Device for separating and compacting waste and related method

Abstract

Containers for containing, separating, compacting and / or disposing household garbage are described.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 393,287 (“the '287 Application”), filed on July 29, 2022. This application incorporates by reference the entire disclosure of the '287 Application, as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to apparatus and related methods, for example, for retaining, separating, compacting and disposing of at least trash.

[0004] introduction

[0005] This section introduces aspects that may be helpful in promoting a better understanding of the described invention. Therefore, the statements in this section should be read in this light, and should not be construed as admissions of what is or is not in the prior art.

[0006] Garbage consists of a mixture of food and packaging materials (e.g., paper and plastic). Initially, garbage is placed in temporary holding trash cans in kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms (to name a few). Thereafter, the temporary trash cans are emptied into larger trash cans, which are then placed at or near the street or road, or into trash chutes in apartment buildings, which are emptied into even larger trash cans. In almost all cases, temporary trash cans, larger trash cans, chutes, and trash cans all have a maximum capacity, which limits the amount of garbage that the garbage removal trucks / services can receive and hold for final disposal at municipal waste disposal, recovery and recycling facilities.

[0007] It is therefore desirable to compact as much waste as possible into a smaller volume to increase the amount of waste that can be disposed of at one time, and to separate different types of waste for recycling purposes (e.g., separating plastic packaging into different grades for industrial processing).

[0008] Overview

[0009] The present disclosure describes an exemplary container for containing, separating, compacting and disposing of household waste. One such container may include: fixed, non-removable side walls; a fixed, non-removable rear wall; one or more movable dividers (e.g., a ball, roller or track system for moving the divider from one end of the container to the other); and a removable top cover configured to cover one or more internal separate cavities (e.g., 3 or 4 cavities) for containing waste and for compacting waste.

[0010] Such containers may also include removable containers for separating, compacting and disposing of the waste.

[0011] In addition, such a container may include one or more additional features, such as: (a) a fastener for holding the container stationary, wherein the fastener may include one or more suction cups; (b) a clamping mechanism, which also includes a handle fixed to one of the one or more movable dividers or connected to one of the fixed non-movable side walls; (c) a top support structure; (d) a trash bag support, which is configured and shaped to hold and support the weight of a corresponding trash bag and trash placed in the bag.

[0012] Another exemplary container for containing, separating, compacting and disposing of household waste may include: an upper component and a lower component for collecting food and food waste, wherein each component includes a side wall, and wherein the upper component includes a removable and movable top cover configured in a first top opening, an integral bottom with an integral grating, and the lower component includes a second top opening and a fixed bottom wall, and wherein the integral grating is configured to fit in the second top opening.

[0013] In this exemplary container, the integrated bottom may also include a stationary bottom or a movable bottom, and the stationary bottom or the movable bottom may further include one or more wheels and corresponding wheel locks.

[0014] Additionally, the grille may be configured to protrude two to three inches into the second top opening of the lower member.

[0015] In an embodiment, the height of the upper component may be 1 / 2 of the total height of the container, or 2 / 3 of the total height of the container.

[0016] The exemplary container may also include one or more fasteners to hold the container stationary.

[0017] Furthermore, the bottom of the upper component may further include a plurality of openings to allow air circulation so as to dry the non-liquid waste in the upper component, and each of the lower component and the upper component may include one or more corresponding handles.

[0018] In other embodiments, the exemplary container may further include a side bar or pedal mechanism fixed to the outside of the lower component or the upper component for opening the first cover, or the side bar or pedal may disengage the lower component or the upper component in addition to opening the first cover.

[0019] In addition to the container, the present disclosure also provides an associated method for compacting household waste.

[0020] One such exemplary method for containing, separating and compacting domestic waste may include: containing the domestic waste in a container including one or more separate chambers; reducing the volume of the one or more chambers containing the domestic waste by compacting the domestic waste using a mechanism coupled to one or more of the dividers and side walls of the container as the one or more dividers move from one end of the container toward a rear wall of the container to an opposite end of the container; and increasing the volume of another of the one or more separate chambers as the one or more dividers move from one end of the container to an opposite end of the container.

[0021] In embodiments, the volume of each of the individual cavities may be different or may be the same.

