Segregated Patents (Class 220/909)
  • Patent number: 5671861
    Abstract: A holder 20 for supporting loop-handled plastic bags 500 includes a support structure 22, two oppositely positioned cleats 28 and 30 for accepting the loop handles 506, and at least two oppositely positioned downwardly projecting fingers 36 and 40 for downwardly engaging the side portions 508 and 510 of the plastic bags 500 and thereby holding the plastic bags 500 in an open state suitable for receiving deposited items. In a preferred embodiment, cleats 28 and 30 and downwardly projecting fingers 36 and 40 are permanently connected to the mouth 26 of a wastebasket-type container 22. In an alternative embodiment, cleats 128 and 130 and downwardly projecting fingers 136 and 140 are removably connected to container mouth 126 with clips 129 and 150, and are selectively positionable along the mouth 126.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Hall, John R. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5667136
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an object collector for collecting objects in a plurality of containers, which comprises a tank body, an inlet device, a guiding device, a receiving device, and a collecting device. The tank body has a top inlet opening. The inlet device comprises a swinging plate which is pivotally and rotatably mounted, above the top inlet opening, to the upper portion of the tank body by means of a mounting device. The container and the objects thereon, which are placed on the swinging plate, may fall down from the swung down swinging plate due to the weight of the container and the objects. The guiding device comprises at least two guide rails which are mounted and extended from one side of the upper portion of the tank body toward the opposing side of the lower portion of the tank body for guiding the falling down container to slide down and toss over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignees: Shirley Chen, Therese Chen
    Inventor: Walter Chen
  • Patent number: 5662235
    Abstract: A receptacle for recyclable materials includes an outer housing with a plurality of separate containers removably held therein for receiving different types of recyclable materials, such as glass, metal, plastic and paper refuse normally encountered in a typical household. The outer housing has a removable cover with a plurality of openings therein and a separate pivotable lid closing each opening. Each opening and associated lid is in alignment with a respective container held in the housing, so that material can be placed through the openings in the cover and into the respective containers without the need for removing the cover from the housing. When one or more containers are full, the cover can be removed and the container or containers lifted out by a handle attached to the container. Provision on the housing cover of a lid for each container simplifies emptying of the individual containers when they are removed from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel Nieto
  • Patent number: 5660299
    Abstract: A two-n-one cooler including an insulated container having a bottom wall with a rear wall, a front wall, a pair of side walls and an interior wall extending upward therefrom. The front wall has a pair of front upper edges and the rear wall has a pair of rear upper edges with a passage through each rear upper edge. The pair of side walls each have a short upper edge extending from the rear wall in a horizontal plane for a portion thereof and a remaining portion sloping downward toward the front wall. The interior wall is integral with the front and rear walls and spaced from one of the pair of side walls to form two chambers within the container. The interior wall has a projecting upper edge with an aperture therethrough and adjacent each rear upper edge. A first lid has an upper surface and a lower surface with an opening therethrough and positionable over one chamber. The opening has a door positioned therein. A second lid is positionable over another chamber of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Allen W. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5626240
    Abstract: A unit for separating waste and valuable materials with several mutually connected waste containers, which are equipped with identifying features labeling these waste containers for the purpose of assigning a particular waste or recyclable fraction to them. The unit for separating waste and valuable materials is constructed so as to be adaptable in modular fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignees: Lune Objekteinrichtung GmbH, Lune Metal Products Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Oliver K. Friedrichs, Nicholas B. White
  • Patent number: 5624050
    Abstract: The outside of the structural reinforcing rings are slightly inclined inwardly or outwardly with respect to the vertical axis of a slatted refuse or recycling receptacle to provide a pleasing bow inwardly or outwardly to the outward surface of the receptacle when the slats are pulled tightly against the slightly inclined surfaces. In addition, the lid for such containers may be provided with a very visible designation of the type of refuse or recycling materials to be inserted into dual orifices in said lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Philip C. Haas
  • Patent number: 5615797
    Abstract: An insert assembly for a bin, the insert comprising a sleeve (10) which is insertable into the bin sad which can be positioned adjacent a bottom wall of the bin, the sleeve (10) including a first engaging means (12A, 12B); a bin dividing panel (11) insertable into the bin to divide the bin into a plurality of separate zones, the panel (11) being extendible from adjacent the bottom wall of the bin and being engageable with the first engaging means (12A, 12B) to prevent sideways movement of the panel in at least one direction in the bin; second engaging means (13A, 13B) in use being adjacent the mouth of the bin to hold the panel (11) against sideways movement in at least one direction, and, means (20A-21A, 20B-21B) to prevent the panel (11) from being removed from the bin upon emptying of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Otto Plastics Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Mario B. Ripamonti
