Sanitary device for the lid of a trash can

Abstract

A system and method for sterilizing, purifying, and deodorizing the interior of a trash can are provided. An apparatus is provided that includes a housing and a sprayer configured to discharge a purification solution into the interior of the trash can. Additionally, the apparatus includes a power source such as a battery and an electronic circuit board that can enable and disable the nozzle. The apparatus can be mounted under the lid of the trash can, thereby enabling the solution to be sprayed downward into the interior of the trash can and into the bag contained therein. The adjustable nozzle can be adjusted to a plurality of different spray patterns. The solution of the apparatus can be replaced for further use of the apparatus when it is depleted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 390,042, filed on July 18, 2022, with the title "Sanitation Device for the Lid of a Dustbin", the entire content of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into this application.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a dustbin, and more particularly to a sanitation device that can be mounted on a part of the dustbin, such as a lid, to improve the sanitary condition, suppress the growth of bacteria and germs, and reduce odors inside the dustbin. More specifically, the present invention is mounted on the lower side of the upper lid of an outdoor dustbin and is configured to periodically spray a disinfectant and / or scented mist to kill bacteria, germs, and other microorganisms that may be present inside the container and improve the odor inside the trash can, such as a disc - shaped sanitation device.

Background Art

[0003] Despite efforts to keep the interior and surrounding areas of trash cans, dumpsters, or other containers clean, they will inevitably become dirty. Outdoor trash cans and dumpsters are often in worse condition in terms of cleanliness and odor than indoor trash cans. Since they are placed outdoors, users tend to be less inclined to deal with the dirt inside the cans. For example, even if there is a risk that trash bags from indoors may tear, users still throw the torn trash bags into outdoor trash cans, resulting in the contents of the bags spilling out and falling to the bottom of the outdoor cans. Similarly, animals that smell food or other waste may tear open open bags, causing the contents to spill out. In addition, since these cans are outdoors, they are exposed to various elements such as warm temperatures and sunlight, which can result in the spread of bacteria, germs, and other microorganisms, as well as related odors on a larger scale. Even if an "outdoor" trash can is installed in a garage, it may still be exposed to bad weather and may also be accessed by individuals, vehicles, the garage refrigerator or freezer, etc. Moreover, outdoor trash cans or dumpsters are emptied less frequently than indoor trash cans, and as a result, stuffed trash bags may remain in the cans for several days or weeks. Additionally, certain substances such as pet excrement and other chemicals are specifically thrown into outdoor cans. This typically makes the odors associated with outdoor trash cans and dumpsters even worse than those of indoor trash cans. In addition to the discomfort associated with dirty and unkempt trash cans, there is also a concern about the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can pose a danger to humans and animals living in close proximity to the trash cans.

[0004] To address these problems, users will usually need to open the trash can and manually spray a cleaning solution into the can. This is unpleasant, time-consuming, and may be easily forgotten. In addition, some people hire steam cleaners who come once a year or two to direct steam at these cans. Such cleaning is better than doing nothing, but since it is irregular, it is not sufficient to fully address the underlying problems.

[0005] Accordingly, what is needed is a device that helps minimize the odor, as well as the growth and spread of bacteria, germs, and microorganisms, present in a trash can, more specifically an outdoor trash can or dumpster. Further needed is a device that periodically releases a substance that helps reduce the odor, as well as the growth and spread of bacteria, germs, and microorganisms, present in a trash can or dumpster. U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 285,760, filed on December 3, 2021 (Patent Document 1), addresses some of these problems, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Broadly speaking, the present invention is directed to a sanitation device for a trash can, dumpster, or other container (collectively referred to herein as a trash can). More specifically, the present invention is directed to a sanitation device comprising a housing containing a purification solution and a nebulizer associated with the housing for discharging the purification solution into the trash can.

