associated with (e.g., connected directly or indirectly to) straight portion 318 and flared portion 324 can be associated with (e.g., connected directly or indirectly to) straight portion 320. In an aspect, the edge portion 304 can be longer in length (e.g., from side portion 314 to side portion 316) than the length of the top portion 302. The flared portions 322 and 324 of the side portions 314 and 316 (e.g., side walls) can extend out at a desired angle to facilitate providing a wider path at the entrance (e.g., at the edge portion 304) of the edge component 300 to facilitate moving the waste or other desired materials or substances to the container.

In an aspect, the side portions 314 and 316 can facilitate guiding waste being moved from the surface to the container (or bag or liner therein) via the edge component 300 to reduce or minimize the risk that at least some of the waste falls off the edge component 300 (e.g., fall off the side ends of the edge component 300) as the waste is moved from the surface into the container. It is to be appreciated that, while the flared portions 322 and 324 are shown extending out toward the edge portion 304 at an angle, the subject innovation is not so limited, as in accordance with other embodiments, the flared portions can be curved as they respectively flare out, or the respective side portions can be straight instead of flared out (e.g., where the edge portion can then be the same length as the top portion).

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, depicted are diagrams of an example edge component 400 that can have a flexible attachable portion and/or a shaped attachable portion to facilitate attaching the edge component to a container having a non-straight portion (e.g., rounded side walls or irregularly shaped side walls) to facilitate disposal of materials (e.g., waste, substances, etc.) in accordance with still other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. In an aspect, the edge component 400 can comprise a top portion 402, an edge portion 404, a top end 406, a bottom portion 408, a bottom side 410 of the top portion 402, and an open region 412, that each can comprise the same or similar features or functionality, such as more fully described herein, for example, with regard to edge component 100, system 200, or edge component 300.

In an aspect, the bottom side 410 of top portion 402 and the bottom portion 406 can be connected on one end such that the top portion 402 an bottom portion 406 together form a C-like shape with an open region 412 in which a top edge of a side portion of a container can be inserted and held. The top portion 402 and bottom portion 406 can collectively also be referred to as the attachable portion of the edge component 400.

In an aspect, depicted in FIG. 4B is a diagram of a system 420 that can employ the edge component 400 on a container 422 that has a non-straight shape, such as a round or substantially rounded shape (e.g., oval, elliptical) with regard to its side wall and top edge portion. In an embodiment, the attachable portion of the edge component 400 can be formed of a flexible material (e.g., flexible polymer-based material, such as a flexible plastic or rubber material) such that the attachable portion of the edge component 400 can be adjusted to a form corresponding to the non-straight shape (or a straight shape) of the top edge 424 of the side portion of the container to which the attachable portion is to be attached such that the attachable portion of the edge component 400 can be attached to the top edge 424 of the desired side portion of the container 422 even though the top edge 424 of the side portion of the container 422 has a non-straight shape (e.g., rounded top edge or irregularly shaped top edge of the side portion of the container). In an aspect, the attachable portion, while having the desired flexibility, also can have sufficient firmness to hold a liner in a container 422 when the overlapped portion of the liner is trapped or held between the attachable portion of the edge component 400 and the top edge 424 of the container 422. In accordance with another embodiment, the attachable portion can be formed or molded in a desired shape (e.g., non-straight shape) such that the shape of the attachable portion corresponds to the non-straight top edge 424 of the side portion of the container 422. In such embodiment, as desired, the shaped attachable portion can be formed using a more firm or rigid material (e.g., polymer-based material, metal material, fiberglass, . . . ) than the relatively more flexible material employed for the flexible attachable portion of the edge component 400, while still being in a desired shape to facilitate attaching it to the non-straight top edge 424 of the side portion of the container 422.

In accordance with another aspect, the attachable portion (e.g., flexible attachable portion, shaped attachable portion) of the edge component 400 can be attached to the edge portion 404 of the edge component. For instance, an end 426 of the edge portion 404, which is opposite from the edge end 428 of the edge portion 404 having the relatively fine edge, can be attached to the attachable portion of the edge component 400 at the end of the attachable portion nearest to the point where the top portion 402 and bottom portion 406 are connected to each other. In still another aspect, the edge portion 404 can be formed of a rigid or substantially rigid material (e.g., polymer-based material, such as a rigid or substantially rigid plastic; metal; fiberglass; or other desired material) such that, when the attachable portion is adjusted (e.g., flexed) to conform to the shape of the side portion of the container, the edge portion 404 of the edge component 400 does not bend or change shape and the substantially or relatively fine edge, edge end 428, of the edge portion 404 can lie flat or flush, or at least substantially flat or flush, against a surface when the bottom side of the edge portion 404 is placed on the surface. When the attachable portion (e.g., flexible attachable portion) of the edge component 400 is adjusted (e.g., bent, modified, re-shaped, . . . ) to conform to the non-straight side portion of the container, the end of the attachable portion connected to the edge portion 404 can remain relatively the same as it was prior to the other end of the attachable portion being adjusted due in part to the connection of that end of the attachable portion to the rigid or substantially rigid edge portion 404.

