Abstract:
There is provided a disinfectant/deodorizer apparatus capable of disinfecting and/or deodorizing garbage disposals and other effluent pipes and drains through an automated process that will be activated through an electronic timer on a circuit board. The circuit board activates a motor that will turn and push on an actuator that forces the disinfectant/deodorizer canister up, forcing the tip to depress into a hole in the top end receiver of the apparatus, which will receive the material substance in a small diameter tubing that ends into an opening on a garbage disposal, or an effluent pipe or drain, thus causing disinfecting and/or deodorizing of said piping or appliance.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to US Provisional Application 61/458,425 filed on Nov. 18, 2010. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to an automated apparatus that can help disinfect and/or deodorize garbage disposals, drains, or any other plumbing effluent pipes. The device is operated by either battery or electrical outlet, which then activates a motor which acts to depress a canister to release a deodorizer, disinfectant, chemical, water, treatment solution or other type of fluid or gas into a disposal, drain pipe, or any effluent pipe. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The occurrence of bacteria and odor is quite prevalent in effluent pipes, drains, and garbage disposals. The current methods of decreasing or eliminating the proliferation of bacteria, and the odors related to these bacterium, are quite cumbersome and/or time consuming ventures to alleviate. The process to eliminate the named issues are often aimed at the odor alone and not the root or cause of the problem, the bacteria. A common solution are home remedies, such as ice cubes, lemons, or another citrus; which alone do not solve the issue; however, create a temporary pleasant odor. A primary concern for the average commercial or residential effluent piping, drain, or disposal is to address the unpleasant odor and not focus on the bacteria proliferation, which is the cause of the foul odors. The current process to alleviate the odor are quite labor intensive and must be treated daily, weekly, or monthly on effluent pipes, drains, and/or garbage disposals to minimize odor. When a commercial or residential consumer uses purchased chemicals to decrease odor, they are often exposed to hazardous compositions that may cause harm or dangerous interactions to the user. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,749 is a self-cleaning garbage disposal that utilizes a spray ring which is located below the splash guard. A control valve is connected to the cold water pipe and controls the flow of water from the cold water line into the spray ring. The control valve is engaged simultaneously with the disposal when the disposal is activated, which also initiates a timer control circuit on the control valve. The spray ring, using standard water pressure, forces the food debris directly into the disposal blades in a counterclockwise direction for faster and more efficient grinding of food debris. When the disposal is switched off, water continues to flow through the spray ring for approximately fifteen seconds, thoroughly flushing any remaining debris down the drain. This equipment is limited to the flushing of the garbage disposal to make sure the food particles are flushed down into the drain; but this does not address the cause of foul smelling odors, the proliferation of bacteria. While most of the food particles will be washed down the drain, bacteria growth still will occur causing foul odors. This device is quite limited to garbage disposals and not to all effluent pipes and drains. Another issue is that this invention is quite labor intensive to install and not all individuals would be able to install the device. A hole must be drilled into the spray ring which necessitates the proper tools for installation. A separate cold line pipe must be split for this invention, which further complicates installation and validates the need for a plumber or handyman to install the device. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,910,808 is directed to a dispenser for dispensing sanitizer and/or deodorizer chemical from a pressurized container into the inside of a grinder type garbage disposer. The dispensing device mounts in a convenient location adjacent to the grinding garbage disposer it is intended to serve. The location must also be ideal for the person who uses the garbage disposer. The device comprises of a canister with a substantially closed bottom surface and a hollow inner area enclosed by a selectively and translatable removable lid. A small diameter tube extends from the nozzle of a pressurized container of deodorant through a small opening in the substantially closed bottom into an area below the mouth of the grinder garbage disposer. For activation of the device, the top is translated downward against the valve of the pressurized container causing the device to sanitize and/or deodorize a chemical to escape in to the container flow through the small diameter tube into the garbage disposer. Thus, the disposal is sanitized and/or deodorized. This method is limited to manual activation of the sanitizer/deodorizer. There is not an automated process for which this application may be deployed; it is solely a manual release of the disinfectant/deodorizer. A small opening must be created into the base of the sink; requiring specialized tools, and thus requiring the need for a handyman or a plumber in most situations. The canister application of the invention is sitting on the sink which creates a cumbersome and unattractive look on the sink top and counter area. This device is limited to garbage disposals and not all effluent pipes and drains in plumbing applications. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,673 is a deodorizer apparatus for an electric grinder type garbage disposal system that automatically injects a spray of deodorizer from a conventional spray can into the grinder chamber of a disposal, after the grinder motor is turned off, which is optimum time for deodorizing. One type of actuator mechanism uses a shaft supported cam to depress the valve on the spray can. The cam is driven against a rest stop by a spring, and the spring is tensioned by a motor device operated parallel with the grinder motor when the disposer is active. Another actuator mechanism uses a solenoid operated by logic circuits sensing the state of the grinder motor. This device is limited to use only when the disposal unit is activated. If the garbage disposal is not activated in weeks, the device will not deodorize and thus the smells will accumulate. Because the device is activated by the motor of the disposal, the invention must be tied into the motor of the disposal. This will most likely have a need for a handyman or plumber to install said device. More evidence of the difficulty to install the invention is that this device must be installed by method of an opening made in the neck, more specifically to a fitting arranged in the neck, which cannot be handled by the average homeowner. This invention is limited to a garbage disposal and not effluent pipes and drains. 