[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, the nebulizer may further comprise an adjustable nozzle having two or more different spray patterns. For example, the nozzle may have a wide spray pattern and a narrow spray pattern. With the wide spray pattern, a conical spray area of approximately 70 degrees (spray cone or cone of spray) can be achieved, and with the narrow spray pattern, a conical spray area of approximately 20 degrees can be achieved. Additionally, the nozzle may comprise a third intermediate spray pattern having a conical spray area of approximately 40 degrees.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may further include a container for containing a purification solution. In this case, the adjustable nozzle has a base fixed to the container and a side plate rotatably connected to the base. The side plate may be rotated relative to the base around three positions having three spray patterns. Furthermore, the apparatus may include a tab configured to hold the container in a fixed position relative to the housing. Furthermore, the delivery pipe may be used together with the container. The container may include a liquid reservoir for holding the purification solution. In this case, although the bottom wall of the liquid reservoir is slightly inclined toward a lower location, the liquid reservoir is a substantially horizontally mounted liquid reservoir. The pipe extends downward from the adjustable nozzle to the bottom wall of the liquid reservoir.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, the device comprises a housing for containing a purification solution, and a nebulizer housed within the housing and configured to discharge the purification solution into the interior of the trash can. By way of example and not limitation, the purification solution could be ZETRISIL from ESC Brands. The housing can be integrally formed with the lid or, in other cases, a separate housing removably attached to the lid. The nebulizer may be configured to spray the purification solution at predetermined intervals. For example, the nebulizer may be configured to spray the solution once a day, or more or less frequently as desired. In other cases, the nebulizer may be configured to spray the purification solution upon receiving a manual or virtual command, such as by pressing a button or otherwise giving a command to discharge the solution. The sanitation device may also include an electronic substrate and a battery connected to the electronic substrate and the nebulizer. The electronic substrate can give a command to the battery to operate the nebulizer. Additionally, the housing may include a plurality of compartments capable of housing one or more of the solution, the battery, and the electronic substrate. Additionally, a container for containing the solution may be removably insertable into one of the plurality of compartments. In other embodiments, a plastic pod for containing the solution may be removably insertable into one of the plurality of compartments. Still further, the nebulizer may include a tube, at least one nozzle connected to the tube, and a valve associated with the nozzle. The valve can be opened to discharge the liquid from the nozzle. The purification solution is configured to kill bacteria in the trash can, prevent exposure to microorganisms, and minimize odors in the trash can.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of using a sanitation device for a trash bin includes installing a housing inside the trash bin, spraying a solution from the housing into the trash bin, and replacing the solution when it is used up. Additionally, an adjustable nozzle may be rotated between two or more positions relative to a container holding the solution. For example, the adjustable nozzle may have a first position where the solution is discharged in a conical spray pattern of about 70 degrees, a second position where the solution is discharged in a conical spray pattern of about 40 degrees, and a third position where the solution is discharged in a conical spray pattern of about 20 degrees. The above method may also include disengaging a tab configured to hold the container and nozzle in a fixed position relative to the housing, removing the container and adjustable nozzle, replacing the container and adjustable nozzle, and re-engaging the tab to hold the replacement container and nozzle in a fixed position. The above method may also include spraying the solution from the housing into the trash bin about every 24 hours. The above method may also include spraying the solution from the housing in response to a manual or virtual command. Additionally, the above method may include attaching the housing under the lid of the trash bin. Furthermore, the above method may include providing a signal from an electronic board, providing power from a battery, and activating a valve to enable the solution to be dispersed from a nebulizer.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a sanitation device is provided for a trash bin that includes a housing containing a purification solution, at least one nebulizer housed within the housing and configured to discharge the purification solution into the trash bin, and a power source and an electronic board configured to enable and disable the at least one nebulizer. In some embodiments, the housing is formed on the lid of the trash bin. In other embodiments, the housing is removably connected to the lid using, for example, a mounting bracket, a clamp, or an adhesive. Furthermore, the device may include a horizontal sensor. The nebulizer may be disabled if the horizontal sensor does not detect that the housing is substantially horizontal. Conversely, the nebulizer may be enabled if the horizontal sensor detects that the housing is substantially horizontal.

[0013] The above or other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better recognized and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description is presented by way of illustration and not limitation of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from its spirit, and the present invention includes all such variations.

[0014] The advantages and features that constitute the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of the typical mechanisms provided by the present invention, are clearly illustrated in the exemplary but non-limiting embodiments shown in the drawings attached hereto and forming a part thereof. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same elements in several figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] When describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings, a specific terminology is relied on for clarity. However, the present invention is not to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and each specific terminology should be understood to include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve a similar purpose. For example, the words "connected" and "attached" are often used, or terms similar thereto. They are not limited to direct connection and include connection through other elements when recognized by those skilled in the art as equivalent connections.

