Abstract:
An apparatus for opening a trash receptacle door by use of a handle. The handle is connected to the trash receptacle door by a single shaft or a series of shafts and gears connected together which transfer rotary motion. A pulling or pushing force applied to the upper extend or lower extent of the handle respectively will provide a rotational movement which in turn will rotate the connected trash receptacle door to an open position and allow access to the interior of the trash receptacle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Not Applicable  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable  
       DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX  
       [0003]     Not Applicable  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     This invention relates generally to the field of trash receptacles and more specifically to an apparatus for opening a trash receptacle door. Restaurants and other establishments have trash receptacles for their patrons to use to discard their trash when finished eating. Many of these trash receptacles have a door that the patron pushes inward by hand in order to access the opening to deposit their trash. Having a door to partition the inside of the trash receptacle from the outside, has the advantage of hiding the unsightly left over food and trash from the view of patrons and reducing the unseemly odors that trash normally emits. A disadvantage of having a receptacle door is that trash and left over food deposits will accumulate on its surface during normal use. These trash deposits may stay on the doors surface for hours and thus develop bacteria. Naturally, users of the receptacle will use their hand to push inward the receptacle door to deposit their trash and thus come into contact with the doors surface and its accumulated trash and food deposits. This is an unsanitary situation as the bacteria can transfer to the users hand and cause infection. This is also an unseemly process, and many users are not inclined to touch the dirty receptacle door surface. Other trash receptacles have openings without a door to eliminate this unsanitary problem. Unfortunately, by eliminating the door, the patron is not shielded from a clear view of the trash inside and the offensive odors of the trash are free to flow out from the receptacle. Wind may also be able to enter through the opening and blow the trash outside of the receptacle. This invention solves these problems by allowing the user to open the receptacle door with a convenient handle which is located away from the door, and thus not requiring the user to contact the unsanitary receptacle door or trash deposits.  
         [0005]     Some inventions have used a handle that is mounted directly to the trash receptacle door. As this does provide a handle to open the door, there are deficiencies with it. Other inventions use a motor that is operated by an infrared detection sensor to open the door.  
         [0006]     By having a handle that is mounted directly to the door, the handle itself may become contaminated with the trash and left over food that is deposited within the trash receptacle. This again allows an easy transfer of bacteria from the contaminated handles surface to the users hand. Having a motor to open the receptacle door is convenient, but motors need a source of electricity. If it uses a standard electrical outlet for electricity, the trash receptacle must be located near an outlet to function. If it uses a battery, the batteries must be changed when they run low on charge in order to function. Electrical motors also eventually fail, and will require repair or replacement. This new invention has the handle located far enough away from the receptacle door as to not come into contact with the trash during normal use and requires no electricity.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The primary object of the invention is to provide a method for opening a trash receptacle that does not require a user to touch the trash receptacle door.  
         [0008]     Another object of the invention is to provide a method for opening a trash receptacle door that is more sanitary than some current methods.  
         [0009]     Another object of the invention is to provide a method for opening a trash receptacle door that is easy for a user to use.  
         [0010]     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.  
         [0011]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for opening a trash receptacle door. comprising: A trash receptacle door, A handle having one or more extensions, A shaft having one end connected to said handle and the other end connected to said trash receptacle door, A means of connecting said trash receptacle door to said shaft, A means of connecting said handle to said shaft, whereby a pulling or pushing motion on said handle will rotate the handle about the axis of said shaft and thus rotate said shaft and thus rotate said trash receptacle door open and allow access to the interior of the trash receptacle.  
