Sanitary Device for Garbage Can Lids

Systems and methods for sanitizing, cleaning, and deodorizing the interior of a garbage can are provided. A device is provided that includes a housing and an adjustable nozzle configured to dispense a cleaning solution into the interior of the garbage can. Additionally, the device includes a power source such as a battery, as well as an electronic board that can enable and disable the nozzle. The device can be mounted to an underside of a lid of the garbage can, which allows solution to be sprayed downwardly into the interior of the garbage can and bags contained therein. The adjustable nozzle can be adjusted to a number of different spray patterns. When the solution of the device is depleted, it can be replaced for further use of the device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to garbage cans and, in particular, to a sanitary device that can be mounted to a portion of the garbage can, for instance the lid, to improve sanitization, reduce bacteria and germ growth, and reduce odor, within the garbage can. More specifically, the invention relates to a sanitary device, such as a puck, that is mounted to the underside of the top lid of an outdoor garbage can that is configured to periodically spray a disinfecting and/or scented mist to improve the smell of the interior of the trash can while killing germs, bacteria, and other microorganisms that may be present within the container.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Despite best efforts to keep areas in and around garbage or trash cans, dumpsters, or other containers clean, they inevitably get dirty. Outdoor garbage cans and dumpsters are oftentimes even worse than indoor garbage cans in teems of their cleanliness and smell. Because they are located outdoors, users are less likely to take issues with messes located within the can. For instance, even when a garbage bag from an indoor can breaks, users nevertheless throw the broken bag directly into the outdoor garbage can, causing the contents of the bag to fall out of the bag and into the bottom of the outdoor can. Similarly, animals smelling food or other waste products can rip open bags causing the contents to fall out. Additionally, because they are outside, outdoor cans are exposed to the elements, which can include warm temperatures and sunlight, which can lead to increased spreading of germs, bacteria, other microorganisms, and associated smells. Even when an “outdoor” garbage can is located in a garage, it can still be subject to adverse elements, while also being in closer proximity to individuals, as well as vehicles, garage refrigerators or freezers, and the like. Further still, outdoor garbage cans and dumpsters are emptied on a less frequent basis than indoor garbage cans, such that filled garbage bags can remain within the can for days or even weeks. Furthermore, certain waste materials are exclusively deposited into an outdoor can, including pet waste and other chemical materials. This causes the smell associated with outdoor garbage cans and dumpsters to usually be even worse than indoor garbage cans. In addition to the displeasure associated with smelly and gross garbage cans, there is concern for growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can be dangerous for humans and animals living in close proximity to the garbage can.

To remedy these issues, typically users would need to open the garbage can and manually spray a cleaning solution into the can. This can be unappealing, time-consuming, and easy to forget. Additionally, some individuals hire steam cleaners who come on an annual or biannual basis to steam these cans. While better than nothing, these cleanings are infrequent and thus not sufficient to fully address the underlying issues.

What is therefore needed is a device to help minimize the growth and spread of odors, as well as germs, bacteria, and microorganisms located within a garbage can, and more specifically an outdoor garbage can or dumpster. What is further needed is a device that periodically dispenses materials to help reduce the growth and spread of odors, germs, bacteria, and microorganisms located within a garbage can or dumpsters. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/285,760 filed on Dec. 3, 2021 addressed a number of these issues, and its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