[0017] The present invention and its various features and advantageous details will be more fully described with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail below.

[0018] The present invention is directed to a sanitation device that can be installed inside a trash bin in order to improve the internal state of the trash bin and to address one or more common problems inside the trash bin, including but not limited to bad odors, bacteria, germs, and microorganisms. For example, the device can perform one of many functions, including minimizing the growth and spread of bacteria and germs, minimizing odors associated with the interior of the trash bin, improving the sanitation inside the trash bin, reducing exposure to microorganisms, and the like. The following description and the accompanying figures show the device as a disk-shaped device removably attached to the underside of the lid of the trash bin, but the device can be of any shape or size as well. Alternatively, the device can be formed directly inside the trash bin. Additionally, while the following description is specifically related to outdoor trash bins, the device can be used equally well with indoor trash bins, dumpsters, and other containers used to store a variety of objects, including but not limited to recyclable materials, garden waste, animal excrement, or any other substance, which will all be collectively referred to herein as trash bins for ease of reference. Further, the device is illustrated and described as being attached to the underside of the lid. This arrangement has several advantages, such as being able to assist in spreading the bactericidal and fragrant substances contained within the device by gravity, and making it less likely for trash to fall out if it gets caught in the device, but the device could be attached elsewhere as well. Also, while the present application is directed to a device for spraying substances, the present invention can be used in combination with several compatible technologies related to the purification and sterilization of trash bins, including the disposable pads described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 496,920 (Patent Document 2), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0019] The device 10 comprises a housing 12 that can be attached to the trash bin 14. Again, as an alternative, the device 10 could be formed directly within the lid 16 of the trash bin 14 such that no attachment is required at all. The illustrated housing 12 is of a two-piece construction having an upper housing component 12A and a bottom housing component 12B. When assembling, the upper housing component 12A and the bottom housing component 12B have locking features and thus engage to form a customized seal.

[0020] As described above, the illustrated housing 12 can be attached similarly elsewhere, but is shown attached to the lid 16 of the trash bin 14. In the illustrated embodiment, more specifically in FIG. 13, the mounting plate 11 is used in combination with the support plate 13, bolts 15, and screws 17. The support plate 13 is installed on the outside of the lid 16 of the trash bin 14, and the mounting plate 13 and the remaining components of the device may be on the inner surface of the trash bin 14. The housing 12 can be twisted to lock in place relative to the lid 16. If the user needs to remove the housing 12, the tab 64 is compressed and then the housing 12 can be twisted off. With such a configuration, the device 10 can be firmly and easily attached to the lid 16. Of course, as will be further described below, the device could be attached to the lid 16 even if the mounting plate 11 and the support plate 13 are used in combination with other mounting components.

[0021] Alternatively, the housing 12 may be attached to the trash bin 14 using any number of other various attachment mechanisms, including, for example, high-strength adhesives, clips, hooks, belts, VELCRO® surface fasteners, etc. In some embodiments, a high-strength adhesive is preferred to help ensure that the housing 12 remains securely attached even when the lid 16 is repeatedly opened and closed and violently collided with as the trash bin 14 is emptied. In other embodiments, other devices such as clips, hooks, belts, VELCRO® surface fasteners, etc. may be preferred as the housing 12 can be removed from time to time as needed. The housing 12 may be removable while still attached to the trash bin 14, thereby allowing it to be quickly and easily removed for installation on another trash bin, removed for cleaning purposes and then reinstalled, removed to refill the purifying substance, or removed for any other desired reason.

[0022] Upon installation, the housing 12 is secured to the trash bin 14. For example, by attachment, it becomes sufficiently secured to the lid 16 such that the lid 16 is repeatedly opened and closed, often with sufficient force due to gravity causing the lid 16 to violently collide, yet the housing 12 remains in place. Alternatively, a mounting plate can be secured to the lid 16 to make it easier to install additional solutions or batteries, after which the housing 12 can be repeatedly attached and detached relative to the lid 16.

