Garbage disposal with light fixture

Abstract

A garbage disposal includes a sink attachment, an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a waste line, and at least one light fixture. The light fixture may be provided as a ring of LEDs that illuminate upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the flip of a switch or the opening of a cabinet door. The garbage disposal may be controlled by a power switch that also includes a light ring.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 757,050, filed Feb. 11, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to kitchen appliances and particularly to garbage disposals.BACKGROUND

[0003] Garbage disposals are known in the kitchen and plumbing industry. Garbage disposals are electrically powered devices that are installed under a kitchen sink between the sink's drain and the trap. The device receives waste matter from the sink, including fluid waste (e.g., water flowing out of the sink) and solid waste (e.g., food waste), and shreds solid waste into pieces small enough to pass through plumbing.

[0004] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a typical prior art garbage disposal 100 includes a cylindrical housing 110, a sink attachment 120, an upper chamber 140, a lower chamber 160, a grinder 150 positioned between the upper chamber 140 and the lower chamber 160, an electric motor 170, and a waste outlet / line 180. The garbage disposal receives waste matter / debris from a kitchen sink via the sink attachment 120. After passing through the sink attachment 120, the waste is received in the upper chamber 140 and delivered to the grinder 150. At the grinder 150, food and other solid waste is forced by rotating impellers against a stationary, circular grind ring, pulverizing the solid waste into fine particles. Fluid flowing through the disposal then washes the fine particles into the lower chamber 160, into the waste outlet 180, and down the drain.

[0005] The location of the garbage disposal often provides challenges for servicing the units. In particular, the cramped space under the kitchen sink in combination with the dark enclosed space makes it difficult to see and access different locations on the units. Moreover, because the garbage disposal consumes a significant amount of space under the kitchen sink, the units obstruct sight lines, crowd the cabinet, and generally darken the cabinet space, thus making it difficult to perform maintenance or other work under the sink.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide a garbage disposal that facilitates under-the-sink work and servicing. It would be of further advantage if such units were relatively inexpensive and easy to install with a garbage disposal.SUMMARY

[0007] An LED garbage disposal is disclosed herein. The garbage disposal includes a light fixture. The light fixture is controlled by a switch and / or a sensor. When operated, light is emitted from the garbage disposal. The light may be used to illuminate the under-sink chamber in which the garbage disposal is housed. A switch that controls power to the garbage disposal may also include a light that offers a visual indication that the garbage disposal is in operation.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, a garbage disposal is configured for installation in association with a kitchen sink. The garbage disposal includes a housing, an upper chamber, a lower chamber, an electric motor, and a light. The upper chamber is positioned within the housing and configured to receive a volume of waste matter from the kitchen sink. The lower chamber is positioned within the housing and connected to the upper chamber, the lower chamber configured to receive the volume of waste matter from the upper chamber, the lower chamber including an outlet configured to pass the volume of waste matter out of the lower chamber. The electric motor is positioned within the housing and configured to drive a grinder positioned between the upper chamber and the lower chamber, the electric motor configured to rotate when electric power is provided to the electric motor. The light is positioned on the housing and is configured to illuminate when electric power is provided to the light. At least one switch is configured to turn the light on or off.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, a method of operating a garbage disposal is disclosed. The method includes moving an upper switch positioned above the garbage disposal to an ON state. Thereafter, the method includes providing electric power to an electric motor of the garbage disposal when the upper switch is in the ON state, and providing electric power to a light fixture on the garbage disposal when the upper switch is in the ON state.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method of troubleshooting a garbage disposal is disclosed wherein the garbage disposal is installed under a kitchen sink. The method includes moving a switch configured to deliver power to the garbage disposal to an ON state and determining an operational state of an electric motor of the garbage disposal after the switch is moved to the ON state. The method further includes determining an illumination state of a light on the garbage disposal after the switch is flipped. Thereafter, the method includes determining whether a fault condition exists depending on the operational state of the electric motor and the illumination state of the light.

[0011] The above-described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. While it would be desirable to provide a garbage disposal that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features as may be apparent to those reviewing this disclosure, the teachings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of any eventually appended claims, regardless of whether they include or accomplish one or more of the advantages or features mentioned herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a garbage disposal with a light fixture;

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a side elevational view of the garbage disposal of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a rear elevational view of the garbage disposal of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 shows the garbage disposal of FIG. 1 installed in an under-counter compartment of kitchen cabinetry;

[0016] FIG. 5 shows a power switch for the garbage disposal of FIG. 1 installed on a countertop, the power switch including an LED ring;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a table showing the status of the light fixture of the garbage disposal of FIG. 1 when a first switch and a second switch are in different states;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the light fixture of the garbage disposal of FIG. 1 depending on the states of the first switch or the second switch;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining a fault condition in the garbage disposal of FIG. 1; and

[0020] FIG. 9 is a cutaway view of a prior art garbage disposal.DESCRIPTION

[0021] With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, a garbage disposal 10 includes a housing 11, a sink attachment 12, an upper chamber 14 and a lower chamber 16 positioned within the housing 11, a waste line 18, and at least one light fixture 20. As explained in further detail herein, the light fixture 20 may be provided as a ring of LEDs that illuminate upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the flip of a switch or the occurrence of an event, such as movement in the vicinity of the garbage disposal 10 or the opening of a cabinet door.