By way of summary, the present invention is directed to a sanitization device for a garbage can, dumpster, or other container (collectively referred to as garbage cans herein). More specifically, the present invention is directed to a sanitization device including a housing containing a cleaning solution and a sprayer associated with the housing that dispenses cleaning solution into the garbage can.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the sprayer may further include an adjustable nozzle that has two or more different spray patterns. For instance, the nozzle may have a wide spray pattern and a narrow spray pattern. In the wide spray pattern, a spray cone of approximately 70 degrees may be achieved, and in the narrow spray pattern, a spray cone of approximately 20 degrees may be achieved. Further still, the nozzle may include a third medium spray pattern, with that spray pattern having a spray cone of approximately 40 degrees.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the device may further include a container that contains the cleaning solution, where the adjustable nozzle has a base that is secured to the container and a side plate that is rotatably connected to the base. The side plate may be rotated relative to the base about three positions having three spray patterns. Further still, the device may include a tab that is configured to hold the container in place relative to the housing. Further still, a delivery tube may be used with the container. The container may include a reservoir that holds the cleaning solution, where the reservoir is a substantially horizontally mounted reservoir, although a bottom wall of the reservoir is slightly angled towards a low point. The tube extends downwardly from the adjustable nozzle to the bottom wall of the reservoir.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the device includes a housing that contains a cleaning solution, as well as a sprayer that is contained within the housing the is configured to dispense the cleaning solution into the interior of the garbage can. By way of example and not limitation, the cleaning solution could be ZETRISIL, made by ESC Brands. The housing can be integrally formed with the lid, otherwise it can be a separate housing that is releasably mounted to the lid. The sprayer may be configured to spray the cleaning solution at a predetermined interval. For instance, the sprayer may be configured to spray the solution once a day, or more or less frequently as may be desired. Otherwise, the sprayer may be configured to spray the cleaning solution upon receipt of a manual or virtual command, such as by a pressing a button or otherwise providing instruction to dispense solution. The sanitization device may also include an electronic board, as well as a battery that is connected to the electronic board and the sprayer. The electronic board may provide a command to the battery to activate the sprayer. Additionally, the housing may include a plurality of compartments, which may house one or more of the solution, the battery, and the electronic board. Additionally, a container that contains the solution may be removably insertable into one of the plurality of compartments. In other embodiments, a plastic pod that contains the solution may be removably insertable into one of the plurality of compartments. Further still, the sprayer may include a tube, at least one nozzle connected to the tube, and a valve that is associated with the nozzle. The valve may be opened to dispense the solution from the nozzle. The cleaning solution is configured to kill bacteria within the garbage can, prevent exposure to microorganisms, and minimize the odor within the garbage can.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of using a sanitization device for a garbage can includes the steps of installing a housing to an interior of the garbage can, spraying a solution from the housing into the interior of the garbage can, and replacing the solution once the solution is depleted. Additionally, an adjustable nozzle may be rotated between two or more positions relative to a container containing the solution. For instance, the adjustable nozzle may have a first position where the solution is dispensed in a cone of spray of approximately 70 degrees, a second position where the solution is dispensed in a cone of spray of approximately 40 degrees, and a third position where the solution is dispensed in a cone of spray of approximately 20 degrees. The method may also include the steps of disengaging a tab configured to hold the container and nozzle in place relative to the housing, removing the container and adjustable nozzle, replacing the same, and reengaging the tab to hold the replacement container and adjustable nozzle in place. The method may also include the step of spraying the solution from the housing into the interior of the garbage can approximately every twenty-four hours. The method may also include the step of spraying the solution from the housing upon manual or virtual command Additionally, the method may include the step of mounting the housing to an underside of a lid of the garbage can. Further still, the method may include the steps of providing a signal from an electronic board, providing power from a battery, and activating a valve to enable distribution of the solution from the sprayer.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a sanitization device is provided for a garbage can that includes a housing containing a cleaning solution, at least one sprayer contained within the housing that is configured to dispense the cleaning solution into the garbage can, and a power supply and electronic board configured to enable and disable the at least one sprayer. In certain embodiments, the housing is formed in the lid of the garbage can. In other embodiments, the housing is removably connected to the lid, for instance using a mount, a fastener, or an adhesive. Further still, the device may include a level sensor. In the event that the level sensor does not detect that the housing is substantially horizontal, the sprayer can be disabled. To the contrary, when the level sensor detects that the housing is substantially horizontal, the sprayer can be enabled.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