[0023] The illustrated housing 12 is in the shape of a cone, which is generally conical with a side wall 18, a bottom surface 20, and a top surface 22. As shown in the figure, the top surface 22 is formed within the mounting plate 11. As described above, although a simplified streamlined housing 12 is preferred, the housing 12 could take any number of various shapes. The housing 12 has at least one opening 25 formed therein. For example, one or more openings 25 may be formed in the side wall 18 or the bottom surface 20. When the housing 12 is attached to the lid 16, the opening 25 is generally directed downward toward the location where the garbage bag 24 is positioned. This enables the substance contained within the housing 12 to be sprayed out, and then, as described further below, due to the action of gravity, the substance moves downward to reach the surface and surroundings of the bag 24. A similar result would occur even if the device 10 is formed directly within the lid 16.

[0024] The housing 12 is preferably made of a hard and durable material such as plastic. Additionally, the housing 12 is preferably waterproof or substantially waterproof to maintain the operability of the electrical components contained within the housing 12. This can be achieved by using gaskets to seal the electrical components. In this way, the device 10 can be used for a long time while replacing other components as needed.

[0025] The housing 12 has one or more internal cavities 26 configured to hold various components. For example, the housing 12 may have a single internal cavity that holds all of the internal components described further below. In other cases, the housing 12 may have separate internal cavities for each of the internal components. A cover 28 may be provided to secure the internal components within one or more internal cavities 26. When the device 10 is formed directly within the lid 16, the cover 28 is removable to access the internal components since the remainder of the housing is formed with the lid 16.

[0026] The housing 12 may also be provided with various optical indicators for communicating with the user, such as a battery indicator light 19 that notifies the user when the battery level is low, and a spray indicator light 21 that notifies the user when the amount of spray is low. The device 10 counts the total number of sprays, and when a predetermined number of sprays is completed, the spray indicator light 21 activates. Additionally, a window 41 may be provided to allow the user to view inside the container, and if no solution is contained within the container, the container can be refilled. Furthermore, a variety of indicators 29 may be provided to indicate the amount of spray released each time the device 10 operates. Still further, a full sensor may be provided to monitor how high the trash bag 24 is stacked within the trash can 14. For example, a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a reflective sensor could be used. If the bag 24 is stacked above the maximum height, use of the device 10 is temporarily terminated until the trash can 14 is emptied. Additionally, various control units such as switches or buttons 23, 27, etc. can be provided on the surface of the housing 12, examples of which include a booster switch for performing additional sprays, a mode switch for changing the amount of spray dispensed, an interval switch that allows the user to quickly and easily change the interval at which the solution is sprayed, and any other switch for customizing the usage method of the device 10.

[0027] Regarding the internal components, the housing 12 holds a container 30 that holds a liquid or gaseous solution that can be sprayed inside the trash can 14. The container 30 is shown separately in FIGS. 9 and 10. The container 30 has a bottle-shaped design with a neck-shaped region 31 and a liquid reservoir 33. As shown in the figure, the bottom surface 35 is oriented in a shape that leaves the neck at a slight angle to the horizontal plane. As a result of the bottom surface 35 being inclined in this way, the liquid contained in the liquid reservoir automatically stays toward the distal edge 37 of the liquid reservoir 33, which is the lowest part of the container 30. This makes it easy to take out, collect, and spray the liquid from the liquid reservoir 33, maximizing the amount of the purification solution used before the liquid reservoir 33 needs to be refilled. Furthermore, the end wall 39 of the container 30 may similarly be arcuate so as to feed the liquid into the distal edge 37. As can be better seen in FIG. 9A, which is a cross-sectional view of the assembly from FIG. 9, a tube 45 extends from the nozzle 38 toward the container 30. More specifically, the tube 45 initially extends substantially horizontally along the length of the nozzle 38 and a part of the container 30, but then inclines downward toward the distal edge 37 of the liquid reservoir 33. In this way, the end 47 of the tube 45 is directed to the location where the liquid stays at the distal edge 37, maximizing the amount of solution that can be collected by the tube 45.

