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Patent application title:

Coupling for trash containers

Publication number:

US20060080809A1

Publication date:
Application number:

10/967,683

Filed date:

2004-10-18

Abstract:

This invention provides a coupling for connecting two trash containers together. This enables householders to pull more containers to the curb with fewer trips. Additional couplers could be used to connect additional containers and form a train of containers.

Inventors:

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Classification:

  1. Performing operations; transporting
  2. Conveying; packing; storing; handling thin or filamentary material

B65F1/1468 »  CPC main

Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor; Other constructional features; Accessories Means for facilitating the transport of the receptacle, e.g. wheels, rolls

B65F2001/0086 »  CPC further

Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor specially adapted for segregated refuse collecting, e.g. receptacles with several compartments; Combination of receptacles Means for holding receptacles together

Y10T24/29 »  CPC further

Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc. Drum or can spacer fastener

A44B1/04 IPC

Buttons Ornamental buttons

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention provides a quick release coupling for joining trash containers. The trash situation varies from household to household, people with a small amount of trash would have no use for this invention, however those who fill two or more containers could possibly appreciate the convenience of this device. I first discovered a need for this coupling when my daughter and her family moved to Los Angeles. When my wife and I would go visit, we would have 7 people living in the house. With a weekly trash pick up we would have 4 to 5 full containers to drag to the curb. Since I was retired and had plenty of spare time I became the trash monitor. I quickly realized I needed something to hold the containers together, so I could cut down the number of trips from the back yard to the curb. After trying several designs and several prototypes I found the time to attach and the time to release the coupling to be the biggest problem with all the designs. My solution, using the shaft with the quarter turn locking pin proved to be very quick and easy to use.

2. Description of Related Art

While making a patent search I have not found any reference to a coupling for connecting trash containers. The field of search included; 172/605,660,677; 248/129,229,500,630; 280/47.19,47.24; 403/315,321,322.1,325,326.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a mechanical device to couple trash containers together. The shaft (24) is the centerpiece. Handle (26) is attached at the top. Spring (27) seats under the handle.

In FIG. (1) the trash containers (21), with up facing handles (22) are joined by yoke (28), locking pin (25) completes the assembly.

In FIG. (2) the trash containers (33), with down facing handles (29) are joined by yoke (31), washer (32) provides a lower seat for spring (27).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 Is a side view showing two trash containers, with upward facing handles, joined by a coupling.

FIG. 2 Is a side view showing two trash containers, with downward facing handles, joined by a coupling.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A coupling having a center shaft with a handle attached at the top, a coil spring surrounding the shaft and seated underneath the handle, a yoke bored to loosely fit the shaft is next assembled on the shaft and provides the lower seat for said spring, a pin is attached to the bottom of the shaft to form the latching provisions.

2. A coupling having a center shaft with a handle attached at the top, a coil spring surrounding the shaft and seated underneath the handle, a flat washer bored to loosely fit the shaft is next assembled on the shaft and provides the lower seat for said spring, a yoke is attached to the bottom of the shaft.

Resources

Images & Drawings included:

Fig. 01 - Coupling for trash containers
Fig. 01
Fig. 02 - Coupling for trash containers
Fig. 02

Sources:

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