[0022] The sink attachment 12 is a conventional sink attachment that couples the garbage disposal 10 to a drain of a sink 80 (see FIG. 4). The sink attachment 12 specifically provides a coupling between the sink and the housing 11 of the garbage disposal 10. Liquid and debris flowing down the drain passes through the sink attachment 12 and into the upper chamber 14 of the garbage disposal.

[0023] The housing 11 is substantially cylindrical in shape with a cylindrical outer wall that provides a canister structure for the garbage disposal 10. The upper chamber 14 of the garbage disposal 10 is positioned within the housing 11 and defines a cavity that receives a volume of liquid and debris from the sink. A grinder with a shredder ring (e.g., see grinder 150 of FIG. 9) is positioned between the upper chamber 14 and the lower chamber 16. When driven by an electric motor, the shredder ring acts to shred food waste into pieces that are small enough to pass through plumbing attached to the lower chamber 16.

[0024] The lower chamber 16 is also positioned within the housing 11 and receives liquid and solid waste matter that passes from the upper chamber 14 and through the grinder. An insulated electric motor (e.g., see motor 170 of FIG. 9) is positioned in the lower chamber 16. A drive axis connects the insulated motor to the shredder ring. When electric power is provided to the electric motor, the motor rotates the shredder ring and shreds the food waste in the upper chamber 14, thus allowing it to pass to the lower chamber 16.

[0025] The waste line 18 is connected to an outlet in the lower chamber. Liquid and shredded food waste pass through the outlet and into the waste line. The waste line 18 leads to other plumbing that purges the liquid and waste from the facility where the garbage disposal is located (e.g., the plumbing directs solid and liquid waste matter out of a residence and to an ejector pit and / or a sewer or septic system).

[0026] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the light fixture 20 is provided as a ring of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 22 that is positioned between the upper chamber 14 and the lower chamber 16 of the garbage disposal 10. In the disclosed embodiment, the LED ring 22 encircles the entire housing 11 of the garbage disposal, including the front and sides and emits light outwardly from the cylindrical wall of the housing (as illustrated by arrows 99 in FIG. 4). In other embodiments, the LED ring 22 may be a partial disc structure that only encircles a portion of the housing. In at least some embodiments, the LED ring 22 may be provided by an LED strip that is covered by a diffuser 24. The diffuser 24 at least partially shields the LEDs and prevents the LEDs from shining light directly into the eyes of an onlooker.

[0027] While the light fixture 20 is shown in FIG. 1 as an LED ring 22, it will be recognized that the light fixture may be provided in other forms in other embodiments, such as differently positioned LEDs and / or incandescent lights on other locations of the garbage disposal 10. For example, in at least one embodiment, the light fixture 20 may be positioned on a base of the garbage disposal 10 (e.g., under the lower chamber 16 at a bottom of the housing 11) such that it shines light downwardly from the base (i.e., away from the eyes of an onlooker). Such light fixture may be in lieu of or in addition to the LED ring 22. In other embodiments, the light fixture 20 may be positioned on the rear of the garbage disposal and only shine light in the rearward direction (again, away from the eyes of an onlooker).

[0028] The LED ring 22 may include any number of LEDs which may be identical LEDs or different types of LEDs. For example, the LEDs may emit different colors of light, or all the same color of light. In at least one embodiment, the LEDs all emit a steady, relatively warm white light in the range of 2700 to 4500 Kelvin. In at least some embodiments, the LEDs may change color temperatures and color over time, thus producing a light-show effect from the LEDS.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the garbage disposal 10 and / or the light fixture 20 may be controlled by a first switch 30, as shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the first switch 30 is positioned on a kitchen countertop 90. This first switch 30 is arranged above the garbage disposal and may therefore be referred to as an “upper switch.” The upper switch may be conveniently configured for mounting in a standard soap dispenser hole on the kitchen countertop such that no additional holes need to be drilled in an existing countertop when installing the upper switch 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the upper switch 30 is a pushbutton toggle switch. The upper switch 30 also includes a light in the form of an LED ring 32. The LED ring 32 illuminates when power is provided to the garbage disposal and it is running. The LED ring 32 advantageously illuminates to visibly indicate that the garbage disposal is on. This is particularly useful as garbage disposals become quieter and more difficult to hear during operation. Illumination of the LED ring 32 during operation of the garbage disposal 10 provides a visual clue of operation and is particularly advantageous in view of the noise encountered in a typical residential kitchen, including noises from televisions, music, family members, guests, etc., which can tend to drown out the noise of the garbage disposal.

[0030] Referring again to FIG. 1, in another embodiment, the light fixture 20 on the garbage disposal 10 is also (or alternatively) controlled by a switch 40 mounted on the housing 11 of the garbage disposal 10. The switch 40 may be, for example, a toggle switch or a touch-sensor switch, mounted on the housing 11 of the garbage disposal. This switch 40 allows a person inspecting the garbage disposal—or the cabinet in which the garbage disposal rests-to simply flip the switch to an ON state and immediately receive light within the cabinet and around the garbage disposal.