The present invention is directed to a sanitary device that can be located within a garbage can to improve the conditions of the interior of the garbage can and to address one or more common issues within garbage cans, including but not limited to adverse smells, germs, bacteria, and microorganisms. For instance, the device can serve one of many functions, including, minimizing growth and spread of bacteria and germs, minimizing odors associated with the interior of the garbage can, improving the sanitization conditions of the interior of the garbage can, reducing exposure of microorganisms, and the like. While the description below and the attached figures illustrate the device as being a puck-shaped device that is releasably mounted to the underside of a lid of the garbage can, the device could similarly be in any desired shape or size. Alternatively, the device may be formed directly into the garbage can. Additionally, the below description is related specifically to outdoor garbage cans, but the device could similarly be used with indoor garbage cans, dumpsters, as well as other containers used to house a variety of different objects, including but not limited to recyclable materials, yard waste materials, animal waste materials, or any other materials, all of which will be collectively referred to as garbage cans herein for ease of reference. Further, the device is shown and described as being mounted to the underside of the lid. While this configuration has a number of benefits, such as allowing gravity to help distribute the sanitizing and scented material contained within the device and being less susceptible to dislodgement when garbage is inserted therein, the device could similarly be mounted elsewhere. Also, while the present application is directed to a device to sprays material, the present invention could be used in combination with a number of compatible technologies associated with cleaning and sanitization of garbage cans, including the Disposable Pads described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/496,920, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present device10includes a housing12that is mountable relative to a garbage can14. Again, the device10could alternatively be formed directly into the lid16of the garbage can14such that no mounting would need to occur. The illustrated housing12is of two piece construction, with a top housing piece12A and a bottom housing piece12B. When assembled, the top housing piece12A and the bottom housing piece12B having locking features that mate to form a custom seal.

As mentioned above, the housing12shown in the figures is mounted to the lid16of the garbage can14, although it could similarly be mounted elsewhere. In the embodiment shown in the figures, and more specificallyFIG.13, a mounting plate11is used in combination with a backer plate13, bolt15, and screw17. The backer plate13may be located on the exterior of the garbage can14lid16, with the mounting plate13and remaining components of the device10on the interior of the garbage can14. The housing12may be twisted to lock into place relative to the lid16. When a user needs to remove the housing12, a tab64is compressed, after which the housing12can be twisted and removed. Such a configuration allows the device10to be firmly and easily mounted to the lid16. Of course, the device10could also be mounted to the lid16using the mounting plate11and backer plate13in combination with other mounting components as will further be described below.

Alternatively, the housing12may be mounted to the garbage can14using any number of other different mounting mechanisms, including for instance high strength adhesive, clips, hooks, belts, hook-and-loop VELCRO fasteners, and the like. In certain embodiments, the high strength adhesive is preferred, as it helps to ensure the housing12remains mounted despite the lid16being repeated opened and closed, as well as being slammed when the garbage can14is emptied. In other embodiments, other devices such as clips, hooks, belts, and hook-and-loop VELCRO fasteners may be preferred as it would allow the housing12to be removed from time to time as needed. The housing12can be removable mounted to the garbage can14, allowing it to be quickly and easily removed in order to install it to another garbage can, removed for cleaning purposes and then reinstalled, removed to refill with the cleaning material, or for any other desired reason.

Once installed, the housing12is secured to the garbage can14. For instance, the mounting provides sufficient securement to the lid16such that the housing12remains in place despite repeated opening and closing of the lid16, which oftentimes done with sufficient force due to slamming of the lid16due to gravity. Alternatively, a mounting plate may be secured to the lid16, after which the housing12can repeatedly be mounted and dismounted from the lid16to increase the ease with which additional solution or batteries may be installed.

