U.S. patent application number 12/386214 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-29 for compostable materials recycling bin refrigeration device.
Invention is credited to Robert Jason Goodwin, Reginald Joseph Leblanc.
Application Number | 20090266085 12/386214 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41212278 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090266085 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goodwin; Robert Jason ; et
al. |
October 29, 2009 |
Compostable materials recycling bin refrigeration device
Abstract
A refrigeration device for compostable materials, comprising, a
recycling bin adapted to receive compostable materials, a liner
element adapted to receive the recycling bin; and refrigeration
means adapted for cooling the liner element wherein when
compostable materials are positioned within the recycling bin and
the recycling bin is positioned within the liner element, the
refrigeration means cools the liner element, the recycling bin and
the compostable materials positioned therein.
Inventors: |
Goodwin; Robert Jason;
(North Chegoggin, CA) ; Leblanc; Reginald Joseph;
(Lower Wedgeport, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Fank J. Bonini, Jr.;86 The Commons at Valley Forge East
1288 Valley Forge Road, P. O. Box 750
Valley Forge
PA
19482-0750
US
|
Family ID: |
41212278 |
Appl. No.: |
12/386214 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/3.2 ;
62/259.1; 62/498 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 2210/116 20130101;
B65F 2001/1489 20130101; B65F 1/08 20130101; F25D 11/00 20130101;
F25B 21/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/3.2 ;
62/259.1; 62/498 |
International
Class: |
F25B 21/02 20060101
F25B021/02; F25D 23/00 20060101 F25D023/00; F25B 1/00 20060101
F25B001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 24, 2008 |
CA |
2629665 |
Claims
1. A refrigeration device for compostable materials, comprising: a.
a recycling bin adapted to receive compostable materials; b. a
liner element adapted to receive the recycling bin; and c.
refrigeration means adapted for cooling the liner element wherein
when compostable materials are positioned within the recycling bin
and the recycling bin is positioned within the liner element, the
refrigeration means cools the liner element, the recycling bin and
the compostable materials positioned therein.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the recycling bin and the
liner element are cylindrically shaped.
3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the recycling bin and the
liner element are box-shaped.
4. A refrigeration device for compostable materials, comprising: a.
a recycling bin adapted to receive compostable materials; b. a
liner element adapted to receive the recycling bin; and c.
refrigeration means adapted for cooling the liner element further,
the refrigeration means comprising a cooling coil securely
positioned proximate the liner element and means for circulating
cooled coolant through the cooling coil; wherein when compostable
materials are positioned within the recycling bin and the recycling
bin is positioned within the liner element, the refrigeration means
cools the liner element, the recycling bin and the compostable
materials positioned therein.
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the coolant is a gas,
wherein means for circulating cooled coolant through the cooling
coil comprises: a. a compressor adapted to compress the gas; b. a
condenser adapted to dissipate heat from the compressed gas, and c.
an expansion valve adapted to permit the expansion and cooling of
the compressed gas.
6. A device according to claim 1, wherein refrigeration means
comprises a solid state refrigerator.
7. A device according to claim 1, wherein the solid state
refrigerator is a Peltier device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to compostable materials'
recycling bin refrigeration devices, and more particularly, relates
to compostable materials' recycling bin refrigeration devices that
may be used, for example, in compost recycling programs to reduce
the rate and side effects of the decomposition of compostable
materials being temporarily stored in a compostable materials
recycling bin.
[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art
[0004] Recycling of materials has become an important part of a
modern society, and it is desirable to encourage the recycling of
materials where possible. The recycling of compostable materials is
important to the environment. Accordingly, compostable materials
may be collected from households and businesses for subsequent
processing or decomposition, for example, into soil products or
fertilizer. However, as it is often necessary for the households or
businesses to temporarily store compostable materials for a period
of time, one impediment to the recycling of compostable materials
is the unpleasant reality that decomposing compostable materials
may produce unpleasant odors, and may attract pests, such as
insects, larvae, maggots, mold, small animals and other
creatures.
[0005] It is desirable to reduce the unpleasant odors while
temporarily storing compostable materials, particularly if the
materials are being stored indoors, or in locations were the
unpleasant odors and insects and other pests are a nuisance or
hazard. While it is possible to provide an airtight container
within which to temporarily store compostable materials,
nevertheless, whenever the airtight container is opened, for
example, to add additional compostable material to the container,
or to remove the compostable material, the individual opening the
container is exposed to a significant waft of odor-filled air
produced by the decomposing compostable material. While it may be
possible to mask some or a substantial portion of the odors
produced by the decomposition of the compostable material by using,
for example, a scented air freshener, scented air freshener's
merely mask the odor and often produce substantially unsatisfactory
results.