  • Patent number: 5558254
    Abstract: A combined waste recycling and disposal method utilizes a first container or bin having at least one supporting wheel for supporting the bin from the ground. Waste of a first category, e.g., garbage, is stored in the bin. A second container is provided for waste of a second category, specifically, recyclable waste. Waste of the second category is placed in and stored in the second container. The second container is supported on the first container and thereafter the first container is transferred to a pickup point while loaded with both recyclable and non-recyclable waste by moving the first container while it is supported by the wheels. The second container is then removed from the first container and the waste from both containers is transferred to separate compartments of a pickup vehicle, e.g., a truck for hauling the waste to a recycling and a disposal location. The second container is a rigid receptacle with two or more side-by-side compartments for recyclable waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: National Polymers Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis C. Anderson, Harold T. Hjermstad, II
  • Patent number: 5547097
    Abstract: A waste container assembly (10) comprising a housing (11) adapted for engagement with a tipping apparatus capable of raising the housing to an elevated tipped position, and one or more mobile containers (12) located within the housing, the housing and mobile container(s) co-operating to hold the mobile container(s) captive within the housing, the mobile containers are emptied into a refine collecting vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignees: David J. Dawe, Philip A. Munnelly
    Inventor: John C. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5525020
    Abstract: A collector container, for recyclable materials, is formed around a central body. At least three partial containers each has a closed outer side and a closed top and a closed bottom, as well as an inner side provided with an exit opening therein. Each of the partial containers also is provided with an entrance opening in an upper portion thereof for receiving a recyclable material therein. The outer sides of the partial containers in their closed positions combining to describe a cube. The partial containers extending to mid-planes of the cube with the central body arranged along a line of intersection of the mid-planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Bernard Reiling Glas-Recycling GmbH (German corp.)
    Inventor: Bernhard Reiling
  • Patent number: 5511687
    Abstract: A system for separating waste by type and collecting the separated wastes, preserving the integrity of the separation during the collection and consolidation, comprising a multi-compartment inside container for the initial separation, an outside container that interfaces with the inside container so that the separated contents of the latter can be dumped into the former, a mobile collection unit that transfers the separated wastes from the outside container to a plurality of bins, again preserving the separation, and transports the waste to a distribution facility. The volume of the separated waste is reduced by the collection vehicle as it is dumped through hatches on the top of the vehicle into chutes that lead to the appropriate bin for that type of waste. The collection vehicle grips, lifts and inverts the outside container, made up of three subcontainers, and then separates them so that each can be positioned over and aligned with a different hatch on the top of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventors: Billy J. Garrett, Jr., William L. Aldridge, Harry R. Elliott
  • Patent number: 5495941
    Abstract: A reusable dual compartment sterilizable waste containment unit has a rigid walled container divided into a large soft waste cavity and a smaller sharp waste compartment in a single unitary container. The mouths of the cavity and the compartment are located at and circumscribed by a rim of the walled container which supports a removable closure and cover. The closure has a large opening leading to the mouth of the cavity and a smaller opening leading to the mouth of the compartment to facilitate use of the same waste containment unit for both kinds of infectious waste which are collected and stored separately. The cover has a port leading to the interior which permits access to the soft waste cavity when the lid is unlifted. The port is useful to introduce water and/or steam into the interior. The waste containment unit is molded from plastic which can withstand repeated exposure to steam produced from water in the unit by high energy microwave radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Roatan Medical Services Corporation
    Inventor: Jeremy W. Leonard
  • Patent number: 5484078
    Abstract: A clothes hamper includes rotatable partition walls which divide the hamper into subcompartments of differing capacities according to the amount of clothing in that subcompartment. A conventional hamper may be divided with a free standing insert placed in the hamper compartment and comprising a rear wall to which one or more partition walls are rotatably secured. The insert comprises thermoplastic corrugated sheets having longitudinal cells. A U-shaped wire hinge is inserted in a corresponding cell at opposing ends of the partition wall and rear wall, the hinge having bulbus thermoplastic ends for interference fit with the corrugation cell walls to frictional and rotatably secure the legs of the hinge in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Marbac, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond A. Bronovicki
  • Patent number: 5482180