The illustrated housing12is in the shape of a puck, that is generally cylindrical with a sidewall18, a bottom side20, and a top side22. As shown, the top side22is formed in the mounting plate11. As mentioned above, the housing12could take any number of different shapes, although a simplified and streamlined housing is desired. The housing12includes at least one opening25formed therein. For instance, one or more openings25may be formed in the sidewall18or the bottom side20. Where the housing12is mounted to the lid16, the opening25is directed in a generally downward direction towards the location where the garbage bags24are located. This enables material contained within the housing12to be sprayed outwardly, after which gravity helps to move the material downwardly onto and around the bags24as will further be described below. Similar results would occur where the device10is formed directly into the lid16.

The housing12is preferably made of a hard, durable material such as plastic. Additionally, the housing12is preferably waterproof or substantially waterproof in order to maintain operability of electrical components contained within the housing12. This may occur using a gasket to seal the electronic components. In this way, the device10can be used for extended periods of time, with other components being replaced if needed.

The housing12may include one or more cavities26configured to hold various components. For instance, the housing12may have a single cavity that hold all interior components that will be further described below. Otherwise, the housing12may have a separate cavity for each of the interior components. A cover28may be provided that secures the interior components within the cavity or cavities26. Where the device10is formed directly into the lid16, the cover28is removable to access the interior components, because the remainder of the housing is formed with the lid16.

The housing12may also include various light indicators to communicate with users, such as a battery indicator light19that notifies a user when the battery level is low, as well as a spray indicator light21that notifies a user when the amount of spray is low. The device10the total number of sprays, and once a predetermined number of sprays have been completed, the spray indicator light21is activated. Additionally, a window41may be provided that allows a user to see within the container, and when no solution is contained therein, the container can be refilled. Further still, a variety of indicators29may be provided that show the amount of spray that will be dispensed each time the device10is activated. Further still, a fill sensor may be provided that monitors how high the garbage bags24are stacked within the garbage can14. For instance, proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and reflective sensors could be used. In the event that the bags24are stacked above a maximum height, use of the device10will temporarily be terminated until the garbage can14is emptied. Furthermore, various controls such as switches or buttons23,27may be provided on the housing12, for instance a booster switch that provides additional spray, a mode switch that changes the amount of spray provided, an interval switch that enables a user to quickly and easily change the interval within which the solution is sprayed, and any other switches to customize use of the device10.

In terms of interior components, the housing12holds a container30that holds a liquid or gaseous solution that can be sprayed into the interior of the garbage can14. The container30is shown in isolation inFIGS.9and10. The container30has a bottle-shaped design including a neck section31and a reservoir33. The reservoir33has a bottom side35. As shown, the bottom side35is oriented at a slight angle away from the neck relative to the horizontal. As a result of this inclination of the bottom side35, liquid contained within the reservoir is automatically pooled towards a far edge37of the reservoir33that is the lowest point of the container30, which makes it easier to collect and spray the liquid out of the reservoir33to maximize use of the cleaning solution before the reservoir33needs to be refilled. Further still, the end wall39of the container30may similarly be arced so as to funnel the liquid to the far edge37. As can better be seen inFIG.9A, which is a cross sectional view of the assembly fromFIG.9, a tube45extends from the nozzle38towards the container30. More specifically, the tube45extends initially substantially horizontally along the length of the nozzle38and a portion of the container30, after which in slopes downwardly towards the far edge37of the reservoir33. In this way, an end47of the tube45is directed towards the location where the liquid pools at the far edge37to maximize the amount of solution that can be collected by the tube45.

