Automatic countertop access port and method of use thereof

Abstract

An automatic countertop trash access port with automatic cover, wherein the access port comprises a sensor that recognizes when waste is approaching the cover, and wherein the sensor activates a solenoid to open the cover to permit waste to drop through the access port into a trash container therebelow, thereby avoiding the need for a user to make contact with the trash access port. Prior to passing into the trash container, trash may be shredded, compacted and/or ground via a disposal mechanism. A locking mechanism to retain the cover open or closed may also be provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to counter access to waste containers, and more specifically to an automatic countertop access port, wherein the automatic countertop access port senses waste approaching a cover plate thereof and automatically activates to dispose of the waste to a container below the counter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Home kitchens typically have a trash receptacle located therein. Access to such receptacles is often required to be immediate and must be accomplished without full use of on or both hands. Accordingly, such receptacles are typically in the open for unobstructed access. However, trash containers detract from the aesthetic appearance of the kitchen and it is usually desired that such receptacles be placed out of view, if possible. Unfortunately, placing such a trash receptacle out of view typically obstructs access to the receptacle, resulting in difficulty of placing trash therein.

[0003] In addition to home kitchens, fast food restaurants have similar, but more complex, problems with disposal of trash, including food. Fast food restaurants typically serve their customers by placing food and/or beverages on a tray. Napkins, residual food, disposable utensils and food packaging remain on the tray and require disposal. Typically, a patron who has finished eating takes their tray to a trash receptacle and pushes the door of the trash receptacle inward, inserting portions of the tray into the trash receptacle opening. Empty trays are subsequently deposited place on the top of, or near, the trash receptacle for recovery by restaurant staff.

[0004] Some fast food restaurants utilize a swinging side access door to a trash receptacle, while others utilize such a door disposed in the top of the receptacle. A trash receptacle, whether in a home kitchen or fast food restaurant, typically comprises a removable container with a trash bag disposed therewithin.

[0005] Unfortunately, fast food restaurant patrons must typically utilize their hand to push open the swinging door of the trash receptacle, and, at the same time, the patron must utilize their other hand to hold the tray and insert the tray into the trash receptacle opening, wherein trash, including food, remaining on the tray is deposited into a trash container below the receptacle opening.

[0006] Additionally, residual food on the trays often contacts the door of the trash receptacle, resulting in an unsanitary condition, and it is undesirable for a patron to touch such door when disposing of food. Occasionally, a patron may even drop a tray into the trash receptacle, resulting in economic loss to the restaurant.

[0007] Further, some patrons may find it difficult to carry out the aforementioned actions to simultaneously open the trash receptacle door and clear trash from their tray. Young children and handicapped or disabled patrons may find it difficult to dispose of trash on their tray into such a conventional trash receptacle. Moreover, for some disabled patrons, it may be impossible to operate a typical trash receptacle. Some trash may easily fall to the ground or remain on the tray.

[0008] Various attempts have unsuccessfully been made to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages. One such invention comprises an auxiliary structure enclosure for a receptacle or receptacles for holding recyclable waste that can be attached to a building. While the enclosure conceals a receptacle or receptacles, it is external to a building, thus requiring additional space.

[0009] Other attempts to overcome the problems associated with trash disposal comprise a pivotally-mounted plate/lid to permit a horizontal disposition above a top inlet opening of a trash receptacle. To open, downward manual force must be applied to the swinging plate, causing the plate to swing downward to open the inlet opening of the trash receptacle. A container is positioned under the plate/opening for receiving trash. Through counterbalance weighting or springs, the plate swings back to its normal horizontal position once pressure is relieved, thereby closing the receptacle opening. Unfortunately, such a device often permits the door to contact trash thereinside and further accumulates trash on surfaces of the door, wherein the door still requires touching by a patron/user causing sanitary concerns.

[0010] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for an automatic countertop access port with an automatic cover that maintains a trash container out of sight, while providing easy access to the trash container via the cover that does not require touching and application of force by a patron/user, wherein the cover opens and closes automatically to permit trash to pass therethrough to a container therebelow without contamination of the cover.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a non-contact automatic countertop access port and cover comprising a proximity sensor that recognizes when waste is approaching an access port cover, wherein the sensor activates a solenoid to open the cover plate to permit waste to drop through the access port into a trash container therebelow. Prior to passing into the trash container, trash may selectively be shredded, compacted and/or ground via a disposal mechanism. The automatic countertop access port could selectively be installed in any horizontal or vertical surface, or in surfaces between horizontal and vertical.

