STORAGE CONTAINER FOR A VEHICLE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/469,046 filed March 9, 2017. The entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to containers and more specifically to storage containers for use with a vehicle.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0003] Cargo carried by vehicles having exposed passenger compartments (e.g., motorcycles, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and/or similar vehicles) and/or vehicles having exposed storage compartments (e.g., a bed of truck) may be exposed to the weather (e.g., rain, snow, sleet, and/or other weather conditions). Such exposure may damage the cargo and/or may render the cargo at least temporarily unusable. For example, a motorcycle operator may find it desirable to carry one or more items of clothing. However, if the motorcycle operator encounters rain, the clothing may become wet, potentially rendering the clothing temporarily unsuitable for use.

[0004] To protect cargo carried by a vehicle from the weather, the cargo may be placed in one or more weather resistant containers. While weather resistant containers may protect the cargo from the weather, the cargo stored in the containers may not be readily accessible by an operator of the vehicle. For example, a motorcycle operator may secure additional storage containers and/or equipment stacked on top the weather resistant containers secured to the motorcycle in order to increase the amount of equipment carried by the motorcycle. However, by securing additional storage containers and/or equipment on top the weather resistant containers secured to the motorcycle may render the weather resistant containers secured to the motorcycle inaccessible without first removing the additional storage containers and/or equipment. As may be appreciated, this is inefficient and time consuming. SUMMARY

[0005] An example container for a vehicle may include a mounting sidewall and at least one container sidewall that extends from the mounting sidewall and defines a cavity within the container. A receptacle may be disposed within the cavity. The receptacle may at least partially define a compartment having an open end. A cover may be positioned opposite the mounting sidewall. The cover may selectively enclose the cavity.

[0006] Another example of a container for a vehicle may include a mounting sidewall and at least one container sidewall that extends from the mounting sidewall and defines a cavity within the container. A receptacle may be disposed within the cavity. The receptacle may at least partially define a compartment having an open end. A cover may be positioned opposite the mounting sidewall. The cover may be rotatably coupled to at least one container sidewall, wherein the cover rotates between an open and a closed position.

[0007] Yet another example of a container for a vehicle may include a mounting sidewall and at least one container sidewall that extends from the mounting sidewall and defines a cavity within the container. A cover may be positioned opposite the mounting sidewall. The cover may be rotatably coupled to at least one container sidewall, wherein the cover rotates between an open and a closed position. A receptacle may be disposed within the cavity and may be coupled to the cover. The receptacle may at least partially define a compartment having an open end. At least one vehicle mount may be coupled to the mounting sidewall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a container having a cover, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a container having a cover and may be one example of the container of FIG. 1, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 2A having the cover in a closed position, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. [0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a hinge that may be one example of a hinge for rotatably coupling the cover of FIG. 2A to the container of FIG. 2A, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 2A showing a mounting sidewall, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle mount that may be used with the container of FIG. 2A, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 2A having a receptacle disposed therein, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI- VI of the container of FIG. 5, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the container of FIG. 2A, wherein the cover is slideably coupled to the container, consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] By way of a general overview, FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of a container 100 configured to be secured to a mounting rack (e.g., a bracket) or vehicle (such as, but not limited to, a motorcycle, bicycle, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile, automobile, or the like) 101. The mounting rack may be configured to be either permanently or removably mounted, coupled, and/or otherwise secured to at least a portion of the vehicle.

[0019] The container 100 includes one or more vehicle adjacent sidewalls 102, one or more container sidewalls 104 (e.g., a plurality of container sidewalls 104) extending from one or more of the vehicle adjacent sidewall 102, and one or more covers 112 which collectively define and/or at least partially define at least one cavity 106 within the container 100. As used herein, the vehicle adjacent sidewall(s) 102 are defined as one or more sidewall(s) of the container 100 having an external surface that at least partially opposes (e.g., faces) the mounting rack/vehicle 101 when the container 100 is secured to the mounting rack/vehicle 101.

[0020] One or more the sidewalls 102, 104 may also function as a mounting sidewall. The mounting sidewall is configured to be either permanently or removably mounted, coupled, and/or otherwise secured to at least a portion of the mounting rack/bracket 101 (which itself is configured to be either permanently or removably mounted, coupled, and/or otherwise secured to at least a portion of a vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a motorcycle, bicycle, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile, automobile, or the like). In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle adjacent sidewall 102 is shown as the mounting sidewall; however, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect unless specifically claimed as such.