Additionally, the device10may include an adjustable nozzle38, shown in isolation inFIGS.7and8, and mounted to the container30inFIGS.9and10. The adjustable nozzle38can be moved between multiple position in order to customize operation of the device. More specifically, the illustrator adjustable nozzle38is configured to be rotated between multiple positions in order to adjust the range of spray from the nozzle38. Even more specifically, the adjustable nozzle38can be rotated between multiple positions in order to manipulate the spray radius of solution out of the nozzle38. As shown, the adjustable nozzle38is movable between three settings, although of course the nozzle38could be movable between only two settings, or more than three settings, as may be desired. As shown, the adjustable nozzle38includes a base40that is configured to be secured to the neck31of the container30, as well as a side plate42that is rotatably connected to the base40. The base40includes multiple fluid passageways44,46,48associated with the various potential positions. Additionally, the side plate42includes a separate passageway50that provides a bridge with the selected passageway44,46,48. Additionally, the side plate42can include an indicator52, as shown an arrow, and the base40can include multiple indicators54,56, as shown arrows (a third indicator would be located on the far side not visible inFIG.7). A user can align the side plate42indicator with the desired base indicator54,56which can identify the specific setting being selected.

Additionally, an associated sprayer58,60is formed in the base40of the nozzle38adjacent to the indicator54,56(again, a third spray nozzle would be located on the far side not visible inFIG.7). Each sprayer58,60is connected to the container30and is configured to deliver solution from the container30to the garbage can14. A valve or other flow restrictive device may be located within the nozzle38or the sprayers58,60. Flow of the solution out of the sprayer58,60is initially restricted. Thereafter, the valve may be opened to initiate flow of the solution out of the sprayer58,60and into the interior of the garbage can14. For instance, the device10may be set to open the valve and initiate flow of the solution at predetermined intervals, for instance once every 12 hours, once every 24 hours, once every 36 hours, or once every 48 hours. Of course, the intervals could be set as frequently or infrequently as desired. Further still, the device10may be set to a standby mode in the event that no spraying is needed, for instance if a user is on vacation and no garbage bags will be deposited into the garbage can14for an extended period of time.

Additionally, the device10may be configured to only spray the solution when the garbage can14lid16is closed, for instance using a sensor62. For instance, a tilt sensor that would detect if the device10is substantially horizontally oriented (in which case the lid16is closed), or if the device10is substantially vertically oriented (in which case the lid16is opened). Other sensors, such as gyroscopes, could similarly be used. Opening of the valve may also or alternatively occur on demand, for instance by pressing a button27or other initiator located on or adjacent to the device10. Further still, activation of the sprayer58,60may occur by any sort of remote communication. For instance, the device10may be connected to a remote device, such as a smart phone, a tablet, a computer, or the like, by a website, an application, or the like. This would enable a user to monitor the device10away from the garbage can14, including the settings of the device, the level of the solution, the amount of charge in the battery, etc. Using the application or website, a user can initiate spray in the same way that pressing the button27would. Additionally, the user may change the settings remotely, for instance, to increase the frequency of sprays when the weather is warmer, when the contents of the garbage can14are particularly prone to odors or germs, and the like. The application or website may also enable automatic ordering or replacement solution or containers30when the amount of solution within the container30drops beneath a predefined threshold. Other membership or subscription services may be offered through the website or application to enhance usability. Alternatively still, various sensor or other monitoring devices may be mounted within the device10or the garbage can14. When the sensor or other monitoring device detect a given condition, the sprayer58,60may be activated.

In another embodiment shown inFIGS.12and13, the container30could alternatively distribute the solution using the nozzle38in combination with a gear system42. More specifically, the container30includes a nozzle40that can be compressed to spray materials from within the container30out of the container30. As can be seen, the gear system42includes a plurality of gears44that are rotated to actuate an actuator35, which drives a pump head37causing the solution to be sprayed out of the container30. Of course, other nozzle compression systems could similarly be used, include rack and pinion systems, gear trains with extension arms, and crank-sliders.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle38is movable between a minimum spray radius, a medium spray radius, and a maximum spray radius by aligning the indicator52of the side plate42with the desired indicator of the base40. This would allow a user to adjust the spray radius based on the garbage can14that the device10is being used with. For instance, when the device10is used with a relatively small garbage can14, the minimum spray radius may be selected. If the device10is used with a relatively large garbage can14, the maximum spray radius may be selected. If the device10is used with an intermediate sized garbage can14, the medium spray radius may be selected. This helps to ensure that sufficient spray is provided for a given garbage can14, without wasting cleaning solution by spraying more than what is required for a given can14.