[0012] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is an automatic countertop access port and cover that opens when trash is sensed to be approaching the cover, thereby allowing the trash to fall through the access port to the container below via opening of the cover by a solenoid that maintains optimum force by pivoting as it opens the cover. Accordingly, the present invention prevents contamination of surfaces from contact with trash. Furthermore, the cover plate seals to a ring surface via bevel edges, providing a near air-tight seal, thereby reducing and/or eliminating odors. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that automatic countertop access port could be utilized for other applications wherein a door is desired to be opened for passage of objects or materials other than trash, such as for entry to a storage container for sports equipment, vapor or light transmission, or the like.

[0013] More specifically, the present invention is an automatic countertop access port preferably having a circular or oval ring and a cover plate, wherein the cover plate is activated via a linear solenoid and returned via a spring. A limit switch restricts over-opening of the cover plate and also starts a timer to set a delay period. Following a pre-selected time delay, power to solenoid is removed, and the potential energy stored in the stretched spring pulls the cover plate back to the closed position. Bumpers of metal, plastic or rubber dampen motion of the cover plate at the extremes of travel, wherein the bumpers may selectively be adjustable to facilitate alignment of the cover plate and ring.

[0014] The ring is preferably flush mounted to a counter, wherein bevelled edges on the cover plate and ring make contact when the cover plate is closed, to form an air-tight or near air-tight seal. Additionally, a rubber-boot-covered locking mechanism can also be included to permit locking the cover plate open, such as might be required when servicing the access port or for use where it is desired to keep the access port open continuously, such as when peeling potatoes. The locking mechanism includes a sprung pin that engages a blindhole in a lever that connects the cover plate to the solenoid.

[0015] A proximity sensor is located on the ring, wherein the proximity sensor detects motion and/or proximity of trash approaching the automatic countertop access port. The sensor activates a linear solenoid, opening the cover plate before the arrival of trash at the automatic countertop access port, thereby permitting trash to fall through the aperture into a trash container therebelow. The solenoid comprises a body with a piston, and the body has a base end opposite the piston end, wherein the solenoid pivots at both the piston end and the base end of the solenoid to maintain the force from the solenoid piston directed from the cover, thereby applying maximum pulling force to the cover.

[0016] A level sensor detects when the container is full and provides indication of such status via an indicator. The indicator typically includes one or more lights or an audible sound or sounds of different pitch or duration, and selectively provides indication of different levels of trash within the container, as sensed by the level sensor.

[0017] The proximity and level sensors could be any suitable sensing device, such as, for exemplary purposes only, infrared, radio frequency, ultrasonic, light beam, imaging, or like sensors.

[0018] Additionally, a shedder, compactor and/or disposal may be provided below the aperture to operate on the trash prior to its passage into the container. Once full, the container may be removed from below the counter via an access door.

[0019] Thus, the present invention provides automatic opening of the cover plate to avoid the need for human contact, thereby enhancing sanitary use of trash containers.

[0020] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to sense the proximity of approaching trash and to dispose of same.

[0021] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to automatically open to receive trash without contamination of the device cover from contact with the trash.

[0022] Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to permit trash to be shredded, ground via a disposal and/or compacted.

[0023] Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be mechanically locked open or closed.

[0024] Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to sense the level of trash in a container.

[0025] A further feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a tightly sealed surface.

[0026] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic countertop access port according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown installed in a countertop;

[0029] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an automatic countertop access port according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown closed;

[0030] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an automatic countertop access port according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown partially opened;

[0031] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an automatic countertop access port according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown fully opened;

[0032] FIG. 3A is a detail side view of an automatic countertop access port according to preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention; and

[0033] FIG. 3B is a detail side view of a solenoid locking component of an automatic countertop access port according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0034] In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3A, the present invention in a preferred embodiment is an automatic countertop access port 10 preferably comprising circular or oval ring 20, cover plate 30, lever 40, mount 50, linear solenoid 60, housing 70, spring 100 and limit switch 130, wherein linear solenoid 60 preferably comprises body 65 and piston 80. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that ring 20 and cover plate 30 could comprise alternate shapes, including, without limitation, square, rectangular, etc.