In yet another aspect, when the edge component 400 is attached to the non-straight side portion of the container, the rigid or substantially rigid edge portion 404 can facilitate holding the edge component 400 and container in place, for example, while being placed against a surface to facilitate transferring waste from the surface into the container via the edge component 400. For example, if the container is rounded (e.g., circular), when placed such that the side of the container is on or near the surface (e.g., when the container is placed on its side), the container may move or roll since it is rounded; however, when the edge component 400 is attached to the side portion of the container, the edge portion 404 can facilitate holding the container in place, since the edge portion is rigid or substantially rigid. In still another aspect, when the attachable portion is adjusted to conform, or is shaped to conform, to the non-straight shape of the top edge of the side portion of the container, if the shape of the side portion is such that the attachable portion of the edge component 400 is angled or adjusted upward, the upward adjusted regions of the attachable portion of the edge component 400 also can act as side walls that can facilitate reducing or minimizing the amount of waste that will drop off the edge component 400 as waste is moved from a surface into the container via the edge component 400.

In another aspect, the amount of adjustment (e.g., amount of flexibility) that the attachable portion (e.g., flexible attachable portion) of the edge component 400 can have in order to conform to a non-straight side portion of a container can be based at least in part on a number of factors, including the type of material used for the attachable portion (e.g., the flexibility of such material), the length of the attachable portion (e.g., the longer the attachable portion is from the top end to where it is connected to the edge portion, typically, the more the attachable portion can be adjusted), the rigidity of the edge portion 404 of the edge component 400, etc.

In view of the example components, devices, and systems described herein, example methodologies that can be implemented in accordance with the disclosed subject matter can be better appreciated with reference to flowcharts in FIGS. 5-8. For purposes of simplicity of explanation, example methodologies disclosed herein are presented and described as a series of acts; however, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from that shown and described herein. For example, a methodology disclosed herein could alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states or events, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, interaction diagram(s) may represent methodologies in accordance with the disclosed subject matter when disparate entities enact disparate portions of the methodologies. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the subject specification.

FIG. 5 presents a flowchart of an example methodology 500 that can facilitate constructing or forming an edge component in accordance with various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. At 502, a curved top portion (e.g., 102) of the edge component can be formed wherein the top portion can extend from a first height along a desired curve to a lower edge portion of the edge component that is at a lower height than the first height. The edge portion (e.g., 104) of the edge component (e.g., 100) can have a desired fine edge so as to facilitate lying flat against a surface when a bottom side of the edge portion is placed on a surface.

At 504, a bottom portion (e.g., 108) of the edge component can be formed, wherein an end of the bottom portion can be connected to a bottom side (e.g., 110) of the top portion at a specified distance from the end of the edge portion, and wherein the bottom portion extends to a point such that the top portion and bottom portion for a C-like inner region in which a portion of a top edge of a side of a container can be inserted therein via an open region (e.g., 112) between the top portion and the bottom portion and held by the edge component. As desired, at this point, methodology 500 can end, or methodology 500 can proceed to reference point A and can continue to methodology 600.

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart of an example methodology 600 that can facilitate forming side portions (e.g., side walls) of an edge component in accordance with an aspect of the disclosed subject matter. As desired, methodology 600 can proceed from reference point A of methodology 500. At 602, a first side portion of the edge component can be formed perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a side of the top portion of the edge component, wherein the first side portion can extend from the edge portion of the edge component to the top end of the top portion of the edge component and at least a portion of the first side component (e.g., formed at or in proximity to the edge portion) can extend upward from the top portion to a desired height.

At 604, a second side portion of the edge component can be formed perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the opposite side of the top portion of the edge component, wherein the second side portion can extend from the edge portion of the edge component to the top end of the top portion of the edge component and at least a portion of the second side component (e.g., formed at or in proximity to the edge portion) can extend upward from the top portion to a desired height. The respectively formed side portions can facilitate reducing waste from dropping off the sides of the edge component when waste materials are being transferred into a container (to which the edge component is attached) via the edge component. In accordance with various embodiments, the first side portion and second side portion can be straight or substantially straight, or can be flared outward (e.g., curved or angled outward) to facilitate increasing the size of the path to the edge portion of the edge component (wherein the edge portion of the edge component can be correspondingly lengthened with respect to the flared ends of the side portions), as compared to the length across the top end of the top portion of the edge component.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an example methodology 700 that can facilitate forming an edge component that can be employed to attach to a non-straight portion (e.g., rounded portion, irregularly shaped portion) of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. At 702, a flexible attachable portion of an edge component can be formed. In an aspect, the flexible attachable portion can comprise the top portion and bottom portion of the edge component. In another aspect, at least a portion of the top portion and the bottom portion can be formed of a relatively flexible material (e.g., polymer-based material, such as plastic or rubber) such that the attachable portion can be adjusted in shape to conform to a shape of a top edge of a container, and can be attached to a top edge of a container, while being sufficiently rigid so as to maintain attachment to the top edge of the container and, when a liner is inserted in the container with the edge of the liner overhanging the tope edge, the attachable portion can hold the liner between the attachable component and top edge of the container, as desired.

