Receptacle Base

Abstract

A receptacle base is provided. The receptacle base may comprise a retaining member having an upper and a lower surface. The retaining member may further include an inner peripheral, edge, the inner peripheral edge being sized and shaped to substantially correspond to a receptacle to removably receive the receptacle therein. The receptacle may further include a base member. The base member may Include a top and a bottom surface, the top surface being connected to the lower surface of the retaining member such that the receptacle sets on the top surface to the base member when received within the inner peripheral edge of the retaining member. Certain aspects may provide for at least a portion of the bottom, surface of the base member being formed of a material adapted to substantially prevent horizontal movement (e.g., movement side-to-side, front-to-back, vice versa, etc.) of the receptacle base during use.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure generally relays to a receptacle base, and more particularly, but not by limitation, to a receptacle base adapted to receive a receptacle and prevent movement of the receptacle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Receptacles are commonplace, found in homes, businesses, jobsites, and virtually any location where there is a need to receive and store items or materials. Receptacles come in many sizes and shapes. In the home and business, receptacles are commonly used as trashcans. Some trashcans include lids, some of which are operated by foot levers wherein the user pushes down on the foot lever to open the lid.

[0003] A common problem with receptacles is that they have a tendency to slide around (side-to-side, front-to-back, etc.) during normal use. This can foe a problem tor a number of reasons, such as when the receptacle is setting next to a structure such that the trashcan comes in contact with the structure. This can cause unsightly and substantial damage to the structure as well as the floor on which the trashcan sets. For example, a trashcan setting next to a wail or a cabinet can create scuff marks or scratch the structure during normal use due to the movement of the trashcan. In trashcans having the foot operated lever, this can he even more problematic. When the user presses down on the lever to open the lid of the trashcan, this exerts a force pushing the trashcan towards the structure. This can result in substantial damage to the wall, cabinet, or other structure proximate to the trashcan, as well as damage to the surface on which the trashcan sets. However, this problem is not limited to trash cans having a foot operated lever. Trash cans or other receptacles without a lid are also prone to movement during normal use, such as when a user tosses an item in the receptacle, inadvertently moves the trashcan causing contact with the structure, etc. Trashcans with lids (i.e., no foot operated lever) also tend to move around simply by the user opening and closing the lid.

[0004] Turning now to FIG. 1, shown therein is a perspective view of an example to an ordinary trashcan used in any home or office, and the associated damage to a proximate structure and surface. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a trashcan 10 sets next to a wall 12 and when the user uses the toot lever to open a lid 14, a force is exerted on the trashcan 10 sliding it across the floor and pushing it into the wall 12. Over repeated use this can create considerable damage (e.g., scuff marks 16) to the wall 12. Further, the lateral movement of the trashcan 10 can damage (create scratches, etc.) the floor on which the trashcan sets.

[0005] Thus, there is a need for a receptacle base that receives the trashcan and prevents movement during normal use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According embodiments, a receptacle base is provided. The receptacle base may comprise a retaining member having an upper and a lower surface. The retaining member may further Include an inner peripheral edge, the inner peripheral edge being sized and shaped to substantially correspond to a receptacle to removably receive the receptacle therein The receptacle may further include a base member. The base member may include a top and a bottom surface, the top surface being connected to the lower surface of the retaining member such that the receptacle sets on the top surface of the base member when received within the inner peripheral edge of the retaining member. Certain aspects may provide for at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base member being formed of a material adapted to substantially prevent horizontal movement (e.g., movement side-to-side, front-to-back, vice versa, etc.) of the receptacle base during use. The retaining member and the base member may be integral or formed as separate components connectable together.

[0007] Other aspects may provide for a receptacle base. The base may include a retaining member having an upper and a lower surface. The retaining member may further include an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, the inner peripheral edge being sized and shaped to removably receive a receptacle therein such that the receptacle is prevented from movement (e.g., horizontal movement) when received therein. The base may further include a base member having a top and a bottom surface, the top surface being connected to the tower surface of the retaining member. The base member may further include a base outer peripheral edge wherein at least a portion of the base outer peripheral edge includes an offset edge sized and shaped to substantially conform to an structure proximate the receptacle base to thereby provide a predetermined offset between the structure and the receptacle when received in the receptacle base and further to prevent contact between the receptacle and the structure.