    Abstract: A pair of elongate, segmented gripping members are carried by the lifting member of a refuse collection vehicle. Each of the gripping members includes an inner arm movably carried by the lifting member and an outer arm movably extending from the inner arm. The gripping members are movable between a retracted position in which the inner arms extend in generally opposite directions, fore and aft along the side of the vehicle, and an extended position in which the inner arms extend in generally the same direction laterally outward from the vehicle. Each outer arm is inwardly movable relative the respective inner arm to draw a container into the embrace of the gripping members. A pair of elongate flexible members engage the container to supplement the grip of the gripping members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: The Heil Company
    Inventors: Fred P. Smith, Marcel G. Stragier, Fred T. Smith, Kevin L. McAllister
  • Patent number: 5478186
    Abstract: A device for collecting waste, in particular waste packing glass. At least one intake container and one collecting container is provided. The intake container has a lifting device for raising the intake container above the collecting container. The intake container has a bottom part and bottomless housing which is movable relative to the bottom part so that an open and closed position can be defined. In the closed position, a lower edge of the housing part lies against the bottom forming a seal and in the open position the lower edge of the housing is situated at a distance from the bottom part allowing discharge of the contents. The intake and collecting container can be aligned prior to discharge, thereby assuring error-free emptying of the intake container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Zuidema Milieu B.V.
    Inventor: Roelof Zuidema
  • Patent number: 5465841
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the collection and treatment of contaminated medical waste, including solid and non-solid, potentially infectious materials, permits the collection of such medical waste at the point and at the time of its generation in a solid container. The contained medical waste can be subsequently transported for pulverization, disinfection and safe disposal. A separate portable processing chamber to treat medical waste, can be used at locations remote from its power unit for the collection of medical waste and then moved to the location of the power unit to drive the waste-treatment apparatus within the chamber. In addition, a medical waste collection station can provide single and multiple containers, which may be sequentially used, for the collection of medical waste and whose use may be combined with a processing chamber to treat collected medical waste before its disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Ecomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Wilson, David B. Mennel, Jeffrey C. Rapp
  • Patent number: 5458350
    Abstract: A lightweight compartmentalized collector dolly which readily stores newspapers, glass and metal materials for recycling is disclosed. The newspapers can be neatly stacked and bundled within a dedicated compartment. The collector dolly has a handle and wheels to enable even a child to maneuver the dolly and to collect recyclable materials and sort them during collection. Another container for storing glass materials hangs from a handle support bar and is supported by a half-cup at the bottom. Since the doubled cylindrical compartments have liners and both compartments and liners have draining capabilities at their bottoms, the storing regions in this dolly can be readily cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventors: James I. Johnson, Marcell R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5458287
    Abstract: A prefabricated conservatory enclosure for a waste recycling center to be attached to a building includes an upper bay window recess having a bottom counter and a lower housing for enclosing one or more receptacles for recyclable material, the counter having openings for deposit of waste into the receptacles from the upper recess, and the lower portion of the enclosure having an integrating wall fitted with plumbing for a kitchen sink and adapted to be integrated with the structure of a building to which the enclosure is annexed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventors: Dietrick C. Jones, Glenda M. Jones
  • Patent number: 5450976
    Abstract: A bar 26 comprised of a pair of adjustably interlocked rods 40, 42, with inverted U-shaped cleats 68 rotatably mounted on the relatively remote ends thereof, is supported on the fore and aft rims 18 and 20 of a refuse container 2, so that the open end portion 28 of a plastic sack 30 can be folded over posts 34 on the bar, and over a sidewall rim 22 of the container, and suspended in the bin 6 of the container, to subdivide the bin into a pair of open-topped receptacles 30, 32 for receiving separable components of the refuse, such as recyclable and nonrecyclable components thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: John W. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5445397
    Abstract: A stackable refuse container system includes multiple stackable containers, each of which may be designated for holding a particular recyclable material. The containers are vertically stacked and a cart can be provided for transporting the stacked assembly to and from a curb. Each container may include a removable lid, a front portion of the lid being hingably attached to provide access to the container and a second portion formed to engage and support a bottom of a complementary container. Each container also has sockets for receiving the feet of another container when a lid is not used. Thus, containers can be stacked one upon another, with the lids on or off, and mounted on the cart if one is used. The containers an be provided, for separating recyclable from non-recyclable materials at the point of origin without taking up substantial space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Tucker Housewares, Inc.