[0022] Such an exemplary method may also include rotating a handle of the mechanism in a direction to move the one or more dividers away from the rear wall to increase the volume of one or more individual cavities other than one of the one or more cavities. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figures 1A to 1C An exemplary apparatus for containing, compacting, and disposing of household waste is depicted according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 Depicted is a trash bag including an internal trash bag support (e.g., a hook) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 1A to 1C An enlarged view of one or more individual cavities within the device.

[0026] Figures 3A to 3G A simplified mechanical diagram depicts an exemplary structure of an exemplary apparatus for containing, separating, compacting, and disposing of domestic waste according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C A second exemplary apparatus for containing, draining, and disposing of domestic waste is depicted in accordance with another embodiment.

[0028] Detailed description including examples

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of an apparatus and related methods for containing, separating, discharging, compacting and disposing of at least trash are described herein and are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following description and drawings, the same reference numerals / characters may refer to the same elements.

[0030] It should be understood that although specific embodiments are discussed herein, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments.

[0031] It should be understood that the embodiments discussed herein are for illustrative purposes and that additional modifications and alternative embodiments are contemplated that fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] It should also be noted that one or more exemplary embodiments may be described as a process or method (the words "method" or "methodology" may be used interchangeably with the word "process" herein). Although a process / method may be described as sequential, it should be understood that such a process / method may be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. In addition, the order of each step within a process / method may be rearranged. A process / method may terminate upon completion and may also include additional steps not included in the description of the process / method (e.g., if such steps are known to those skilled in the art).

[0033] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context and / or common sense indicates otherwise.

[0034] It should be understood that when a device or a part or element of a device is referred to or shown in the figure as being "connected" to another device (or a part or element of a device) (or other tenses of connection), such devices, parts or elements may be directly connected, or intermediate parts or elements may be used to assist the connection. In the latter case, if the intermediate devices, parts or elements are well known to those skilled in the art, these intermediate devices, parts or elements may not be described herein or shown in the drawings.

[0035] To the extent described in the text or shown in the drawings, these dimensions are exemplary. Other dimensions may be used to provide devices (e.g., trash containers) of different sizes.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "exemplary" or "embodiment" are intended to refer to examples falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0037] Reference now Figures 1A to 1C , depicts an exemplary device (e.g., a garbage container, bin, or barrel, hereinafter collectively referred to as a "container") 1 for containing, separating, compacting, and disposing of garbage (such as, for example, household garbage). As shown, the container 1 may include fixed, non-movable side walls 7 and a fixed, non-movable rear wall (not shown; see Figure 2 10). In one embodiment, the container 1 may be a removable container or another device 1 that is inserted into a drawer (such as in a kitchen "island"). In another embodiment, the container 1 may be a stand-alone container that may include a fastener for holding the container stationary (e.g., one or more suction cups on the bottom of the container 1; not shown).

[0038] In one embodiment, the exemplary container 1 may include a compacting mechanism 2, which may include a crank or a rotatable handle (collectively, the "handle"). In one embodiment, the rotatable handle may be connected to a metal string or turnbuckle, which is also connected to the side of the container 1. The container 1 may also include one or more movable separators or movable dividers 3a to 3n (collectively, "movable dividers") to move one or more dividers 3a to 3n from one end of the container 1 to the opposite end when the user 4 rotates the handle of the mechanism 2 in one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0039] Although the handle of the mechanism 2 is depicted as being connected to one of the movable partitions 3a to 3n fixed to one or more of them, this is exemplary only. In an alternative embodiment, the handle of the mechanism 2 may be connected to one of the fixed, non-movable and supporting side walls 7 of the container 1, rather than to the movable partitions 3a to 3n.

[0040] The container 1 may include a removable top cover 6 that may be configured to cover one or more separate interior chambers 9a to 9n of the device 1 for containing waste (e.g., three or four separate chambers), the separate interior chambers being formed by at least one or more side walls 7, a bottom wall (not shown), one or more removable dividers 3a to 3n, and sometimes a rear wall 10 (see Figure 3B and Figure 3C or Figure 3F and Figure 3G ) and a lid 6. In one embodiment, the container 1 may initially include three separate chambers before compaction occurs, and may include four separate chambers when compaction begins (e.g., three separate chambers containing trash and one separate chamber without trash). When the lid 6 is removed, one or more of the inner separate chambers 9a to 9n may be formed by, for example, one or more side walls 7, a bottom wall (not shown), one or more movable dividers 3a to 3n, and sometimes a rear wall 10 (see Figure 3B and Figure 3C or Figure 3F and Figure 3G )form.

