Back-Mounted Receptacle with Hinged Bottom Plate and Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers, such as five-gallon buckets and 32-gallon trash cans, are inefficient for carrying heavy loads over uneven terrain and require frequent trips, as they often need to be carried by hand and are not suitable for rough or elevated areas, and the use of plastic bags adds to the cost and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A portable receptacle with a hinged bottom plate and lever assembly that allows hands-free carrying by strapping the unit to the back, enabling easy loading and unloading of items without removing it from the body, using a padded strap assembly and locking mechanism for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional five-gallon bucket is used, then the container is simple and portable, but the user cannot load enough material and must make frequent trips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nesting by placing a liner (inner container) inside the main receptacle body. This allows the receptacle to function as both a carry container and a dump container, effectively doubling its utility and allowing users to carry more material without making frequent trips to empty containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom closure is designed to be movable between closed and open positions, transforming the receptacle from a static container to a dynamic one that can switch between carrying and dumping modes. This dynamic bottom closure allows users to retain materials during transport and easily discharge them at the destination.
2Quantity of substance
If a 32-gallon trash can on wheels is used, then the container can hold large quantities of material, but it cannot be used on uneven terrain or steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-volume container into manageable segments by providing multiple receptacles that can be carried individually on the back. Each receptacle maintains sufficient capacity for practical use while being small enough to be manually carried over uneven terrain, steps, and ladders.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from ground-based wheeled containers to back-mounted carriers, utilizing the vertical dimension and human body as the support structure. This dimensional change allows the container to be transported over terrain that would be inaccessible to wheeled devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If a plastic liner is used in a litter bucket, then the container is easy to clean, but the liner needs frequent replacement adding to costs
Solution Approach 1:
The movable bottom closure enables the liner to serve itself by allowing easy self-emptying. Users can simply open the bottom closure to discharge contents, eliminating the need for manual removal and replacement of liners. The liner remains in place, continuously serving its containment function without requiring user intervention for emptying.
4Ease of operation
If a traditional bucket is carried by hand, then the container is simple to use, but the user experiences strain over long distances or uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The padded strap assembly distributes the weight of the receptacle across the user's back and shoulders, providing counterbalancing support that reduces the effective strain on any single point of the body. This ergonomic weight distribution system allows users to carry heavier loads over longer distances with reduced fatigue.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, hands-free transport of heavy loads over long distances and uneven terrain, reducing the need for frequent trips and minimizing strain, while allowing for easy emptying and loading of materials without removing the container from the user's body.
Implementation Method 1
a bottom plate hingedly attached to the bottom end of the receptacle and operable between a closed position in which the bottom plate closes the second opening defining a cavity within the receptacle, and an open position
Implementation Method 2
a lever assembly pivotally attached to a side of the receptacle and operatively connected to the bottom plate to position the bottom plate between the closed position and the open position
Implementation Method 3
a lever assembly pivotally attached to a side of the receptacle and operatively connected to the bottom plate to position the bottom plate between the closed position and the open position
Implementation Method 4
a padded strap assembly attached between the top end and the bottom end of the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A bottom opening back-strap-bucket with an adjustable lever. A bucket or large container body has a bottom opening, operable by a lever that permits an operator to pick up, carry and deposit items, leaving the operator's hands free when traveling. The invention utilizes leg and upper body strength, which allows the operators hands and arms to rest or be available for other tasks, such as for loading. The invention allows a user to travel anywhere, even hauling or carry heavy items up and down steps or ladders. The lever is operable to open the bottom plate to deposit items carried within the bucket at a selected location.