    Inventor: David Evans
  • Patent number: 5421252
    Abstract: A waste container system includes a receptacle box having side walls that define a storage space, at least one individual container positioned within the receptacle box, each container being forwardly-tiltable, having an open top and being removable from the receptacle box, a cover attached to the side and rear walls of the receptacle box, and a compacting arm mounted on the underside of the cover above the open top of each container. The compacting arm is slidable and pivotable with respect to the underside of the cover into a position which permits downward manual compaction of the contents of an individual container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Gunter Reichel
  • Patent number: 5417338
    Abstract: A waste container is designed to accommodate sorting of waste in a plurality of basic categories, such as recyclables, compostables, and terminal wastes. The container is constructed from a plurality of individual components which may be assembled for use. The container includes a floor supported large receptacle which supports a hollow shell having a closable lid. One or more smaller receptacles are supported within the shell overlying the larger opening. The shell and smaller receptacles are configured to provide a passageway therebetween to allow direct access to the larger receptacle without disturbing the container's assembled relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Nova Sylva Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre J. Roy, Denis Houle
  • Patent number: 5415086
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment includes first and second waste storage compartments for storing separately nonrecyclable and recyclable waste products. A compression member is operably associated with the first and second waste storage compartments for compressing waste material therein. The compression member includes a ram operably connected to a piston and cylinder assembly. The ram is displaced along a single directional path to compress waste material in both the first and second waste storage compartments. An adjustable member is operably associated with the first and second waste storage compartments for varying the storage capacity thereof. The adjustment member includes a baffle extending substantially the length of the first and second waste storage compartments. The baffle is hingedly connected to a support member. Upper and lower doors are associated with each of the first and second storage compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Marathon Equipment Company
    Inventor: James K. Robbins
  • Patent number: 5392942
    Abstract: A trash separation receptacle is provided which consists of a generally rectangular rear panel, with two side panels, each extending from the rear panel. A generally rectangular bottom panel extends from the rear panel. A generally rectangular front panel extends between the two side panels, so as to hold a plurality of trash cans stationary in a side by side relationship. Each trash can may hold a plastic liner bag therein to retain one type of recyclable trash for disposal. A plurality of lids are also provided with each hinged at one side to a top edge of the rear panel, so as to cover one of the trash cans with the plastic liner bag therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Jerome S. Hanson
  • Patent number: 5392916
    Abstract: An add-on compartment for a trash receptacle includes a open topped material receiving compartment having spaced apart front and back panels protruding transversely outwardly from one side of the compartment for receiving a trash receptacle between them. The panels extend outwardly sufficiently to overlie the walls of the trash receptacles so that the combination compartment and receptacle give the appearance of a unitary structure. A trash bag retaining lip is formed on the upper edge of the compartment and a depending skirt may be provided to cover at least the front wall and outer most side wall of the compartment to provide a smooth continuous appearance with the front panel and a trash receptacle to be received between the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: James H. Paulison
  • Patent number: 5390813
    Abstract: A recycling container formed from plastic resin includes a pair of side-by-side upwardly opening integral compartments having a hollow partition between them. Each of the compartments has upright side walls and an upwardly opening wide mouth with a peripheral or top edge for forming the rim of the container. The upper edge of two adjacent side walls that make up the sides of the partition are joined together by a horizontally disposed connecting panel located in the plane of the container rim for defining the upper margin of the hollow partition between the compartments. The center portion of this connecting panel is a carrying handle. The invention also provides a new method of recycling recyclable waste products suited for household use wherein the container is a plastic injection-molded container having a monolithic body formed from plastic resin and includes a pair of integral compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: National Polymers Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis C. Anderson, Brett A. Anderson, Harold T. Hjermstad, II
  • Patent number: 5381916
    Abstract: A plurality of receptacles, each having a bottom, and each having a sidewall that terminates at a rim. Each receptacle also has a side that has a projection, and at least one side that defines an indent. The indented side-wall of one receptacle will receive the projection on the other receptacle interconnecting them. Each receptacle handle projects into a slot in another receptacle when the receptacles are interconnected with each other. Tops or lids with the same configuration as the receptacle, cover the top area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Glenn G. Strawder
  • Patent number: 5377907