[0021] The cover 112 is configured to selectively enclose and/or seal an open end region 107 of the cavity 106. For example, the cover 112 may be coupled to one or more sidewalls 102, 104 by way of a hinge (such as, but not limited to, a spring hinge, barrel hinge, pivot hinge, butt/mortise hinge, case hinge, continuous/piano hinge, concealed hinge, butterfly hinge, flag hinge, strap hinge, lift-off hinge, self-closing hinge, or the like) and/or slide rail. As such, the cover 112 may move along a generally arcuate path and/or linear path relative to the sidewalls 120, 104 when opening/closing.

[0022] When in the cover 112 is in the closed position (e.g., when the cover 112 is abutting against and/or sealed with one or more of the sidewalls 102, 104 to close off the cavity 106 to the external environment/surroundings), a portion of at least one inner surface 113 of the cover 112 generally faces the vehicle and/or the mounting rack 101. As a result, the cover 112 is generally unobstructed and can be opened and closed even when there is equipment on a top surface 116 of the container 100 (e.g., a surface of the sidewall 102 that faces generally upwardly when the container 100 is secured to the vehicle 101).

[0023] One or more receptacles 108 may be configured to be disposed within and/or at least partially disposed within the cavity 106. The receptacle 108 may define a compartment 110 for receiving one or more items (e.g., equipment) and may include at least one open end 109 to provide access to the compartment 110. The receptacle 108 may be movable with respect to the cavity 106. For example, the receptacle 108 may be either permanently or removably mounted, coupled, and/or otherwise secured to at least a portion of the cover 112 and/or may slide at least partially out of the cavity 106 (e.g., on rails or the like) relative to one or more of the sidewalls 102, 104.

[0024] Turning now to FIG. 2A, one example of a container 200 consistent with the container 100 of FIG. 1 is generally illustrated. The container 200 includes a vehicle adjacent sidewall 202, at least one container sidewall 204 extending from the mounting sidewall 202, and at least one cover 208 which define a cavity 206 within the container 200. By way of a non-limiting example, the container 200 may form a generally rectangular shaped container 200 having one vehicle adjacent sidewall 202 (which also serves as/functions as a mounting sidewall), one cover 208, and a plurality of container sidewalls 204 (e.g., a top container sidewall 204a, a left container sidewall 204b, right container sidewall 204c, and bottom container sidewall 204d). The cover 208 may be pivotally coupled to the container 200 (e.g., but not limited to, the bottom container sidewall 204d) such that the cover 208 selectively encloses the cavity 206 in response to a rotation of the cover 208. When the rectangular container 200 is secured to the vehicle (not shown), the vehicle adjacent/mounting sidewall 202 may form one of the upright sides of the container 200 (e.g., not the top or bottom sides) and the cover 208 may be disposed generally opposite to the vehicle adjacent/mounting sidewall 202. In other words, the cover 208 may be disposed on a generally opposite side of the container 200 relative to the vehicle adjacent/mounting sidewall 202.

[0025] The cover 208 may be pivotally connected to the container 200 at one or more of the sidewalls 202, 204 (e.g., but not limited to, the bottom container sidewall 204d as shown) using one or more hinges 210 such that the cover 208 rotates about a pivot axis 212 of the hinge 210. For example, the cover 208 may rotate about the pivot axis 212 between an opened positioned (as shown, for example, in FIG. 2A) and a closed position (as shown, for example, in FIG. 2B). As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, as the cover 208 transitions from the closed position to the opened position, at least a portion of the cover 208 rotates in a direction away from the vehicle adjacent/mounting sidewall 202. When the cover 208 transitions to the opened position, a substantial portion (e.g., at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, and/or at least 99%) of a cavity opening 207 of the cavity 206 may be uncovered (e.g., accessible and/or unobstructed). In other words, the cover 208 may transition from completely covering the cavity opening 207 to covering only an insubstantial portion (e.g., less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, less than 5%, and/or less than 1%) of the cavity opening 207. Regardless, the cover 208 may transition between open and closed positions without substantially interfering with one or more objects engaging (e.g., contacting) the container sidewall 204.