         [0007]    Due to the problems and issues addressed herein and in other prior art devices, there is a great need to improve upon them. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0008]    This invention is a novel and innovative method of killing bacteria and/or deodorizing smells in garbage disposals, effluent pipes and drains. To accomplish this task, a dispensing container is assembled into the plumbing, either in-line between two pipes, into a drain assembly, into the dishwasher drain on the garbage disposal or any effluent pipe. The apparatus injects directly into the pipe, drain or garbage disposal. Most disposal units are fitted with dishwasher drain connections which is optimal placement for device due to ease of installation and it is directly before the grinding wheels of the disposal unit where most of the debris can begin to create an undesirable odor. This device would slip into the disposals dishwasher inlet access and the dishwasher drain line would plug into the opposite end of the device or in absence of a dishwasher, a knock-out would be in disposal side of apparatus. When installing in a effluent pipe setting, the device would be installed in-line between the two pipes, optimally before where bacteria proliferates. The dispensing canister is connected to a circular seating that is affixed inside the invention. The dispensing unit is a pressurized system, through an aerosol can, that is timed through the use of simple electronics and mechanical mechanisms to dispense a desired dosage at a predetermined time. The dispensing canister would be fastened in such a manner that it would allow for easy installation and easy examination of the fluid level. In its final embodiment the liquid would be available in a sealed container that will fit into place on the dispensing unit and be ready for usage. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an apparatus that disinfects and deodorizes garbage disposals, drains, or any other plumbing effluent pipes; 
           [0011]      FIG. 1B  is a front view of an apparatus that disinfects and deodorizes garbage disposals, drains, or any other plumbing effluent pipes showing the aerosol canister; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective side view of the top canister support member incorporated into  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective side view of the base canister support member incorporated into  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the apparatus installed for use with a garbage disposal; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the apparatus installed for use with a sink; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 4C  is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the apparatus installed for use with a sewage pipe. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention and/or the embodiments illustrated. 
         [0019]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3   b , there is shown an apparatus  100  that can be employed to disinfect and/or deodorize garbage disposals, drains, toilets, or any other plumbing effluent pipes. The apparatus  100  is operated by either battery or electrical outlet that when activated is set to release a deodorizer, disinfectant, chemical, water, treatment solution or generally any type of pressurized fluid or gas from a canister into the disposal, drain pipe, or any effluent pipe. 
         [0020]    The apparatus  100  includes a body element  102  that has an upper portion  104  and a lower portion  106  that are secured to a top canister support member  108  and a base canister support member  110 , respectively. The top canister support member  108  is fastened to the upper portion  104  of the body element  102  such that the top canister support member  108  extends outwardly from the body element  102 . The base canister support member  110  includes a slot  112  that is sized to receive the lower portion  106  of the body element  102 . A screw or other fastening member is then set to secure the lower portion  106  within the slot  112 . As with the top canister support member  108 , the base canister support member  110  is fastened such that a lower canister support region  114  extends outwardly from the body element  102  at a position that aligns with an upper canister support region  116  defined in the top canister support member  110 . Whereby when secured a canister can be secured or held in place between the top and base canister support members  108  and  110 . 
         [0021]    The upper canister support region  116  includes inner and outer annular indentations  118  and  120 , respectively, to help hold and support the top of the aerosol canister  50 . In addition, an aperture  122  is provided at the center of the inner indentation  118  to coincide with the valve opening of the aerosol canister. However, if the valve opening of the canister is moved or different the aperture  122  can be re-designed to coincide with the correct valve opening. 
