U.S. patent application number 13/041385 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-06 for compost material collector.
This patent application is currently assigned to Genimex Jersey Ltd.. Invention is credited to David Dennys Chitayat, Pieter Schouten, Heather Tomasetti.
Application Number | 20120223078 13/041385 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46752670 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120223078 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chitayat; David Dennys ; et
al. |
September 6, 2012 |
COMPOST MATERIAL COLLECTOR
Abstract
A method for collecting organic waste including: a) hooking a
mounting structure over an edge of an upright planar drawer face of
a drawer underlying a work surface, said mounting structure coupled
to a container including one or more walls made with a pliable
elastomeric material, said container including a top opening and a
closed bottom with a side wall enclosing a storage volume; b)
supporting said top opening using said hooked mounting structure
near a portion of said work surface having a quantity of organic
matter; c) scooping said quantity of organic matter into said
storage volume; d) unhooking said mounting structure from said
drawer face; and thereafter e) freezing said quantity of organic
matter while it is in said storage volume.
Inventors: |
Chitayat; David Dennys;
(Shanghai, CN) ; Tomasetti; Heather; (Shanghai,
CN) ; Schouten; Pieter; (Berkeley, CA) |
Assignee: |
Genimex Jersey Ltd.
Shanghai
CN
|
Family ID: |
46752670 |
Appl. No.: |
13/041385 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/476 ;
53/473 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 2210/18 20130101;
B65F 1/02 20130101; B65F 2250/00 20130903; B65F 2001/1489
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/476 ;
53/473 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/22 20060101
B65D025/22; B65B 1/04 20060101 B65B001/04 |
Claims
1. An organic material collection apparatus, comprising: a housing
having closed side wall defining a storage volume and joined bottom
forming a container having an opening, said side wall formed from a
pliable elastomeric material that maintains elasticity at a
temperature less than the freezing point of water, with said side
wall sufficiently pliable when containing frozen organic matter to
permit said bottom to be depressed toward said opening to dislodge
said frozen organic matter from said storage volume; and a mounting
structure, coupled to said side wall, for hooking said housing over
an edge of an upright planar wall.
2. The collection apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pliable
elastomeric material is a stabilized silicone rubber rated for use
in a freezer.
3. The collection apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upright planar
wall includes a portion of a drawer face underlying a
countertop.
4. A method for collecting organic waste, the method comprising the
steps of: a) hooking a mounting structure over an edge of an
upright planar drawer face of a drawer underlying a work surface,
said mounting structure coupled to a container including one or
more walls made with a pliable elastomeric material, said container
including a top opening and a closed bottom with a side wall
enclosing a storage volume; b) supporting said top opening using
said hooked mounting structure near a portion of said work surface
having a quantity of organic matter; c) scooping said quantity of
organic matter into said storage volume; d) unhooking said mounting
structure from said drawer face; and thereafter e) freezing said
quantity of organic matter while it is in said storage volume.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of: f) pushing
said bottom towards said top opening while said quantity of organic
matter is frozen inside said storage volume, said pushing step g)
dislodging said frozen organic matter from inside said storage
volume.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to collection of
organic materials, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to a
compost collector for storing kitchen organic waste.
[0002] As concern about landfill space increases, worldwide
interest in recycling by means of composting is growing, since
composting is a process for converting decomposable organic
materials into useful stable products. Increasingly there is
greater attention on the need for composting organic waste
generated in households.
[0003] One significant drawback for collecting green waste in a
household environment is that organic waste can begin to decompose
quite rapidly. Traditionally, indoor/countertop storage solutions
cover and seal the contents of a "garbage" pail which decreases the
oxygen supply to the contents. Putting green waste into such an
environment where oxygen is limited initiates a fairly rapid
anaerobic decomposition.
[0004] It is this anaerobic decomposition that creates fluids,
odors, and potentially toxic bacteria that prevent acceptance of
countertop/in-house collection and storage of organic waste in
preparation for composting. The anaerobic decomposition is further
undesirable in that the process attracts flies and other pests
which can spread disease, and it is better to avoid attracting such
pests into a household. Additionally, the collection and management
of in-home organic waste generally requires tools and procedures
that can clash with desired design and aesthetic elements.
[0005] There are products that collect and store organic waste in
the household, using devices that look and function more or less
like garbage bins and the like. In some contexts and for some
users, there is a desirable to completely avoid storage of organic
waste in living areas, which can be related to an aversion to
odors, messiness, and/or cleanliness associated with even
relatively short-term storage of organic waste. While having an
aversion or resistance to prior art implementations, the user would
prefer to enjoy advantages associated with composting/recycling of
organic waste.