[0026] When in the closed position, one or more mechanical couplers 201 (e.g., latches, magnets, thread fasteners, belts/straps, and/or any other suitable coupler) may engage (e.g., contact) the cover 208 such that the cover 208 is prevented from transitioning from the closed position to the open position. The coupler 201 may be actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. In particular, when the coupler 201 is in the unlocked position, the cover 208 may be capable of transitioning from the closed position to the open position. Further, when in the locked position, the coupler 201 may exert a force on the cover 208 such that the cover 208 maintains a desired engagement with (e.g., exerts a desired force on) at least a portion of one or more sidewalls 202, 204. The one or more couplers 201 may be coupled to the sidewalls 202, 204 and/or the cover 208.

[0027] When the cover 208 is in the closed position, the cover 208 may engage one or more sidewalls 202, 204 such that the cavity 206 is enclosed by the cover 208. In some instances, the cover 208 may sealingly engage one or more sidewalls 202, 204 such that ingress of dust, water, and/or other contaminants into the cavity 206 is substantially prevented (e.g., at least 80% of contaminants are prevented from entering the cavity 206, at least 85% of contaminants are prevented from entering the cavity 206, at least 90% of contaminants are prevented from entering the cavity 206, at least 95% of contaminants are prevented from entering the cavity 206, and/or at least 99% of contaminants are prevented from entering the cavity 206). In some instances, when the cover 208 is in the closed position, the container 200 may provide ingress protection consistent with one or more International Protection Markings ("IP ratings") promulgated by International Electrotechnical Commission ("IEC") Standard 60529. For example, when the cover 208 is the closed position, the container 200 may meet the requirements for an IP rating of IP54, IP64, IP57, IP67, and/or any other suitable rating.

[0028] Optionally, one or more seals 214 are positioned on one or more of the cover 208 and/or the sidewalls 202, 204. When the cover 208 is in the closed position, the seal 214 may reduce, prevent (or substantially prevent), or otherwise mitigate the ingress of contaminants at the interface between the cover 208 and the sidewalls 202, 204. In some instances, when the cover 208 is in the closed position and the coupler 201 is in the locked position, the seal 214 may be compressed by a force exerted by the coupler 201. The seal 214 may for example be a gasket and/or an O-ring formed of any one or more of polybutadiene rubber, chloro sulfonated polyethylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, acrylonitrile -butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, and/or any other suitable material.

[0029] When the cover 208 transitions from the open position to the closed position and a seal is formed at the interface between the cover 208 and one or more of the sidewalls 202, 204, a positive pressure (i.e., a pressure that is greater than that of the environment surrounding the container 200) may exist within the cavity 206. A pressure release valve 216 may be provided to equalize the pressure within the cavity 206 with the external environment. The pressure release valve 216 may be provided in, for example, one or more of the cover 208, container sidewall 204, and/or vehicle adjacent sidewall 202. To reduce, prevent (or substantially prevent), or otherwise mitigate the ingress of contaminants at the pressure release valve 216, the pressure release valve 216 may be a one-way valve. In other words, the pressure release valve 216 may only open when the cavity 206 experiences a positive pressure. Additionally (or alternatively), an opening that extends from an exterior of the container 200 into the cavity 206 may be provided to prevent the development of a positive pressure within the cavity 206. In these instances, it may be desirable to locate the opening at a location that minimizes the ingress of contaminants into the cavity 206.

[0030] The pressure release valve 216 may be particularly useful when closing the cover 208 quickly. In such situations, the air within the cavity 206 may increase rapidly due to the air being compressed when closing. The pressure release valve 216 may open in response to transitioning the cover 208 from the open to the closed positions. Additionally, the pressure release valve 216 may be particularly useful in climates that experience a large temperature swing. For example, when the container 200 has been sealed (e.g., closed) and the temperature increases throughout the day, the air pressure within the cavity 206 may increase significantly, which could lead to damage to the sidewalls 202, 204, cover 208, and/or the seal 214. Alternatively, when the container 200 has been sealed (e.g., closed) and the temperature decreases throughout the day, the air pressure within the cavity 206 may decrease significantly, which could lead to a negative pressure within the cavity 206. The negative pressure within the cavity 206 may make opening the cover 208 very difficult and/or could damage the sidewalls 202, 204, cover 208, and/or the seal 214. In either scenario, the pressure release valve 216 may open in response to the air pressure within the cavity 206 changing relative to the atmospheric pressure, thereby minimizing any pressure differences.