         [0012]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for opening a trash receptacle door. comprising: A trash receptacle door, A handle having one or more extensions, A shaft(A) having one end connected to said handle and a gear(A) affixed to it, A means of connecting said shaft(A) to said handle, A means of connecting said shaft(A) to said gear(A), Another shaft(B) having one end connected to said trash receptacle door and another gear(B) affixed to it, A means of connecting said shaft(B) to the said trash receptacle door, A means of connecting said shaft(B) to the said gear(B), An intermediate gear which is connects said gear(A) and gear(B) together by the gear teeth, whereby a pulling or pushing motion on said handle will cause a rotation of said shaft(A), said gear(A), said intermediate gear, said gear(B), said shaft(B), and the said trash receptacle door which open the trash receptacle door and allow access to the interior of the trash receptacle.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of the trash receptacle door opening apparatus in accordance with the present invention in normal closed position.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is an elevational view of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  in open position.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a partial left side elevational view of the invention shown in  FIG. 2  in normal closed position.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a partial left side elevational view of the invention shown in  FIG. 3  in open position.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the invention shown in  FIG. 4  in normal closed position.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the invention shown in  FIG. 5  in open position.  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged elevational view of the invention showing a first alternative embodiment.  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged partial elevational view of the invention as shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged plan view of the inventions handle assembly as shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of a third alternative embodiment showing invention in normal closed position with working components exposed.  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is right side elevational view of the invention as shown in  FIG. 10  in normal closed position with handle assembly on right side with working components exposed.  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a partial right side elevational view of the invention as shown in  FIG. 10  in open position with working components exposed.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]     Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.  
         [0027]     In accordance with the present invention,  FIG. 1  shows a first preferred embodiment of the trash receptacle door opening apparatus mounted to the trash receptacle  29 . The invention is shown in the normal closed position. This embodiment is comprised of the handle assembly HA with an upper and lower extension, trash receptacle door  20 , and support assembly SA. Handle assembly HA is attached to one edge of trash receptacle door  20  while the support assembly SA is attached to the opposing edge of trash receptacle door  20 . The shafts  21  and  26  are positioned inline to each other as to create a single axis of rotation. It is to be noted that the trash receptacle door is positioned in a normal manner as to be a partition residing within the trash receptacle opening or void  24 .  
         [0028]     A very important portion of this invention is the new handle assembly HA which is comprised of the handle  20 , shaft  21 , and door mounting bracket  22  which are attached together respectively as evident from the illustration. The handle assembly HA is mounted on the left side of the trash receptacle  29  and is attached to the trash receptacle door  20  by mounting bracket  22 . It is to be noted that the handle assembly HA may be mounted on any side in which normal operation of invention can be accomplished. Moreover the shaft  21  of the handle assembly HA is placed within a void in the left side of the trash receptacle  29  with the void being of large enough extent as to allow for rotational movement of the shaft  21  and thus the handle assembly HA.  
         [0029]     Another important part of this invention is the support assembly SA which is comprised of the shaft  26  and mounting bracket  27  which are attached together as shown. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the support assembly SA is mounted on the opposing side from the mounting point of the handle assembly HA on the trash receptacle  29  and is attached to the trash receptacle door  20  by mounting bracket  27 . Moreover the shaft  26  of the support assembly HA is placed within a void in the shown side of the trash receptacle  29  with the void being of large enough extent as to allow for rotational movement of the shaft  26  thus the support assembly SA. Of importance is that shaft  26  is in alignment with shaft  21  forming a single axis of rotation therebetween. It is of note that the handle assembly HA and the support assembly SA can either each alone or together support and bear the weight of the trash receptacle door  20 . Support of the trash receptacle door  20  is an implied part of this invention, but is not a necessary one as other means may support it. Of importance is that shaft  21  and shaft  26  are in alignment and form a single axis of rotation therebetween and provide a rotation axis for trash receptacle door  20 .  