[0031] In another embodiment, the light fixture 20 on the garbage disposal 10 is controlled by a switch 40 that is associated with a sensor 50 mounted on the housing 11 of the garbage disposal 10 or in another nearby location (e.g., in the under-cabinet compartment that houses the garbage disposal). The sensor may be, for example, a motion sensor mounted on the front of the garbage disposal 10 in the vicinity of the LED ring 22. As another example, the motion sensor may simply detect motion of the cabinet door or the state of the cabinet door as open or closed. In either event (i.e., when the cabinet doors are opened and / or motion is detected), the LEDs will shine and provide light around the garbage disposal 10 and into the cabinet housing the garbage disposal.

[0032] It will be recognized that any of various sensors may be used as the sensor 50 that provides a trigger for the switch 40 that turns on the light fixture 20 and causes the LED ring 22 to shine. Examples of such sensors include passive infrared (PIR) sensors, area reflective sensors, microwave sensors, ultrasonic sensors, video motion sensors, and dual technology (hybrid) sensors, etc. In the event the sensor 50 is a motion sensor, the sensor may be configured to detect a hand (or other body part) in close proximity to the sensor 50. For example, when the motion sensor 50 detects the presence of a human hand in the space immediately in front of the sensor (e.g., within some range such as six inches of the sensor, two inches of the sensor, etc.) the sensor 50 is triggered. When the sensor 50 sends a control signal to a controller associated with the light fixture 20, electric power is provided to the light fixture, causing light to shine from the light fixture.

[0033] In various embodiments, the LED ring 22 on the garbage disposal 10 and the LED ring 32 on the countertop switch 30 may be configured to shine at the same time or independently from one another. For example, in one embodiment, the LED ring 22 under the cabinet on the garbage disposal 10 will only shine when a motion detector senses that that cabinet door is open, and the LED ring 32 on the countertop power switch 30 will only shine when the garbage disposal is in operation. In another embodiment, the LED rings 22, 32 both shine any time the garbage disposal is in operation.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 6 a table is provided showing the state of the light fixture 20 on the garbage disposal 10 when the upper switch 30 and the lower switch 40 are in various positions. In this embodiment, the upper switch 30 always controls operation of the garbage disposal 10 (i.e., controls electric power to the motor of the disposal), and the lower switch 40 only controls the light fixture 20, subject to the position of the upper switch 30. Specifically, when the upper switch 30 is in an ON state (i.e., when the switch 30 is flipped such that power is delivered to the motor of the garbage disposal), the LED ring 22 of the light fixture 20 is always illuminated. This is noted by a “YES” in each row of the column with the heading “Upper Switch ON” in FIG. 6. However, when the upper switch 30 is in an OFF state (i.e., when the switch 30 is flipped such that no power is delivered to the garbage disposal), the LED ring 22 is illuminated depending on the state of the lower switch 40. Specifically, when the upper switch is OFF and the lower switch is ON, the light fixture 20 is illuminated, as noted by the “YES” at this intersection in the table. However, when the upper switch is OFF and the lower switch is also OFF, the light fixture 20 is not illuminated, as noted by the “NO” at this intersection in the table. A controller may be used to selectively deliver electric power to the light fixture 20 dependent on the state of the upper and lower switches. The controller is typically located within the garbage disposal, such as behind the switch 40.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart 700 illustrating a method used by the controller for determining when to illuminate the light fixture 20 on the garbage disposal 10. As shown in the flowchart 700, the method begins at a start block 710 and immediately moves to a decision block 720 where a determination is made whether the upper switch 30 is ON or OFF. When the upper switch 30 is ON, the method moves to block 730 and electric power is delivered to the light fixture 20 (i.e., “GD light” in block 730) and the light fixture is illuminated regardless of the position of the lower switch 40. However, when the upper switch 30 is OFF, the method continues to decision block 740 and a determination is made whether the lower switch 40 is ON or OFF. If a determination is made that the lower switch is ON in decision block 740, the method continues to block 730 and the electric power is delivered to the light fixture. On the other hand, if a determination is made that the lower switch is OFF in decision block 740, the method continues to block 750 and no electric power is delivered to the light fixture. In either event, the method then returns to the start block 710 and the method is repeated by the controller. While FIGS. 6 and 7 show one embodiment for control of the light fixture, it will be recognized that other arrangements are also possible, such as the lower switch 40 always controlling whether the LEDs are illuminated.

[0036] When both an upper switch 30 and a lower switch 40 are used in association with the garbage disposal, as described above, the LED rings 22 and 32 serve as a useful troubleshooting / diagnostic tool, providing clues concerning faulty operation of the garbage disposal. For example, FIG. 8 shows a flowchart 800 illustrating a method for diagnosing possible fault conditions for the garbage disposal based on illumination of the lower LED ring 32. The exemplary method is one of several possible methods that may be implemented to diagnose fault conditions with respect to the garbage disposal 10, its components, and the related switches 30, 40 and sensor(s) 50. In the exemplary method 800 of FIG. 8, the method begins at block 805 and the technician / user is instructed to first set the lower switch 40 to the OFF position at block 810. Thereafter, at block 820, the technician is instructed to set the upper switch 30 to the ON position.

