US20050284866A1

US20050284866A1 - Disposable trash container

Info

Publication number: US20050284866A1
Application number: US10/973,511
Authority: US
Inventors: Stuart Oakner; Mark Brannick; Donna Oakner Brannick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-06-26
Filing date: 2004-10-26
Publication date: 2005-12-29

Abstract

A disposable trash container has a lining made of plastic or other material forming a bottom and sides, and an expandable spring loaded frame structure connecting between a base at the bottom of the lining and a top hoop near a closable top opening of the lining. One or more clasps hold the lining and frame structure collapsed flat near the base in a low profile state for packaging. When ready for use, the clasp(s) is operated to release the spring loaded frame structure, thereby causing the trash container to open as the frame structure expands and the top hoop moves upwardly and away from the base. The top opening of the lining may be provided with a drawstring or other means to close the trash container prior to disposal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a disposable trash container and, more particularly, to a freestanding trash container with a spring loaded frame that can be collapsed flat for packaging and which is structured to self-open to an expanded, operable position for use.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
Disposable plastic trash bags are well known and used extensively for containing and disposing of garbage and yard debris. Plastic trash bags are often used as a liner for a more permanent trash can, thereby eliminating the need to regularly clean the permanent trash can after each disposal. Moreover, the permanent trash can, which is formed of rigid materials, provides sufficient support to maintain the disposable plastic trash bags in an upright, open position for easy and convenient deposit of trash items therein. However, when the plastic trash bag is filled, it is sometimes difficult to remove the plastic trash bag liner from the surrounding trash can, particularly if the liner is overstuffed and bulging out from the sides. Occasionally, the plastic liner will tear when attempting to pull the liner free from the trash can, causing the contained trash, and particularly the liquids, to spill into the trash can or onto the floor. After disposal of the filled trash bag liner, a new trash bag liner is placed in the trash can. This requires placement of the liner within the interior of the trash can, while maintaining the top edge of the liner secured to the top rim of the trash can so that the bag liner is held open and does not fall down into the trash can. Properly inserting and securing the bag liner to the trash can prove to be a tedious and frustrating task.
In view of the shortcomings associated with use of disposable plastic trash bag liners, as described above, there remains a need for a disposable trash container which is self-supporting in an upright, free-standing position for deposit of items of trash therein. Moreover, there is a need for a disposable free-standing trash container which is operable between a collapsed, flat arrangement for packaging and an expanded, upright and free-standing arrangement for use. Further, there is a need for a disposable, free standing trash container that includes means for securing the container closed prior to disposal.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a disposable and free-standing trash container that folds flat for packaging and which readily springs open to an operable position for deposit of articles of trash therein.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a disposable and free-standing trash container which includes means for securing the container closed when filled with trash, thereby allowing for convenient and neat disposal.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a disposable and free-standing trash container which is collapsible to assume a low profile and relatively flat orientation for packaging and shipping, and whereby several disposable trash container units can be packaged together for sale to the consumer.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a disposable and free-standing trash container which incorporates a spring action supporting frame structure, thereby allowing the disposable trash container to be collapsed for packaging and readily expanded to assume the free standing, upright operable position for use.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a disposable and free-standing trash container which can be manufactured at a reasonable cost, thereby providing a disposable product for one-time use which is affordable to the average consumer.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are more readily apparent with reference to the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a disposable trash container that has a lining made of plastic or other material forming a bottom and sides, and an expandable spring loaded frame structure, connecting between a base at the bottom of the lining and a top hoop near a closable top opening of the lining. One or more clasps hold the lining and spring loaded frame structure collapsed flat near the base in a low profile state for packaging. When ready for use, the clasp(s) is operated to release the spring loaded frame structure, thereby causing the trash container to self open as the frame structure expands and the top hoop moves upwardly away from the base. The top opening of the lining may be provided with a drawstring or other means to cinch the trash container closed prior to disposal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the collapsible frame structure of the disposable trash container of the present invention, and wherein the frame structure is shown in a collapsed position for packaging;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the disposable trash container frame structure of FIG. 1 shown in an expanded, operable position to support the sides of a plastic lining (shown in phantom lines) upright with the open top of the lining held open for deposit of articles of trash therein;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the plastic lining and frame structure of the disposable trash container in the collapsed position for packaging and storage; and
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the plastic lining and frame structure of FIG. 3 in the expanded, operable position so that the sides of the plastic lining are supported upright and the open top of the lining is maintained open for deposit of articles of trash therein.
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the several views of the drawings, the disposable trash container of the present invention is shown and is generally indicated as 10.
With initial reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the disposable trash container 10 has a supporting frame structure 12 including a base 14, a top hoop 16 and a spring loaded frame or coil 18 connecting between the base 14 and the top hoop 16. In a preferred embodiment, the base 14 is in the form of a flat plate 20 to provide a rigid and stable bottom to the trash container 10. More particularly, the flat plate 20 serves to support the disposable trash container 10 on a floor surface so that the trash container 10 is able to stand upright, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 4.
The top hoop 16 is movable relative to the base 14 by action of the spring loaded frame or coil 18 from the collapsed, compressed state of FIG. 1 to the expanded, relaxed state of FIG. 2. The top hoop 16 serves to maintain the shape of the upper portion of a lining 30 (shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 1 and 2) and forms an open mouth 34 at or near a top opening 36 of the lining 30.
In addition to urging the frame structure 12 from the collapsed position (see FIG. 1) to the expanded position (see FIG. 2), the spring loaded frame or coil 18 serves to provide support and shape to the sides of the plastic lining 30 when in the expanded, upright position.
As seen in FIG. 3, one or more clasps 40 are provided to hold the spring loaded frame or coil 18 in the compressed state, with the top hoop 16 held close to the base 14 and the plastic lining 30 collapsed. This allows the overall volume of the disposable trash container 10 to be reduced for packaging, transport and storage. Additionally, while in this relatively flat, low profile orientation, several units of the disposable trash container can be packaged together, in a single carton for sale to the consumer.
In use, the collapsed disposable trash container 10 (See FIG. 3) is removed from the package and the one or more clasps 40 are opened by the user (using the fingers) to release the spring loaded frame or coil 18, thereby causing the frame structure 12 and lining 30 to self open to the expanded, operable position seen in FIG. 4. Once the trash container 12 is filled with trash, or is otherwise ready for disposal, the top open end 36 of the lining 30 is secured closed and the entire trash container 10 is discarded. Closing of the open top end 36 of the lining can be achieved with the use of plastic lock ties, twist ties or a built-in draw string.
As seen in FIG. 4, the spring loaded frame structure 12, the spring coil 18 and/or the top hoop 16 can be contained within a sleeve or pocket 50 formed in the lining 30, thereby concealing the frame structure 12 from view. Alternatively, the disposable trash container 10 can be constructed so that the frame structure 12 is visibly exposed either on the interior or exterior of the lining 30. It is further noted that the overall shape of the frame structure 12, the base 20, the top hoop 16, and, accordingly, the trash container 10 may vary from that shown in the drawings. For instance, the base 14, spring coil 18 and top hoop 16 may be made to have a geometric shape other than round, such as, for instance, square, rectangular, oval, hexagon, etc.
While the instant invention has been shown and described in accordance with a preferred and practical embodiment thereof, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A disposable trash container comprising:

a lining formed of a collapsible material and including a bottom, sides and an open top surrounding an interior chamber;

a frame secured to said lining and operable between a collapsed state, wherein said lining is collapsed so that said interior chamber has a minimum volume, and an expanded state, wherein said lining is expanded to an operable position so that said interior chamber has a maximum volume, and said frame being operable to move from said collapsed state to said expanded state to thereby expand said lining to said operable position.

2. The disposable trash container as recited in claim 1 wherein said frame is spring biased to be urged from said collapsed state to said expanded state.

3. The disposable trash container as recited in claim 2 further comprising:

at least one clasp for holding said frame in said collapsed state with said lining collapsed.

4. The disposable trash container as recited in claim 1 wherein said open top of said lining is closable to encapsulate contents within said interior chamber.

5. The disposable trash container as recited in claim 1 wherein said lining includes a drawstring for cinching the open top closed.

6. The disposable trash container as recited in claim 1 further comprising a base at said bottom of said lining for supporting the disposable trash container on a ground surface and for maintaining said lining upright when said frame is in the expanded state.

7. The disposable trash container as recited in claim 1 wherein said frame is formed in a coil to spiral about said sides of said lining when said lining is in said expanded operable position.

8. The disposable trash container as recited in claim 7 wherein said frame is a spring coil.

9. The disposable trash container as recited in claim 8 wherein said spring coil is contained within a sleeve formed in said lining.

10. A disposable trash container comprising:

a spring coil frame secured to said lining and operable between a collapsed state, wherein said lining is collapsed so that said interior chamber has a minimum volume, and an expanded state, wherein said lining is expanded to an operable position so that said interior chamber has a maximum volume, and said spring coil frame being releasable from said collapsed state and moveable to said expanded state to thereby expand said lining to said operable position; and

a base at said bottom of said lining for supporting the disposable trash container on a ground surface and for maintaining said lining upright when said screen coil frame is in the expanded state.

11. The disposable trash container as recited in claim 10 further comprising:

at least one clasp for holding said spring coil frame in said collapsed state with said lining collapsed on said base.

12. The disposable trash container as recited in claim 10 wherein said open top of said lining is closable to encapsulate contents within said interior chamber.

13. The disposable trash container as recited in claim 10 wherein said lining includes a drawstring for cinching the open top closed.

14. The disposable trash container as recited in claim 10 further comprising:

a sleeve formed in said lining for covering said spring coil frame.