         [0030]     The operation of this embodiment of the invention may be understood upon reference to  FIG. 1 . As a consequence of the components of the invention connected together as explained and shown, it is evident that a movement of the handle  20  rotated about axis of shaft  21  normally by hand will transfer rotational motion to the connected trash receptacle door  20  and thereby cause the trash receptacle door  20  to rotate to an opened position. Release of the handle  20  by hand or rotation back to its normal closed position allow the trash receptacle door  20  to return to its normal closed position. The support assembly SA will rotate in sympathetic motion with the attached trash receptacle door  20  and handle assembly HA along the single axis described above.  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is similar to  FIG. 1  and shows the invention in the fully opened position whereby trash may be deposited through trash receptacle opening  34 . The invention is mounted on trash receptacle  35  in same manner as  FIG. 1 . Similarly, it shows the handle assembly HA comprised of the handle  30 , shaft  31 , and mounting bracket  32  attached to the trash receptacle door  33  by mounting bracket  32 . The support assembly SA is also comprised of a shaft  36  and mounting bracket  37 , and is attached to its side of trash receptacle door  33 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 3  shows a partial left side elevational view of the invention depicted in  FIG. 1  in normal closed position mounted on trash receptacle  45 . Illustrated is the handle assembly HA which is comprised of handle  40 , shaft  41 , and mounting bracket  42 . The handle assembly is attached to the trash receptacle door  43  by the mounting bracket  42  in like manner as  FIG. 1 . The trash receptacle door  43  resides within the trash receptacle opening  44  in like manner as  FIG. 1 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 4  shows a partial left side elevational view of the invention depicted in  FIG. 3  in fully open position mounted on trash receptacle  57 . Illustrated is the handle assembly HA which is comprised of handle  50 , shaft  51 , and mounting bracket  52 . The handle assembly is attached to the trash receptacle door  53  by the mounting bracket  52  in like manner as  FIG. 3 . The trash receptacle door  53  resides within the trash receptacle opening  54  in like manner as  FIG. 3 . The dashed line with arrow represents the movement of the lower portion of trash receptacle door  53  during opening. For clarity, the left side face  55  and front side face  56  of trash receptacle  57  is noted.  
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of invention mounted on trash receptacle  75  showing internal working components therein. The invention is in the normal closed position. As shown are the major components of the invention. The handle assembly HA being comprised of handle  70 , shaft  71 , and mounting bracket  72  being attached to left side of door  73 . The support assembly SA comprised of shaft  76 , and mounting bracket  77  attached to right side of door  73 . As shown the invention is situated near the trash receptacle opening  74 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of invention mounted on trash receptacle  95  similar to  FIG. 5  showing internal working components therein as depicted. The invention is in the fully opened position. The handle assembly HA being comprised of handle  90 , shaft  91 , and mounting bracket  92  and is attached to left side edge of trash receptacle door  93 . The support assembly SA comprised of shaft  96 , and mounting bracket  97  attached to right side of door  93 . As shown the invention is situated near the trash receptacle opening  94 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is an elevational view of a second preferred embodiment of the invention without a trash receptacle mounting. Shown attached to the left side of the trash receptacle door is the handle assembly HA 1 . It is to be noted that an additional handle assembly HA 2  is attached on the right side of trash receptacle door, thereby providing for natural right or left handed use. Handle assembly HA 1  is similar to handle assembly HA in  FIG. 1 , being comprised of handle  110 , shaft  111 , and mounting bracket  112  with additional bulbous ends  117  attached to handle  110  for convenient gripping surfaces for the hand. Handle assembly HA 2  is comprised of handle  113 , shaft  114 , and mounting bracket  115  with additional bulbous ends  117  attached to handle  113  for convenient gripping surfaces. Mounting screws  118  are used to secure mounting brackets  112  and  115  to trash receptacle door  116 . Secured together as shown, all components form a rigid or semi-rigid structure whereby force applied to any portion will cause a similar movement to all components.  