[0037] After the upper switch 30 is moved to the ON position, a determination is made at block 830 whether or not the motor for the garbage disposal 10 turns on and spins the grinder. If it is determined that the garbage disposal is on at block 830, the technician then looks to see whether the light fixture 20 on the garbage disposal 10 is illuminated at block 840. If the light fixture 20 is illuminated (i.e., the illumination state of the light fixture 20 is “ON”), the technician may determine at block 850 that there are no malfunctions in the electrical connections and the garbage disposal is working. However, if the light fixture is not illuminated at block 840 (i.e., the illumination state of the light fixture 20 is “OFF”), the technician may determine that the light is malfunctioning at block 860. Such malfunctioning may be a result of faulty wiring or a burned out light bulb / LED on the light fixture 20.

[0038] Returning to decision block 830, if the garbage disposal does not turn on after the technician sets the upper switch 30 to ON, the technician then determines at decision block 870 whether the light fixture 20 on the garbage disposal is ON. If a determination is made that the light fixture 20 is illuminated at decision block 870 (i.e., the illumination state of the light fixture 20 is “ON”), the method moves on to block 880 and a determination is made that the garbage disposal is malfunctioning. In other words, when the upper switch 30 is ON and the LED ring 22 is illuminated but the electric motor does not operate, this indicates a likely problem with the electric motor (e.g., a burned-out motor). However, if a determination is made at decision block 870 that the light fixture 20 is not illuminated (i.e., the illumination state of the light fixture 20 is “OFF”), the method moves on to block 890 and a determination is made that the power supply is malfunctioning. In other words, when the upper switch 30 is ON but neither the electric motor nor the LED ring 22 of the garbage disposal operate, this likely suggest that the unit is not receiving power (e.g., because of an issue with the power supply circuit, such as faulty wiring or a tripped circuit breaker or GFCI outlet).

[0039] The foregoing method 800 illustrated one exemplary method for providing a diagnostic tool used to diagnose issues with the garbage disposal. In other embodiments, additional indicators may be used to provide additional information concerning the garbage disposal 10, such as the LED ring 32 on the upper switch 30. The above-described diagnostic tool may be used at any time during installation of the garbage disposal in a kitchen, including a diagnostic tool to determine whether the garbage disposal is properly installed as well as a diagnostic tool to determine malfunctions in the garbage disposal or its wiring well after installation of the garbage disposal.

[0040] Although various embodiments of a garbage disposal with a light fixture have been provided herein, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other implementations and adaptations are possible. Furthermore, aspects of the various embodiments described herein may be combined or substituted with aspects from other features to arrive at different embodiments from those described herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by any eventually appended claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, a garbage disposal 10 includes a housing 11, a sink attachment 12, an upper chamber 14 and a lower chamber 16 positioned within the housing 11, a waste line 18, and at least one light fixture 20. As explained in further detail herein, the light fixture 20 may be provided as a ring of LEDs that illuminate upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the flip of a switch or the occurrence of an event, such as movement in the vicinity of the garbage disposal 10 or the opening of a cabinet door.

[0022]The sink attachment 12 is a conventional sink attachment that couples the garbage disposal 10 to a drain of a sink 80 (see FIG. 4). The sink attachment 12 specifically provides a coupling between the sink and the housing 11 of the garbage disposal 10. Liquid and debris flowing down the drain passes through the sink attachment 12 and into the upper chamber 14 of the garbage disposal.

[0023]The housing 11 is substantially cylindrical in shape with a cyl...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 757,050, filed Feb. 11, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to kitchen appliances and particularly to garbage disposals.BACKGROUND

[0003] Garbage disposals are known in the kitchen and plumbing industry. Garbage disposals are electrically powered devices that are installed under a kitchen sink between the sink's drain and the trap. The device receives waste matter from the sink, including fluid waste (e.g., water flowing out of the sink) and solid waste (e.g., food waste), and shreds solid waste into pieces small enough to pass through plumbing.

[0004] As illustrated in FIG. 9, a typical prior art garbage disposal 100 includes a cylindrical housing 110, a sink attachment 120, an upper chamber 140, a lower chamber 160, a grinder 150 positioned between the upper chamber 140 and the lower chamber 160, an electric motor 170, and a waste outlet / line 180. The garbage disposal receives waste matter / debris from a kitchen sink via the sink attachment 120. After passing through the sink attachment 120, the waste is received in the upper chamber 140 and delivered to the grinder 150. At the grinder 150, food and other solid waste is forced by rotating impellers against a stationary, circular grind ring, pulverizing the solid waste into fine particles. Fluid flowing through the disposal then washes the fine particles into the lower chamber 160, into the waste outlet 180, and down the drain.

