초록 ▼

An apparatus for inspecting discarded items prior to disposal has a receptacle suitable for fitting on an opening of a disposal container, a tray pivotally mounted in the inner opening of the receptacle so as to be movable between a generally horizontal first position and an angularly disposed secon

An apparatus for inspecting discarded items prior to disposal has a receptacle suitable for fitting on an opening of a disposal container, a tray pivotally mounted in the inner opening of the receptacle so as to be movable between a generally horizontal first position and an angularly disposed second position, a handle connected to the tray and extending radially outwardly therefrom, and a latch cooperative with the handle for fixing the tray in the first position and for releasing the tray from the first position when a lifting force is applied to the handle. The second position is suitable for allowing discarded articles to pass into the container.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An apparatus for inspecting discarded items prior to disposal comprising: a receptacle having an inner opening, said receptacle suitable for fitting on an opening of a disposal container;a tray mounted by a pivotal connection in said inner opening of said receptacle, said tray movable between a h

1. An apparatus for inspecting discarded items prior to disposal comprising: a receptacle having an inner opening, said receptacle suitable for fitting on an opening of a disposal container;a tray mounted by a pivotal connection in said inner opening of said receptacle, said tray movable between a horizontal first position and an angularly disposed second position, said second position suitable for allowing discarded articles to pass from said tray into the container, said tray having a first portion on one side of said pivotal connection extending angularly upwardly and a second portion on an opposite side of said pivotal connection extending angularly downwardly when in the second position, said first portion and said second portion being coplanar;a handle connected to said tray and extending radially outwardly therefrom; anda latching means cooperative with said handle for fixing said tray in said first position and releasing said tray from said first position when a lifting force is applied to said handle, said receptacle having a wall extending upwardly therefrom, said wall extending around a periphery of said inner opening, said wall having at least one slot formed therein, said handle extending through the slot of said wall. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, said receptacle having an outer ring extending downwardly therefrom at a periphery of said receptacle, said outer ring suitable for extending around a rim of the disposal container. 3. An apparatus for inspecting discarded items prior to disposal comprising: a receptacle having an inner opening, said receptacle suitable for fitting on an opening of a disposal container;a tray mounted by a pivotal connection in said inner opening of said receptacle, said tray movable between a horizontal first position and an angularly disposed second position, said second position suitable for allowing discarded articles to pass into the container, said tray having a first portion on one side of said pivotal connection extending angularly upwardly and a second portion on an opposite side of said pivotal connection extending angularly downwardly when in the second position, said first portion and said second portion being coplanar;a handle connected to said tray and extending radially outwardly therefrom; anda latching means cooperative with said handle for fixing said tray in said first position and releasing said tray from said first position when a lifting force is applied to said handle, said tray having a rim extend upwardly around a portion of a periphery thereof, said rim being adjacent said inner opening of said receptacle. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, said tray having a plurality of holes formed therein, said plurality of holes suitable for allowing liquids to drain therethrough. 5. An apparatus for inspecting discarded items prior to disposal comprising: a receptacle having an inner opening, said receptacle suitable for fitting on an opening of a disposal container;a tray mounted by a pivotal connection in said inner opening of said receptacle, said tray movable between a horizontal first position and an angularly disposed second position, said second position suitable for allowing discarded articles to pass from said tray into the container, said tray having a first portion on one side of said pivotal connection extending angularly upwardly and a second portion on an opposite side of said pivotal connection extending angularly downwardly when in the second position, said first portion and said second portion being coplanar;a handle connected to said tray and extending radially outwardly therefrom; anda latching means cooperative with said handle for fixing said tray in said first position and releasing said tray from said first position when a lifting force is applied to said handle, said tray having a housing positioned at a periphery thererof, said handle being pivotally connected to said housing, said latching means comprising a latch member positioned in said housing and positioned downwardly therefrom, said receptacle having a surface formed adjacent said inner opening, said latch member engaging said surface when said tray is in said first position. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, said latch member releasing from said surface when said handle is pivoted with respect to said housing by application of the lifting force. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, said handle having an arm extending downwardly therefrom, said arm bearing on said latch member. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, said latch member comprising: a structural member slidably positioned in said housing; anda latch arm extending downwardly from said structural member, said latch arm having a flange extending outwardly therefrom at an end opposite said structural member, said flange suitable for engaging said surface. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, said arm bearing against said structural member, said latch member further comprising: a spring positioned in said housing so as to bear against a side of said structural member opposite said arm. 10. A latching apparatus comprising: a handle having an arm extending downwardly therefrom;a housing pivotally connected to said handle, said housing having an interior area;a structural member slidably received in said interior area of said housing, said arm of said handle bearing against said structural member; anda latch arm extending downwardly from said structural member, said latch arm having a flange formed at an end thereof opposite said structural member, said handle pivoting with respect to said housing such that said arm urges on said structural member so as to move said flange of said latch arm inwardly. 11. The latching apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a spring positioned in said housing, said spring bearing on said structural member on a side opposite said latch arm, said spring urging on said structural member so as to move said flange of said latch arm outwardly. 12. The latching apparatus of claim 10, said flange having a tapered surface extending from an outer end thereof toward a bottom of said latch arm. 13. The latching apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a tray having an outer peripheral surface, said housing being affixed to said outer peripheral surface and extending radially outwardly therefrom, said handle having a portion extending radially outwardly of said tray. 14. The latching apparatus of claim 10, said housing having a channel formed therein, said structural member having a box shape with walls positioned adjacent inner walls of said channel. 15. The latching apparatus of claim 11, said structural member having a pin member extending outwardly therefrom on a side opposite said latch arm, said pin member receiving an end of said spring thereon.