[0028] Additionally, the apparatus 10 may include an adjustable nozzle 38 that is shown separately in FIGS. 7 and 8 and attached to the container 30 in FIGS. 9 and 10. The adjustable nozzle 38 can move between a plurality of positions to customize the operation of the apparatus. More specifically, the illustrated adjustable nozzle 38 is configured to rotate between a plurality of positions to adjust the spray range from the nozzle 38. Even more specifically, the adjustable nozzle 38 can rotate between a plurality of positions to manipulate the spray radius of the solution exiting the nozzle 38. As shown in the figures, although the adjustable nozzle 38 is movable between three set positions, of course the nozzle 38 may be movable between only two set positions or more than three set positions, as desired. As shown, the adjustable nozzle 38 includes a base 40 configured to be fixed to the neck 31 of the container 30 and a side plate 42 rotatably coupled to the base 40. The base 40 includes a plurality of fluid passages 44, 46, 48 associated with various possible positions. Additionally, the side plate 42 includes a separate passage 50 that provides a bridge to the selected passages 44, 46, 48. Additionally, the side plate may include an indicator 52 shown as an arrow, and the base 40 may include a plurality of indicators 54, 56 shown as arrows (a third indicator will be located distally and not visible in FIG. 7). The user can align the indicator on the side plate 42 with the desired base indicators 54, 56 that can identify the particular set position being selected.

[0029] In addition, associated atomizers 58, 60 are formed adjacent to indicators 54, 56 at the base 40 of nozzle 38 (again, the third spray nozzle will be located distally and not visible in FIG. 7). Each atomizer 58, 60 is connected to container 30 and configured to deliver solution from container 30 to trash bin 14. A valve or other flow restricting device may be installed within nozzle 38 or atomizers 58, 60. The flow of solution from atomizers 58, 60 is initially restricted. Thereafter, the valve can be opened to begin flowing solution out of atomizers 58, 60 and into the interior of trash bin 14. For example, device 10 may be set to open the valve and begin flowing solution once every predetermined interval, such as once every 12 hours, once every 24 hours, once every 36 hours, or once every 48 hours. Of course, the intervals could be set as regular or irregular as desired. Still further, device 10 can be set to a standby mode when spraying is not needed at all, for example, when the user is on vacation and trash bags are not being placed in trash bin 14 for an extended period of time.

[0030] In addition, the apparatus 10 can be configured to spray the solution only when the lid 16 of the trash can 14 is closed, for example, using a sensor 62. For example, an inclination sensor will detect whether the apparatus 10 is oriented substantially horizontally (in which case the lid 16 is closed), or whether the apparatus is oriented substantially vertically (in which case the lid 16 is open). Other sensors such as a gyroscope could be used as well. The opening of the valve can occur in response to a request, for example, by pressing a button 27, or by another initiator located on or adjacent to the surface of the apparatus 10, or alternatively. Still further, the operation of the sprayers 58, 60 can occur by any type of remote communication. For example, the apparatus 10 can be connected to a smartphone, tablet, computer, etc. via a website, application, etc. Thereby, the user will be able to monitor the apparatus 10 from a distance from the trash can 14, including settings of the apparatus, the liquid level of the solution, the charge amount in the battery, etc. Using the application or website, the user can initiate spraying in the same way as pressing the button 27. In addition, the user can remotely change the settings to increase the spraying frequency, for example, when the weather becomes warmer, or when the contents of the trash can 14 are particularly likely to generate odor or bacteria. The application or website can also automatically order or replace the solution or the container 30 when the amount of the solution in the container 30 decreases below a predetermined threshold. To enhance usability, other membership or subscription services can be provided via the website or application. As yet another alternative, various sensors or other monitoring devices can be mounted within the apparatus 10 or the trash can 14. When the sensor or other monitoring device detects a predetermined state, the sprayers 58, 60 can operate.

[0031] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, as an alternative, the container 30 could use the nozzle 38 in combination with a gear system 42 to spray the solution. More specifically, the container 30 includes a nozzle 40 that can be compressed to spray a substance from inside the container 30 to the outside of the container 30. As can be seen from the figure, the gear system 42 includes a plurality of gears 44 that are rotated to operate an actuator 35 that, as a result of driving the pump head 37, sprays the liquid out of the container 30. Of course, other nozzle compression systems, including a rack and pinion system, a gear train with a telescoping arm, and a crank slider, could be used as well.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 38 is movable between a minimum spray radius, an intermediate spray radius, and a maximum spray radius by aligning the indicator 52 on the side plate 42 with the desired indicator on the base 40. This would enable the user to adjust the spray radius based on the trash can 14 used with the device 10. For example, if the device 10 is used with a relatively small trash can 14, the minimum spray radius can be selected. If the device 10 is used with a relatively large trash can 14, the maximum spray radius can be selected. If the device 10 is used with a trash can 14 of intermediate size, the intermediate spray radius can be selected. This helps ensure that the given trash can is adequately sprayed without wasting the purification solution by spraying more than necessary for a given trash can.

