Secure trash container assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a plurality of injection molded plastic panels having integrated connectors. The panels are constructed and arranged packaging and shipment in a nested and / or stacked arrangement. Thereafter, the panels may be assembled into a secure trash container. The integrally formed connectors of the side walls, cover and bottom panel components simplifies trash container construction by integrally forming the connectors into the injection molded panels which are snapped together. The panels are formed of injection molded plastic to interlock with one another without the need for separate metal fasteners or connectors.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation in part of 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 a trash container assembly constructed of plastic structural panels. More specifically, the present invention relates to a trash container assembly utilizing injection molded plastic panels capable of being packaged and shipped in a stacked and / or nested state and constructed into a secure and decorative trash container. 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 interna...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] The present invention provides a plurality of injection molded plastic panels having integrated connectors. The panels are constructed and arranged for packaging and shipment in a nested and / or stacked arrangement. Thereafter, the panels may be assembled into a secure trash container. The side walls, cover and bottom panel include integrally formed connectors that simplify trash container assembly by allowing the panels to be snapped together. 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 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.

[0021] A further objective is to provide a trash container having panels with integrated connectors which accommodate injection molding plastic formation of the panel components for increased structural integrity.

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 metal and / or plastic fasteners and connector members to maintain a structurally sound container.

Due to the complexity of these devices they are generally only offered to consumers fully assembled and not in a knocked-down condition, and therefore require large shipping containers or crates, thereby increasing the final cost of the product to the consumer.

Such prior art devices, while working well, have not met all of the needs of manufacturers to provide a product that can be easily manufactured, packaged and shipped to the consumer in a knocked-down state.

Nor have they met the needs of consumers requiring structural integrity combined with a pleasing aesthetic appearance, and ease of assembly without the need for tools and small fasteners for assembly.

Still yet, the prior art devices do not include wheels and are therefore difficult to move.

This problem is compounded when the receptacle is loaded with refuse.

There are also commercial considerations that must be satisfied by any viable trash container assembly; considerations which are not entirely satisfied by state of the art products.

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