Patent Publication Number: US-4839931-A

Title: Counter top waste disposal unit

Description:
This invention relates generally to waste disposal receptacles and, more particularly, to a kitchen waste receptacle that is recessed into a counter-top. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Kitchen waste is generally placed in a free-standing waste receptacle or in a unit located in the cupboard under the sink. In both cases, waste must be removed from the counter-tops or the sink and carried to the waste receptacle. The waste material is often wet or sticky, and spills frequently occur leaving a mess on the kitchen floor. 
     In order to avoid spills during the transfer of waste to the disposal unit, the present invention considers the use of a small waste receptacle which is recessed in the kitchen counter near to the sink. Waste can then be disposed of readily without spillage onto the floor. The recessed receptacle opening is almost flush with the counter surface so crumbs and waste on the counter-top may be wiped directly into the receptacle. The receptacle has a removable inner container which is lined with a plastic bag for easy and sanitary removal of the waste for disposal. A lid is provided to cover the receptacle to prevent odors from escaping. The lid lies almost flush with the counter-top in order to maintain the continuous appearance of the counter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Specifically, the invention consists of a receptacle for waste disposal which can be recessed into a counter-top. The receptacle consists of an outer rectangular container having an open top with a flange extending outwardly and upwardly in a step-like manner and then outwardly again. The upper flange rests on the counter-top. It is made of thicker material than the rest of the container. A clamping mechanism is attached to the walls of this container which clamps the container to the counter-top. A removable inner container rests in the outer container. It has two small outward flanges at the top which lie on the long portions of the step of the outer container and two outward flanges that curve upward to form handles. Resting within the inner container is a disposable plastic bag. The top portion of the bag folds over the edge of the inner container providing enough excess material for closure of the bag for disposal. The receptacle is closed by a rectangular lid which rests on the handles of the inner container and lies flush with the upper flange and counter-top. The lid has a central indentation with a handle standing up along the length of it. Both the outer and inner containers as well as the lid are constructed of stainless steel to allow for easy maintenance and sanitary conditions. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A specific embodiment of the invention is now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section through the wide portion of the waste receptacle; 
     FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section through the narrow portion of the unit; and 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the unit. 
     Similar reference numbers are used to indicate corresponding parts on all figures. Also, the dimensions of certain parts as shown in the drawings may have been modified or exaggerated for the purpose of clarity of illustration. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 show an outer container 1 supported onto counter 12 by outward flange 5 and clamping mechanism 6. Flange 5 is made of somewhat thicker material than the rest of container 1. Within container 1 rests an inner container 2. As can be seen in FIG. 2, container 2 has outward flanges 8 which support the container on step 4 along the long sides of container 1. Handles 7, best seen in FIG. 1, are formed by flanges on container 2 that curve upwardly and are used to facilitate removal and replacement of the inner container 2. A plastic bag liner 3 rests in container 2 and folds over top of handles 7 and flanges 8 ending between containers 1 and 2. This allows the bag to remain open and easily accessible when filling and provides excess material for gathering and closing the bag for disposal. Lid 9 rests in a small step formed in flange 5, just above the level of handles 7 and lies flush with the top of flange 5. The lid can be lifted using handle 11 which stands up from the centre of indentation 10. The indentation provides room to grasp the handle for removal and replacement. When in position, the lid provides a useful surface to receive hot pans and dishes. 
     FIG. 3 shows the invention as it appears in place in the counter-top. It is desirable, for both ease of cleaning and appearance, that the lid 9 and flange 5 are nearly level with the top of counter 12. 
     Clearly, some variations can be made to the unit as described without departing from the scope of the invention, and it is intended that such variations are covered by the appended claims.