Hinged refuse disposal unit

Abstract

This invention is a novel apparatus that can be used to alleviate the physical strain and stress of removing the often times heavy contents of garbage or refuse cans. It is essentially a typical garbage or refuse container of any applicable size that is fitted with a single hinge or multiple hinges. These hinges can be molded to the body of the garbage can or can be affixed separately. The garbage or refuse container is essentially divided in two with the hinge on one side and latches on the other. The edges of the garbage container can also molded to have a tongue and groove connection for added strength and support when the can is in its whole, enclosed position. The invention also has a ring that snaps into place on the top rim of the invention when in its closed position that is used to secure any plastic bag around the upper rim of the garbage can as well as add extra structural support. The invention is novel in that it facilitates side removal of a garbage containers contents. The user simply releases the latches and pushes the side portions of the garbage can apart. The sides pivot open because of the hinge on the opposite side of the can from the latches. The bottom of the garbage container simply slides out from under the garbage bag or contents of the garbage container. When the contents are removed the user will simply push the half portions back together, the tongue and groove edges, if utilized, will meet and secure and the latch component will be secured forming a whole garbage or refuse container once again.

1 . A refuse disposal unit consisting of: 
 a refuse disposal container with a primary opening at the top;    the refuse disposal container vertically divided into two half body portions;    the two identical half body portions with sides and a bottom of equal size and shape;    the two half body portions being connected along a vertical edge by a hinge that facilitates a pivotal range of motion about an axis of rotation;    multiple latches or connecting buckles on the opposite vertical edge of the half body portions from the hinge;    a ring or cap piece that fits securely over the top edge of the half body portions when the portions are pressed into a closed position to form a refuse disposal container.    
   
   
       2 . The refuse disposal unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 the hinge being molded to the vertical edge of the half body portions with an external rod placed within the hinge rod receiving knuckles when the half body portions are connected along the half body portion's vertical edge.    
   
   
       3 . The refuse disposal unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 the hinge comprising a plurality of integrally-mounted, longitudinally-spaced, longitudinally-aligned hinge rod receiving knuckles, the hinge rod receiving knuckles each further comprising an exterior surface and an interior hinge rod receiving surface;    
   
   
       4 . The refuse disposal unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 the hinge as a separate component externally affixed to the half body portions.    
   
   
       5 . The refuse disposal unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 more than one hinge being utilized along the vertical edge of the half portions.    
   
   
       6 . The refuse disposal unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 molded latches to the half body portions on the opposite vertical edge from the hinge, the latches consisting of a upper latch portion and a lower groove portion on opposing sides of the vertical edge at corresponding vertical heights with the upper latch portion fitting securely over the top of the lower grove portion;    
   
   
       7 . The refuse disposal unit as in  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 a lip component on the underside of the upper latch portion that secures over a lip component on the lower groove portion of the latch.    
   
   
       8 . The refuse disposal unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 externally mounted latches, buckles or clasp utilized to connect the half body portions on the opposite vertical edge from the hinge.    
   
   
       9 . The refuse disposal unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 half body portions that are square or rectangular in shape.    
   
   
       10 . The refuse disposal unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 half body portions that are spherical or circular in shape.    
   
   
       11 . The refuse disposal unit as in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 edges of the half body portions being molded to have a tongue and groove connection with one vertical edge of one half body portion having a u-shaped groove and the opposite vertical edge of the opposite half body portion having the straight edge tongue that facilitate a secure connection when the half body portions are pressed into a closed position.    
   
   
       12 . A method of utilizing the apparatus, comprising the steps of: 
 releasing the latches or buckles to enable the invention to be pivoted to an open about a single axis of rotation from a closed position;    removing the ring or cap piece from the top of the invention;    applying opposing lateral forces to the invention on the side opposite the hinge in order to pivot the half portions of the invention open about the axis of rotation:    removing the contents from the invention;    applying lateral forces to the half body portions towards one another to close the invention about the single axis of rotation;    securing the latches or buckles;    securing the cap piece on the top portion invention.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein: 
 a trash bag is used with the invention and secured and removed when the invention is pivoted to an open position.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein: 
 refuse is contained within the invention without the use of a bag or like container and the refuse is removed when the invention is pivoted to an open position.