Stabilize and status alert device for a refuse can

A stabilizer and status alert device for a refuse can includes a base configured to support the refuse can in an upright position, a retaining feature configured to releasably couple the refuse can to the base, and an alert system configured to deliver a status notification to a user device in response to the refuse can be uncoupled from the base.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to refuse cans and, more particularly, to a stabilizer and status alert device for a refuse can.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One (1) of the many chores that plague our everyday lives is the taking out of trash from wastebaskets and other sources commonly found in the American household. Most of the times such trash is placed into large trash cans located outside the home. While some homes have dedicated locations that protect trash cans from the environment, most trash cans are exposed to the elements and possibly to animals. Thus, under windy conditions or as a result of animal intrusion, trash cans are often blown or knocked over, which can scatter trash around the yard of the trash can owner and, potentially, neighboring yards as well. This presents a situation that is not only unsightly, but unsanitary as well. Additionally, even cans that are protected in a garage must spend time each week at the curb for trash collection, where they are exposed to the same problems.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a means to prevent or reduce the problems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a device that protects refuse cans from being knocked over and, in the event the refuse can is knocked or blown over, notifies the owner of the can of the knocked over condition of the can. The development of the present invention, which will be described in greater detail herein, fulfills this need.

In one (1) embodiment, the disclosed stabilizer and status alert device for a refuse can includes a base configured to support the refuse can in an upright position, a retaining feature configured to releasably couple the refuse can to the base, and an alert system configured to deliver a status notification to a user device in response to the refuse can be uncoupled from the base.

In another embodiment, the disclosed device for a refuse can includes a refuse can including a bottom surface, a mounting plate connected to the bottom surface of refuse can, wherein the mounting plate is made of a ferromagnetic material, a base including a configured to support surface configured to contact the bottom surface of the refuse can and support the refuse can in an upright position, and a plurality of magnets connected to the base and configured to magnetically attach to the mounting plate to releasably couple the refuse can to the base.

In another embodiment, the disclosed device for a refuse can includes a refuse can including a bottom surface, a mounting plate connected to the bottom surface of refuse can, wherein the mounting plate is made of a ferromagnetic material, a base including a configured to support surface configured to contact the bottom surface of the refuse can and support the refuse can in an upright position, a plurality of magnets connected to the base and configured to magnetically attach to the mounting plate to releasably couple the refuse can to the base, and an alert system configured to deliver a status notification to a user device in response to the refuse can be uncoupled from the base, wherein the alert system includes at least one sensor configured to generate alarm signal in response to detecting a change in a condition of the refuse can, a processor electrically coupled to the at least one sensor, a transmitter electrically coupled to the processor, a power supply electrically coupled to the at least one sensor, the processor and the transmitter, and memory storing instructions, that when executed by the processor, causes the processor to set a baseline condition of the refuse can, interpret the alarm signal by comparing the condition to the baseline condition, generate an alert in response to the change in the condition, and wirelessly transmit the alert as the status notification to the user device.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed method includes the steps of 1). releasably coupling a refuse can to a base in an upright position; 2). setting a baseline condition of the refuse can; 3). detecting a change in a condition of the refuse can; 4). generating an alarm signal in response to detecting the change in the condition; 5). interpreting the alarm signal by comparing the condition to the base condition; 6). generating an alert signal in response to the change in the condition; and 7). wirelessly transmitting the alert signal as a status notification to a user device.

Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment.

Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

DESCRIPTIVE KEY

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted withinFIGS. 1 through 4. However, the invention described herein is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope.

Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that other styles and configurations can be incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and that the example configurations shown and described herein are for the purpose of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation.

As used herein, the singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one (1), as well as a plurality of, the referenced items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, disclosed herein is a refuse can stabilizer and status alert device, herein referred to as a device10, where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. Referring toFIG. 4, also disclosed herein is a method for stabilizing and alerting the status of a refuse can, herein referred to as a method100. Embodiments of the disclosed device10and method100provide a means to stabilize a refuse can50in order to maintain the refuse can50in a desired upright position and location and prevent the refuse can from being knocked over when empty or full. Embodiments of the disclosed device10and method100further provide a means to monitor the status of the refuse can50, for example, when the refuse can50has been moved, emptied or otherwise uncoupled from the base12, and alert the user of the status of the refuse can50.