[0036] When closed, cover plate 30 is preferably disposed within oval ring 20, wherein cover plate 30 and oval ring 20 preferably form an air-tight or near air-tight seal. Lever 40 preferably comprises upper spring bearing 120 and upper pivot 90, wherein upper pivot 90 preferably comprises a bearing and lever 40 is preferably pivotally secured via upper pivot 90 to piston 80 of solenoid 60, and wherein lever 40 is preferably fixably secured to cover plate 30. Mount 50 is preferably fixably secured to oval ring 20, wherein mount 50 preferably carries therewithin solenoid 60, and wherein solenoid 60 is preferably disposed within housing 70. Body 65 of solenoid 60 is preferably pivotally secured to mount 40 via lower pivot 110, wherein lower pivot 110 preferably comprises a roller bearing. Lever 40 could alternately be additionally pivotally-constrained within mount 50 via bearing 92.

[0037] Housing 70 preferably comprises legs 75, feet 76 and lower pivot 110, wherein feet 76 preferably comprise lower spring pivot 122. Spring 100 is preferably secured to upper spring pivot 120 and lower spring pivot 122, wherein spring 100 preferably provides return force for closure of cover plate 30. Spring pivots 120, 122 preferably comprise a bearing or bushing to reduce frictional forces to spring 100, and to facilitate closing motion of cover plate 30. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that cover plate 30 could comprise a counterweight for closing force, in lieu of spring 100.

[0038] Limit switch 130 is preferably disposed on mount 50, wherein limit switch 130 is preferably contacted by cover plate 30 when cover plate 30 is opened. Upon contact by cover plate 30, limit switch 130 preferably begins a time delay period to disconnect power to solenoid 60, and further prevents damage to cover plate 30 and lever 40.

[0039] Ring 20 is preferably flush mounted to counter 200 and preferably comprises aperture 140, flange 150 and rim 160. Trash sensor 250 is preferably a proximity sensor and is disposed on ring 20, wherein trash sensor 250 preferably detects motion or proximity of trash T approaching and preferably activates linear solenoid 60 to open cover plate 30, thereby preferably pulling cover plate 30 downward to permit trash T to fall through aperture 140 into container 220 therebelow (best shown in FIG. 1). Cover plate 30 is preferably drawn downward to open via linear solenoid 60, wherein solenoid 60 preferably pivots to maintain optimum force throughout the opening of cover plate 30.

[0040] Level sensor 260 preferably comprises indicator 270, wherein level sensor 260 is preferably directionally disposed toward container 220 and preferably detects when container 220 is full, thereby preferably providing indication of such status via indicator 270. Indicator 270 typically preferably comprises one or more lights 275, wherein lights 275 could selectively provide indication of different levels of trash T within container 220 sensed by level sensor 260. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that other indicators, such as, for exemplary purposes only, audible sounds, could be utilized in lieu of lights 275. Sensors 250, 260 preferably comprise any suitable sensing device, such as, for exemplary purposes only, infrared, radio frequency, ultrasonic, light beam, imaging, or like sensors.

[0041] Bumpers 400, 410 are preferably disposed on ring 20 and preferably dampen motion of cover plate 30 via contact with lever 40 at the extremes of travel thereof. Bumpers 400, 410 preferably comprise sloped surfaces 420, 430, respectively. Bumpers 400, 410 preferably comprise metal or, alternately could comprise rubber. Sloped surface 420 preferably makes contact with lever 40 when cover plate 30 is fully closed, wherein sloped surface 420 preferably comprises rubber coating 421. Sloped surface 430 preferably makes contact with lever 40 when cover plate 30 is fully open, wherein sloped surface 430 preferably comprises rubber coating 431.

[0042] Referring now more particularly to FIG. 3A, rim 20 preferably comprises bevel 25 and cover plate 30 preferably comprises bevel 35. In the fully closed state shown in FIG. 3, bevel 35 of cover plate 30 is preferably disposed proximate bevel 25 of ring 20, thereby forming a near air-tight seal. Bevels 25, 35 preferably comprise rubber coating 26, 36 to provide an efficient seal and dampen sound.

[0043] To install, automatic countertop access port 10 is preferably disposed within counter 200, wherein ring 20 rests on and within opening 240 in counter 200. Automatic countertop access port 10 preferably provides aperture 140 for passage of trash T through counter 200 into container 220 therebelow. A shedder, compactor and/or disposal 210 may selectively be provided below aperture 140 to perform desired actions on trash T prior to its passage into container 220. Container 220 may be removed from below counter 200 via access door 230.

