Abstract:
The invention is generally applicable to a composting container. More specifically, a compositing container is provided that includes a body defining a cavity for receiving material to be composted and an agitator mechanism for agitating or otherwise moving, stirring, shifting, disturbing, disrupting or displacing the material in the cavity. In various additional embodiments, a grating is situated in the cavity that divides the cavity into an upper portion and a lower portion.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a U.S. Non-Provisional patent application which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/669,912, filed on Jul. 10, 2012 and titled “COMPOSTING CONTAINER,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The general inventive concepts relate generally to containers and, more specifically, to composting containers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The decomposition of organic matter into compost is well known. Such compost is often useful as a fertilizer or soil additive. Composting is also beneficial as a natural, environmentally friendly means of recycling or otherwise reusing certain waste vegetation and foods. Accordingly, there is a general need for containers that facilitate the effective composting of organic matter. 
     SUMMARY 
     The general inventive concepts contemplate containers that are designed to simply and effectively facilitate the decomposition of organic matter into compost. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a compositing container includes a body defining a cavity for receiving material to be composted; a lid for covering an opening in the body exposing the cavity; and an agitator mechanism for agitating or otherwise moving, stirring, shifting, disturbing, disrupting or displacing the material in the cavity. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a compositing container includes a body defining a cavity for receiving material to be composted; a lid for covering an opening in the body exposing the cavity; and an agitator mechanism for agitating the material in the cavity that includes a handle; a base having at least one brush thereon; and a shaft connecting the handle to the base. The agitator mechanism is at least partially disposed within the cavity, and movement of the handle causes the base to move within the cavity. In one exemplary embodiment, rotation of the handle causes the base to rotate. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the composting container further includes a grating situated in the cavity, wherein the grating divides the cavity into an upper portion and a lower portion. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the agitator mechanism is disposed in the cavity and helps to urge or otherwise facilitate the movement of all or a portion of the material from the upper portion of the cavity through the grate when desired by a user (e.g., when the material has resided within the upper portion of the container for a desired duration to be decomposed sufficiently and converted to compost). 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the agitator mechanism includes a handle; a base having at least one brush thereon; and a shaft connecting the handle to the base. At least a portion of the brush of the agitator mechanism contacts the grating and/or extends through the grating and into the upper portion of the cavity. In such exemplary embodiments, the movement of the agitator mechanism relative to the grating serves to urge or otherwise facilitate the movement of all or a portion of the material from the upper portion of the cavity through the grate when desired by a user. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the composting container further includes a stack, pillar or similar structure that includes a plurality of apertures. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the composting container further a stack, pillar or similar structure that at least partially encloses the agitator mechanism. In one exemplary embodiment, the stack includes a plurality of tiers. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the body includes a handle portion. The handle portion, for example, allows a user to grab and/or hold onto the container. In one exemplary embodiment, the lid is pivotably attached to the handle portion of the body. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the body includes a lid latch or other securing device for securing the lid in a closed position. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the composting container further includes at least one wheel attached to the body. The at least one wheel, for example, facilitates movement of the container. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, an upper surface of the body surrounding the opening includes a plurality of recesses, wherein the recesses remain exposed to ambient air when the lid covers the opening in the body and provide a passageway for ambient air to enter the cavity within the composting container when the lid covers the opening. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, an inner surface of the body includes a plurality of grooves. In one exemplary embodiment, at least a first portion of each groove is located in the upper portion of the cavity and at least a second portion of each groove is located in the lower portion of the cavity. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the body has a plurality of apertures formed therein. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the container further includes a lower door for covering a lower opening in the body exposing the lower portion of the cavity. In one exemplary embodiment, the body includes a door latch for securing the lower door in a closed position. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a compositing container includes a body defining a cavity for receiving material to be composted; a lid for covering an opening in the body exposing the cavity; an agitator mechanism for agitating the material in the cavity, a grating situated in the cavity, said grating dividing the cavity into an upper portion and a lower portion; a stack which extends between the opening in the body and the grating; a lower door for covering a lower opening exposing the lower portion of the cavity; a container handle; and a pair of wheels which facilitate movement of the container. In one exemplary embodiment, the stack at least partially encloses the agitator mechanism. In one exemplary embodiment, the agitator mechanism includes a handle; a base; a pair of brushes, with each brush being disposed on an opposite end of the base; and a shaft connecting the handle to the base. Movement of the handle causes the base to move within the cavity. In one exemplary embodiment, rotation of the handle causes the base and brushes to rotate. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the agitator mechanism is entirely disposed within the cavity. In one exemplary embodiment, the base of the agitator mechanism is located in the lower portion of the cavity, such that at least a portion of the at least one brush contacts the grating and/or extends through the grating and into the upper portion of the cavity. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, an upper surface of the body surrounding the opening includes a plurality of recesses, wherein the recesses remain exposed to ambient air when the lid covers the opening in the body and provide a passageway for ambient air to enter the cavity within the composting container when the lid covers the opening. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, an inner surface of the body includes a plurality of grooves. In one exemplary embodiment, at least a first portion of each groove is located in the upper portion of the cavity and at least a second portion of each groove is located in the lower portion of the cavity. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the body has a plurality of apertures formed therein. 
