Foot operated garbage bin lid opening system

Abstract

A foot-operated lid opening system for a bin, utilizing a stirrup connected by at least one actuating strap to at least one lifting device. Each lifting device features a bracket with a slitted hemisphere and a substantially fixed spring attachment plate; this plate includes a central pillar and at least one cavity. A lifting arm assembly, comprising a lifting arm with an integral ball joint and stub, has its stub passing through the slit to engage the cavity. A torsion spring, mounted on the pillar, biases the lifting arm towards a lid-closed position. Foot actuation pulls the strap, pivoting the lifting arm via the stub's engagement to open the lid with a lifting pin. A key aspect is its ambidextrous design, enabling left or right-side bin mounting. This is achieved through a rotatable stub, a flippable lifting arm with a double-sided pin, and typically multiple cavities on the spring attachment plate.

Claims

1. A foot-operated lid opening system for a bin having a lid, the system comprising: a stirrup configured for foot actuation; at least one actuating strap operatively connected to the stirrup; at least one lifting device configured for mounting to the bin, each the lifting device comprising: a bracket configured for attachment to the bin, the bracket including a hemisphere portion having a slit extending therethrough; a spring attachment plate substantially fixed relative to the bracket, the spring attachment plate) comprising a central pillar and at least one cavity; a lifting arm assembly comprising a lifting arm and a ball joint connected thereto, the ball joint having an integral stub extending therefrom, wherein the stub passes through the slit of the hemisphere portion and is configured to engage the at least one cavity on the spring attachment plate; a torsion spring mounted about the central pillar and operatively connected between the spring attachment plate and the lifting arm to bias the lifting arm towards a lid-closed position; and a lifting pin at a distal end of the lifting arm, configured to engage and lift the lid; wherein the at least one actuating strap is attached to an attachment point on the lifting arm such that tension on the actuating strap causes the lifting arm assembly to pivot relative to the bracket and against the bias of the torsion spring.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein for each the lifting device: the at least one cavity on the spring attachment plate is one of at least two cavities; the lifting pin is a double-sided lifting pin; and the lifting arm is configured to be flipped, and the stub is configured to be rotated approximately 180 degrees to selectively engage one of the at least two cavities on the spring attachment plate, thereby allowing the lifting device to be configured for either left-hand or right-hand operation on the bin.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a pocket configured for attachment to a rim portion of the bin, wherein the bracket is slidably received and securable within the pocket by a threaded knob having a threaded shaft passing through an aperture in the pocket and engaging a threaded aperture in the bracket.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises a single the lifting device, and wherein the stirrup is operatively connected to the single lifting device via a single actuating strap or via two actuating straps wherein one strap is connected to an anchor point.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises two lifting devices, one configured for mounting on a left side of the bin and one configured for mounting on a right side of the bin, and wherein the stirrup is operatively connected to both lifting devices via a pair of actuating straps.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the spring attachment plate further comprises a blocker member, and the lifting arm comprises a limit pin, wherein the blocker member is positioned to interact with the limit pin to limit a range of rotational displacement of the lifting arm.

7. An ambidextrous lifting device for a foot-operated bin lid opening system, the lifting device comprising: a bracket configured for attachment to a bin, the bracket including a hemisphere portion having a slit extending therethrough; a spring attachment plate substantially fixed relative to the bracket, the spring attachment plate comprising a central pillar and at least two cavities; a lifting arm assembly comprising a lifting arm and a ball joint connected thereto, the ball joint having an integral stub extending therefrom, wherein the stub is configured to pass through the slit of the hemisphere portion and to selectively engage one of the at least two cavities on the spring attachment plate; a torsion spring mounted about the central pillar and configured to be operatively connected between the spring attachment plate and the lifting arm to bias the lifting arm towards a non-actuated position; and a double-sided lifting pin at a distal end of the lifting arm; wherein the lifting arm is configured to be flipped relative to the bracket, and the stub is configured to be rotated approximately 180 degrees relative to the spring attachment plate to re-engage one of the at least two cavities, to permit configuration of the lifting device for either left-hand or right-hand operation on the bin.