[0041] In order to fix the lid 6, the container 1 may include a top support structure 8, the width of which may be greater than the width of the cavities 9a to 9n but less than the width of the lid 6, and the length of which may be greater than all of one or more cavities 9a to 9n but, for example, substantially the same as the lid 6.

[0042] In addition to being used as a lid 6, the lid 6 can also be removed and used to compact the trash within the container 1 by holding the lid 6 in a vertical position above the trash within the chambers 9a to 9n and then pushing the lid 6 downward onto the top of the trash, thereby forcing the trash downward toward the bottom wall (not shown) of the container 1 (see, e.g. Figure 1C For example, the cover may measure 12 inches long, 10 inches wide and 24 inches high, with the openings to the cavities 9a to 9n being 6 inches or, for example, at least half the width of the cover (illustrative purposes; subject to change).

[0043] Figure 2 Depicted Figures 1A to 1C 9a to 9n, the container including an internal trash bag support 5 (e.g., a hook) for each cavity 9a to 9n, which can be connected to the dividers 3a to 3n and / or the side walls 7 or the rear wall 10. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each support 5 can be configured and shaped to hold and support the weight of a corresponding trash bag (not shown) and trash placed in the bag. After the compaction process is completed, for example, the compacted bag and its contents (e.g., trash) can be removed from each support within the individual cavity 9a to 9n and replaced with a new, empty trash bag.

[0044] Reference now Figures 3A to 3G , depicts a simplified mechanical diagram of an exemplary structure of an exemplary container 1 for containing, separating, compacting and disposing of domestic waste according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 3D and Figure 3E The bottom of one or more movable dividers is depicted, where the dividers may include small balls (e.g., ball bearings), small wheels, rollers, or a track system 11 to help smoothly move the dividers from one side of the device 1 to the other side of the container 1.

[0046] Before the waste is compacted, the volume of each individual chamber 9a to 9n of the container 1 for receiving domestic waste can be the same (see Figure 3B and Figure 3F ) or may be different. In addition, when the trash is compacted by the elements of the mechanism 2 in combination with the one or more container dividers 3a to 3n, the side wall 7 and possibly the rear wall 10, the volume of the one or more individual chambers 9a to 9n containing the trash may decrease as the one or more container dividers 3a to 3n move from one end of the container 1 towards the rear wall 10 of the container to the opposite end of the container 1 (see, for example, Figure 3C and Figure 3G). In addition, as one or more container dividers 3a to 3n move from one end of the container 1 to the opposite end, the volume of another separate cavity 9c that does not contain garbage (created when one or more dividers 3a to 3n move) can increase (again, see e.g. Figure 3C and Figure 3G ).

[0047] While all of the dividers 3a to 3n may be moved during the compaction process upon actuation of the elements of the mechanism 2, this is exemplary only. In alternative embodiments, only one container divider 3a may be moved during the compaction process from one end of the container 1 toward another divider 3b to 3n closer to the opposite end (e.g., rear wall 10), or alternatively, the divider 3a may be moved during the compaction process from one end of the container 1 toward the rear wall 10 toward the opposite end. In any case, upon actuation of the elements of the mechanism 2, trash within one or more individual chambers 9a to 9n may be compacted by the movable dividers 3a to 3n as the dividers force the trash against the non-moving dividers 3a to 3n and / or against the rear wall 10 of the container 1.

[0048] Conversely, to stop the compaction process, the user 4 can rotate the handle of the mechanism 2 in a direction that moves one or more movable dividers 3a to 3n in the opposite direction (e.g., away from the rear wall 10) (in the opposite direction, e.g., counterclockwise or clockwise). As one or more dividers 3a to 3n move away from the rear wall 10, the volume of each individual cavity 9a to 9n except one can increase. The only exception is the individual cavity 9c that is created as the compaction process proceeds. In an embodiment, the volume of the individual cavity 9c can decrease as the dividers 3a to 3n move away from the rear wall 10.