     Various exemplary features and advantages of the general inventive concepts will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be readily learned by practice of the general inventive concepts. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the instant application, illustrate one or more embodiments exemplifying the general inventive concepts, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the general inventive concepts. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of one exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a composting container, with a lid of the container in a closed position; 
         FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of the composting container of  FIG. 1A , as viewed from a different perspective; 
         FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the composting container with the lid of the container in an opened position; 
         FIG. 1D  is a close-up, partial view of the composting container of  FIG. 1A , as viewed from a different perspective; 
         FIG. 1E  is another close-up, partial view of the composting container of  FIG. 1A , as viewed from a different perspective; 
         FIG. 1F  is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the composting container of  FIG. 1A  without the lid; 
         FIG. 1G  is another cross-sectional view of the composting container of  FIG. 1A  without the lid, as viewed from a different perspective; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a grating for use in a composting container, such as the composting container illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1G , according to one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a stack for use in a composting container, such as the composting container illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1G , according to one exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an agitator mechanism for use in a composting container, such as the composting container illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1G , according to one exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The general inventive concepts will now be described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. The general inventive concepts may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided to facilitate disclosure of the general inventive concepts to those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the scope of the general inventive concepts in any way. 
     Except as otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the general inventive concepts, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, properties, and so forth as used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the following specification are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values to the extent that such are set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements. 
       FIGS. 1A-1G  illustrate a composting container  100  according to one exemplary embodiment. Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1G , the container  100  includes a body  102 . The body  102  defines or forms a cavity  104  surrounded by four sidewalls  106 . The sidewalls  106  extend between an upper surface or rim  108  of the body  102  and a lower surface or floor  110  of the body  102 . At least a portion of the cavity  104  within the container  100  is suitable for receiving a quantity of organic material (not shown) for composting. The upper surface  108  of the body  102  defines an upper opening  112  which provides access to the cavity  104 . The lower surface  110  of the body  102  forms a support surface for the container  100 . 
     As configured, an outer surface or circumference of the body  102  of the illustrated embodiment presents a generally rectangular profile. In particular, the body  102  of the illustrated embodiment has a generally four-sided polygonal shape when viewed from the top (see  FIG. 1C ). In some exemplary embodiments, the body  102  could have fewer than or more than four sidewalls  106 . In some exemplary embodiments, the body  102  could be shaped to have any desired profile, such as a cylindrical profile, oval profile, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the body  102  has the dimensions and/or a profile approximating a conventional outdoor residential or municipal trash can. In some exemplary embodiments, the profile of the outer surface of the body  102  is different from a profile of an inner surface of the body  102  (i.e., a profile of the cavity  104 ). 
     The body  102  may be formed of one or more of a variety of suitable materials. The particular material is generally selected to be compatible with the intended contents and purpose and desired qualities of the body  102 . For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the body  102  may be made from one or a combination of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as plastic. In some exemplary embodiments, the body  102  may be made from one or a combination of metals, such as steel or aluminum. 