By way of example and not limitation, the maximum spray radius may be between approximately 60-80 degrees, more preferably be between approximately 65-75 degrees, and even more preferably approximately 70 degrees. By way of example and not limitation, the medium spray radius may be between approximately 30-50 degrees, more preferably be between approximately 35-45 degrees, and even more preferably approximately 40 degrees. By way of example and not limitation, the minimum spray radius may be between approximately 10-30 degrees, more preferably be between approximately 15-25 degrees, and even more preferably approximately 20 degrees.

As shown, the container30and nozzle38are mounted to the housing12. More specifically, an opening66is formed in the housing12that is configured to receive the container30and nozzle38. Once the container30and nozzle38are appropriately located, a twist tab68is rotated so that it holds the container30in place relative to the housing12. The twist tab68can similarly be rotated in the opposite direction when the container30is empty and needs to be either refilled or replaced. When the twist tab68is rotated to remove the container30, the sensor measuring the contents of the replacement container30can be reset.

The liquid or gaseous solution used in the container30can be selected from solutions capable of improving the interior of the garbage can14, for instance, by deodorizing various smells contained within the garbage can14, or killing or neutralizing any germs, bacteria, and microorganisms. By way of example and not limitation, ZETRISIL cleaning solution may be used. Specific solutions can also be selected depending on the types of materials that are most commonly contained within the garbage can14. For instance, if a specific garbage can14typically contains a certain material that is particularly susceptible of growth of a specific germ, bacteria, and microorganism, and specific solution can be selected.

Additionally, multiple containers may be included in the housing12that contain different solutions that can either be separately sprayed, mixed prior to spraying, or sprayed at the same time. For instance, one container may contain a solution that deodorizes the garbage can14, whereas a second container may contain a solution that kills or neutralizes germs, bacteria, and microorganisms. When at least one container30runs out of solution, it can either be removed and refilled, or removed and replaced with a new container of solution. Additionally, a sensor may indicate when the level of solution is low and needs to be replaced. This may be communicated to the user, for instance using a signal light.

Further still, a level sensor component may be provided. The level sensor component may be used to detect how the housing12is oriented relative to the garbage can14, and more specifically whether it is horizontally oriented. In the event that the sensor does not detect that the housing12is level, such as when the lid16is in an open position, the sensor will disable activation of sprayer58,60. This prevents the spread of the solution outside of the garbage can14.

The next internal component is a power supply32. The illustrated power supply32is a battery or a plurality of batteries that is connected to a motor33or other activation mechanism in order to drive the gears44of the gear system42. Once power is supplied to the motor or other activation mechanism, the valve can be opened or closed. Additionally, an electronic board is provided that instructs the power supply to be activated in order to open or close the valve.

Additionally, a kit may be provided. For instance, one or more housings may be provided, as well as replacement components, such as replacement batteries, as well as bottles, containers, or pods containing solution. The kit may also have other components that would be helpful in maintaining the cleanliness of the garbage can. For instance, Disposable Pads described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/496,920 can be inserted into the base of the garbage can be included in the kit, which would help to maintain the cleanliness of both the bottom of the garbage can by the pad and top of the garbage can by the device.

While the above description provides a number of potential uses of the device, it should be noted that there are virtually innumerable uses for the present invention, all of which need not be detailed here. For instance, although the device is described for use with garbage cans and more specifically outdoor garbage cans, they could similarly be used with other types of containers and devices. All the disclosed embodiments can be practiced without undue experimentation.

Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. In addition, the individual components need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials, but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable materials.

Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration to improve the efficiency and functionality of the device. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.

It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.