    Abstract: An assembly is provided for housing multiple waste receptacles. The assembly includes a generally hollow enclosure that has a floor portion, a pair of spaced apart side portions attached to and extending upwardly from the floor portion, a rearward portion interconnecting the side portions and an opening into the interior of the enclosure, which opening extends between the floor portion and an upper edge region of the rearward portion and further extends between the side portions. A door is hingedly connected to at least one of the upper edge region of the rearward portion and side portions. The door is selectively raised to expose the opening, whereby waste receptacles may be introduced into and removed from the enclosure, and lowered to generally close the opening. The door has a plurality of drop holes in communication with corresponding waste receptacles in the enclosure for receiving waste therethrough and directing the waste to the corresponding waste receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Paul P. Guard
  • Patent number: 5375860
    Abstract: A recycling cart for the segregated storage of refuse materials is provided. The cart comprises a wheeled frame member including a lower platform and further including an upper framework that has openings therein into which open topped refuse containers may be inserted and removed. At least one of the containers has a bottom surface supported on the platform. At least one other container has lips extending along the periphery of its open top which engage the upper frame member so that the container is suspended from the frame member. The recycling cart may be formed from 100% recyclable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Fort Wayne Pools, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Ernsberger, Richard M. DeLucenay
  • Patent number: 5370228
    Abstract: A receiving device for stackable containers is provided. The device comprises an upper end plate having openings formed therein with a diameter which is at least slightly larger than the largest diameter of the stackable containers. A plurality of substantially parallel receiver tubes are connected to the upper end plate and communicate with the openings in the upper end plate. The receiver tubes are formed of flexible material, they may be defined by a honeycomb insert, or they may be formed of strip sections. The receiver tubes and the upper end plate form an insert unit for insertion into a garbage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Wolfgang Manke
  • Patent number: 5320241
    Abstract: This invention enables the storage of several recyclable materials in a single container by providing a method of dividing ribs and an attachment method that attaches plastic bags to the ribs by the interaction between holes in a fastened flexible strip and projecting knobs located on the dividing ribs. The invention works to hold the bags best when a keyhole, obrounde, oroval hole is used and the strip is slightly stretched to fit over each projecting knob so that when the strip elastically rebounds after stretching it applies a force to the bag material that surrounds the projecting knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Harold A. Evans
  • Patent number: 5310078
    Abstract: A receptacle has projections extending from its upper end for supporting adjacent flexible plastic bags. At opposing positions on the receptacle there is a pair of closely adjacent projections at each of the opposing positions. In a round receptacle the opposing positions may be at opposite ends of a diameter. In a square or rectangular receptacle the opposing positions may be at opposite ends of a diagonal across the receptacle. One projection of each pair supports one bag and the other projection of each pair supports the other. Additional projections may be provided to assist in supporting the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Glenn G. Strawder
  • Patent number: 5303841
    Abstract: An improved waste collection system having an on-site container which is internally compartmented to receive and separately store the various waste components such as aluminum, glass, paper and land-fill trash. The route collection vehicle is divided into chambers and has a compaction system for compacting the contents of at least some of the collection vehicle chamber. The vehicle has a loading apparatus which lifts the container to an inverted dumping position in which position the container is positioned with respect to the chambers to cause the waste to be inherently separated or classified within the collection vehicle chambers. The loading apparatus may be side or front loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Armand G. Mezey
  • Patent number: 5297481
    Abstract: A system for compacting and storing separately recyclable and nonrecyclable waste materials. The system includes two separate storage and compacting units, one of which is designated for the storage of recyclable material and the other designated for the storage of nonrecyclable material. The system further includes a rack structure having a substantially horizontally extending platform and a plurality of support legs extending downwardly from the substantially horizontally extending platform. The support legs and platform form a passageway or channel for receiving at least a portion of one storage and compacting unit. The other storage and compacting unit is mounted on the substantially horizontally extending platform of the rack directly above the first compacting and storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Marathon Equipment Company
    Inventors: James K. Robbins, Danny L. Cundiff
  • Patent number: 5294012