[0005] The location of the garbage disposal often provides challenges for servicing the units. In particular, the cramped space under the kitchen sink in combination with the dark enclosed space makes it difficult to see and access different locations on the units. Moreover, because the garbage disposal consumes a significant amount of space under the kitchen sink, the units obstruct sight lines, crowd the cabinet, and generally darken the cabinet space, thus making it difficult to perform maintenance or other work under the sink.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide a garbage disposal that facilitates under-the-sink work and servicing. It would be of further advantage if such units were relatively inexpensive and easy to install with a garbage disposal.SUMMARY

[0007] An LED garbage disposal is disclosed herein. The garbage disposal includes a light fixture. The light fixture is controlled by a switch and / or a sensor. When operated, light is emitted from the garbage disposal. The light may be used to illuminate the under-sink chamber in which the garbage disposal is housed. A switch that controls power to the garbage disposal may also include a light that offers a visual indication that the garbage disposal is in operation.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, a garbage disposal is configured for installation in association with a kitchen sink. The garbage disposal includes a housing, an upper chamber, a lower chamber, an electric motor, and a light. The upper chamber is positioned within the housing and configured to receive a volume of waste matter from the kitchen sink. The lower chamber is positioned within the housing and connected to the upper chamber, the lower chamber configured to receive the volume of waste matter from the upper chamber, the lower chamber including an outlet configured to pass the volume of waste matter out of the lower chamber. The electric motor is positioned within the housing and configured to drive a grinder positioned between the upper chamber and the lower chamber, the electric motor configured to rotate when electric power is provided to the electric motor. The light is positioned on the housing and is configured to illuminate when electric power is provided to the light. At least one switch is configured to turn the light on or off.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, a method of operating a garbage disposal is disclosed. The method includes moving an upper switch positioned above the garbage disposal to an ON state. Thereafter, the method includes providing electric power to an electric motor of the garbage disposal when the upper switch is in the ON state, and providing electric power to a light fixture on the garbage disposal when the upper switch is in the ON state.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method of troubleshooting a garbage disposal is disclosed wherein the garbage disposal is installed under a kitchen sink. The method includes moving a switch configured to deliver power to the garbage disposal to an ON state and determining an operational state of an electric motor of the garbage disposal after the switch is moved to the ON state. The method further includes determining an illumination state of a light on the garbage disposal after the switch is flipped. Thereafter, the method includes determining whether a fault condition exists depending on the operational state of the electric motor and the illumination state of the light.

[0011] The above-described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. While it would be desirable to provide a garbage disposal that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features as may be apparent to those reviewing this disclosure, the teachings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of any eventually appended claims, regardless of whether they include or accomplish one or more of the advantages or features mentioned herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a garbage disposal with a light fixture;

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a side elevational view of the garbage disposal of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a rear elevational view of the garbage disposal of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 shows the garbage disposal of FIG. 1 installed in an under-counter compartment of kitchen cabinetry;

[0016] FIG. 5 shows a power switch for the garbage disposal of FIG. 1 installed on a countertop, the power switch including an LED ring;

[0017] FIG. 6 is a table showing the status of the light fixture of the garbage disposal of FIG. 1 when a first switch and a second switch are in different states;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the light fixture of the garbage disposal of FIG. 1 depending on the states of the first switch or the second switch;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of determining a fault condition in the garbage disposal of FIG. 1; and

[0020] FIG. 9 is a cutaway view of a prior art garbage disposal.DESCRIPTION

[0021] With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, a garbage disposal 10 includes a housing 11, a sink attachment 12, an upper chamber 14 and a lower chamber 16 positioned within the housing 11, a waste line 18, and at least one light fixture 20. As explained in further detail herein, the light fixture 20 may be provided as a ring of LEDs that illuminate upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the flip of a switch or the occurrence of an event, such as movement in the vicinity of the garbage disposal 10 or the opening of a cabinet door.

[0022] The sink attachment 12 is a conventional sink attachment that couples the garbage disposal 10 to a drain of a sink 80 (see FIG. 4). The sink attachment 12 specifically provides a coupling between the sink and the housing 11 of the garbage disposal 10. Liquid and debris flowing down the drain passes through the sink attachment 12 and into the upper chamber 14 of the garbage disposal.

[0023] The housing 11 is substantially cylindrical in shape with a cylindrical outer wall that provides a canister structure for the garbage disposal 10. The upper chamber 14 of the garbage disposal 10 is positioned within the housing 11 and defines a cavity that receives a volume of liquid and debris from the sink. A grinder with a shredder ring (e.g., see grinder 150 of FIG. 9) is positioned between the upper chamber 14 and the lower chamber 16. When driven by an electric motor, the shredder ring acts to shred food waste into pieces that are small enough to pass through plumbing attached to the lower chamber 16.

[0024] The lower chamber 16 is also positioned within the housing 11 and receives liquid and solid waste matter that passes from the upper chamber 14 and through the grinder. An insulated electric motor (e.g., see motor 170 of FIG. 9) is positioned in the lower chamber 16. A drive axis connects the insulated motor to the shredder ring. When electric power is provided to the electric motor, the motor rotates the shredder ring and shreds the food waste in the upper chamber 14, thus allowing it to pass to the lower chamber 16.

[0025] The waste line 18 is connected to an outlet in the lower chamber. Liquid and shredded food waste pass through the outlet and into the waste line. The waste line 18 leads to other plumbing that purges the liquid and waste from the facility where the garbage disposal is located (e.g., the plumbing directs solid and liquid waste matter out of a residence and to an ejector pit and / or a sewer or septic system).

[0026] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the light fixture 20 is provided as a ring of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 22 that is positioned between the upper chamber 14 and the lower chamber 16 of the garbage disposal 10. In the disclosed embodiment, the LED ring 22 encircles the entire housing 11 of the garbage disposal, including the front and sides and emits light outwardly from the cylindrical wall of the housing (as illustrated by arrows 99 in FIG. 4). In other embodiments, the LED ring 22 may be a partial disc structure that only encircles a portion of the housing. In at least some embodiments, the LED ring 22 may be provided by an LED strip that is covered by a diffuser 24. The diffuser 24 at least partially shields the LEDs and prevents the LEDs from shining light directly into the eyes of an onlooker.