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged elevational view of the inventions handle assembly HA being comprised of handle  130 , shaft  131 , and mounting bracket  132  with additional bulbous ends  135  attached to handle  130  for convenient gripping surfaces for the hand. Handle assembly HA is attached to the trash receptacle door  133  with mounting bracket  132  and securing screws  134 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged partial plan view of the inventions handle assembly HA similar to  FIG. 8 . The handle assembly HA is comprised of handle  150 , shaft  151 , and mounting bracket  152  with additional bulbous end  155  attached to upper portion of handle  130  for convenient gripping surface for the hand. Handle assembly HA is attached to the trash receptacle door  153  with mounting bracket  152  and securing screws  154 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 10  shows a third preferred embodiment of the invention from front elevational view similar to  FIG. 1  with exposed view of trash receptacle  221 . A very important part of this embodiment of the invention is the new handle gear assembly HGA which replaces the handle assembly HA from  FIG. 1 . Of note is the use of gears for the transmittal of rotational motion between the handle  210  and finally to trash receptacle door  220 . Handle gear assembly HGA is attached to right side of trash receptacle  221 . It is noted that handle gear assembly HGA can be mounted on either side or both sides of the trash receptacle  221 , and is not restricted to a particular side. Thereby this allows for use of the invention by either hand. The handle gear assembly HGA is comprised of the handle  210  with an upper and lower extension that is attached to handle shaft  212  that is attached handle gear  211 . Further comprising the handle gear assembly HGA is the intermediate shaft  214  intermediate gear  213  attached together as illustrated. Lastly comprising the handle gear assembly is the door shaft  215  with attached door dear  216  having shaft  215  attached to a mounting bracket  217 . The support assembly SA is mounted on the opposing side of trash receptacle  221  in a manner similar to support assembly SA of  FIG. 1  and is comprised of shaft  218  and mounting bracket  219  which is attached to the trash receptacle door  220 . It is noted that the shafts  212 ,  214 , and  215  are mounted in respective voids in the side of the trash receptacle  221  similar to shaft  21  of  FIG. 1 , and therefore the shafts may rotate freely within their respective voids. Of importance is that the gears  211  and  213  have their respective teeth enmeshed together as to allow transfer of rotational movement between them. Gears  213  and  216  also have their respective teeth enmeshed together as to allow transfer of rotational movement between them. It is to be noted that the gear ratios of the above mentioned gears may be adjusted to allow for a multiplying factor for rotation thereby providing for a smaller rotation of the handle  210  to be transmitted to the trash receptacle  220  as a larger rotation. Of importance is that shaft  215  and shaft  218  are in alignment and form a single axis of rotation therebetween and provide a rotation axis for trash receptacle door  220 .  
         [0040]     The operation of embodiment of the invention may be understood upon reference to  FIG. 10  which as a consequence of the components of the invention connected together as previously explained and shown, it is evident that a movement of the handle  210  rotated about axis of handle shaft  212  will transfer rotational motion to the gear  211  then to gear  213  and onward to gear  216  and further to its connected door shaft  215  and finally to the trash receptacle door  220  and thereby opening trash receptacle door  220 . Release of the handle  210  or reverse rotational movement of it from the opening movement will return trash receptacle door  220  to its normal closed position. The support shaft SA will rotate in sympathetic movement with its connected trash receptacle door  220 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 11  shows a partial right side elevational view of  FIG. 10  showing working components with exposed view of trash receptacle  175 . The handle gear assembly HGA is mounted on the right side of trash receptacle  175 . The HGA is shown with a shortened handle  170  to allow clearer viewing of handle gear  171 , intermediate gear  172 , and door gear  173 . The trash receptacle door  174  is situated in its normal closed position. The gears  171 ,  172 ,  173  have gear teeth enmeshed together as described above for  FIG. 10 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 12  shows a partial right side elevational view similar to  FIG. 11  showing working components with exposed view of trash receptacle  195  in opened position. The handle gear assembly HGA shown is the same as in  FIG. 11  with handle  190 , handle gear  191 , intermediate gear  192 , and door gear  193 . The trash receptacle door  194  is shown in the open position. The gears  191 ,  192 ,  193  have their respective gear teeth enmeshed together as described above for  FIG. 10 .  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIGS. 1-12  the invention performs the functions for opening a trash receptacle by providing a the trash receptacle door opening apparatus with a convenient handle for manipulation. It provides a more sanitary method for opening the trash receptacle door while avoiding having the user place their hand on the door.  
         [0044]     While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.