At 704, a rigid or substantially rigid edge portion of the edge component can be formed. In an aspect, the edge portion can be formed of a rigid or substantially rigid material (e.g., polymer-based material, such as a plastic that is more rigid than the attachable portion; metal; fiberglass; wood; etc.), to facilitate maintaining a desired shape, and can have a relatively fine edge on one end of the edge portion so that the relatively fine edge can lay flush or substantially flush against a surface to facilitate moving waste from the surface to the container via the edge component.

At 706, the side of the edge portion opposite to the relatively fine edge of the edge portion can be attached to an end of the attachable portion of the edge component opposite the top end of the top portion of the edge component. Attaching the edge portion to the attachable portion can enable the edge portion to lie flush or substantially flush against a desired surface while the flexible attachable portion can be adjusted to the shape of the top edge of a container to which it is to be attached, which can facilitate using the container as a dustpan/container, even when the shape of the top edge of the container is rounded in shape or has an otherwise non-straight or irregular shape.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of an example methodology 800 that can facilitate utilizing an edge component with a container to facilitate disposal of materials (e.g., waste, substances, etc.) in accordance with an aspect of the disclosed subject matter. At 802, a liner (e.g., garbage bag) can be inserted (e.g., placed) in a container such that at least a portion of the top end (e.g., open end) of the liner extends beyond and hangs over the side portion (e.g., top edge of a side wall) of the container.

At 804, an attachable portion of the edge component can be attached to the side portion of the container such that the top end portion of the liner that extends beyond and hangs over the side portion can be captured or trapped by, and held within, the attachable portion of the edge component (e.g., the top end portion of the liner can be held between the inner region of the attachable portion of the edge component and the top edge of the side portion of the container. As a result, waste can be moved from a surface on which the edge portion rests to the liner in the container via the edge component, with the risk of the liner moving such that the top edge of the liner undesirably moves inside the container or in another undesirable manner is reduced or minimized.

It is to be appreciated and understood that components (e.g., edge component, top portion, edge portion, bottom portion, side portion, flared portion, straight portion, etc.), as described with regard to a particular component, device, system or methodology, can include the same or similar functionality as respective components (e.g., respectively named components) as described with regard to other components, devices, systems or methodologies disclosed herein.

What has been described above includes examples of systems and methods that provide advantages of the subject innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “possesses,” and the like are used in the detailed description, claims, appendices and drawings such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A device that facilitates waste disposal, comprising:

an attachable portion of the device that comprises a top portion and a bottom portion that are connected to form an inner region between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein a top edge of a side portion of a container can be inserted into the inner region via an open region between the top portion and the bottom portion; and
an edge portion of the device that is associated with the top portion and has a substantially fine and straight edge such that the edge can rest substantially flat against a surface when a bottom side of the edge portion is placed against the surface.

2. The device of claim 1, the top portion is curved such that the top portion rises from a first height to a higher second height, where the rise from the first height to the second height is sufficient to enable the attachable portion to attach to the top edge of the side portion of the container while still enabling the substantially fine and straight edge of the edge portion to rest substantially flat against the surface when a bottom side of the edge portion is placed against the surface.

3. The device of claim 1, at least one of the attachable portion or the edge portion is formed of at least one of a polymer-based material, metal, fiberglass, or wood.

4. The device of claim 1, the attachable portion is formed of a flexible material such that the attachable portion can be adjusted in shape to conform with a shape of the top edge of the side portion of the container.

5. The device of claim 4, the edge portion is formed of a rigid or substantially rigid material such that the edge portion can retain a same shape when the shape of the attachable portion is adjusted in shape.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein amount of adjustment that can be made to the attachable portion is based at least in part on at least one of type of material used for the attachable portion length of the attachable portion, or rigidity of the edge portion.