     The body  102  may be manufactured by any suitable method, including any one of a variety of methods of making containers that are well known in the art. For example, rotational, injection or blow molding processes could be used with any of a variety of thermoplastic and elastomeric materials. Accordingly, in some exemplary embodiments of the general inventive concepts, the body  102  may be made from one or a combination of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as polyesters, Polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), polyester terphthalate, butadiene-styrene co-polymers, polyamides, ethylene-vinyl-alcohol copolymer, polyethylene napthaphthalate, thermoplastic and thermosetting resins, polybutylene terephthalate, polyoxymethylenes, polyphenylene, polyphenylene sulfides, polyphenylene oxides, polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylene-terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidenechloride, polymethylpentene-1, nylon 6, nylon 66, Polyethylene Terephthalate Modified with CHDM (PETG), and mixtures thereof. 
     The body  102  of the illustrated embodiment includes a handle  114  formed integrally therewith. In some exemplary embodiments, the handle  114  is a separate piece that is attached or otherwise fastened (e.g., using screws, bolts, rivets) to one or more portions of the body  102 . In some exemplary embodiments, more than one handle is provided and in yet additional embodiments no handle is provided. 
     The body  102  of the illustrated embodiment also includes one or more wheels  116  or the like. The wheels  116  are connected to the body  102  by an axle  118  that extends through one or more holes  120  formed in the body  102 . In some exemplary embodiments, the wheels  116  are connected by other means. In some exemplary embodiments, fewer than or more than two wheels are provided. In some exemplary embodiments, no wheels are present. 
     The handle  114  and/or the wheels  116  facilitate movement of the container  100  and its contents. The portability of the container  100  provided by the handle  114  and the wheels  116  can be beneficial to the composting effectiveness of the container  100 . For example, keeping the container  100  sufficiently heated can increase the rate at which composting of the organic material occurs. Because a position of the sun&#39;s light varies over the course of the day and from season to season, the ability to readily move the container  100  to increase its exposure to this light can insure that adequate heat is provided to the container to promote the composting therein. The portability of the container  100  can also make the loading of the container easier for a user. For example, the container  100  can be moved to a location where organic material, such as grass clippings or leaves, are piled that a user wishes to load into the container  100 . 
     The container  100  of the illustrated embodiment also includes a lid  122 . The lid  122  is sized and/or shaped so as to cover the upper opening  112  of the body  102 . The lid  122  includes hinges  124  that snap on or otherwise engage with the handle  114  of the body  102  or other portion of the container  100 . In this manner, the lid  122  of the illustrated embodiment can pivot about the handle  114  between an opened position in which access to the cavity  104  through the upper opening  112  of the body  102  is possible and a closed position in which access to the cavity  104  through the upper opening  112  of the body  102  is prevented. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the lid  122  is removably attached and/or secured to the body  102  using different means. For example, the lid  122  may be sized and/or shaped so as to form a friction fit with the body  102 . 
     The lid  122  may be formed of one or more of a variety of suitable materials. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the lid  122  may be made from one or a combination of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as plastic. In some exemplary embodiments, the lid  122  may be made from one or a combination of metals, such as steel or aluminum. In some exemplary embodiments, the lid  122  is made of the same material as the body  102 . 
     The lid  122  may be manufactured by any suitable method, including any one of a variety of methods of making such components that are well known in the art. For example, various molding processes, such as blow molding processes, could be used with any of a variety of thermoplastic and elastomeric materials. Accordingly, in some exemplary embodiments of the general inventive concepts, the lid  122  may be made from one or a combination of thermoplastic or elastomeric materials, such as polyesters, Polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), polyester terphthalate, butadiene-styrene co-polymers, polyamides, ethylene-vinyl-alcohol copolymer, polyethylene napthaphthalate, thermoplastic and thermosetting resins, polybutylene terephthalate, polyoxymethylenes, polyphenylene, polyphenylene sulfides, polyphenylene oxides, polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylene-terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidenechloride, polymethylpentene-1, nylon 6, nylon 66, Polyethylene Terephthalate Modified with CHDM (PETG), and mixtures thereof. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , a securing device, such as a lid latch  126 , secures the lid  122  in the closed position. In this manner, only manipulation of the lid latch  126  allows the lid  122  to be moved from its closed position. Thus, the lid latch  126  prevents accidental or undesired opening of the container  100 , such as might occur if the container  100  were to fall over or as a result of the force of the wind or an animal attempting to open the lid  122 . With the lid  122  in a closed position, the cavity  104  forms an environment suitable for composting organic material. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1B-1C , the container  100  of the illustrated embodiment includes a grating  200  disposed within the cavity  104  of the body  102 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the illustrated embodiment of the grating  200  includes a frame  202  generally defining a profile of the grating  200 . The frame  202  has four sides forming a generally square or rectangular profile. In some exemplary embodiments, the frame  202  could have fewer than or more than four sides. In some exemplary embodiments, the frame  202  could be shaped to have any desired profile, such as a circular, oval, or triangular shaped profile. In some exemplary embodiments, the profile of the frame  202  of the grating  200  is different from a profile of an inner surface of the body  102  (i.e., a profile of the cavity  104 ). 