[0033] By way of illustration and not limitation, the maximum spray radius may be between about 60 - 80 degrees, more preferably between about 65 - 75 degrees, and even more preferably about 70 degrees. By way of illustration and not limitation, the intermediate spray radius may be between about 30 - 50 degrees, more preferably between about 35 - 45 degrees, and even more preferably about 40 degrees. By way of illustration and not limitation, the minimum spray radius may be between about 10 - 30 degrees, more preferably between about 15 - 25 degrees, and even more preferably about 20 degrees.

[0034] As shown in the figure, the container 30 and the nozzle 38 are mounted on the housing 12. More specifically, an opening 66 is formed in the housing 12 and configured to receive the container 30 and the nozzle 38. When the container 30 and the nozzle 38 are properly installed, the twist tab 68 is rotated to hold the container 30 in a fixed position relative to the housing 12. The twist tab 68 can be rotated in the opposite direction as well when the container 30 is empty and needs to be refilled or replaced. When the twist tab 68 is rotated to remove the container 30, the sensor that measures the volume of the contents of the container 30 to be replaced can be reset.

[0035] The liquid or gaseous solution used in the container 30 can be selected from solutions that can improve the interior of the trash can 14, for example, by deodorizing various odors filling the trash can 14 or by killing or disabling any bacteria, germs, and microorganisms. By way of illustration and not limitation, a purification solution of ZETRISIL can be used. A specific solution can also be selected according to the type of substance most commonly contained in the trash can 14. For example, if a specific trash can 14 usually contains a specific substance that is particularly prone to the growth of specific bacteria, germs, and microorganisms, a specific solution can be selected.

[0036] In addition, a plurality of containers containing different solutions that can be sprayed separately, mixed prior to spraying, or sprayed simultaneously may be provided within the housing 12. For example, one container may contain a solution for deodorizing the trash can 14, while on the other hand, a second container may contain a solution for killing or disabling bacteria, germs, and microorganisms. When the solution runs out in at least one container 30, it is possible to either remove the container 30 and refill it or remove the container 30 and replace it with a new solution container. In addition, the sensor can indicate when the liquid level of the solution is low and replacement is necessary. This can be used, for example, a signal lamp to notify the user.

[0037] Furthermore, a horizontal sensor component may be provided. The horizontal sensor component can be used to detect how the housing 12 is oriented with respect to the garbage bin 14 and, more specifically, whether it is horizontally oriented. When the lid 16 is in the open position or the like, if the sensor does not detect that the housing 12 is horizontal, the sensor will disable the operation of the sprayers 58, 60. This avoids the solution from spreading outside the garbage bin 14.

[0038] Next, an internal component is the power source 32. The illustrated power source 32 is one or more batteries connected to a motor 33 or other operating mechanism to drive the gear 44 of the gear system 42. When power is supplied to the motor or other operating mechanism, the valve can be opened and closed. In addition, an electronic circuit board is provided to direct the power source to operate to open and close the valve.

[0039] In addition, a kit may be provided. For example, one or more housings may be provided, as well as replacement components such as replacement batteries, and bottles, containers or pods for containing the solution. The kit may also have other components that will help maintain the cleanliness of the garbage bin. For example, the disposable pad described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 496,920, which is insertable into the base of the garbage bin, can be included in the kit, which will help keep both the bottom of the garbage bin by the pad and the top of the garbage bin by the device clean.

[0040] It should be noted that the above description provides several possible uses of the device, but there are substantially countless uses for the present invention, all of which need not be detailed herein. For example, the device is described as being used with a garbage bin and more specifically an outdoor garbage bin, but the garbage bin could equally well be used with other types of containers and devices. All of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented without undue experimentation.

[0041] While the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the present invention has been disclosed above, the implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be apparent that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the features of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. Additionally, the individual components need not be manufactured from the disclosed materials, but could be manufactured from substantially any suitable materials.

[0042] Moreover, the individual components need not be formed or assembled in the disclosed form or configuration, but could be provided in substantially any form and assembled in substantially any configuration to improve the efficiency and functionality of the device. Further, all of the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or replaced by, the disclosed features of any other disclosed embodiment, except where the features are mutually exclusive with the following features.