FIG. 2is an environmental front view of the disclosed device10, according to a preferred embodiment. The device10includes a base12. The base12is configured to be coupled to and support and retain at least one (1) refuse can50. In other embodiments, the device10also includes the refuse can50.

In the various embodiments of the disclosed device10, the refuse can50includes any waste receptacle, such as a container or bin used to accommodate trash, recyclables, green waste and the like. As an example, the refuse can50is a large bin, such as those used for residential trash and recycling collection by a waste management organization. In some example, the refuse can50includes a removal lid52. In some examples, the refuse can50includes two (2) or more wheels.

The base12is configured to be placed on any ground support surface, for example, outdoors, such as on the ground, near a curb, on a driveway and the like. The base12is configured to support and retain the refuse can50in the upright position. In one (1) example implantation of use, the base12may be placed in a suitable location for trash collection purposes, for example, near a curb or other collection location. In another example implementation of use, the base12may be placed in any outdoor location where the refuse can50may be located for any length of time.

As an example, and as illustrated inFIG. 1, the base12may be configured to support and retain one (1) refuse can50. As another example (not shown), the base12may be configured to support and retain more than one (1) refuse can50. In either example, the base12suitably spaces multiple refuse cans50apart, for example, for trash collection.

In an example, the base12is made of a durable plastic material. As an example, the base12may be made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic. In one (1) example construction, the plastic used to make the base12contains at least a portion of recycled content, thus making the disclosed device10an environmentally friendly option for the consumer.

The base12includes dimensions suitable to prevent the coupled refuse can50from flipping the base12. As an example, the base12, whether a single base12configured to support multiple refuse cans50or a plurality of bases12each configured to support one (1) refuse can50, may also include dimensions suitable to space multiple refuse cans50apart a sufficient distance to allow for manual or machine (e.g., garbage truck) removal of the refuse can50from the base12for emptying and/or trash collection. As an example construction, the dimensions of the base12include approximately thirty inches (30 in.) wide, approximately thirty inches (30 in.) deep, and approximately six inches (6 in.) high. In other examples, different dimensions may also be used.

In an example embodiment, the base12is configured to be placed as desired and remain firmly in place on the ground support surface, for example, when placed at a desired location for supporting the refuse can50. As examples, the base12would be placed at or near the curb for garbage pickup and/or placed near the home where the refuse cans100are regularly stored between collection.

In an example construction, the base12is formed by a plurality of walls or sides, such as one (1) or more of a top side or wall, a bottom side or wall, a front side or wall, a back side or wall, a left side or wall and/or a right side or wall. In different example constructions, one or more of the sides or walls may be omitted. As an example, in certain embodiments, the base12does not include the bottom side or wall.

As one (1) example of this embodiment, the base12, for example, formed by the one (1) or more sides or walls, includes a hollow interior18. The interior18may be filled with a weighting material22. As an example implementation of this embodiment, the hollow interior18of the base12may be configured to be filled with the weighting material22, for example, by the end user. In such an example, the base12includes a fill port40disposed through the support surface14that provides access to the interior18of the base12. In this example, the base12also includes a removable cap or cover (not shown) to cover the fill port40and completely enclose the interior18. As another example implementation of this embodiment, interior18of the base12may be prefilled with the weighting material22, for example, by the manufacturer.

In either of the example implementation, the weighting material22includes a mass (e.g., a weight) greater than the expected weight of the refuse can50when filled with trash, recyclables, green waste and the like in order to prevent the refuse can50from flipping the base12over. As examples, the weighting material22may include water, sand, dirt, rocks, concrete, gravel, combinations thereof, or any other material having a relatively high mass (e.g., large weight) relative to size or volume.