[0006] It is also desirable to reduce the likelihood of an
infestation of the temporarily stored compostable materials with
insects or other pests.
[0007] It is also desirable to improve the sanitary circumstances
associated with the recycling of compostable materials.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to
provide a device which reduces the unpleasant odors associated with
the temporary storage of compostable materials.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device which reduces the likelihood of an infestation of the
temporarily stored compostable materials with insects or other
pests.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device which improves the sanitary circumstances associated with
the recycling of compostable materials.
[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a refrigeration device for compostable materials,
comprising, a recycling bin adapted to receive compostable
materials, a receptacle adapted to receive the recycling bin, and
refrigeration means adapted for cooling the receptacle wherein when
compostable materials are positioned within the recycling bin and
the recycling bin is positioned within the receptacle, the
refrigeration means cools the receptacle, the recycling bin and the
compostable materials positioned therein.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a refrigeration device for compostable materials,
comprising, a recycling bin adapted to receive compostable
materials, a liner element adapted to receive the recycling bin and
refrigeration means adapted for cooling the liner element, wherein
when compostable materials are positioned within the recycling bin
and the recycling bin is positioned within the liner element, the
refrigeration means cools the liner element, the recycling bin and
the compostable materials positioned therein. An advantage of the
present invention is that it provides a device which reduces the
unpleasant odors associated with the temporary storage of
compostable materials.
[0013] A further advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a device which reduces the likelihood of an infestation of
the temporarily stored compostable materials with insects or other
pests.
[0014] A further advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a device which improves the sanitary circumstances
associated with the recycling of compostable materials.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described
below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded view, partially in ghost, of one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view, partially in ghost, of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded view, partially in ghost, of a further
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a removable compost bin or pail 2,
preferably made of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or other
material known to a person skilled in the art, and preferably
having a handle 4 which can be rotated (as indicated by the arrow
7) from the vertical orientation illustrated in FIG. 1 about pivot
pins or bolts 10 (or other suitable pivot devices known to a person
skilled in the art) to a substantially horizontal orientation 8,
the handle when in the vertical orientation allowing the compost
bin to be lowered into or lifted from the inner liner element 12 or
other receptacle, which inner liner element 12 is preferably a
cylindrical shape as illustrated in FIG. 1, or alternatively, where
a box-shaped bin is used, an open box-shaped inner liner element
(the box preferably having four sides and a bottom) as illustrated
in FIG. 2, preferably made of stainless steel, aluminum, or other
suitable material known to a person skilled in the art, which inner
liner element is adapted to receive and support the compost bin or
pail 2 when inserted therein, and which is adapted to transfer heat
from the compost bin or pail 2 as more fully described herein.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, cooling
coils 14 are securely positioned in contact with or in close
proximity to the outside walls of the inner liner element 12 as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooling coils 14 being preferably
made of copper or steel or other suitable material known to a
person skilled in the art and being adapted to receive and
circulate a coolant gas, it being understood that many alternative
gas or liquid coolants may be used as would be understood by a
person skilled in the art.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
coolant gas passes through and is compressed by a compressor 20
(the compressor preferably being powered by an electrical power
source 18 or by such other method known to a person skilled in the
art) powered by way of a power cord 19 (preferably in the manner
described below), the coolant gas thereafter passing through (as
indicated by the arrows 17A) a condenser circuit 19, preferably in
the form of a length of coolant tubing or radiator (not shown) to
dissipate heat from the compressed coolant gas, in one embodiment
of the present invention, the condenser circuit 19 being securely
attached to the outside wall of the outer casing or shell referred
to below, the cooled compressed coolant gas (which may now be in
the form of a liquid at this stage depending on the gas and
pressures utilized) thereafter passes through an expansion valve 21
and is permitted to expand and cool, and thereafter passes (as
indicated by the arrow 17B) through the cooling coils 14 to cool
the outer surface of the inner liner element 12 (and thereby cool
the inner surface of the inner liner element 12 and its contents,
including the compost bin 2 and any compostable materials contained
therein) by absorbing heat from the inner liner element 12 and
providing a cooling effect to the inside of the inner liner element
12 and the compost bin 2 and any compostable materials contained
therein. The coolant gas is thereafter returned to the compressor
(as indicated by the arrow 17C) to repeat this cycle.