[0043] The appended claims are intended to cover all such additions, modifications, and rearrangements. The appropriate embodiments of the present invention are described by the differences as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sanitation device for a trash can, a housing for containing a purification solution, and a sprayer housed within the housing and configured to discharge the purification solution into the trash can A sanitation device comprising.

2. The sanitation device according to claim 1, wherein the sprayer further comprises an adjustable nozzle configured to have two or more different spray patterns.

3. The adjustable nozzle is a wide spray pattern, and a narrow spray pattern The sanitation device according to claim 2, which is configured to be adjustable between.

4. The adjustable nozzle is a first spray setting having a conical spray area of about 70 degrees, and a second spray setting having a conical spray area of about 20 degrees The sanitation device according to claim 3, which is configured to be adjustable between.

5. The adjustable nozzle is configured to be adjustable to an intermediate spray pattern, The adjustable nozzle is configured to be adjustable to a third spray setting having a conical spray area of about 40 degrees, The sanitation device according to claim 4.

6. A sanitation device further comprising a container for containing the purification solution, The adjustable nozzle further comprises a base fixed to the container and a side plate rotatably connected to the base, The sanitation device according to claim 5.

7. The sanitation device according to claim 6, wherein the side plate is rotated relative to the base about three positions having three spray patterns.

8. The sanitation device according to claim 6, further comprising a tab configured to hold the container in a fixed position relative to the housing.

9. A sanitation device further comprising a delivery pipe, The container further comprises a liquid reservoir configured to hold the purification solution, The liquid reservoir is a liquid reservoir mounted substantially horizontally. The liquid reservoir comprises a bottom wall inclined toward a lower location, The delivery pipe extends downward from the adjustable nozzle to the bottom wall of the liquid reservoir, The sanitation device according to claim 6.

10. The sprayer of the sanitation device according to claim 1 is configured to spray the purification solution at predetermined intervals.

11. The sprayer of the sanitation device according to claim 1 sprays when receiving a manual command or a remote virtual command.

12. The sanitary device according to claim 1, wherein the solution is configured to kill bacteria in the garbage bin, prevent exposure to microorganisms, and minimize odors in the garbage bin.

13. A sanitary device further comprising a sensor configured to monitor the height of a plurality of garbage bags contained in the garbage bin, wherein when the plurality of garbage bags exceed a predetermined height, the nebulizer is temporarily disabled. The sanitary device according to claim 1.

14. Installing the housing inside the garbage bin; Spraying a solution from the housing into the interior of the garbage bin based on a manual command, a command at regular intervals, or a remote command; Replacing the solution when it is exhausted; A method of using a sanitary device for a garbage bin, comprising:

15. Rotating an adjustable nozzle between two or more positions with respect to a container containing the solution; Removably installing the adjustable nozzle and the container in the housing; The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

16. Rotating the adjustable nozzle to a first position where the solution is discharged within a conical spray area of about 70 degrees; Rotating the adjustable nozzle to a second position where the solution is discharged within a conical spray area of about 40 degrees; Rotating the adjustable nozzle to a third position where the solution is discharged within a conical spray area of about 20 degrees; The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

17. Disengaging a tab configured to hold the container and the adjustable nozzle in a fixed position with respect to the housing; Removing the container and the adjustable nozzle; Replacing the container and the adjustable nozzle; Reengaging the tab to hold the replacement container and the adjustable nozzle in a fixed position; The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

18. Determining the height of a plurality of garbage bags contained in the garbage bin; Temporarily disabling the step of spraying the solution until the garbage bin is emptied; The method according to claim 14, further comprising:

19. A container for containing a purification solution; An adjustable nozzle connected to the container and comprising two or more nebulizers having two or more different spray patterns. A housing configured to removably receive the container and the adjustable nozzle; A power source and an electronic circuit board configured to enable and disable at least one of the atomizers; A sanitation device for a trash can, comprising: The adjustable nozzle is configured to discharge the purification solution into the trash can.

20. A mounting base connected to the housing; A horizontal sensor; A sanitation device further comprising: The housing is configured to be removably attached to the underside of the lid of the trash can; When the horizontal sensor does not detect that the housing is substantially horizontal, the atomizer is disabled; When the horizontal sensor detects that the housing is substantially horizontal, the atomizer is enabled. The sanitation device according to claim 19.

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