    Abstract: A trash receptacle particularly configured to be mounted on a column in an encircling fashion, and which includes a pair of outer baskets of generally half-cylindrical shape, an inner wall of each outer basket being provided with a recessed mounting channel dimensioned to accommodate the column. An inner basket is nested within each outer basket and is slidably retractable therefrom through the provision of handle grips formed thereon. A generally cylindrical periphery formed by the outer baskets has a number of display chambers spaced evenly thereabout for displaying visual media. A two piece conical hood is mounted on the column upward of the baskets, and provision is made for locking the inner baskets in place. Where the column is provided with a service connection adjacent a pedestal base, the mounting channels are preferably stepped in transverse dimension to accommodate same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventors: Vernon W. Shott, Tina L. Shott
  • Patent number: 5294017
    Abstract: A recycle and trash container with continuous supply of bags comprises a refuse container, trash bag housings and a base. The trash bag housing can hold the trash bags in a roll and is placed inside the base. Said refuse container can be placed on top of the base. In the center of the refuse container there are two slots which are designed for the insertion of two dividing plates, thus dividing the refuse container into two containers which can hold different types of trash. Each of the divided container has a reverse V-shaped projecting board on its bottom. At the top of each of the projecting boards is an elongated gaps from which the trash bags can be pulled through and hung on the container. When the refuse container is filled up, the trash bag can be pulled up and removed. An empty trash bag will also come through the elongated gap and may be placed on the refuse container for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Kuo - Chuan Li
  • Patent number: 5284268
    Abstract: A compartmented waste receptacle for segregating unrecyclable trash and recyclable paper. The receptacle has a main body and a secondary body releasably fixed to the main body. A spacing between the bottom walls of the secondary body and the main body defines a volume in which the recyclable paper is stored. A spacing between the secondary body and main body front walls define a chute leading to the recyclable paper storage volume. The main body and secondary body are adapted to be emptied independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventors: Normand Marsan, Robert Cossette
  • Patent number: 5259514
    Abstract: For the separate dumping or sorting of different materials, especially household garbage, a plurality of containers of complementary shaping is provided. The containers can be arranged to form a compact unit consisting of a plurality of containers. The containers have preferably triangular or trapezoidal base outline and in the side view, the containers are made substantially trapezoidal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventors: Rita Falter, Hartmut E. Fehr
  • Patent number: 5257577
    Abstract: An apparatus which collects recyclable refuse in sorted compartments. Through either automatic sensors or through an operator panel, the apparatus determines the contents of the refuse and directs it to the proper compartment or container. In this manner, recyclable material such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastics, etc. are easily sorted to encourage the recycling of this material. Further, periodically, the refuse within the compartments are compacted and disinfected to reduce handling requirements and odors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: Melvin D. Clark
  • Patent number: 5253775
    Abstract: A combined hamper and laundry bag which provides a convenient arrangement for separating and maintaining separation of small laundry items from large items prior to washing and throughout the washing and drying cycle. The bag comprises a mesh bag portion having one open end, a latching strip for hanging the bag, and an adhesive backed mounting strip for engaging the latching strip. The openings comprising the mesh bag are of adequate size to allow sufficient water flow. The latching strip is permanently attached to the open end of the bag and is comprised of two strips of reinforced and durable material sewn together at their ends with an opening therebetween. At the ends of the latching strips, keyholes are formed to provide for engagement with the mounting strip. The mounting strip has adhesive on one side for attachment to the inside surface of the clothes hamper. On its other side, the strip has two knobs extending therefrom for engagement with the keyholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Laurence P. Gould
  • Patent number: 5246119
    Abstract: An arrangement for presorting recyclable materials includes a first sector-shaped plastic bag having a first opening, a second sector-shaped plastic bag having a second opening, and a third sector-shaped plastic bag having a third opening. A first connector connects the first sector-shaped plastic bag to the second sector-shaped plastic bag near the first and second openings such that the second sector-shaped plastic bag can be disconnected from the first sector-shaped plastic bag to allow connection of a fourth sector-shaped plastic bag (that is identical to the second sector-shaped plastic bag) to the first sector-shaped plastic bag without having to remove the first sector-shaped plastic bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Keith A. Heffner
  • Patent number: 5244218
    Abstract: A waste container (20) having an integral enclosure (30) with multiple compartments (32, 34, 36, 38, and 40) oriented to a pair of non symmetrically located lugs (108,110) is provided. The orientation allows for waste separated by class to be oriented with a waste collection vehicle. A cover (60) having hinged lids (64, 66, 68, 70, 72, and 72') is attached to the enclosure with a hinge (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: John C. Irwin, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5242220
    Abstract: An appliance for facilitating the sorting and handling of household trash as an aid to recycling such materials includes a housing with a plurality of vertically arrayed compartments containing horizontally disposed flexible bags with open ends extending through a separately covered access hole in each compartment front panel. Supporting slide mechanisms allow each compartment to be pulled out of the housing for unloading and alternate compartment configurations provide for the handling of waste newspaper or the inclusion of a trash compactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Sherry D. Sandreth