[0031] When the cover 208 transitions from the closed position to the open position the cover 208 may rotate through a rotation angle Θ formed between one or more of the sidewalls 202, 204 and the cover 208. In some instances, rotation of the cover 208 about the pivot axis 212 may be limited. In other words, the cover 208 may be prevented from rotating beyond a maximum value of the rotation angle Θ. For example, the maximum value of the rotation angle Θ may measure in a range of 20° to 200°. By way of further example, the maximum value of the rotation angle Θ may measure in a range of 25° to 180°. By way of even further example, the maximum value of the rotation angle Θ may measure in a range of 75° to 90°. In some instances, the rotation angle Θ may measure greater than 20° and less than 90°. In other instances, the rotation angle Θ may measure greater than 90° and less than 180°.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-section of one example of the hinge 210. As shown, a rotating portion 306 of the hinge 210 includes a pivot limiter 302 and a rotating mounting portion 304, each extending from the rotating portion 306 of the hinge 210. As the rotating portion 306 rotates, the pivot limiter 302 approaches a fixed portion 308 of the hinge 210. When the pivot limiter 302 engages (e.g., contacts) the fixed portion 308 of the hinge 210 further rotation of the rotating portion 306 is prevented. The fixed portion 308 of the hinge 210 may further include a fixed mounting portion 310. The rotating mounting portion 304 of each hinge 210 may be coupled to one of, for example, the cover 208 or the sidewalls 202, 204 and the fixed mounting portion 310 of each hinge 210 may be coupled to, for example, the other of the cover 208 or the container sidewall 204. The rotating mounting portion 304 and the fixed mounting portion 310 may be coupled to the cover 208 and/or the sidewalls 202, 204 using any one or more of adhesives, threaded fasteners (e.g., bolts and/or screws), snap fits, press-fits, and/or any other form of coupling. In some instances, the rotating mounting portion 304 and the fixed mounting portion 310 may be integrally formed from a respective one of the cover 208 or the container sidewall 204.

[0033] In some instances, a pin 312 may extend from the rotating portion 306 of the hinge 210. The pin 312 may engage an opening 314 in a pin arm 316 extending from the fixed portion 308. Additionally (or alternatively), the pin 312 may extend from the fixed portion 308 and the pin arm 316 may extend from the rotating portion 306. In some instances, the opening 314 in the pin arm 316 may have at least one an open end such that a groove is formed. When the pin 312 is received in the opening 314, the rotating portion 306 may rotate about and/or with the pin 312. As such, the pivot axis 212 (FIG. 2A) may extend through a center of the pin 312. In some instances, the pin 312 may be integrally formed with one or more of the rotating portion 306 and/or the fixed portion 308. Additionally (or alternatively), the pin 312 may be separate from the rotating portion 306 and the fixed portion 308.

[0034] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a mounting sidewall 400 of the container consistent with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. For ease of explanation, the mounting sidewall 400 will be described in combination with the vehicle adjacent sidewall 202 of the container 200, though it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited in this respect unless specifically claimed as such. The mounting sidewall 400 may include one or more vehicle mounts 402. As shown, at least a portion of the vehicle mount 402 may be positioned on a vehicle facing surface 403 of the vehicle adjacent/mounting sidewall 202. The vehicle mount 402 may include a mounting bar 404 and at least one guide 406 extending from the mounting bar 404. The guide 406 may slideably engage a track having a corresponding groove on a vehicle and/or mounting rack 101 such that the container 200 may be slideably coupled to the vehicle and/or mounting rack 101. In this manner, the container 200 may be removed from a vehicle and/or mounting rack 101 by a pulling motion on a handle 408 of the container 200. Additionally (or alternatively), the container 200 may be coupled to a vehicle (or a track coupled to the vehicle) 101 using any one or more of press-fits, snap fits, adhesives, threaded fasteners (e.g., bolts and/or screws), and/or any other form of coupling.