[0027] While the light fixture 20 is shown in FIG. 1 as an LED ring 22, it will be recognized that the light fixture may be provided in other forms in other embodiments, such as differently positioned LEDs and / or incandescent lights on other locations of the garbage disposal 10. For example, in at least one embodiment, the light fixture 20 may be positioned on a base of the garbage disposal 10 (e.g., under the lower chamber 16 at a bottom of the housing 11) such that it shines light downwardly from the base (i.e., away from the eyes of an onlooker). Such light fixture may be in lieu of or in addition to the LED ring 22. In other embodiments, the light fixture 20 may be positioned on the rear of the garbage disposal and only shine light in the rearward direction (again, away from the eyes of an onlooker).

[0028] The LED ring 22 may include any number of LEDs which may be identical LEDs or different types of LEDs. For example, the LEDs may emit different colors of light, or all the same color of light. In at least one embodiment, the LEDs all emit a steady, relatively warm white light in the range of 2700 to 4500 Kelvin. In at least some embodiments, the LEDs may change color temperatures and color over time, thus producing a light-show effect from the LEDS.

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the garbage disposal 10 and / or the light fixture 20 may be controlled by a first switch 30, as shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the first switch 30 is positioned on a kitchen countertop 90. This first switch 30 is arranged above the garbage disposal and may therefore be referred to as an “upper switch.” The upper switch may be conveniently configured for mounting in a standard soap dispenser hole on the kitchen countertop such that no additional holes need to be drilled in an existing countertop when installing the upper switch 30. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the upper switch 30 is a pushbutton toggle switch. The upper switch 30 also includes a light in the form of an LED ring 32. The LED ring 32 illuminates when power is provided to the garbage disposal and it is running. The LED ring 32 advantageously illuminates to visibly indicate that the garbage disposal is on. This is particularly useful as garbage disposals become quieter and more difficult to hear during operation. Illumination of the LED ring 32 during operation of the garbage disposal 10 provides a visual clue of operation and is particularly advantageous in view of the noise encountered in a typical residential kitchen, including noises from televisions, music, family members, guests, etc., which can tend to drown out the noise of the garbage disposal.

[0030] Referring again to FIG. 1, in another embodiment, the light fixture 20 on the garbage disposal 10 is also (or alternatively) controlled by a switch 40 mounted on the housing 11 of the garbage disposal 10. The switch 40 may be, for example, a toggle switch or a touch-sensor switch, mounted on the housing 11 of the garbage disposal. This switch 40 allows a person inspecting the garbage disposal—or the cabinet in which the garbage disposal rests-to simply flip the switch to an ON state and immediately receive light within the cabinet and around the garbage disposal.

[0031] In another embodiment, the light fixture 20 on the garbage disposal 10 is controlled by a switch 40 that is associated with a sensor 50 mounted on the housing 11 of the garbage disposal 10 or in another nearby location (e.g., in the under-cabinet compartment that houses the garbage disposal). The sensor may be, for example, a motion sensor mounted on the front of the garbage disposal 10 in the vicinity of the LED ring 22. As another example, the motion sensor may simply detect motion of the cabinet door or the state of the cabinet door as open or closed. In either event (i.e., when the cabinet doors are opened and / or motion is detected), the LEDs will shine and provide light around the garbage disposal 10 and into the cabinet housing the garbage disposal.

[0032] It will be recognized that any of various sensors may be used as the sensor 50 that provides a trigger for the switch 40 that turns on the light fixture 20 and causes the LED ring 22 to shine. Examples of such sensors include passive infrared (PIR) sensors, area reflective sensors, microwave sensors, ultrasonic sensors, video motion sensors, and dual technology (hybrid) sensors, etc. In the event the sensor 50 is a motion sensor, the sensor may be configured to detect a hand (or other body part) in close proximity to the sensor 50. For example, when the motion sensor 50 detects the presence of a human hand in the space immediately in front of the sensor (e.g., within some range such as six inches of the sensor, two inches of the sensor, etc.) the sensor 50 is triggered. When the sensor 50 sends a control signal to a controller associated with the light fixture 20, electric power is provided to the light fixture, causing light to shine from the light fixture.