     In the grating  200  of the illustrated embodiment, diagonal bars  204  are situated above the frame  202  and extend to, through, and/or near a center of the frame  202  and through each of the corners  206  of the frame  202 . Curved and/or circular bars  208  are situated between the diagonal bars  204  and the frame  202  in an evenly spaced, concentric arrangement. Additionally, support bars  210  are positioned at or near the center of the frame  202  (see  FIGS. 1B and 1F ). The support bars  210  can be situated between the diagonal bars  204  and one or more of the curved bars  208 . In various additional embodiments, the grating may include one or more bars, plates, elements or other surfaces arranged in a variety of configurations to provide one or more apertures through the grating. In yet additional embodiments, the grating may include one or more generally solid bodies with apertures or holes defined therethrough. 
     The various components of the grating  200  (e.g., the frame  202 , the diagonal bars  204 , the circular bars  208 , the support bars  210 ) can be joined in any suitable manner. For example, the components could be welded together. In yet additional embodiments, the grating  200  may be made of several sections that are joined together to form the grating. For example, the grating could be made up of two or more rectangular sections that are combined to form a larger, rectangular shaped grating, or two or more semi-circular, quarter-circular, etc. portions that are combined to form a larger, circular or semi-circular shaped grating. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the support bars  210  may have mounting holes  211  formed therein for securing a stack (e.g., the stack  300  described below) thereto, such as by fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets). In some exemplary embodiments, the support bars  210  may include a central aperture  213  or other opening sized to allow a portion of an agitator mechanism (e.g., the shaft  408  of the agitator mechanism  400  described below) to fit through the aperture  213 . 
     A circumference of the frame  202  is selected to be close to but smaller than a circumference of the inner surface of the body  102  (i.e., the cavity  104 ). Thus, the grating  200  effectively separates the cavity  104  into an upper portion  128  and a lower portion  130 , as shown, for example, in  FIG. 1F . In some exemplary embodiments, the upper portion  128  of the cavity  104  is significantly larger than the lower portion  130  of the cavity  104 . The grating  200  of the illustrated embodiment acts to hold larger organic material in the upper portion  128  of the cavity  104  while allowing smaller (e.g., more decomposed) organic material to pass through the grating  200  and into the lower portion  130  of the cavity  104  during the composting process. For example, the curved bars  208  of the grating  200  act to hold larger organic material in the upper portion  128  of the cavity  104  while allowing smaller organic material to pass through the grating  200 . In some exemplary embodiments, different sized and/or shaped bars can be used to obtain different grating patterns. 
     The diagonal bars  204  of the grating  200  of the illustrated embodiment are used to secure the grating  200  to the body  102  of the container  100 . However, it should be understood that the grating  200  may be secured to the body  102  of the container in a variety of different ways in alternative embodiments. For example, a ridge or lip may be defined within or extend from the interior of the body that the grating  200  rests upon. In the container  100  of the illustrated embodiment, an end portion  212  of each diagonal bar  204  is sized and/or shaped to extend through a corresponding hole (not shown) formed in the body  102 . Thus, since there are four end portions  212  there are four holes formed in the body  102 . For example, one hole can be formed in each corner of the body  102 . In various additional embodiments, any number of end portions  212  and corresponding holes formed in the body  102  may be employed. 
     As the grating  200  of the illustrated embodiment is situated in the cavity  104  of the body  102 , each end portion  212  extends through one of the holes such that at least a portion  214  of the end portion  212  extends outside the container  100  beyond the outer surface of the body  102 . The portion  214  of each end portion  212  visible from outside the container  100  includes threads which allow for a threaded cap  216 , nut or the like to be screwed thereon. In this manner, the grating  200  is securely fastened to the body  102  such that the grating  200  is fixed within the cavity  104 . However, as mentioned previously, it should be understood that the grating  200  may be mounted to the body in any variety of suitable ways. In addition, in various additional embodiments, the grating  200  may be formed integrally as a one-piece construction with the body  102  of the container. 