[0035] A lockable latch 410 may be coupled to the container 200. The lockable latch 410 may engage a vehicle and/or a frame coupled to the vehicle when the container 200 is coupled to the vehicle. The lockable latch 410 may have a locked and unlocked position, wherein, when the lockable latch 410 is in the locked position, the container 200 is prevented from being removed from the vehicle and/or mounting rack 101 without causing damage to the container 200 and/or the vehicle. In some instances, the lockable latch 410 may be coupled to a vehicle and/or a frame coupled to the vehicle, wherein the lockable latch 410 engages the container 200 when the container 200 is coupled to the vehicle and/or a frame coupled to the vehicle. In some instances, the lockable latch 410 may include an indicator that indicates when the lockable latch 410 is in the locked position or the unlocked position.

[0036] FIG. 4B shows a perspective view of the vehicle mount 402 and a corresponding track 412 (e.g., track corresponding to mounting rack 101). As shown, the track 412 may include a slot 414 extending from a container facing surface 416 at least partially through the track 412. As also shown, the track 412 may include a channel 418 extending from the slot 414 and at least partially through the track 412. A slot width 420 may measure less than a channel width 422. As such, the slot 414 and the channel 418 may generally be described as defining a T-shaped groove within the track 412. However, the slot 414 and the channel 418 are not limited to define a T-shaped groove, for example, the slot 414 and the channel 418 may define an L-shaped groove. In some instances, the track 412 may not include the channel 418 and the slot 414 may extend all the way through the track 412.

[0037] As shown, the guide 406 includes a head portion 424 and a body portion 426. The body portion 426 of the guide 406 may be positioned between the head portion 424 and the mounting bar 404. The body portion 426 of the guide 406 may be received within the slot 414 and the head portion 424 may be received within the channel 418 (or, if the channel 418 is not included in the track 412, the head portion 424 may extend from an external surface of the track 412 that is opposite the container facing surface 416). As such, a body width 428 of the body portion 426 may measure less than the slot width 420 and a head width 430 of the head portion 424 may measure less than the channel width 422 but greater than the slot width 420. Therefore, the head width 430 may measure greater than the body width 428. Accordingly, the guide 406 may be capable of slideably engaging the track 412 while securing the container 200 to the track 412 (a portion of the container 200 is shown schematically with hidden lines for purposes of convenience).

[0038] As shown, the mounting bar 404 may be coupled to the container 200 using one or more threaded fasteners 432 (e.g., a bolt) threadably engaging a respective connector 434 (e.g., a nut) on an opposing side of the container 200. The threaded fastener 432 and the connector 434 may include locking threads. Locking threads may generally be described as threads that create a mechanical interference with each other when engaging each other. The use of locking threads may reduce, prevent, or otherwise mitigate the loosening of the threaded fastener 432 in response to vibrational effects. Additionally (or alternatively), an adhesive may be applied to the threads of one or more of the threaded fastener 432 and/or the connector 434.

[0039] A resiliently deformable material 436 (e.g., a rubber washer or O-ring,) may be positioned between the connector 434 and the mounting bar 404. The resiliently deformable material 436 may form a seal at an opening in the container 200 for receiving the threaded fastener 432. This may prevent (or substantially prevent), reduce, or otherwise mitigate the ingress of contaminants into the container 200. Further, when the resiliently deformable material 436 is compressed, the resiliently deformable material 436 may exert a tensile force on the threaded fastener 432, which may result in the frictional forces between the threads of the threaded fastener 432 and the connector 434 increasing. This may reduce, prevent, or otherwise mitigate the loosening of the threaded fastener 432 in response to vibrational effects. [0040] While FIG. 4B is described as having the vehicle mount 402 being coupled to the container 200 and the track 412 as being coupled to a vehicle, such a configuration is not required. For example, the track 412 may be coupled to the container 200 and the vehicle mount 402 may be coupled to a vehicle.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the container 200 having a receptacle 502 disposed therein. As shown, the receptacle 502 defines a compartment 504 within the cavity 206 of the container 200 when the cover 208 is the closed position. The compartment 504 may include an open end 506 for receiving one or more items capable of being disposed within the compartment 504. As shown, the receptacle 502 is coupled to the cover 208 such that, when the cover 208 transitions between the opened and closed positions, the receptacle 502 rotates with the cover 208. As such, the open end 506 of the compartment 504 is at least partially accessible when the cover 208 is in the open position.