[0033] In various embodiments, the LED ring 22 on the garbage disposal 10 and the LED ring 32 on the countertop switch 30 may be configured to shine at the same time or independently from one another. For example, in one embodiment, the LED ring 22 under the cabinet on the garbage disposal 10 will only shine when a motion detector senses that that cabinet door is open, and the LED ring 32 on the countertop power switch 30 will only shine when the garbage disposal is in operation. In another embodiment, the LED rings 22, 32 both shine any time the garbage disposal is in operation.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 6 a table is provided showing the state of the light fixture 20 on the garbage disposal 10 when the upper switch 30 and the lower switch 40 are in various positions. In this embodiment, the upper switch 30 always controls operation of the garbage disposal 10 (i.e., controls electric power to the motor of the disposal), and the lower switch 40 only controls the light fixture 20, subject to the position of the upper switch 30. Specifically, when the upper switch 30 is in an ON state (i.e., when the switch 30 is flipped such that power is delivered to the motor of the garbage disposal), the LED ring 22 of the light fixture 20 is always illuminated. This is noted by a “YES” in each row of the column with the heading “Upper Switch ON” in FIG. 6. However, when the upper switch 30 is in an OFF state (i.e., when the switch 30 is flipped such that no power is delivered to the garbage disposal), the LED ring 22 is illuminated depending on the state of the lower switch 40. Specifically, when the upper switch is OFF and the lower switch is ON, the light fixture 20 is illuminated, as noted by the “YES” at this intersection in the table. However, when the upper switch is OFF and the lower switch is also OFF, the light fixture 20 is not illuminated, as noted by the “NO” at this intersection in the table. A controller may be used to selectively deliver electric power to the light fixture 20 dependent on the state of the upper and lower switches. The controller is typically located within the garbage disposal, such as behind the switch 40.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart 700 illustrating a method used by the controller for determining when to illuminate the light fixture 20 on the garbage disposal 10. As shown in the flowchart 700, the method begins at a start block 710 and immediately moves to a decision block 720 where a determination is made whether the upper switch 30 is ON or OFF. When the upper switch 30 is ON, the method moves to block 730 and electric power is delivered to the light fixture 20 (i.e., “GD light” in block 730) and the light fixture is illuminated regardless of the position of the lower switch 40. However, when the upper switch 30 is OFF, the method continues to decision block 740 and a determination is made whether the lower switch 40 is ON or OFF. If a determination is made that the lower switch is ON in decision block 740, the method continues to block 730 and the electric power is delivered to the light fixture. On the other hand, if a determination is made that the lower switch is OFF in decision block 740, the method continues to block 750 and no electric power is delivered to the light fixture. In either event, the method then returns to the start block 710 and the method is repeated by the controller. While FIGS. 6 and 7 show one embodiment for control of the light fixture, it will be recognized that other arrangements are also possible, such as the lower switch 40 always controlling whether the LEDs are illuminated.

[0036] When both an upper switch 30 and a lower switch 40 are used in association with the garbage disposal, as described above, the LED rings 22 and 32 serve as a useful troubleshooting / diagnostic tool, providing clues concerning faulty operation of the garbage disposal. For example, FIG. 8 shows a flowchart 800 illustrating a method for diagnosing possible fault conditions for the garbage disposal based on illumination of the lower LED ring 32. The exemplary method is one of several possible methods that may be implemented to diagnose fault conditions with respect to the garbage disposal 10, its components, and the related switches 30, 40 and sensor(s) 50. In the exemplary method 800 of FIG. 8, the method begins at block 805 and the technician / user is instructed to first set the lower switch 40 to the OFF position at block 810. Thereafter, at block 820, the technician is instructed to set the upper switch 30 to the ON position.

[0037] After the upper switch 30 is moved to the ON position, a determination is made at block 830 whether or not the motor for the garbage disposal 10 turns on and spins the grinder. If it is determined that the garbage disposal is on at block 830, the technician then looks to see whether the light fixture 20 on the garbage disposal 10 is illuminated at block 840. If the light fixture 20 is illuminated (i.e., the illumination state of the light fixture 20 is “ON”), the technician may determine at block 850 that there are no malfunctions in the electrical connections and the garbage disposal is working. However, if the light fixture is not illuminated at block 840 (i.e., the illumination state of the light fixture 20 is “OFF”), the technician may determine that the light is malfunctioning at block 860. Such malfunctioning may be a result of faulty wiring or a burned out light bulb / LED on the light fixture 20.

[0038] Returning to decision block 830, if the garbage disposal does not turn on after the technician sets the upper switch 30 to ON, the technician then determines at decision block 870 whether the light fixture 20 on the garbage disposal is ON. If a determination is made that the light fixture 20 is illuminated at decision block 870 (i.e., the illumination state of the light fixture 20 is “ON”), the method moves on to block 880 and a determination is made that the garbage disposal is malfunctioning. In other words, when the upper switch 30 is ON and the LED ring 22 is illuminated but the electric motor does not operate, this indicates a likely problem with the electric motor (e.g., a burned-out motor). However, if a determination is made at decision block 870 that the light fixture 20 is not illuminated (i.e., the illumination state of the light fixture 20 is “OFF”), the method moves on to block 890 and a determination is made that the power supply is malfunctioning. In other words, when the upper switch 30 is ON but neither the electric motor nor the LED ring 22 of the garbage disposal operate, this likely suggest that the unit is not receiving power (e.g., because of an issue with the power supply circuit, such as faulty wiring or a tripped circuit breaker or GFCI outlet).

[0039] The foregoing method 800 illustrated one exemplary method for providing a diagnostic tool used to diagnose issues with the garbage disposal. In other embodiments, additional indicators may be used to provide additional information concerning the garbage disposal 10, such as the LED ring 32 on the upper switch 30. The above-described diagnostic tool may be used at any time during installation of the garbage disposal in a kitchen, including a diagnostic tool to determine whether the garbage disposal is properly installed as well as a diagnostic tool to determine malfunctions in the garbage disposal or its wiring well after installation of the garbage disposal.