     In the exemplary illustrated embodiment of container  100 , the support bars  210  of the grating  200  provide a support surface on which a stack  300  can be situated (see  FIG. 3 ). The stack  300  is a hollow member that rests on the grating  200  and extends above the grating  200  toward the upper surface  108  of the body  102 . The height of the stack  300  of the illustrated embodiment is such that it terminates near the upper opening  112  of the body  102 . In some exemplary embodiments, the stack  300  is affixed to the grating  200 , for example, by fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets) extending through both the mounting holes  211  in the support bars  210  of the grating  200  and corresponding mounting holes (not shown) in a lower surface of the stack  300 . In additional exemplary embodiments, the stack  300  may be integrally formed with the grating  200  or a portion of the grating. In yet additional exemplary embodiments, the stack  300  may be affixed to or integrally formed with a portion of the body  102 , such as the floor  110 . 
     The stack  300  of the illustrated embodiment has a tiered shape such that its upper tiers or levels have a smaller circumference than its lower tiers or levels. In some exemplary embodiments, the stack  300  has a non-tiered shape. In some exemplary embodiments, the stack  300  has a substantially uniform circumference across its height. In various embodiments, no stack  300  is provided. 
     The stack  300  of the illustrated embodiment partially encloses an agitator mechanism  400  (see  FIG. 4 ). Thus, the stack  300  is a hollow member having a central opening  301  or conduit sized to accommodate a shaft  408  or other portion of the agitator mechanism  400  as described below. In this manner, the shaft  408  of the agitator mechanism  400  can freely rotate within the stack  300 . However, in additional embodiments, the agitator mechanism  400  may not be received within the stack  300 . Rather, in such embodiments, the stack  300  and agitator mechanism  400  may be separate from one another and the agitator mechanism is not received within the stack and does not interact or engage with the stack in any fashion. 
     A variety of different types of agitator mechanism  400  may be provided with various embodiments of the container  100 . The agitator mechanism of various embodiments of the container are selectively operable and serve to agitate or otherwise move, stir, shift, disturb, disrupt or displace the material in the cavity to urge or otherwise assist the material in passing through the grating  200 . As the material within the container  102  decomposes it breaks down into smaller pieces allowing it to pass through the grating  200  and enter the lower portion  130  of the cavity where it is then gathered for use as compost. However, due to larger particles that have not yet become sufficient decomposed resting on the grating or other blockages, pieces of decomposed organic matter may not fall through the grating  200  as a result of gravitational forces alone. The agitator mechanism  400  serves to agitate or otherwise move, stir, shift, disturb, disrupt or displace the material in the cavity and/or the material on the grating  200  itself to assist any material to pass through the grating that has sufficiently decomposed to break down to a size that is able to fit through the apertures defined within the grating. The interaction of the agitator mechanism itself with the organic material may even serve to assist in breaking up the organic material into smaller pieces that can then pass through the grating  200 . 
     The agitator mechanism of various embodiments may have a variety of configurations and constructions. The agitator mechanism may be a one piece construction or a multi-piece construction made up of more than one constituent parts. The agitator mechanism may be a device, at least a portion of which moves within the container  100  to agitate or otherwise move, stir, shift, disturb, disrupt or displace the material in the container  100 . For example, the agitator mechanism may include a portion that extends into the a cavity  104  and agitates the material in the a cavity  104 . In yet additional embodiments, the agitator mechanism may include one or more elements that contact the grating  200  or pass through the apertures or holes defined within the grating to assist material in falling through the grating  200 . In various additional embodiments, the grating  200  itself may serve as the agitator mechanism. For example, the grating  200  may be comprised of two or more grating layers that overlay one another and are capable of movement relative to one another. The movement of the grating layers relative to one another may serve to agitate the material resting upon the grating and cause some or all of the material to fall through the grating. 