8. The lifting device of claim 7, wherein the spring attachment plate further comprises a blocker member configured to interact with a limit pin on the lifting arm to limit a range of rotational displacement of the lifting arm.

9. A method of operating a garbage bin lid using a lid opening system, the method comprising the steps of: providing the lid opening system of claim 1, comprising at least one lifting device mounted to the bin; applying a downward force to the stirrup; transmitting the force via the at least one actuating strap to the attachment point on the lifting arm of the at least one lifting device, thereby causing the lifting arm assembly to pivot upwardly relative to the bracket against the bias of the torsion spring; engaging the lid of the bin with the lifting pin to open the lid; releasing the downward force from the stirrup; and allowing the torsion spring to bias the lifting arm assembly downwardly, thereby closing the lid.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the lid opening system comprises a system with a single lifting device, and wherein transmitting the force comprises pulling an actuating strap connected between the stirrup and the attachment point of the single lifting device.

11. A method of configuring a lifting device of the system of claim 2 for ambidextrous operation on a bin, the method comprising: rotating the stub of the ball joint by approximately 180 degrees; selecting one of the at least two cavities on the spring attachment plate corresponding to a desired left-hand or right-hand configuration; engaging the rotated stub within the selected cavity such that the stub also passes through the slit in the hemisphere portion of the bracket; and orienting the lifting arm by flipping it such that an appropriate side of the double-sided lifting pin is positioned to engage the lid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1A Side view of the invention installed on a bin, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 1B Front view, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 1C Opposite side view of the invention, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 Exploded view of the invention, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 3A Front view of the invention, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 3B Side see through view of the lifting arm, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 3C Top view of the invention, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 3D Isometric view of the invention, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 4A Top view of the ball joint, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 4B Side view of the ball joint, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 5A Top view of the strap attachment member, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIG. 5B Side view of the strap attachment member, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0040] The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein.

[0041] It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms a or an, as used herein, are defined as to mean at least one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, not necessarily mechanically, and not permanent. The term providing is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. As used herein, the terms about, generally, or approximately apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider near the stated amount by about 0%, 5%, or 10%, including increments therein. In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0042] Referring now to the accompanying FIGURES, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, there is provided a foot-operated garbage bin lid opening system 10, for use on a bin 12 having a lid 30.

[0043] As depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C, the system 10 comprises a foot-actuatable stirrup 15. A length-adjustable stirrup strap 14 is attached at a first end to the stirrup 15. The opposite end of the stirrup strap 14 connects to a strap connector clip 17. The strap connector clip 17, in a typical dual-sided configuration, connects to a pair of actuating straps 16, 16. Each actuating strap 16, 16 extends to one of two lifting devices 8,18, respectively, with each lifting device being located on a respective side of the bin 12.

[0044] Each lifting device 18, 18, an exemplary one shown in detail in FIG. 2, includes a mounting assembly for attachment to the bin 12. This mounting assembly comprises a pocket 20 configured to be mechanically fastened to a rim portion 38 of the bin 12. The pocket 20 may feature an edge portion 21 facilitating the fastening. A bracket 36 is configured to be slidably received within the pocket 20. The bracket 36 can be secured within the pocket 20 by a threaded knob 27. The threaded knob 27 includes a threaded shaft 35 (FIG. 2) that passes through an aperture 31 in the pocket 20 and engages a threaded aperture 31 located at a bottom portion of the bracket 36. The bracket 36 may further include a pressure tab 23 (FIGS. 2, 3A) extending generally perpendicularly therefrom, configured to abut a surface of the bin 12 for stability.

[0045] The bracket 36 features an integral hemisphere portion 38 (FIG. 2). A slit 40 extends across the hemisphere 38, typically from one edge to an opposite edge thereof. A lifting arm assembly is pivotally associated with the bracket 36. This assembly includes a lifting arm 22 and a ball joint 34 (FIGS. 2, 4A, 4B). An integral stub 42 extends from the ball joint 34. The stub 42 is configured to pass through the slit 40 in the hemisphere 38.