[0008] Even further aspects may provide for a receptacle base including a retaining member having an upper and a lower surface. The retaining member may further include an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge. The inner peripheral edge may be sized and shaped to removably receive a receptacle therein (e.g., to provide a slip fit) such that the receptacle is prevented from lateral movement when received therein. Other aspects may provide for the outer peripheral edge to include one or more perforations adapted to permit a user to remove at least a portion of the outer peripheral edge so as to expose an offset edge The offset edge may be sized and shaped to substantially correspond to a structure proximate the receptacle base so as to space the receptacle base a predetermined offset distance from the structure. Additional aspects may provide for at least a portion of the lower surface is adapted to prevent movement of the retaining member when the receptacle is received therein.

[0009] For a more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of an trashcan, and the associated damage to a proximate structure, in accordance with the prior art;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an exemplary receptacle base constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the receptacle base of FIG. 2;

[0013] FIG. 4 Is a side plan view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of the bottom surface of the base member, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of another embodiment of a receptacle base, in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exemplary receptacle base shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B being used with the receptacle, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary receptacle base constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the receptacle base shown in FIG. 7 being used with the receptacle, in accordance with certain aspects or the present disclosure; and

[0018] FIG. 9 is perspective view showing three additional embodiments of the receptacle base, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Before explaining the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) in detail by way of exemplary embodiments, drawings, and appended claims, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction, and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. As such, the language used herein is intended to be given the broadest possible scope and meaning; and the embodiments are meant to be exemplary--not exhaustive. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms may include pluralities and plural terms may include the singular.

[0020] It is to be understood that the term "receptacle," as used herein, may generally include any object or container used to contain an item or matter. Exemplary receptacles include, but are not limited to, a trashcan, a bucket, a pail, a garbage bin, etc., with a lid or without a lid, and, when with a lid, with a manual lid or a foot operated lid. References to "receptacle[s]" and "trashcan[s]" may be used interchangeably within the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting in any manner.

[0021] Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of an exemplary receptacle base 20 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure, whereas FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a portion, shown in greater detail of the receptacle base 20 shown in FIG. 2. The receptacle base 20 nun include a retaining member 22 and a base member 24. The retaining member 22 includes an upper surface 26 and a lower surface 28 (see FIG. 3) and also an inner peripheral edge 30 and an outer peripheral edge 32, the inner peripheral edge 30 generally being defined by an opening or cutout within the retaining member 22. The inner peripheral edge 30 may be sized and shaped to substantially correspond to a receptacle to removably receive the receptacle therein, e.g., the inner peripheral edge 30 maybe sized and/or shaped so as to fit the receptacle being used with the receptacle base 20. For example, if the receptacle or trashcan is round, the inner peripheral edge 30 would be substantially round. If the receptacle is oval or square, the inner peripheral edge 30 would also be oval or square, respectively. It is to be understood that the inner peripheral edge 30 corresponding to the receptacle received therein would generally prevent the receptacle from movement (i.e., side-to-side, front-to-back, back-to-front, etc.) but would still permit the receptacle to be inserted into and lifted out of the receptacle base 20 by the user. In one embodiment the inner peripheral edge 30, maybe sized, and shaped to provide a slip-fit between the receptacle and the inner peripheral edge 30. The Inner peripheral edge 30 being sized and/or shaped to provide a slip-fit to the receptacle would generally permit the user to easily position the receptacle in the inner peripheral edge 30 of the receptacle base 20 and to remove the receptacle from the receptacle base 20, but would also maintain the receptacle's position within the receptacle base 20 during normal use, i.e., substantially prevent movement of the receptacle within the receptacle base.

[0022] The upper surface 26 and lower surface 28 of the retaining member 22 define a retaining member thickness 34 (see FIG. 3). The retaining member thickness 34 may cooperate with the inner peripheral edge 30 to further provide or improve the slip-fit between the receptacle and the inner peripheral edge 30 to further prevent movement of the receptacle. The retaining member thickness 34 may be sized dependent upon the receptacle being used with the receptacle base 20. For example, certain, receptacles may include ornamental, shaped, or other pieces of trim around their bottom edges such that the retaining member thickness 34 and/or the inner peripheral edge 30 maybe sized and/or shaped so as to permit receiving the receptacle in the receptacle base 20 having the uniquely sized/shaped bottom trim.