     The agitator mechanism of various embodiments may be manually operated. In yet additional embodiments an automated agitator mechanism may be provided that is electronically activated or otherwise driven by a powered mechanism. In various embodiments, more than one agitator mechanism may be provided. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the agitator mechanism  400  includes a base  402  with a pair of brushes  404  situated at opposite ends of the base  402 . Each brush  404  comprises a plurality of bristles and extends substantially perpendicular to the base, such that the bristles of the brushes  404  point toward the upper opening  112  of the container  100 . In some exemplary embodiments, the base  402  includes another mechanism (e.g., a blade, tined fork, plurality of projections, etc.), instead of brushes  404 , for extending upward in the cavity. In yet additional embodiments, the agitator mechanism may include elements that point downwardly toward the floor  110  of the container as opposed to upwardly towards the upper opening  112 . 
     A connector  406  of the illustrated embodiment of the agitator mechanism  400  connects the shaft  408  to the base  402  such that the shaft  408  extends substantially perpendicular to the base  402  and points toward the upper opening  112  of the container  100 . 
     A handle  410  is connected to the shaft  408 , such as by a fastener (e.g., screw, bolt, rivet). In some exemplary embodiments, the handle  410  is formed integrally with the shaft  408 . The handle  410  extends substantially perpendicular to the shaft  408  and substantially parallel to the base  402 . However, it should be understood that the agitator assembly may have a wide variety of suitable shapes, configurations and constructions in various additional embodiments. 
     A portion of the illustrated embodiment of the agitator mechanism  400 , particularly the shaft  408 , is enclosed by the stack  300  (see  FIGS. 1B and 1F ). In some exemplary embodiments, the agitator mechanism  400  itself fixes the stack  300  in place. As configured, the handle  410  is situated above the stack  300 , while the base  402  and the connector  406  are situated below the stack  300 . The base  402  and the connector  406  are also situated below the grating  200  in this configuration. In the illustrated embodiment of the agitator mechanism  400 , at least a portion (e.g., the tips) of the bristles of the brushes  404  extend through the grating  200  and into the upper portion  128  of the cavity  104  of the body  102  (see  FIGS. 1B and 1F ). 
     With the agitator mechanism  400  in place in the container  100 , the handle  410  is situated near the upper opening  112  of the body  102  (see  FIGS. 1C and 1D ). In this manner, a user can readily access and manipulate the handle  410  through the upper opening  112  of the container  100  when the lid  122  is in the opened position. While the agitator mechanism of the illustrated embodiment is located centrally within the container  100  and coincident to the longitudinal axis of the container and configured for rotational movement within the container, it should be understood that various additional embodiments of the container  100  may include agitator mechanism that are located centrally within the container and coincident with the longitudinal axis of the container, but configured for movement in a reciprocating manner vertically up and down within the container. Also, additional containers  100  may include an agitator mechanism that is not located centrally within the container and coincident to the longitudinal axis of the container. For example, additional embodiments of the container may include an agitator mechanism mounted through one or more of the sidewalls  106  of the container for reciprocal or rotational movement within the container  100 . 
     It is known that air circulation is an important element in promoting decomposition of organic materials during composting processes, as many of the organisms responsible for the decomposition require air to survive. Accordingly, the container  100  includes structural features that either passively and/or actively facilitate the aeration of organic material being composted within the container  100 . As a result, the container  100  is able to increase the rate at which composting of the organic material occurs. 
     For example, the upper surface  108  of the body  102  is at least partially notched with recesses  132  that prevent the interface between the lid  122  and the body  102  from being airtight (see  FIGS. 1C-1D ). In this manner, air can flow into the cavity  104  within the container  100  even when the lid  122  is secured to the body  102 . In additional embodiments, the lid  122  may include apertures or holes defined therethrough to permit airflow into the container  100 . 
     Furthermore, at least a portion of the inner surface of the cavity  104  of the body  102  can be fluted by having grooves  134  that extend along some length of the cavity  104  of the body  102  (see  FIGS. 1F-1G ). Again, these grooves  134  allow air entering the cavity  104 , such as near the upper surface  108  of the body  102 , to flow through the cavity  104 , such as downward toward the lower surface  110  of the body  102  (and vice versa). In this manner, air can be delivered to the pile of organic material situated in the container  100 . 