In another example of this embodiment, the base12includes at least one (1) anchor26. The anchor26is configured to secure (e.g., couple) the base12to the ground support surface. In an example, and as illustrated inFIG. 1, the anchor26is connected, for example, rigidly connected to an underside (e.g., bottom) surface of the base12and extends downwardly to penetrate the ground support surface. As examples, the anchor26may include a pigtail anchor, a spike, and the like. In another example (not shown), a plurality of anchors26is connected to the top and/or side surfaces of the base12and extends outwardly for attachment to an external fastener, tie, spike, or the like.

In yet another example, the base12includes a combination of both the interior18filled with the weighting material22and the anchor26. The choice between the weighting material22, the anchor26, or the weighting material22and the anchor26may depend on various factors including the type of ground surface upon which the base12rests (e.g., dirt, concrete, asphalt, etc.) and/or the expected overall combined weight of the refuse can50and a full load of trash within the refuse can50.

In another example embodiment, the base12is integrated within the ground surface, for example, buried underground or formed within a driveway at or near the curb for garbage pickup and/or placed near the home where the refuse cans100are regularly stored between collection. In this example embodiment, the weighting material22and/or anchor26may be unnecessary.

FIG. 2is an environmental top perspective view of the disclosed device10, according to a preferred embodiment. The base12includes a support surface14configured to support a refuse can50in the upright position. As an example, a refuse can bottom surface54may make contact with and rest upon the support surface14. In the preferred embodiment, the support surface14defines at least a portion of a top surface of the base12.

The base12also includes a retaining feature16configured to retain the refuse can50in the upright position. The retaining feature16is configured to releasably couple the refuse can50to the base12. As an example, the retaining feature16is configured to engage the refuse can bottom surface54.

In the preferred embodiment, the retaining feature16includes at least one (1) magnet20. As an example, the magnet20or plurality of magnets20is a permanent magnet. As another example, the magnet20or plurality of magnets20is an electromagnet. In one (1) example construction, the magnets used as the magnets20of the retaining feature16includes least a portion of recycled content (e.g., recycled speaker magnets), thus making the disclosed device10an environmentally friendly option for the consumer.

As an example, and as illustrated inFIG. 2, the retaining feature16includes three (3) magnets20. In other examples (not shown), the retaining feature16may include any other number (e.g., one (1), two (2), four (4), etc.) of magnets20.

In this embodiment, the device10also includes a mounting plate24. The mounting plate24is made of a ferromagnetic material that is attracted to the magnet20. Thus, in this example, the refuse can50is magnetically attached to the base12.

Depending upon the embodiment, the mounting plate24may be installed on an existing refuse can or may be a part of a refuse can manufactured for use with the device10. In one (1) example, and as illustrated inFIG. 2, the mounting plate24is attached to an underside of the refuse can bottom surface54, for example, by mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or any other suitable fastening mechanism. In another example (not shown), the mounting plate24is integrated into the refuse can bottom surface54, for example, during manufacture of the refuse can50.

Embodiments of the device10may include magnets20having different sizes, strengths, and positional configuration relative to the base12. As an example, when a single magnet20is used, a larger and/or stronger magnet20may be used. As an example, when a single magnet20a relatively large magnet20may be suitably sized to cover a sufficient portion of the refuse can bottom surface54or mounting plate24to prevent the refuse can50from being knocked over. Alternatively, as another example, a relatively strong magnet20may be of sufficient strength to prevent the refuse can50from being knocked over. In an example construction, a single large and/or strong magnet20may be positioned approximately in the center of the base12.

As another example, when a plurality of magnets20is used, smaller and/or weaker magnets20may be used. As an example, a sufficient plurality of smaller magnets20may be suitably sized and/or collectively be arranged (e.g., in a triangular arrangement, a circular arrangement, a radial arrangement, etc.) to cover a sufficient portion of the refuse can bottom surface54or mounting plate24to prevent the refuse can50from being knocked over. Alternatively, as another example, a plurality of weaker magnets20may collectively be of sufficient strength to prevent the refuse can50from being knocked over. In an example construction, and as illustrated inFIG. 2, a plurality of (e.g., three (3)) magnets20may be positioned approximately in the center of the base12and/or arranged in any geometric configuration extending outwardly from the center to perimeter edges of the base12.