         [0022]    A delivery tube  124  is provided to deliver a deodorizer, disinfectant, water, treatment solution or other type of fluid and/or gas aerosol or chemical (generally referred to and defined as a “material substance”) from the canister into the disposal, drain, or any other plumbing effluent pipe. The delivery tube  124  includes a first entry end  126  angled into the aperture  122  and will be in communication with the valve opening of the canister. A second exit end  128  of the delivery tube  124  will then be angled or positioned for access into the disposal, drain, or any other plumbing effluent pipe. When the canister is activated to dispense the material substance, it will travel through the delivery tube  124  into the disposal, drain, or any other plumbing effluent pipe. A tube cap  130  is secured to the topside portion  132  of the top canister support member  108  to help secure the delivery tube  124  in its position. The tube cap  130  includes a channel that receives a portion of the delivery tube. 
         [0023]    As illustrated, the body element  102  includes an aperture  134  for receiving a pipe adapter  136  that would be inserted between a pipe. When the apparatus  100  is used with a disposal the pipe adapter  136  is secured at one end to the disposal pipe and at the other end to the effluent from the dishwasher. The pipe adapter  136  is further designed to include a recessed slot  138  the receives a portion of the delivery tube  124  such that the second exit end  128  of the delivery tube  124  would be aligned with an end section  140  of the pipe adapter  136 . When the end section  140  of the pipe adapter  136  is connected to another pipe, the second exit end  128  of the delivery tube  124  would be positioned within the other pipe, whereby a material substance can be injected right into the disposal, drain, or any other plumbing effluent pipe. A transition seal  142  or other rubber type gasket is fitted over the pipe adapter  136  and has a end portion  138  seated in the aperture  134  to help prevent leaks between the pipe adapter and the delivery tube. 
         [0024]    To activate the dispersal of the material substance from the canister, an activation mechanism  150  is employed that when activated presses down on the valve opening of the canister. As is known in the art, the canister includes a valve opening that when pressed opens causes a release of internal pressure in the canister and thus a release of the material substance. When the valve opening is released the valve closes. With the delivery tube inserted into the valve opening, when the valve opening is pressed, the material substance will be released into and through the delivery tube and when eject out of the second exit opening of the delivery tube. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the activation mechanism  150  includes a drive motor  152  engaged to drive a drive cam  154 . When the drive cam  154  rotates, it will vertically move a push rod  156 . When moved vertically upwards the push rod  156  will move through a bore  158  defined in the lower canister support region  114 . The upper end of the push rod  156  will contact and push a trigger button  160  upwardly, which engages and pushes the canister upwardly causing the valve opening to be pushed down by the first end  126  of the delivery tube  124 , whereby the material substance is released. 
         [0026]    In addition thereto, other elements may be provided such as a limit switch  162  and limit switch mounting block  164  which allows for only one rotation or activation of the canister per predetermined time limit. The predetermined time limit could be set by the factory or user set such as but not limited to every 12, 24 or 48 hours. Furthermore, the apparatus could include a manual activation button  175 , that permits the user to activate the activation mechanism at any time. 
         [0027]    The drive motor  152  can be positioned and secured to the apparatus by a motor mount  166  and include a motor connection cap  168  that secures a connection to the motor from a circuit board  170 . The circuit board  170  would include the drive motor circuit and a timer control circuit to control the activation of the canister. The circuit board  170  would be positioned within a cover  172  and would be powered by a power jack  174 . The power jack  174  would be electrically connected to a wall outlet or could be defined as a battery pack. The battery pack could be replaceable or rechargeable batteries. 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , one embodiment of the invention utilizes the apparatus  100  with a garbage disposal  200  that is positioned under a sink  175 . The apparatus  100  would be positioned between the exit opening of the garbage disposal line  205  and the drain hose  215  from the dishwasher  225 . When activated the material substance would be sprayed back through the garbage disposal line  205  and thus into the garbage disposal. 
         [0029]    As noted other embodiments would include the use of the apparatus  100  in drains, toilets, sinks  250  ( FIG. 4B ) or any other plumbing effluent pipes  260  ( FIG. 4C ). 
         [0030]    It should be further stated the specific information shown in the drawings but not specifically mentioned above may be ascertained and read into the specification by virtue of a simple study of the drawings. Moreover, the invention is also not necessarily limited by the drawings or the specification as structural and functional equivalents may be contemplated and incorporated into the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.