Trash container assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a plurality of injection molded plastic panels having integrated connectors which are capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state and constructed to form an aesthetically pleasing trash container. The integrated connection of the side wall, cover and bottom panel components simplifies trash container construction. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate metal fasteners or connectors. The system incorporates a minimum number of components by integrally forming the connectors into the injection molded panels which are snapped together to complete the assembly.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is relates to U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 628,636 entitled Secure Trash Container, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to plastic containers, and more specifically, to a plastic trash container assembly utilizing injection molded structural panels having integrally formed connectors. The trash container assembly is capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state and assembled into a decorative trash container without tools or additional fasteners. BACKGROUND INFORMATION [0003] Refuse or trash containers are a necessity for homeowners and business owners alike. Trash containers are preferably positioned in convenient locations for trash collection, which necessitates a decorative exterior if placed in close proximity to employees at businesses or residents in homes. A common form of trash container comprises a rigid one piece body which forms an i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] The present invention provides a plurality of injection molded plastic panels having integrated connectors which are capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state and constructed to form an aesthetically pleasing trash container. The integrated connection of the side wall, cover and bottom panel components simplifies trash container construction. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate metal fasteners or connectors.

[0019] The system incorporates a minimum number of components by integrally forming the connectors into the injection molded panels which are snapped together without tools to complete the assembly. This construction eliminates the need for separate extruded or molded connectors or fasteners to assemble the trash container. Injection molding allows the panels to be formed with a single wall having integral cross-bracing, ribs and gussets for increased rigidity when compared to blow molded or rotationally molded containers. The same side wall and bottom panel components can be used to create a variety of trash containers, and the assembly of the trash container requires minimal hardware and a minimum number of hand tools. The bottom, front and back wall panels have integrally formed outwardly

Problems solved by technology

One drawback associated with this type of container occurs when the filled liner engages the side walls of the container.

This engagement often causes difficulty in removing the filled bags from the container.

Typically, the aforementioned one-piece containers are large and incapable of being knocked-down for shipping and storage, adding additional expense to the producer and thus the consumer.

However, the nested containers are bulky and heavy, offering marginal gains to an end consumer.

These types of containers suffer from numerous drawbacks for consumers.

One such drawback relates to assembly of the container.

These containers are often difficult to assemble, requiring tools and a substantial number of fasteners to align the panels and doors for proper operation.

In addition, such containers may require internal linkages for operation of the lid.

Typically, the structure of such devices are complex, requiring numerous small meta

Images