[0023] The base member 24 may include a top surface 36 and a bottom surface 38 (see FIG. 3). When constructed as separate components, the fop surface 36 may be connected to the lower surface 28 of the retaining member 22 such that the receptacle sets on the top surface 36 of the base member 24 when received within the inner peripheral edge 30 of the retaining member 22. However it is also to be understood, that certain aspects may provide for the retaining member 22 and the base member 24 of the receptacle base 20 be integral, i.e., formed as a single unit during manufacture and/or otherwise formed or cast of one piece.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the bottom surface 38 of the base member 24 map be formed of a material adapted to substantially prevent movement of the receptacle base 20 during use. For example, fee bottom surface 38 of the base member 24 may be formed of a material having a predetermined coefficient of friction. The material forming at least a portion of the bottom surface 36 of the base member 24 may have a coefficient of friction greater than 100, greater than 1.25, greater than 1.50, etc Exemplary materials that may he used to form at least a portion of the bottom surface 38 of the base member 24 may include, but are not limited to, rubber, silicone elastomer, Santoprene®, thermoplastic rubber, silicone rubber, acrylic rubber, a composite rubber (e.g., a rubber material intermixed with a thin rubber material), and/or combinations thereof. It is also to he understood, that such exemplary materials may be used to form all or part of the retaining member 22. Certain aspects may provide for the receptacle base 20 be formed of such exemplary materials. Said materials having, for example, a high coefficient of friction would generally be understood to provide an enhanced grip fit between the receptacle base 20 and the surface that the receptacle base 20 is setting on. Preventing such movement would generally prevent the receptacle from coming into contact with structure(s) proximate or near the receptacle.

[0025] Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, shown therein is another aspect of the present disclosure wherein at least a portion of the retaining member further includes a relief portion 40. The rebel portion 40 maybe sized and/or shaped so as to receive a foot lever on the receptacle such that a user of the receptacle can utilize the lever when the receptacle is received in the inner peripheral edge 30. The relief portion 40 may permit a user to utilize the foot lever of the trashcan receptacle to open and close the lid of the trashcan. The relief portion 38 may be formed In the retaining member 22 during construction or formed subsequent to construction of the retaining member 22 so as to accommodate a lever on the receptacle having a particular size/shape.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 4, shown therein is a side plan view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of the bottom surface 38 wherein the bottom surface 38 includes a textured surface. In accordance with, certain aspects of the present disclosure, the bottom surface 38 of the base member 24 may include a textured surface such that the textured surface further improves the grip fit between the receptacle base 20 and the surface the base 20 is setting upon. The texture may reduce or further prevent movement of the receptacle base 20 (and, by extension, the receptacle) in order to minimize or eliminate contact between the receptacle and a structure proximate thereto. The texture maybe a series of three-dimensional protrusions 42, such as the exemplary texture shown in FIG. 4. Certain aspects may also provide for the texture to be formed as a three-dimensional series of ridges, nodules, concentric circles, etc., formed on the bottom surface 38 of the base member 24. The texture may be a series of repeating protrusions (rings, nodules, cross-hatch, etc.) or he randomly located protrusions.

[0027] Turning now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, wherein FIG. 5A is a top plan view and FIG. 5B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a receptacle base 100 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The receptacle base 100 is similar to the receptacle base 20 discussed above, except that the receptacle base further includes an offset edge and/or one or more perforations permitting the user to configure the base 100 to have differing offset edges. The receptacle base 100 includes a retaining member 102 and a base member 104. The retaining member 102 may include an upper surface 106 and the lower surface 108 (see FIG. 5B). The retaining member 102 may also include an inner peripheral edge 110 and an outer peripheral edge 112. The inner peripheral edge 110 maybe sized and/or shaped to removably receive the receptacle therein. The receptacle received in the inner peripheral edge 110 may be substantially prevented from movement. As discussed above, the receptacle may be received in the inner peripheral edge 110 so as to provide a slip-fit grip between the receptacle and the inner peripheral edge 110.

[0028] The base member 104 of the receptacle base 100 may include a top surface 114 and a bottom surface 116. As shown more clearly in FIG. 5B, the top surface 114 of the base member 104 may be connectable or connected to the lower surface 108 of the retaining member 102 such that the receptacle sets on the top surface 114 of the base member 104 when received widen the inner peripheral edge 110 of the retaining member 102. Again, it is to be understood that the retaining member 102 and the base member 104 may be integral and formed of one piece during construction, rather than being separate components that are connected or connectable together, such as shown in FIG. 5B.

