Railways – Traction – Cable
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-22
2001-05-29
Morano, S. Joseph (Department: 3617)
Railways
Traction
Cable
Reexamination Certificate
active
06237503
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to conveying devices for moving objects from one location to another. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for moving a receptacle such as a garbage bin to and from a house and a street.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conveying systems for moving objects are known in the art. The conveying system enables a homeowner to transport trash from his home to a curb-side location without having to carry it. The conveying system especially helps an elderly person or a disabled person to move loaded trash from his home to a street curb location.
Conveying systems typically include a support structure extending from a point near the home to a point near the curb. Commonly, the support structure is a track on which a garbage container can move. The weight of the container is supported by wheels. Many conveying systems typically include an endless conveyor chain. A first end of the endless conveyor chain is generally rotated by a rotary drive pulley. The rotary drive pulley is rotated by a motor. A second end of the endless conveyor chain generally rotates about a rotary idler pulley. The motor is attached to a first end of the support structure and the idler pulley is attached to a second end of the support structure. Commonly, the endless conveyor chain is also attached to a container. Typically, the endless conveyor chain extends longitudinally within the support structure so as to be movable in the space below the container. When the motor is turned on, the motor can drive the endless conveyor chain in a forward or a backward direction. Thus, the container can move with the endless conveyor chain and may carry the trash from the home to the curb.
Conveying systems are typically permanently installed and the length of support structure cannot be easily adjusted. Thus, it can be difficult for a homeowner to relocate the trash loading point.
Additionally, conventional conveying systems do not have a regulating system to control the distance of motion of the container. Furthermore, a conventional conveying system does not have a quick release coupling allowing the container to be easily released.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a conveying system for moving household trash from a point near a house to a point near a curb so that the homeowner does not have to carry the trash. The conveying system has a support structure that includes a plurality of interlocking mats. The homeowner can change the trash loading location by adding or removing sections of interlocking mats. Additionally, the conveying system includes a regulating system that can provide at least two distance limits for the movement of the container, for example, a first distance limit can stop the container near the house, and a second distance limit can stop the container near the road. Furthermore, the conveying system includes a wireless remote control allowing the homeowner to conveniently operate the motor from inside the house. Additionally, a quick release coupling allows the container to be removed easily from a connector post.
The present invention in one embodiment generally provides an apparatus comprising:
a motor;
a rotary drive pulley operatively coupled to the motor;
a support structure having a first end attached to the motor and a second end attached to an idler member;
an endless flexible conveyor connecting the rotary drive pulley and the idler member;
a first end of a connector post connected to the endless flexible conveyor;
a container for carrying objects removably attached to a second end of the connector post; and
a wireless remote control system for activating the motor.
The present invention in another embodiment provides an apparatus comprising:
a motor;
a rotary drive pulley operatively coupled to the motor;
an endless flexible conveyor connecting the rotary drive pulley and an idler member;
a support structure having a first end attached to the motor and a second end attached to the idler member, wherein the support structure further includes a plurality of interlocking mats, with a first longitudinal opening receiving a first portion of the endless flexible conveyor within each mat, and a second longitudinal opening receiving a second portion of the endless flexible conveyor within each mat;
a first end of a connector post connected to the endless flexible conveyor; and
a container for carrying objects removably attached to a second end of the connector post.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising:
a motor;
a rotary drive pulley operatively coupled to the motor;
a support structure having a first end attached to the motor and a second end attached to an idler member;
an endless flexible conveyor connecting the rotary drive pulley and the idler member; and
a connector post having a first end connected to the endless flexible conveyor and a second end including a quick release coupling for attaching a container.
The apparatus further including a regulating system for providing at least two distance limits for the motion of the container.
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McCarry, Jr. Robert J.
Morano S. Joseph
Schmeiser Olsen & Watts
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