     Use of the grating  200  also contributes to air flow through the cavity  104  of the body  102  by keeping the pile of organic material lifted off of the bottom surface  110  of the body  102 . Thus, the space (e.g., pocket) formed in the lower portion  130  of the cavity  104  can be occupied at least in part by air entering the container  100  (e.g., via the aforementioned recesses  132 ). 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the stack  300  can have apertures  302  formed therein to promote a more even flow of air through the pile of organic material in the cavity  104  (see  FIG. 1B ). Such apertures  302  in the stack  300  provide other benefits as well, such as a means to regulate temperature variations in the pile of organic material occupying the cavity  104 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the body  102  itself can have apertures (not shown) formed therethrough to promote air flow into the cavity  104 . In some exemplary embodiments, a plurality of apertures are formed near the lower surface  110  of the body  102 . Such apertures may provide other benefits too, such as providing a means for excess water in the cavity  104  to drain out. 
     Additionally, the agitator mechanism  400  provides another mechanism for promoting air distribution throughout the pile of organic material in the container  100 . In particular, with the agitator mechanism of the illustrated embodiment, rotation of the handle  410  by the user causes the base  402  and its brushes  404  to rotate in a corresponding direction (e.g., clockwise). In some exemplary embodiments, the movement of the handle  410  is non-rotational (e.g., rocking, sliding) and translates into non-rotational movement of the base  402  and its brushes  404 . This movement of the brushes  404  causes the portion of the bristles extending into the upper portion  128  of the cavity  104  to interact with (e.g., agitate, stir, displace) the organic material in the upper portion  128  of the cavity  104 . In some configurations, this agitation could result in partial or complete rearrangement of the pile of organic material, such that delivery of air to different parts of the pile are facilitated. 
     As noted above, the grating  200  acts to filter the smaller, finer, or otherwise more decomposed parts of the organic material resulting from the composting processes from the larger, coarser, or otherwise less decomposed parts of the organic material being composted. That is, most if not all of the organic material is initially situated in the upper portion  128  of the cavity  104  within the container  100 . Over time, as decomposition of the organic material occurs, the organic material is broken down into finer material that can pass through the grating  200 . 
     Operation of the agitator mechanism  400  also provides a mechanism which facilitates collection of this finer material, which is typically the more desired compost material. For example, by “brushing” or otherwise contacting at least a bottom portion of the pile of organic material, the brushes  404  of the agitator mechanism  400  aid the finer material in passing through the grating  200  where it collects in the lower portion  130  of the cavity  104  within the container  100 . In this manner, gravity need not be the only force relied upon in urging the finer material to pass through the grating  200 . 
     Since the desired compost material is in the bottom of the container  100 , it would not typically be accessible without disturbing (e.g., removing) the organic material situated above it in the container  100 , which could negatively disrupt the ongoing decomposition of the material. Furthermore, such an endeavor would be laborious and potentially messy. 
     Accordingly, the body  102  of the container  100  includes a lower door  136  that provides direct access to the lower portion  130  of the cavity  104  where the desired compost material collects (see  FIGS. 1A-1B and 1E ). A door latch  138  secures the lower door  136  to the body  102  in a closed position. In this manner, only manipulation of the door latch  138  allows the lower door  136  to be moved from its closed position to an opened position. Thus, the door latch  138  prevents accidental opening of the lower door  136  and inadvertent spillage of the compost material. 
     Furthermore, because the container  100  is readily portable by virtue of its wheels  116 , the user can move the container  100  to a desired location (e.g., a garden) before opening the lower door  136  to access the compost material. The user could also use the handle  114  on the container  100  to tilt the container  100  with the lower door  136  in its opened position for controlled delivery of the compost material at the desired location. 
     While the general inventive concepts have been illustrated by the description of exemplary embodiments thereof, and while the exemplary embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the general inventive concepts to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, where components are releasable or removably connected or attached together, any type of releasable connection may be suitable including for example, locking connections, fastened connections, tongue and groove connections, etc. Still further, component geometries, shapes, and dimensions can be modified without changing the overall role or function of the components. Therefore, the general inventive concepts, in their broader aspects, are not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general inventive concepts. 
     Furthermore, while various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the general inventive concepts may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions—such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on—may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the general inventive concepts even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the general inventive concepts may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of the general inventive concepts, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of the general inventive concepts. Any descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.