[0029] The base member 104 may further include a base outer peripheral edge 118. The base outer peripheral edge 118 may generally define the outside shape of the base member 104, and by extension, the receptacle base 100. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, at least a portion of the base outer peripheral edge 118 and/or the outer peripheral edge 112 of the retaining member 102 may include an offset edge 120. The offset edge 120 may be sized and/or shaped to substantially conform to a structure that is proximate to the receptacle base 100, thereby providing a predetermined, offset distance between the structure and the receptacle base 100 and, by extension, the receptacle received therein. The offset edge 120 may operate to prevent the receptacle from coming into contact with the structure proximate thereto, For example, the offset edge 120 may provide a separation distance between the receptacle and the structure sufficient to permit a lid of the receptacle to open and close without coming into contact with the structure. Also, having the predetermined offset distance provided by the offset edge 120 may prevent the receptacle from sliding, thereby coming into contact with the structure so as to reduce or eliminate damage to the structure.

[0030] In the example shown, in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the offset edge 120 may be sized and/or shaped to correspond to a corner structure such that the trashcan receptacle may be received in the receptacle base 100 and positioned in a corner during normal use. This may prevent the receptacle base 100 (and the receptacle received therein) from sliding back into the corner, thereby damaging the wall or the structure. The receptacle may have a lid and a foot operated lever such that when the receptacle is received in the receptacle base 100 and the user utilizes the foot lever to open the lid of the receptacle, the lid does not come into contact with a wall or cabinet that the receptacle is setting next to. Although the offset edge 120 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B as being sized and shaped to conform to a corner structure, it is to be understood that the offset edge 120 may be sized and/or shaped to conform to a flat structure, a circular structure, a curved structure, etc.

[0031] As also shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the retaining member 102 and/or the base member 104 may further include one or more perforations 122 adapted to permit a user to reconfigure at least a portion of the base outer peripheral edge 118 and/or the outer peripheral edge 112 of the retaining member 102. The one or more perforations 122 may be used by the user to remove said portions of the outer peripheral edges so as to expose or otherwise create a different offset edge 120. For example the user may convert receptacle base 100 having an offset edge 120 configured to fit within a corner unit, such as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, to be configured to fit next to a flat structure, e.g., a wall or a cabinet. The receptacle base 100 may include multiple perforations 122 so that the user can configure the base 100 to different sized/shaped offset edges 120 so as to provide a predetermined offset distance between the base 100 and the structure.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 6, shown therein is a perspective view of the exemplary receptacle base 100 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B being used with the receptacle (shown in relief) and being positioned within the corner. As shown in FIG. 6, the offset edge 120 is sized and shaped to substantially conform to the edges of the structure (walls forming the corner in this example) so as to provide an offset distance between the structure and the receptacle. The receptacle base 100 defining the offset distance prevents the receptacle from movement to prevent contact and damage to the wall.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 7, shown therein is a perspective view of another exemplary receptacle base 700 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The receptacle base 700 is essentially the same as the bases 20 and/or 100 discussed above, except that the base 700 is configured to receive a substantially rectangular receptacle and to be positioned against a wall having a flat edge to provide a predetermined offset between the receptacle and the wall. The offset may prevent the receptacle received in the receptacle base 700 from movement. The offset may further prevent the lid, or a hinge on the lid of the receptacle from contacting the wall during use.

[0034] Turning to FIG. 8, shown therein is a perspective view of the receptacle base 700 shown in FIG. 7 being used with a receptacle, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. The receptacle base 700 is shown in normal use wherein a receptacle is received within an inner peripheral edge 702 of the receptacle base 700. The inner peripheral edge 702 generally is sized and/or shaped to provide a slip fit for the receptacle and to further prevent the receptacle from movement, e.g., sliding side-to-side, front-to-back, vice versa, etc. When the user operates the foot lever of the receptacle to open the lid of the receptacle, the receptacle is prevented from movement by the slip fit.

[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates another aspect of the present disclosure wherein the base 700 includes an offset edge 704 that provides an offset distance 706 between the receptacle and the structure the receptacle is setting near. As can be seen, the offset edge 704 is sized and/or shaped to conform to the structure (e.g., wall) the receptacle base 700 is setting next to. The offset edge 704 is further sized and/or shaped to provide the offset distance 706 between the receptacle and the structure. The offset distance 706 is generally sized and/or shaped such that the lid of the receptacle is free to open and close without any portion of the lid, or the lid hinge coming into contact with the structure (e.g., wall) proximate to the receptacle base 700.