[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an
On/Off switch 24 is provided which is electrically or otherwise
connected 23 to the compressor 20 (by way of the power supply 18)
to allow the user to turn off the compressor when the device of the
present invention is not in use (and, when placed in the "On"
position, to allow the compressor to be turned on when activated by
the thermostat as described hereinafter).
[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
thermostat 22 is also provided and electrically or otherwise
connected to the power supply 18 for the compressor 20
(electrically connected to the power supply 18 and the On/Off
switch 24), the thermostat 22 being positioned such that when the
On/Off switch 24 is in the "On" position, it will sense the
temperature on the surface of or alternatively within the inner
liner element 12 and, in the event that the temperature is above a
predetermined amount (such as, for example, 10 degrees C.), the
thermostat 22, on sensing the temperature being above the
predetermined amount will activate the compressor 20 in a
conventional manner and circulate coolant gas as described above,
until the temperature on the surface of, or alternatively within
the inner liner element 12 falls to below a predetermined amount
(such as, for example, 5 degrees C.), thereby maintaining the
compost bin 2 and its contents within a range of between, for
example, 5 degrees C. and 10 degrees C. (it being understood that
different temperature ranges may be set or programmed into an
appropriately settable or programmable thermostat in a manner known
to a person skilled in the art).
[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
insulation 26 is positioned to substantially enclose and surround
the walls and bottom of the inner liner element 12 and cooling
coils 14 to reduce the amount of heat transferred from the inner
liner element 12 and cooling coils 14 to the area outside of and
immediately surrounding the device of the present invention.
[0025] In a further alternative embodiment of the device of the
present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a Peltier device 28 or
other solid state refrigerator or other refrigerating device known
to a person skilled in the art, is positioned in contact with or in
close proximity to the outside walls or bottom of the inner liner
element 12 as illustrated in FIG. 3, electrical power for the
Peltier device or other solid state refrigerator or other
refrigerating device being provided by way of an electrical power
source, which may be connected to an On/Off switch and thermostat
in a conventional manner. The other exposed surfaces of the inner
liner element may be covered in insulation 29.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a pleasantly shaped outer shell or
casing 30 (preferably made of metal or rigid plastic or other
material known to a person skilled in the art) is provided which
preferably substantially surrounds the inner workings of the device
described herein, the outer shell or casing providing the device
with a pleasant overall appearance and an easy to clean outer
surface. In alternative embodiments of the present invention,
differently colored outer shells or casings may be provided to the
user with a range of possible colors.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hinged
or removable lid 13 is provided as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3,
which preferably provides an air-tight seal between the lid 13 and
the opening 15 in the outer shell or casing (the hinged lid 13
being movable between an open and closed position as illustrated by
the arrow 33). In an alternative embodiment of the present
invention, a hinged or removable lid 13 is provided which provides
an air-tight seal between the lid 13 and the opening in the inner
liner element 12.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, large
compost bins may be used, for example, in a commercial setting that
receives and temporarily stores large volumes of compostable
materials, the device of the present invention being suitably
scaled in size to receive, support and refrigerate such large
compost bins.
[0029] In operation, a person may open the lid 13 and insert a
compost bin 2 into the inner liner element 12 and thereafter rotate
the handle 4 to the horizontal orientation and close the lid 13
(and turn the On/Off switch 24 to the "On" position, setting the
thermostat as desired), opening the lid as needed to insert or
remove compostable materials from the compost bin 2 as needed or
desired. Subsequently, the bin 2 may be removed for the easy
removal of the compostable materials, and for cleaning of the bin
as needed.
[0030] When the compostable material is maintained at a cool
temperature, the rate of decomposition of the compostable materials
may be significantly reduced, resulting in a corresponding
reduction in odors, and a corresponding reduction in the
attractiveness of the compostable materials to pests, such as
insects, larvae, maggots, mold, small animals and other creatures.
Furthermore, by reducing or eliminating many of the drawbacks to
recycling compostable materials, users may be more inclined to
recycle compostable materials. Additionally, as the device of the
present invention may reduce or substantially eliminate odors
emanating from the compostable materials temporarily stored
therewithin, it is possible to extend the length of time in which
the compostable materials are temporarily stored by the user
(thereby reducing the frequency of the need to empty the
compostable materials from the device of the present
invention).
[0031] The present invention has been described herein with regard
to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons
skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications
can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as
described herein
* * * * *