[0042] In some instances, the receptacle 502 may be removably coupled to the cover 208 such that the receptacle 502 may be removed from the container 200 when the cover 208 is in the open position. For example, the receptacle 502 may be coupled to the cover 208 using any one or more of a press-fit, a hook and loop fastener, magnetics, and/or any other form of removable coupling. In other instances, the receptacle 502 may be non-removably coupled to the cover 208.

[0043] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the container 200 of FIG. 5 taken along the line VI- VI. As shown, in some instances, the cover 208 may partially define the compartment 504. In other words, the cover 208 may define at least part of the compartment 504. In these instances, the receptacle 502 may include one or more flanges 602 for coupling the receptacle 502 to the cover 208. The flanges 602 may include one or more openings for receiving a threaded fastener (e.g., a screw or a bolt). In other instances, the cover 208 may not define a part of the compartment 504. That is, a sidewall of the receptacle 502 may be coupled to the cover 208. Regardless, the receptacle 502 may be coupled to the cover 208 using one or more of adhesives, threaded fasteners (e.g., bolts and/or screws), snap fits, press-fits, and/or any other form of coupling.

[0044] The receptacle 502 may also include one or more raised regions 604, which define one or more mounting fixture recesses 606 on an external surface 608 of the receptacle 502. Each of the mounting fixture recesses 606 may correspond to the threaded fastener 432 and/or the connector 434. In other words, the mounting fixture recesses 606 correspond to a respective portion of a corresponding portion of the vehicle mount 402 extending into the cavity 206. The mounting fixture recesses 606 allow the threaded fastener 432 and/or the connector 434 to extend into the cavity 206 of the container 200. A fixture recess width 610 (e.g., a diameter) may be sized such that the mounting fixture recess 606 does not interfere with one or more of the threaded fastener 432 and/or the connector 434 when the cover 208 transitions between open and closed positions.

[0045] When the cover 208 is rotated about the hinge 210, a distal most inside corner 612 of the receptacle 502 traverses along an arc having a center located on the pivot axis 212 (FIG. 2A), wherein the arc does not intersect the container sidewall 204. In other words, when the cover 208 transitions between the open and closed positions, the receptacle 502 does not engage (e.g., contact) the container sidewall 204. As such, a receptacle height 614 measures less than a cavity height 616.

[0046] The receptacle height 614 may, for example, measure in a range of 20 centimeters (cm) to 100 cm. By way of further example, the receptacle height 614 may measure in a range of 30 cm to 80 cm. By way of even further example, the receptacle height 614 may measure in a range of 35 cm to 65 cm. A measure of receptacle depth 615, for example, may be in a range of 10 cm to 50 cm. By way further example, a measure of the receptacle depth 615 may be in a range of 15 cm to 40 cm. By way of even further example, a measure of the receptacle depth 615 may be in a range of 20 cm to 30 cm.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the container 200 having a cover 208 that is slideably coupled to the container 200 using one or more rails 702. As shown, in response to a sliding movement along the one or more rails 702, the cover 208 may transition from a closed position to an open position. As also shown, the receptacle 502 is coupled to the cover 208 such that the receptacle 502 moves with the cover 208. As a result, the receptacle height 614 may be increased relative to when the receptacle 502 pivots with the cover 208 about the hinge 210 (rotation of the receptacle 502 with the cover 208 about the hinge 210 is discussed, for example, in FIG. 6). For example, one or more of the rails 702 have an adjustable length (e.g., telescope) to allow the cover 208 to move from the closed to the open position. Additionally, while the cover 208 is shown moving generally linearly with respect to the sidewalls 202, 204, the cover 208 may move along an at least partially arcuate path. [0048] The receptacle 502 of FIGS. 5-7 may be formed of a plastic, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, polycarbonate, and/or any other plastic. Additionally (or alternatively), the receptacle 502 may be formed of a rubber, for example, polybutadiene rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, and/or any other rubber. Additionally (or alternatively), the receptacle 502 may be formed of a metal, for example, a stainless steel alloy, an aluminum alloy, and/or any other metal or metal alloy.

[0049] While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.