Safety ramp for dumpster

Abstract

A trash dumpster includes one or more transition elements, e.g., one or more safety ramps, which span from the above-ground dumpster bed adjacent to a side or end opening of the dumpster to the ground or other external surface when the ramp is deployed into an operating position. The ramp provides a step-free pathway extending between the interior bottom surface of the container and the external surface on which a person may more safely carry, wheelbarrow, or drive debris into the dumpster. The ramp may be integral to the dumpster bed, or may be removably attached so as to allow stowage in a compartment located underneath or on the side of the dumpster when not in use.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by letters patent of the United States is:  
     
         1 . A container, comprising: 
 a bottom and a plurality of sides suitably arranged to define a volume therebetween;    an opening suitably adapted to allow entry into the container, said opening being located on at least one of the sides; and    a first transition element spanning an interior bottom surface of the container adjacent to the opening and a surface external to the container when the first transition element is in an operating position,    said first transition element providing a step-free pathway extending between the interior bottom surface and the external surface.    
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising a storage rack connected to one of the bottom and a side, said storage rack being adapted to receive the first transition element while in a non-operating position.  
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2 , further comprising restraining means for ensuring that the first transition element selectively remains in the non-operating position.  
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the first transition element is hingedly connected to the bottom of the container at an end of the first transition element located distal from the opening.  
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein a surface of the first transition element, in a non-operating position, lies essentially flush with the interior bottom surface of the container.  
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 5 , further comprising restraining means for ensuring that the first transition element selectively remains in the non-operating position.  
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the first transition element comprises: 
 a first part hingedly connected to a second part,    wherein the first part is adapted to overlay an end portion of the interior bottom surface of the container, and    wherein the second part is thicker than the first part.    
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the second part includes strengthening means for stiffening the second part.  
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein the strengthening means is arranged at least along two edge portions of the second part.  
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein the strengthening means is tapered at an end which contacts the surface external to the container.  
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the second part comprises a nonskid safety material.  
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the second part, in a stowage position, is rotated into a position essentially perpendicular to the bottom.  
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising a second transition element connected to the first transition element, 
 wherein the second transition element spans the interior bottom surface of the container adjacent to the opening and the surface external to the container when the first and second transition elements are in the operating position,    said second transition element being laterally separated from and essentially parallel to the first transition element to define a space therebetween.    
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 13 , further comprising adjustment means for adjusting the lateral separation between the first and second transition elements.  
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising attachment means for connecting the first transition element to the interior bottom surface of the container adjacent to the opening while the first transition element is in an operating position.  
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 15 , wherein the attachment means comprises one or more hooks adapted to engage a corresponding hole in the interior bottom surface of the container.  
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 15 , wherein the attachment means comprises a pin extending through holes aligned through both the first transition element and the interior bottom surface of the container.  
     
     
         18 . The container of  claim 17 , wherein the pin is a spring-loaded pin having a lifting eye on an exposed end.  
     
     
         19 . The container of  claim 17 , wherein a hole in the first transition element is a slotted elongated hole which allows movement of the first transition element with respect to the interior bottom surface of the container.  
     
     
         20 . The container of  claim 17 , wherein the pin is arranged to restrain the first transition element in both the operating position and a stowed, non-operational position.  
     
     
         21 . The container of  claim 20 , wherein the pin comprises at least one through-piece extending essentially perpendicularly through a cylindrical body of the pin.  
     
     
         22 . The container of  claim 20 , wherein a hole in the first transition element has a key-like shape essentially corresponding to a cross-section of the pin.  
     
     
         23 . A ramp suitable for attachment to and use with a trash container having a bottom and a plurality of sides suitably arranged to define a volume therebetween, the ramp comprising: 
 a first part hingedly connected to a second part,    wherein the first part is adapted to overlay an end portion of the bottom of the trash container,    wherein the second part is thicker than the first part, and    wherein the second part is suitable for safely supporting a person and a wheeled vehicle.    
     
     
         24 . The ramp of  claim 23 , wherein the second part comprises a non-skid safety material.  
     
     
         25 . The ramp of  claim 23 , wherein the second part comprises strengthening means for stiffening the second part.  
     
     
         26 . The ramp of  claim 25 , wherein the strengthening means is arranged at least along two edge portions of the second part.  
     
     
         27 . The ramp of  claim 25 , wherein the strengthening means is tapered at an end which, along with the second part, contacts a surface external to the container.