RFID-ENABLED WASTE/RECYCLING CART

• US 20080094224A1
• Filed: 10/23/2006
• Published: 04/24/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Cascade Engineering Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Cascade Engineering Incorporated
• Inventors: Kilduff, James R., Bollo, Joseph A., Barrett, Michael A., Parker, Brian G., Ammond, P. Charles
• Application Number:
  US11/551,816
• Publication Number:
  US 20080094224A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/572.8
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 1/1484 relating to the adaptation of receptacles to carry identification means
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 1/1646 provided with means for mounting on receptacles, e.g. hinges

Abstract

An RFID-enabled waste/recycling cart including a container, a lid, a hinge pin, and an RFID device. The container includes a handle, and the RFID device is located within the handle. The hinge pin connects the lid to the container and also secures the RFID device within the handle. The RFID device may be attached to or separate from the hinge pin. If attached, the RFID device may be molded to the hinge pin or snap-fitted to the hinge pin. At least one of the handle, the RFID device, and the hinge pin may include structure for angularly orienting the RFID device within the handle.

Claims

1. An RFID-enabled waste/recycling cart comprising:

a container having a handle defining a cavity; and

an RFID device within said cavity.

2. The cart of claim 1 wherein said cavity includes orientation means for orienting said RFID device within said cavity.

3. The cart of claim 2 wherein:

said orientation means includes at least one longitudinal spline; and

said RFID device interfits with said spline.

4. The cart of claim 1 further comprising:

a lid;

a hinge pin in said cavity and hingedly connecting said lid to said container; and

a wall dividing said cavity into a first sub-cavity for said RFID device and a second sub cavity for said hinge pin.

5. The cart of claim 1 further comprising:

a lid; and

a hinge pin in said cavity and connecting said lid to said container.

6. The cart of claim 5 wherein said RFID device is connected to said hinge pin.

7. The cart of claim 6 wherein said RFID device includes a winged portion extending laterally from said hinge pin.

8. The cart of claim 6 wherein said RFID device is integrally molded with said hinge pin.

9. The cart of claim 6 wherein said RFID device is snap-fitted to said hinge pin.

10. The cart of claim 5 wherein said RFID device and said hinge pin are unconnected.

11. An RFID-enabled waste/recycling assembly comprising:

a container having a handle;

a lid;

a hinge pin received within said handle and hingedly connecting said lid to said container; and

an RFID device within said handle.

12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein said RFID device is attached to said hinge pin.

13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said RFID device is integrally molded with said hinge pin.

14. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said RFID device includes a portion extending laterally beyond said hinge pin.

15. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said RFID device is snap-fitted to said hinge pin.

16. The assembly of claim 11 wherein at least one of said handle, said RFID device, and said hinge pin includes means for orienting said RFID device within said cavity.

17. The assembly of claim 11 wherein said RFID device is attached to said hinge pin.

18. A waste/recycling container hinge pin assembly comprising:

a hinge pin; and

an RFID device attached to said hinge pin.

19. The hinge pin assembly of claim 18 wherein said RFID device is integrally molded with said hinge pin.

20. The hinge pin assembly of claim 19 wherein said RFID device includes a portion extending laterally beyond said hinge pin.

21. The hinge pin assembly of claim 18 wherein said RFID device is snap-fitted to said hinge pin.

22. A method of retrofitting a waste/recycling container to provide RFID capability, the container having a lid and a hing pin connecting the lid to the container, said method comprising the steps of:

removing the hinge pin from a cavity; and

inserting a hinge pin and an RFID device into the cavity.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the RFID device is connected to the hinge pin.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein the RFID device is separate from the hinge pin.