[0049] like Figures 1A to 3G As shown, the wall 7, the rear wall 10 and at one of the dividers 3a to 3n can form an outer rectangular shape of the container 1, although this is merely exemplary. Other shapes can be configured, such as square or diamond.

[0050] An exemplary container 1 may have dimensions measuring 24 inches high, 20 inches long, and 10 inches wide, to name just one of many exemplary configurations of container 1. For example, lid 6 may measure 12 inches long, 10 inches wide, and 24 inches high, with the length of the opening being at least half the width.

[0051] For example, the walls 7, 10 and the partitions 3a to 3n may be constructed from wood, metal or strong plastic, or some combination of wood, metal and strong plastic.

[0052] Reference now FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C, depicts an exemplary device (e.g., container) 100 for containing, separating, compacting, and disposing of household waste. As shown, the container 100 may include an upper component 102 and a lower component 101, each of which may include a side wall. In an embodiment, the upper component 102 may include a removable and movable top cover 104 configured in a top opening 105 ("first top opening") of the component 102, and an integral bottom, fixed grille 108, while the lower component 101 may include a top opening 107 ("second top opening") and a fixed bottom wall (not shown in the figure).

[0053] In one embodiment, the dimensions (e.g., length, width, thickness) of the sidewalls 114 of the top member and the dimensions (e.g., length, width, thickness) of the sidewalls of the integrated grille 108 may be the same, or alternatively, may be similar. Figure 4B As shown, the sidewall 114 may be larger in size than the sidewall 113 of the grille 108. In an alternative configuration, the smaller sized sidewall 113 of the grille 108 may form a shoulder-like extension of the top member 102.

[0054] In either embodiment (i.e., where the sidewalls 113 of the grille are the same size as the sidewalls 114 of the upper member or are smaller), the integral grille 108 can be configured to fit within the opening 107 of the lower member 101. In embodiments, the grille 108 can also be configured to protrude two to three inches into the second top opening 107 of the lower member 101, for example.

[0055] like Figure 4A As shown, the sidewalls 115 of the lower component 101 may be larger in size (length, width, and thickness) than the sidewalls 114 of the upper component so that when the integrated grille 108 is inserted into the opening 107 of the lower component 101 , the upper component 102 rests securely on or over the top of the lower component 101 .

[0056] Alternatively, the side walls 115 of the lower component 101 may be smaller in size than the side walls 114 of the upper component provided (not shown), however, this configuration allows the upper component 102 to rest securely on top of the lower component 101 when the grille 108 is inserted into the opening 107 of the lower component 101.

[0057] Further, for example, the height of the upper component 102 can be 1 / 2 of the total height of the container 100 (i.e., where, when the upper component is inserted into the lower component, the total height is equal to the combined height of both the upper component and the lower component), or the height of the upper component 102 can be 2 / 3 of the total height of the container 100.

[0058] In more detail, the exemplary upper component 102 may have side walls 114 that measure, for example, 12 inches high. Additionally, the integrated grille 108 may have side walls 113 that measure, for example, 10 inches wide. Additionally, the exemplary lower component 101 may have side walls 115 that measure, for example, 10 inches wide.

[0059] In an embodiment, the entire container 100 can be inserted into a drawer, such as in a kitchen "island" or a laboratory cabinet. In another embodiment, the container 100 can be a stand-alone device that can include fasteners 109 to keep the device stationary (e.g., raised moldings on the perimeter of the side walls of the lower part 101).

[0060] In one embodiment, the upper member 102 can be used as a compacting mechanism. For example, when the user 110 forces the upper member 102 and its integrated bottom grille 108 downward into the lower member 101, the domestic waste 111 in the lower member can be compacted and liquid within the waste can be squeezed out of the waste. The combination of the upper member 102 and the grille 108 can be used as a filter to filter out, reduce or remove liquid within the waste 111 as the waste is squeezed onto and through the grille 108.

[0061] In an embodiment, liquid 112 of squeezed waste 111 can be captured and retained within the side and bottom walls of lower component 101. In addition, the bottom of upper component 102 can include several openings (not shown) to allow air circulation to dry non-liquid waste in upper component 102.