In the preferred embodiment, the magnet20or plurality of magnets20is positioned flush with or just underneath the support surface14of the base12in order to allow the magnets20to be capable of magnetically mating with the magnetic mounting plate24that is attached to or otherwise integral with the refuse can bottom surface54. The base12has a low profile design to allow a lawn mower to pass over the base12without damaging the device10.

While the illustrated embodiment depicts the retaining feature16as one (1) or more magnets20, in other embodiments, different types of retaining features16may be used. As an example, the retaining feature16may include one (1) or more releasable clips or clamps or similar mechanical retaining mechanism.

These features provide several benefits and/or advantages. First, the magnets20prevent high winds from blowing over and/or animals from knocking over empty or full refuse cans100, thus keeping the user's yard, street and neighborhood clean. Second, in the case of multiple refuse cans100, multiple bases12ensure that multiple refuse cans100are properly spaced at the curbside pickup point in order to ensure that the automated pickup arms of garbage trucks can properly operate Finally, the mounting plate24, when attached to the underside surface of the refuse can bottom surface54prevents scuffing damage to the bottom of the refuse can50.

In the various embodiments, the base12can be personalized or customized to enhance its appeal. As an example, the base12may be discreetly colored to blend in with the user's yard or curbside location. As another example, the base12may include colors, words, phrases, logos and the like associated with various interests of the user.

While the device10(e.g., the retaining feature16) is intended and designed to prevent the refuse can50from being unintentionally uncoupled from the base12, for example, when knocked or blown over, in certain conditions and in response to certain events, the refuse can50may still become uncoupled from the base12.

FIG. 3is a schematic block diagram of the disclosed device10, according to a preferred embodiment. The device10also includes an alert system32configured to notify the user regarding the status of the refuse can50. As an example, the alert system32may notify the user that the refuse can50is no longer in contact with the base12, for example, that the refuse can50has been knocked or blown over. As another example, the alert system32may notify the user that trash collection has been completed and the refuse can50has been emptied and is ready to be returned to its stored location.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the device10and, particularly, the alert system32operates in wireless communication environment. The device10(e.g., the alert system32of the device10) includes at least one (1) sensor34, a processor36, memory38, a transceiver44and an antenna46. The sensor34, the processor36, the memory38and the transceiver44are disposed within or otherwise attached to the base12.

The sensor34is configured to detect different status conditions of the refuse can50. The sensor34is coupled to the processor36. Upon the sensor34detecting one or more predetermined status conditions of the refuse can50, an alarm signal is transmitted to and processed by the processor36. In response to the alarm signal, an alert signal is transmitted to the transceiver44, which then transmits and delivers the alert signal or status notification to a user device56.

Generally, the sensor34is any device configured to detect changes in and/or capture data from its environment. As an example, the sensor34may detect that the refuse can50has been uncoupled (e.g., removed) from the base12. In this example, the sensor34may include a light (e.g., IR) sensor, a motion sensor, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor and the like. As another example, the sensor34may detect a change in the weight of the refuse can50, for example, before and after trash collection. In this example, the sensor34may include a weight sensor.

The processor36includes decision logic configured to interpret various different alarm signals generated by the sensor34. The memory38includes instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine the status condition of the refuse can50and determine whether to transmit the alert (e.g., deliver the notification) to the user device56based on the input signals from the sensor34. Various different alarm signals based on the status condition of the refuse can50and the associated alerts are also stored on the memory38.

The transceiver44includes any suitable radio frequency (RF) transmission device configured to wirelessly transmit and/or receive data. As an example, the transceiver44includes a digital or analog transmitter and/or receiver.

Communication between the device10(e.g., the alert system32) and the user device56may be established through various mediums. In an example, the alert system32is configured to deliver the alert or status notification directly to the user device56, for example, using a cellular telephone network), such as in the form of a text message. In another example, the alert system32is configured to deliver the alert or status notification to the user device56over a network60, for example, using a wireless local area network (WLAN) such as a local Wi-Fi network, such as in the form of a notification from the app58or delivery of an email.

The user device56may include any wireless user terminal capable of transmitting and/or receiving wireless transmissions of data. Examples of the user device56include a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, and the like. In certain embodiments, the user device56may include a dedicated application, or app58, for receiving and processing the alert signal from the alert system32and displaying the status notification to the user.