[0036] As discussed above, the receptacle bases of the present disclosure can be sized and/or shaped to receive receptacles having differing sizes and/or shapes. FIG. 9 illustrates top plan views of three embodiments of receptacle bases 900, 902, and 904 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The bases 900, 902, and 904 are sized and/or shaped to receive substantially oval, square, and half-circle shaped receptacles, respectively. Another aspect to the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 9 is that the receptacle bases may not include fee relief portions in the retaining member, e.g., may be adapted to be used with receptacles that do not include a foot operated lever.

[0037] While the present invention has been described in connection with a series of preferred embodiments, these descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth herein. The above description is illustrative and not restrictive. Many variations of the invention will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of tins disclosure. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. The present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. In several respects, embodiments of the present invention may act to close the loopholes in the current industry practices in which good business practices and logic are lacking because it is not feasible to implement with current resources and tools.

Claims

1. A receptacle base comprising: a retaining member comprising an upper and a lower surface, the retaining member further comprising an inner peripheral edge, the inner peripheral edge being sized and shaped to substantially correspond to a receptacle to removably receive the receptacle therein, the retaining member further comprising a relief portion sized and shaped to receive a foot operated lever on the receptacle; and a base member comprising a top and a bottom surface, the top surface being connected to the lower surface of the retaining member such that the receptacle sets on the top surface of the base member when received within the inner peripheral edge of the retaining member, at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base member being formed of a material adapted to substantially prevent horizontal movement of the receptacle base during use.

2. The base of claim 1, wherein the material forming at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base member has a coefficient of friction greater than 1.

3. The base of claim 1, wherein the material forming at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base member has a coefficient of friction greater than 1.5.

4. The base of claim 1, wherein the material forming at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base member is rubber.

5. The base of claim 1, wherein the retaining member and the base member are integral.

6. (canceled)

7. The base of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base member further includes a predetermined texture such that the texture of the bottom surface increases the coefficient of friction of the base member.

8. A receptacle base comprising: a retaining member comprising an upper and a lower surface, the retaining member further comprising inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, the inner peripheral edge being sized and shaped to removably receive a receptacle therein such that the receptacle is prevented from lateral movement when received therein; and a base member comprising a top and a bottom surface, the top surface being connected to the lower surface of the retaining member such that the receptacle sets on the lop surface of the base member when received within the inner peripheral edge of the retaining member, the base member further comprising a base outer peripheral edge wherein at least a portion of the base outer peripheral edge comprises a linear offset edge sized and shaped to substantially conform to a linear structure proximate the receptacle base to thereby provide a predetermined offset between the structure and the receptacle when received in the receptacle base and further to prevent contact between the receptacle and the structure.

9. The base of claim 8, wherein the retaining member further comprises a relief portion sized end shaped to receive a foot operated lever on the receptacle such that the foot operated lever can be operated when the receptacle is received in the inner peripheral edge.

10. The base of claim 8, wherein the material forming at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base member is rubber.

11. The base of claim 8, wherein the material forming at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base member is a rubber with a hardness durometer of at least 60.

12. The base of claim 8, wherein the retaining member and the base member are integral.

13. The base of claim 8, wherein the inner peripheral edge of the retaining member is sized and shaped to receive a trash can.

14. The base of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface of the base member further includes a predetermined texture such that the texture of the bottom surface further prevents the receptacle base from lateral movement when the receptacle is received therein.

15. A receptacle base comprising: a retaining member comprising an upper and a lower surface, the retaining member further comprising an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge, the inner peripheral edge being sized and shaped to removably receive a receptacle therein such that the receptacle is prevented from lateral movement when received therein, the outer peripheral edge including one or more perforations adapted to permit removal at least a portion of the outer peripheral edge so as to expose a linear offset edge, the linear offset edge sized and shaped to substantially correspond to a linear structure proximate the receptacle base so as to space the receptacle base a predetermined offset distance from the structure, further wherein at least a portion of the lower surface is adapted to prevent movement of the retaining member when the receptacle is received therein.

16. The base of claim 15, wherein the inner peripheral edge is sized and shaped to receive a trash can therein.

17. The base of claim 15, wherein the material forming the lower surface of the retaining member is a thermo-plastic rubber.

18. The base of claim 15, wherein the material forming the lower surface of the retaining member is a silicon elastomer.

19. The base of claim 15, wherein the material forming the lower surface of the retaining member is a rubber composite.

20. The ease of claim 18, wherein the retaining member further comprises a relief portion sized and shaped to accommodate a foot operated lever on the receptacle.

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