[0062] Each of the lower and upper components 101, 102 may include one or more respective handles 103, 106. Thus, in an embodiment, a user 110 may empty the trash 111 in the upper component and the liquid 112 in the lower component 101 (as well as any trash filtered through the grille 108) by lifting the respective component (via its handles 103, 106) and emptying the component.

[0063] Alternatively, or in addition to the handles 103, 106, the lid 104 may be moved to the open position by stepping on a side bar or pedal mechanism (not shown) fixed to the exterior of the lower component 101 or upper component 102. The pedal mechanism may also disengage the respective lower component 101 or upper component 102 so that the components 101, 102 may be lifted or removed.

[0064] like FIG. 4A to FIG. 4CAs shown, the side walls of the upper member 102 and the lower member 101 may form an outer rectangular shape for the device 100, although this is merely exemplary. Other shapes may be configured, such as square or diamond shapes.

[0065] For example, side walls 113, 114, 115, grille 108, and lid 104 may be constructed from wood, metal, or sturdy plastic, or some combination of wood, metal, and sturdy plastic.

Claims

1. A container for containing, separating, compacting and disposing of domestic waste, comprising: fixed, non-removable side walls; fixed, non-removable rear wall; one or more movable dividers; and A removable top cover is configured to cover one or more interior separate chambers for containing trash and for compacting trash.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein The container includes a removable container for separating, compacting and disposing of the waste.

3. The container of claim 1 further comprising a fastener for holding the container stationary.

4. The container according to claim 3, wherein: The fastener includes one or more suction cups.

5. The container of claim 1, further comprising a handle secured to one of the one or more movable dividers.

6. The container of claim 1 further comprising a handle connected to one of the fixed, non-removable side walls.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein The one or more inner individual cavities include three or four cavities.

8. The container of claim 1 further comprising a top support structure.

9. The container of claim 1, further comprising a trash bag support configured and shaped to hold and support the weight of a corresponding trash bag and trash placed in the bag.

10. The container according to claim 1, wherein The one or more movable dividers may include ball bearings, rollers or a track system to move the dividers from one end of the container to the other.

11. A container for containing, separating, compacting and disposing of domestic waste, comprising: an upper member and a lower member, wherein each member includes a side wall, and wherein the upper member includes a removable and movable top cover disposed within a first top opening, an integral bottom including an integral grille, and the lower member includes a second top opening and a fixed bottom wall, and Wherein, the integrated grille is configured to fit within the second top opening.

12. The container according to claim 11, wherein The integrated bottom also includes a fixed bottom or a movable bottom, and the fixed bottom or the movable bottom further includes one or more wheels and corresponding wheel locks.

13. The container according to claim 11, wherein The grille is also configured to protrude two to three inches into the second top opening of the lower member.

14. The container according to claim 11, wherein The height of the upper member is 1 / 2 of the total height of the container.

15. The container according to claim 11, wherein The height of the upper part is 2 / 3 of the total height of the container.

16. The container of claim 12, further comprising one or more fasteners for holding the container stationary.

17. The container according to claim 11, wherein The upper member includes a bottom, and the bottom includes one or more openings to allow air circulation to dry the non-liquid waste in the upper member.

18. The container according to claim 11, wherein Each of the lower component and the upper component includes one or more respective handles.

19. The container of claim 11, further comprising a side lever or pedal mechanism fixed to an exterior of the lower component or the upper component to open the first cover.

20. The container of claim 11, further comprising a side bar or pedal mechanism fixed to the exterior of the lower component or the upper component to open the first cover to disengage from the lower component or the upper component.

21. A method for containing, separating and compacting domestic waste, comprising: containing the household waste in a container comprising one or more separate chambers; reducing the volume of one or more of the cavities containing the domestic waste by compacting the domestic waste using a mechanism associated with one or more of the dividers and side walls of the container as one or more dividers move from one end of the container toward a rear wall of the container to an opposite end of the container; and As the one or more dividers move from the one end of the container to the opposite end of the container, the volume of another of the one or more separate chambers is increased.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The volume of each of the individual chambers is different.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The volume of each of the individual chambers is the same.

24. The method of claim 21 further comprising rotating a handle of the mechanism in a direction to move the one or more dividers away from the rear wall to increase the volume of the one or more individual cavities except for one of the one or more cavities.

Images