In an example embodiment, the processor36may be preprogrammed with responses to alarm signals from the sensor34. In another example embodiment, the processor36may be programmed locally or accessed remotely to enter preferences and other user settings. As an example, the user may enter their preferences any number of ways, including through a graphical user interface over the Internet, via the user device56(e.g., a smartphone or tablet), and/or other electronic means.

Non-limiting examples of preprogrammed alarm inducing status conditions and responses and/or user preferences may include: 1). if the refuse can50is instantaneously uncoupled from the base12; 2). if the weight of the refuse can50changes; 3). if the refuse can50has remained uncoupled from the base12for a predetermined period of time; 4). the type of alert notification received by the user device56based on the associate alarm signal; 5). whether or not the notification is delivered and/or displayed to the user device56based on the they type of alarm signal, and the like.

In the preferred embodiment, the device10also includes a power supply42configured to provide operational power to the alert system32. In examples of the device10that utilize an electromagnet, the power supply42also provides operational power to the magnet20. As an example, and as illustrated inFIG. 2, the power supply42includes a solar cell array30.

In an example, the solar cell array30is disposed on the support surface14(e.g., the top surface) of the base12. The solar cell array30is arranged at or near a perimeter of the base12outside of the area that supports the refuse can50. The solar cell array30include a plurality of photovoltaic cells.

The solar cell array30is configured to convert solar radiation into electricity. In an example, the solar cell array30directly powers the alert system32. In another example, the solar cell array30charges a rechargeable battery (not shown) disposed within the base12. In this example, the power supply42also includes the rechargeable battery and associated charging and power inverting electronics and components.

Accordingly, use of the disclosed device10allows the user to securely support and retain refuse cans to prevent them from being blown and/or knocked over and their contents from being scattered around the yard and/or street. Further, use of the disclosed device10allows the user to receive status notifications or alerts related to the condition of the refuse can50.

FIG. 4is a flow diagram of the method100for alerting a user of the status of the refuse can50. First the refuse can50is coupled (e.g., magnetically) to the base12(step102). Next, the alert system32, example, based on preprogrammed or user defined preferences, sets a baseline status condition for the refuse can50(step104). For example, the baseline status condition may include the position of the refuse can50, the weight of the refuse can50, and the like.

Next, the sensor34monitors for (e.g., determines whether) a change in condition of the refuse can50, (e.g., determines whether a change in the condition of the refuse can50has occurred) (step106). As described above, non-limiting examples of a change in condition of the refuse can50may include a change in position of the refuse can50, movement of the refuse can50, the refuse can50being uncoupled from the base12, a change in the weight of the refuse can50, and the like.

When (e.g., if) the alert system32(e.g., the sensor34) detects a change in condition of the refuse can50(e.g., step106), the alert signal or status notification is transmitted and delivered to the user device56(step108). As examples, the alert of a change in condition may be delivered as a text message, a status notification from the app58, an email, and the like.

Accordingly, use of the disclosed device10and method100may notify the user (e.g., the homeowner) when the refuse can50has been emptied (e.g., trash collection has occurred), whether the refuse can50has been tampered with (e.g., moved, knocked over, etc.). The disclosed device10and method100may also provide the user with pattern information, such as the approximate time of regular trach collection or the time in which nuisance animal activity regularly occurs that tampers with the refuse can50.

The materials required to produce the device10are all readily available and well known to manufacturers of goods of this type. In an example construction, the base10may be made of plastic and/or recycled plastic in an injection molding process. Such a process would require the design and use of custom molds. The magnets20, metal mounting plates24, the sensor34, the processor36, the memory38, the power supply42, the antenna44, other electronic components of the alert system32, fasteners, adhesive, and the like, would best be procured from manufacturers and wholesalers that deal in goods of that nature and assembled at a final location. The relatively simple design of the device10and the material of construction make the device10a cost-effective design due to the relatively low material and labor costs involved. Final production of the device10will be performed by manufacturing workers of average skill.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that other styles and configurations of the disclosed apparatus10can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only particular configurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise forms disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain principles and practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.