7. The device of claim 1, the attachable portion holds a top portion of a waste bag in place when the top end of the waste bag is placed between the attachable portion and the top edge of the container during attachment of the attachable portion to the top edge of the container.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a first side portion that extends from a first side of the top portion upward to a specified height in a region of the top portion that is outside of the container when the attachable portion is attached to the top edge of the side portion of the container; and
a second side portion that extends from a second side of the top portion upward to the specified height in another region of the top portion that is outside of the container when the attachable portion is attached to the top edge of the side portion of the container.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

the top portion, wherein a top side of the top portion is shaped at least one of in a convex shape, in a substantially straight line such that height of the top side of the top portion decreases substantially linearly from a top end of the top portion to the edge portion, or in a combination convex-concave shape such that a portion of the top side of the top portion is convex shaped and another portion of the top side is concave shaped.

10. A system that facilitates disposal of waste and substances, comprising:

an attachable portion of an edge component, wherein the attachable portion comprises a top portion and a bottom portion that are connected to form an inner region between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein a top edge of a side portion of a container can be inserted into the inner region via an open region between the top portion and the bottom portion; and
an edge portion of the edge component that is associated with the top portion and has a substantially fine and straight edge such that the edge can rest substantially flat against a surface when a bottom side of the edge portion is placed against the surface.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

the container which includes the side portion wherein the top edge of the side portion is shaped at least one of straight, rounded, or irregularly shaped.

12. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

a liner that can be a flexible container for holding the waste or the substances, wherein the liner can be inserted into the container.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein a portion of a top end of the liner can extend beyond the top edge of the side portion of the container, and wherein the portion of the top end of the liner can be trapped and held within the inner region to facilitate retaining the liner in a desired place relative to the container.

14. The system of claim 10, the attachable portion is formed of a flexible material such that the attachable portion can be adjusted in shape to correspond with a shape of the top edge of the side portion of the container, and the edge portion is formed of a rigid or substantially rigid material such that the edge portion can retain a same shape when the shape of the attachable portion is adjusted in shape.

15. The system of claim 10, further comprising:

a first side portion that extends from a first side of the top portion upward to a specified height in a region of the top portion that is outside of the container when the attachable portion is attached to the top edge of the side portion of the container; and
a second side portion that extends from a second side of the top portion upward to the specified height in another region of the top portion that is outside of the container when the attachable portion is attached to the top edge of the side portion of the container, wherein at least one of the first side portion or the second side portion is at least one of straight, curved outward, flared outward, or angled outward, as the at least one of the first side portion or the second side portion extends away from a top end of the top portion toward the edge portion.

16. The system of claim 10, the container comprises at least one of a waste receptacle or a bucket.

17. A method that facilitates waste disposal, comprising:

forming a top portion of an edge component wherein the top portion extends from a first height along a desired path line to a lower edge portion of the edge component that is at a lower height than the first height, wherein the lower edge portion includes an end edge that is substantially fine and straight such that the end edge rests substantially flat against a surface when a bottom end of the lower edge portion is placed on the surface; and
forming a bottom portion of the edge component, wherein an end of the bottom portion is connected to a bottom side of the top portion at a specified distance from the end edge of the lower edge portion, and wherein the bottom portion extends to a point such that the top portion and bottom portion form an inner region in which a portion of a top edge of a side portion of a container is insertable and holdable therein via an open region between the top portion and the bottom portion.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

forming a first side portion of the edge component perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a first side of the top portion of the edge component, wherein the first side portion extends from the lower edge portion to a top end of the top portion and at least a portion of the first side component extends upward from the top portion to a desired height; and
forming a second side portion of the edge component perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to an opposite side of the top portion of the edge component, wherein the second side portion extends from the lower edge portion of the edge component to the top end of the top portion of the edge component and at least a portion of the second side component extends upward from the top portion to a desired height.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

inserting a garbage bag in the container such that a top portion of the garbage bag overhangs the portion of the top edge of the side portion of the container; and
holding the top portion of the garbage bag between the inner region of the edge component and the portion of the top edge of the side portion of the container.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

forming an attachable portion of the edge component from a flexible material such that the attachable portion is adjustable in shape to correspond to a shape of the portion of the top edge of the side portion of the container, wherein the attachable portion comprises at least a portion of the top portion of the edge component and at least a portion of the bottom portion of the edge component.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

attaching the attachable portion to the an end of the lower edge portion, wherein the lower edge portion is formed of a material that is more rigid than the flexible material from which the attachable portion is formed.
Patent History
Publication number: 20110173769
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 21, 2010
Publication Date: Jul 21, 2011
Applicant: INCREDIBLE PLASTICS, INC. (Warren, OH)
Inventor: Ted E. Bloom (Warren, OH)
Application Number: 12/691,272
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Auxiliary, Flexible Or Reinforced Edge (15/257.9)
International Classification: A47L 13/52 (20060101);