Automatic countertop access port and method of use thereof

Abstract

An automatic countertop trash access port with automatic cover, wherein the access port comprises a sensor that recognizes when waste is approaching the cover, and wherein the sensor activates a solenoid to open the cover to permit waste to drop through the access port into a trash container therebelow, thereby avoiding the need for a user to make contact with the trash access port. Prior to passing into the trash container, trash may be shredded, compacted and / or ground via a disposal mechanism. A locking mechanism to retain the cover open or closed may also be provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to counter access to waste containers, and more specifically to an automatic countertop access port, wherein the automatic countertop access port senses waste approaching a cover plate thereof and automatically activates to dispose of the waste to a container below the counter. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Home kitchens typically have a trash receptacle located therein. Access to such receptacles is often required to be immediate and must be accomplished without full use of on or both hands. Accordingly, such receptacles are typically in the open for unobstructed access. However, trash containers detract from the aesthetic appearance of the kitchen and it is usually desired that such receptacles be placed out of view, if possible. Unfortunately, placing such a trash receptacle out of view typically obstructs access to the receptacle, resulting in difficulty of placing trash therein. [0003] In addition to home kitch...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0020] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to sense the proximity of approaching trash and to dispose of same.

[0021] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to automatically open to receive trash without contamination of the device cover from contact with the trash.

[0022] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to permit trash to be shredded, ground via a disposal and / or compacted.

[0023] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be mechanically locked open or closed.

[0024] Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to sense the level of trash in a container.

[0025] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a tightly sealed surface.

Problems solved by technology

However, trash containers detract from the aesthetic appearance of the kitchen and it is usually desired that such receptacles be placed out of view, if possible.

Unfortunately, placing such a trash receptacle out of view typically obstructs access to the receptacle, resulting in difficulty of placing trash therein.

In addition to home kitchens, fast food restaurants have similar, but more complex, problems with disposal of trash, including food.

Unfortunately, fast food restaurant patrons must typically utilize their hand to push open the swinging door of the trash receptacle, and, at the same time, the patron must utilize their other hand to hold the tray and insert the tray into the trash receptacle opening, wherein trash, including food, remaining on the tray is deposited into a trash container below the receptacle opening.

Additionally, residual food on the trays often contacts the door of the trash receptacle, resulting in an unsanitary condition, and it is undesirable for a patron to touch such door when disposing of food.

Occasionally, a patron may even drop a tray into the trash receptacle, resulting in economic loss to the restaurant.

Further, some patrons may find it difficult to carry out the aforementioned actions to simultaneously open the trash receptacle door and clear trash from their tray.

Young children and handicapped or disabled patrons may find it difficult to dispose of trash on their tray into such a conventional trash receptacle.

Moreover, for some disabled patrons, it may be impossible to operate a typical trash receptacle.

Some trash may easily fall to the ground or remain on the tray.

While the enclosure conceals a receptacle or receptacles, it is external to a building, thus requiring additional space.

Unfortunately, such a device often permits the door to contact trash thereinside and further accumulates trash on surfaces of the door, wherein the door still requires touching by a patron / user causing sanitary concerns.

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