[0040] Although various embodiments of a garbage disposal with a light fixture have been provided herein, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other implementations and adaptations are possible. Furthermore, aspects of the various embodiments described herein may be combined or substituted with aspects from other features to arrive at different embodiments from those described herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by any eventually appended claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0021]With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, a garbage disposal 10 includes a housing 11, a sink attachment 12, an upper chamber 14 and a lower chamber 16 positioned within the housing 11, a waste line 18, and at least one light fixture 20. As explained in further detail herein, the light fixture 20 may be provided as a ring of LEDs that illuminate upon the occurrence of certain events, such as the flip of a switch or the occurrence of an event, such as movement in the vicinity of the garbage disposal 10 or the opening of a cabinet door.

[0022]The sink attachment 12 is a conventional sink attachment that couples the garbage disposal 10 to a drain of a sink 80 (see FIG. 4). The sink attachment 12 specifically provides a coupling between the sink and the housing 11 of the garbage disposal 10. Liquid and debris flowing down the drain passes through the sink attachment 12 and into the upper chamber 14 of the garbage disposal.

[0023]The housing 11 is substantially cylindrical in shape with a cyl...

Claims

1. A garbage disposal configured for installation in association with a kitchen sink, the garbage disposal comprising:a housing:an upper chamber positioned within the housing and configured to receive a volume of waste matter from the kitchen sink;a lower chamber positioned within the housing and connected to the upper chamber, the lower chamber configured to receive the volume of waste matter from the upper chamber, the lower chamber including an outlet configured to pass the volume of waste matter out of the lower chamber;an electric motor positioned within the housing and configured to drive a grinder positioned between the upper chamber and the lower chamber, the electric motor configured to rotate when electric power is provided to the electric motor;a light positioned on the housing, the light configured to illuminate when electric power is provided to the light; andat least one switch configured to turn the light on or off.

2. The garbage disposal of claim 1 wherein the housing is cylindrical in shape and the light is a light ring at least partially encircling a cylindrical wall of the housing, wherein the light ring is configured to shine outwardly from the cylindrical wall when electric power is provided to the light.

3. The garbage disposal of claim 1 wherein the light is configured to shine downwardly from a bottom of the housing when electric power is provided to the light.

4. The garbage disposal of claim 1 wherein the at least one switch is a garbage disposal power switch wherein electrical power is provided to both the electric motor and the light when the garbage disposal power switch in in an on position.

5. The garbage disposal of claim 1 wherein the at least one switch is a toggle switch positioned on the housing.

6. The garbage disposal of claim 1 wherein the at least one switch is controlled by a sensor.

7. The garbage disposal of claim 6 wherein the sensor is a motion sensor configured to detect movement in a vicinity of the garbage disposal or a state sensor configured to detect a state of a door as opened or closed.

8. The garbage disposal of claim 1 wherein the at least one switch includes a first switch and a second switch, the first switch provided by a garbage disposal power switch positioned above the housing, and the second switch provided by a light power switch positioned on the housing, wherein the light receives electric power when either the first switch or the second switch is in an on position.

9. The garbage disposal of claim 8 wherein the light does not receive electric power when the first switch and the second switch are in an off position.

10. The garbage disposal of claim 8 wherein the first switch is positioned on a kitchen countertop above the housing.

11. The garbage disposal of claim 8 further comprising a controller configured to selectively deliver electric power to the light depending on a position of the first switch and a position of the second switch.

12. A method of operating a garbage disposal, the method comprising:moving an upper switch positioned above the garbage disposal to an ON state;providing electric power to an electric motor of the garbage disposal when the upper switch is in the ON state; andproviding electric power to a light fixture on the garbage disposal when the upper switch is in the ON state.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising:moving the upper switch to an OFF state such that no electric power is provided to the electric motor and the light fixture;moving a lower switch positioned on the garbage disposal to an ON state; andin response to the lower switch being moved to the ON state, providing electric power to the light fixture on the garbage disposal when the lower switch is in the ON state without providing electric power to the garbage disposal.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the upper switch is a countertop switch and the lower switch is controlled by a sensor.

15. The method of claim 13 further comprising determining whether a fault condition exists for the garbage disposal dependent on whether the garbage disposal turns on and whether the light fixture illuminates when the upper switch and the lower switch are in an ON state or in different states.

16. A method of troubleshooting a garbage disposal installed under a kitchen sink, the method comprising:moving a switch configured to deliver power to the garbage disposal to an ON state;determining an operational state of an electric motor of the garbage disposal after the switch is moved to the ON state;determining an illumination state of a light on the garbage disposal after the switch is flipped; anddetermining whether a fault condition exists depending on the operational state of the electric motor and the illumination state of the light.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the fault condition is a fault condition of an electric motor of the garbage disposal when the operational state of the garbage disposal is OFF and an illumination state of the light is ON.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein the fault condition is a fault condition of a power supply when the operational state of the garbage disposal is OFF and an illumination state of the light is OFF.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein the fault condition is a fault condition of the light when the operational state of the garbage disposal is ON and an illumination state of the light is OFF.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein no fault condition is determined when the operational state of the garbage disposal is ON and an illumination state of the light is ON.

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