  • Patent number: 5238139
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus supports and secures a plurality of trash liner like bags in a trash receptacle like receptacle. The apparatus allows, by the use of splines, that each bag be secured and removed independently of the remaining bags. Splines are used either secured to the four member support frame and cross members or incorporated into each bag. The four member support frame and cross members may be presized to a specific receptacle or adjustable to be used with a variety of receptacles. The cross members are moveable in order to allow an appropriate cross sectional area and resulting volume for each bag. The four member frame, cross members and splines may be in kit form that could be assembled by the purchaser. The apparatus may be used for sorting a variety of materials including but not exclusively trash for recycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Robert D. Bisceglia
  • Patent number: 5238301
    Abstract: A structure for a vertical unitized compartmentalized sorting/holding container compatible with plastic bags for use where sundry recyclable materials are generated and discarded. There is provided a retaining apparatus in which the action of discarding, at the same time, sorts and holds various materials for recycling purposes in several sloping rhomboid compartments, one over the other, providing fifty per cent greater holding volume than level rectangular compartments of the same floor space. Further, dull hooks advantageously located hold plastic bags open for filling from the front instead of the top. Pull-down doors, render easy loading, and serve to isolate odors and obscure trash from view. Flat newspaper storage is provided in the bottom. The construction of the container provides for free-standing use in interior or exterior environments and flush in-wall installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Mill's Pride, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Brady
  • Patent number: 5228591
    Abstract: A multi-compartment trash container that comprises two main components. An inner core consists of a circular bottom plate with a convex surface sloped downward toward the perimeter of the container and several vertical baffles connected to a common vertical shaft extending upward from the center of the bottom plate, so that wedge-like sections with slanted bottoms are formed around the vertical axis of the container. An outer cover consists of a conforming bottomless cylindrical structure having a top end with openings corresponding to the sections in the inner core and a collar at the center for slidably engaging the top of the vertical shaft in the inner core. Thus, the outer cover is slidably mounted on the inner core to form a container with multiple enclosed compartments and a spring-loaded push-plate is provided at the top of the shaft to push the inner core downward with respect to the outer cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: John S. Jones
  • Patent number: 5221010
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of conduits extending from a kitchen area to bins in a level beneath the kitchen. In one embodiment, the upper ends of the conduits are concealed behind a vertical panel hinged at the lower edge to an "island" cabinet and forming a surface of the cabinet. The upper ends of the conduits are accessed by rotating the panel outwardly from the cabinet to expose the ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: James S. Bianco
  • Patent number: 5207344
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the segregated collection of different types of waste materials such as bottles or cans and comprises a segregated trash receiving unit which is placed within a conventional trash can such as a standard 55-gallon drum. The trash receiving unit is affixed to the interior wall of the exterior trash can and is additionally provided with an opening aligned with an opening extending through the side wall of the exterior trash can. The opening in the trash receiving unit is larger than the opening in the exterior trash can so that when cans and bottles which are placed through the exterior trash can opening and into the trash receiving unit, the collected bottles and cans may be easily dumped out of the trash receiving unit once it is removed from the exterior trash can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventors: John C. Davies, Henry J. Davies
  • Patent number: 5203618
    Abstract: A housing includes spaced side walls and a top wall, with a front wall thereof defining a plurality of pivotally mounted doors providing access interiorly of the housing. An upper door plate is pivotally mounted above the door and between a forward edge of the top walls and the doors to provide access to a top wall pivoting plate mounting a can crusher and can opener to permit processing of various cans and their deposit within one of a plurality of pivoting door plates mounted rearwardly and hingedly within a top wall. Underlying replaceable bag members are mounted to receive the processed cans and other recycled material. A modification of the structure includes an aerosol apparatus automatically actuated upon downward projection of a pivoting door of the rows of pivoting doors positioned above the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: William H. Oshall
  • Patent number: 5193713
    Abstract: Expandable, elastic material is connected in a circle with two or more straps of the same material attached in such a manner as to create several sectors to hold any type of disposable or non-disposable trash bags. The design is such that it could fit most existing trash containers. A hard plastic center holding cap would secure the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventors: Dan L. Greathouse, Thomas C. Street