Patent Publication Number: US-11639264-B1

Title: Trash compaction and sanitation receptacle and method of use

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to trash disposal systems, and more specifically to a trash compaction and sanitation receptacle that provides for clean and efficient trash disposal. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Trash disposal systems are well known in the art and are effective means for holding trash and other wastes until permanent disposal. Common trash disposal systems include trash cans that are fitted with disposable plastic bags or liners which can be closed when filled and removed from the trash cans. Generally, waste disposal services will then collect the filled plastic bags and transport them to landfills. Because trash is typically bulky, users often will compact trash prior to or after discarding trash into plastic bags to make additional space for more trash to be collected therein. 
     One of the problems commonly associated with conventional trash disposal systems is their limited efficiency. For example, conventional trash cans are often emptied after the plastic bags become overloaded with trash. In addition, as more trash accumulates within the plastic bags, odors generated from the trash are compounded, creating an unpleasant environment for individuals in close proximity. Further, the compounded odors often linger even after filled plastic bags are removed, leading to health issues as a result of prolonged exposure. 
     Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of trash disposal systems, many shortcomings remain. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1 A  is a front perspective view of a trash compaction and sanitation receptacle in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  1 B  is a top perspective view of the trash compaction and sanitation receptacle of  FIG.  1   , with a lid oriented in an open position; 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram of features associated with the receptacle of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B ; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the receptacle of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , illustrating a trash bag being compacted within the interior cavity; and 
         FIG.  4    is a flowchart of a method of use of the receptacle of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B . 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional trash disposal systems. Specifically, the present invention provides for a trash receptacle capable of compacting and sanitizing trash contained within a disposable container. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise. 
     The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  depict various views of a trash compaction and sanitation receptacle  101  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that the receptacle  101  overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional trash disposal systems. 
     In the contemplated embodiment, the receptacle  101  includes a generally rectangular housing  103  defining an interior cavity  105  therein. The housing  103  includes one or more sidewalls  107 , an open top portion  109 , and a closed bottom portion  111 . It should be appreciated that the housing  103  can be substantially composed of steel, aluminum, plastic or any other suitable material. In alternative embodiments, the housing  103  can have any other suitable configuration, i.e., polygonal, triangular, square, oval, or other suitable geometry. 
     The receptacle  101  also includes a lid  113  coupled to the open top portion  109  via one or more hinges  115  and one or more wheels  117  coupled to the closed bottom portion  111 . The one or more wheels  117  provide for easy transportation. 
     The receptacle  101  also includes a display  119  coupled to the housing  103 . The display  119  allows a user to interact with a graphical user interface  121  to view and control various settings of the receptacle  101 . It should be appreciated that the display  119  can vary in location on the receptacle. It should also be appreciated that the display  119  can incorporate touch-sensitive technology (also known as a “touch screen” or “touch screen display”). In addition, it should be appreciated that the display  119  can include a plurality of sizes. Further, it should be appreciated that the display  119  can be any screen technology including, without limitation, a cathode ray tube display, an electroluminescent display, a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, organic light emitting diode display, a plasma display, a quantum dot display, or the like. 
     The receptacle also includes a compaction system configured to condense trash within a trash bag. The compaction system includes four movable members  123   a - 123   d , wherein one movable member  123  is located at a corner of the open top portion  109  within the interior cavity  105 . Each movable member  123  includes a hook  125  coupled thereto. The four hooks  125  are configured to allow a corner of a trash bag  300  (not shown, see  FIG.  3   ) to be hung. The movable members  123   a ,  123   b  are configured to slide along a substantially horizontal axis within the interior cavity  105  via a first set of railings  127 . The movable members  123   c ,  123   d  are configured to slide along a substantially horizontal axis within the interior cavity  105  via a second set of railings  129 . 
     The receptacle also includes a first set of vertical lift tracks  131  and a second set of vertical lift tracks  133 . The first set of vertical lift tracks  131  are configured to allow movable members  123   a ,  123   b  to slide along a substantially vertical axis within the interior cavity  105 . The second set of movable lift tracks  133  are configured to allow the movable members  123   c ,  123   d  to slide along a substantially vertical axis within the interior cavity  105 . 
     The receptacle  101  also includes a plurality of fumigation slots  135  located on the rear end of the lid  113 . The fumigation slots  135  are components of a fumigation system  200  (not shown, see  FIG.  2    for further discussion). 
     The receptacle  101  also includes one or more light sources  137  coupled to the underside of the lid  113 . The one or more light sources  137  are configured to emit ultraviolet light. In addition, the one or more light sources  137  are components of a sanitation system  201  (not shown, see  FIG.  2    for further discussion). It should be appreciated that the one or more light sources  137  can be any light technology capable of emitting ultraviolet light including, without limitation, blacklight blue bulbs, blacklight bulbs, germicidal bulbs, and the like. 
     The receptacle  101  further includes a camera  139  coupled to the underside of the lid  113 . The camera  139  allows a user to view the interior cavity  105  and the contents within a trash bag without having to open the lid  113 . 
     It should be appreciated that the receptacle  101  can vary based on aesthetical, functional, or manufacturing considerations. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2   , a block diagram of features contemplated for the receptacle  101  is illustrated. The receptacle  101  includes a fumigation system  200 , a sanitation system  201 , a sealing system  203 , a controller  205 , a weight scale  207 , a power switch  209 , and a power source  211 . 
     The fumigation system  200  is configured to release a gaseous substance via the fumigation slots  135 . It should be appreciated that the gaseous substance can be any composition suitable for reducing microbial agents. 
     The sanitation system  201  is configured to disinfect the interior cavity  105  via the one or more light sources  137 . 
     The sealing system  203  is configured to securely close a trash bag. In the preferred embodiment, the sealing system  203  uses burn technology to seal the trash bag. 
     The controller  205  is a microprocessor that manages all operations, detects all inputs, and provides outputs for running the receptacle  101 . It should be appreciated that the controller  205  is in electronic communication with the display  119 , camera  139 , compaction system, fumigation system  200 , sanitation system  201 , sealing system  203 , weight scale  207 , power switch  209 , and power source  211 . 
     The weight scale  207  is configured to measure the load exerted by a trash bag when the trash bag is hung on the hooks  125 . The weight scale  207  may send a signal to the controller  203  that the load exerted by the trash bag has reached maximum load capacity. 
     The power switch  209  is configured to turn the receptacle  101  on and off. 
     The power source  211  is configured to supply electrical energy to the receptacle  101 . The power source  211  can be a battery  213  that is rechargeable. In the preferred embodiment, the battery  213  based on lithium-ion technology. In addition, the battery  213  can be recharged through a docking station  215  that is in direct connection to an alternating current (AC) power  217 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , a perspective view of the receptacle  101  compacting a trash bag  300  within the interior cavity  105  is depicted. As shown, the movable members  123   a - 123   d  compact the trash bag  300  via their respective railings  127 ,  129  and vertical lift tracks  131 ,  133 . 
     It should also be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is that the receptacle  101 . 
     In  FIG.  4   , a flowchart  401  depicts a simplified method of operation associated with the receptacle  101 . During use, when a trash bag on the hooks, a user may place trash within the trash bag as shown with boxes  403 ,  405 . The weight scale measures the load exerted by the trash bag, as shown with box  407 . The trash is condensed via the compaction system, as shown with box  409 . The fumigation system releases a gaseous substance, as shown with box  411 . The sanitation system disinfects the interior cavity, the trash, and the trash bag, as shown with box  413 . When the sealing system securely closes the trash bag, the user may remove the sealed trash bag for permanent disposal, as shown with boxes  415 ,  417 . 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.