[0046] A spring attachment plate 24 (FIGS. 2, 5A, 5B) is disposed proximate to the hemisphere 38 and is substantially fixed relative to the bracket 36 during operation. The spring attachment plate 24 comprises a central pillar 28. A torsion spring 26 is mounted about the central pillar 28. An inner end of the torsion spring 26 is configured to be anchored within a slit or recess (not explicitly shown) in the central pillar 28. An outer end of the torsion spring 26 engages a spring engagement feature 58 located on the lifting arm 22. The lifting arm 22, the spring attachment plate 24 (via its central pillar 28), and the ball joint 34 are assembled together. A locking knob 32 passes through the lifting arm 22 and a centrally located opening 54 in the central pillar 28 of the spring attachment plate 24, and threadedly engages the ball joint 34 (or a component thereof), thereby connecting these parts such that the lifting arm 22 (with ball joint 34) can pivot relative to the fixed spring attachment plate 24 and bracket 36, loading or unloading the torsion spring 26. The torsion spring 26 is configured to bias the lifting arm 22 towards a position that corresponds to the lid 30 being closed.

[0047] At a distal end of the lifting arm 22, a lifting pin 44 is provided, which is configured to engage and lift the lid 30 of the bin 12. The actuating straps 16, 16 are attached to the lifting arm 22 at an attachment point 56 on the arm in FIG. 3B/3C. The straps 16, 16 may pass through a strap track 33 (FIGS. 2, 3C, 3D) formed on or associated with the lifting arm 22 en route to the attachment point 56.

[0048] The system 10 is designed for ambidextrous configuration, allowing the same parts to be re-arranged for use on either the left or right side of the bin 12. To facilitate this, the lifting pin 44 is a double-sided pin, extending from both sides of the lifting arm 22. The lifting arm 22 can thus be flipped. The ball joint stub 42 can be re-positioned by rotating it 180 degrees and still pass through the slit 40 in the hemisphere 38. The spring attachment plate 24, although described as substantially fixed during operation, can be oriented during initial assembly. The ball joint stub 42 is configured to engage one of two cavities 52, 52 (FIGS. 2, 5A, 5B) located on the spring attachment plate 24. The choice of cavity 52 or 52 and the orientation of the spring attachment plate 24 can be determined during assembly to suit left or right-hand configuration and potentially adjust spring pre-tension. This configuration allows for cost reduction by avoiding separate left and right-specific molded parts. The components are designed for ease of assembly, disassembly, and substitution by an end-user.

[0049] The spring attachment plate 24, being substantially fixed relative to the bracket 36, also features a blocker member 50 (FIGS. 2, 5A) positioned to interact with a limit pin 29 which limits the range of rotational displacement of the lifting arm 22, for instance, to prevent the lid 30 from flipping beyond a desired angle (e.g., 90 degrees).

[0050] In a preferred mode of operation, a user presses downward on the stirrup 15 with their foot. This action pulls on the stirrup strap 14 and consequently on the actuating strap(s) 16 (and 16 if present). The tension in the strap(s) 16, passing through the strap track 33, pulls on the attachment point 56 of the lifting arm 22. This force causes the lifting arm 22 to rotate upwards around its pivot axis defined by the ball joint 34 and its interaction with the hemisphere 38. As the lifting arm 22 rotates, the lifting pin 44 engages and opens the lid 0. This rotation also further tensions the torsion spring 26. Upon release of the foot pressure from the stirrup 15, the stored energy in the torsion spring 26 rotates the lifting arm 22 back to its resting position, thereby closing the lid 30.

[0051] While the invention is illustrated with two lifting devices 10 (referring to the overall system, but likely meaning two lifting devices 18, 18, one on each side of the bin 12, it is also contemplated that a single lifting device 18 may be used. In such a single-device configuration, to maintain the stirrup 15 at a practical central front position of the bin, one actuating strap (e.g., 16) would be connected to the attachment point 56 of the single lifting device 18, while the other strap (e.g., 16) could be connected to a simple hook or anchor point (not shown) on the opposite side of the bin or on the lifting device itself if designed to accommodate such. Alternatively, for a single device setup, the stirrup 15 and stirrup strap 14 could be located on the side of the bin 12 more directly aligned with the single lifting device.

[0052] Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0053] It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

[0054] In addition, reference to first, second, third, and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.