[0044] In use, trash T is preferably sent to the vicinity of cover plate 30, wherein sensor 250 preferably detects the presence of trash T and activates solenoid 60, thereby preferably opening cover plate 30 and permitting trash T to pass through aperture 140. After a pre-selected time delay, power to solenoid 60 is preferably removed, and potential energy stored in stretched spring 100 preferably pulls cover plate 30 back to the closed position shown in FIG. 2A. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that cover plate 30 could alternately be opened by remote control.

[0045] Referring now more particularly to FIG. 3A, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, automatic countertop access port 10 could comprise locking mechanism 300, wherein locking mechanism 300 comprises threaded body 310, pin 320, spring 330, flange 350 and rubber boot 360. Bumpers 400, 410 comprise ridges 440 and are disposed proximate threaded body 310 of locking mechanism 300. Pin 320 is slidably disposed within threaded body 310, wherein spring 330 is disposed over pin 320. Spring 330 is retained via flange 350 and ridges 440, wherein spring 330 tends to urge pin 320 to its original position subsequent to removal of depressive force. Rubber boot 360 is disposed over pin 320 and threaded body 310 to prevent moisture incursion to locking mechanism 300.

[0046] Pin 320 selectively engages blindhole 380 in lever 40, wherein cover plate 30 is rendered immobile while pin 320 is so engaged. Interference between pin 320 and blindhole 380 under tension of spring 100 acting on lever 40 holds pin 320 within blindhole 380 overcoming the urging force of spring 330. Slightly tapping on cover plate 30 releases interference and permits pin 320 to retract and withdraw from blindhole 380, thereby permitting spring 100 to close cover plate 30.

[0047] In a further alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3B, locking mechanism 300 could comprise second solenoid 440 secured via holddown 445 and fasteners 446, wherein solenoid piston 450 replaces pin 320, and wherein solenoid piston 450, upon activation via a switch, engages blindhole 380. In a further alternate embodiment, second solenoid 440 could drive pin 320, wherein solenoid piston 450 is in communication with pin 320. Alternately, second solenoid 440 could be mounted below ring 20 and adapted to engage blindhole 380 via a linkage.

[0048] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. An automatic countertop access port comprising: a pivotally-operating access cover plate; a pivotally-mounted linear solenoid.

2. The automatic countertop access port of claim 1, further comprising a trash proximity sensor.

3. The automatic countertop access port of claim 1, further comprising a trash level sensor.

4. The automatic countertop access port of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism.

5. The automatic countertop access port of claim 1, further comprising a means for dampening motion.

6. The automatic countertop access port of claim 1, further comprising a means for limiting opening of said cover plate.

7. The automatic countertop access port of claim 1, wherein said cover plate further comprises a means for providing an air-tight seal.

8. The automatic countertop access port of claim 7, further comprising a beveled edge of said cover plate and a ring having a second beveled edge, wherein said beveled edge of said cover plate sealedly engages said second beveled edge.

9. The automatic countertop access port of claim 1, further comprising a device selected from the group consisting of disposals, shredders, compactors, and combinations thereof.

10. The automatic countertop access port of claim 1, further comprising a means for urging a cover plate to close.

11. The automatic countertop access port of claim 1, wherein said linear solenoid is adapted to provide maximum pulling force to said cover plate.

12. The automatic countertop access port of claim 1, further comprising a means for signaling a full capacity status for a trash container disposed under said automatic countertop access port.

13. A method of depositing trash in a trash container, said method comprising the steps of: a. sensing objects approaching an access door; and b. opening said access door to permit said objects to pass through an aperture.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: opening said access door prior to arrival of trash at said access door.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: pivoting a solenoid to maintain optimum force to open said access door.

16. An automatic countertop access port comprising: a pivotally-operating access cover plate; a pivotally-mounted linear solenoid; and bevel sealing edges.

17. The automatic countertop access port of claim 16, further comprising a locking mechanism.

18. The automatic countertop access port of claim 16, further comprising a means for sensing trash in the proximity of said pivotally-operating access cover plate.

19. The automatic countertop access port of claim 18, further comprising a means for disposing of said trash.

20. The automatic countertop access port of claim 19, wherein said means for disposing is selected from the group consisting of shredders, disposals, compactors, and combinations thereof.