[0006] What is needed is a compost collector that permits
convenient accumulation and storage of household organic waste that
is more sanitary, less messy, and less odiferous.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Disclosed is a compost collector and compost collection
method that permits efficient accumulation and storage of household
organic waste that is more sanitary, less messy, and less
odiferous. The following summary of the invention is provided to
facilitate an understanding of some of technical features related
to household collection of green waste, and is not intended to be a
full description of the present invention. A full appreciation of
the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the
entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a
whole.
[0008] An organic material collection apparatus includes a housing
having closed side wall defining a storage volume and joined bottom
forming a container having an opening, the side wall formed from a
pliable elastomeric material that maintains elasticity at a
temperature less than the freezing point of water, with the side
wall sufficiently pliable when containing frozen organic matter to
permit the bottom to be depressed toward the opening to dislodge
the frozen organic matter from the storage volume; and a mounting
structure, coupled to the side wall, for hooking the housing over
an edge of an upright planar wall.
[0009] A method for collecting organic waste including: a) hooking
a mounting structure over an edge of an upright planar drawer face
of a drawer underlying a work surface, the mounting structure
coupled to a container including one or more walls made with a
pliable elastomeric material, the container including a top opening
and a closed bottom with a side wall enclosing a storage volume; b)
supporting the top opening using the hooked mounting structure near
a portion of the work surface having a quantity of organic matter;
c) scooping the quantity of organic matter into the storage volume;
d) unhooking the mounting structure from the drawer face; and
thereafter e) freezing the quantity of organic matter while it is
in the storage volume.
[0010] The method of some embodiment further includes: f) pushing
the bottom towards the top opening while the quantity of organic
matter is frozen inside the storage volume, the pushing step g)
dislodging the frozen organic matter from inside the storage
volume.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention provide an easy way to
scoop organic matter off of a countertop into a storage volume.
Storage of the organic waste in a freezer compartment completely
eliminates the drawbacks of organic decomposition associated with
countertop collection and storage of organic matter. The storage
volume may be removed from the freezer to have more organic matter
added, and placed back in the freezer for storage. When full and/or
ready for recycling, the container is manipulated (e.g., the bottom
pressed towards the top opening) to dislodge the frozen organic
waste and remove it from the container. The organic waste may then
be put directly on a compost pile or put into green recycling
processes. The mounting structure hooks over an edge of drawer or
other similar structure to position the top opening near the
countertop surface, allowing organic material to be easily scooped
into the container. The mounting structure of some implementations
permits the drawer to be fully or partially closed to position the
top opening at the edge of the countertop to avoid scooping
material onto the floor. Preferably the shape of the housing
permits multiple housings to be nested together for efficient
storage and access.
[0012] This device is not designed as a composter but as a
collection apparatus and method to gather and store frozen organic
waste for later composting. This eliminates the generation of the
compost fluids, odors, and attractiveness of the stored material to
pests. Because the drawbacks are removed, the collection and
storage of organic waste for compost/recycling is enhanced.
[0013] Other features, benefits, and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent upon a review of the present disclosure,
including the specification, drawings, and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the
separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the
specification, further illustrate the present invention and,
together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to
explain the principles of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an organic
waste collector;
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the organic
waste collector of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view thereof;
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a back view thereof;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a left-hand view thereof, the right-hand
view being a mirror image thereof;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view thereof;
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view thereof;
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates an expanded disassembled plan layout of
components thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Embodiments of the present invention provide a compost
collector that permits aesthetic accumulation and storage of
household organic waste that is more sanitary, less messy, and less
odiferous. The following description is presented to enable one of
ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is
provided in the context of a patent application and its
requirements
[0024] Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the
generic principles and features described herein will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention
is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be
accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and
features described herein.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an organic
waste collector 100; FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view
thereof; FIG. 3 illustrates a front view thereof; FIG. 4
illustrates a back view thereof; FIG. 5 illustrates a left-hand
view thereof, the right-hand view being a mirror image thereof;
FIG. 6 illustrates a top view thereof; and FIG. 7 illustrates a
bottom view thereof.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates an expanded disassembled plan layout of
components of organic waste collector 100. Collector 100 includes a
sidewall 805 enclosing a volume and having a top opening and a
closed bottom. Sidewall 805 is formed from a pliable elastomeric
material (e.g., stabilized silicone rubber and the like used for
bake/freezerware and the like) that maintains elasticity at a
temperature less than the freezing point of water, with said side
wall sufficiently pliable when containing frozen organic matter to
permit said bottom to be depressed toward said opening to dislodge
said frozen organic matter from said storage volume; and
[0027] A formed mounting structure 810 attaches to, coupled to, or
otherwise integrated with sidewall 805. When assembled/formed,
mounting structure 810 preferably provides for a drawer face
attachment system that hooks over an edge of an upright planar
surface (e.g., a drawer face or the like), the drawer face part of
a drawer underlying a work surface that has collected a quantity of
organic material to be stored.
[0028] The drawer is opened, mounting system 810 is hooked over the
upright drawer face, and the drawer is opened/closed sufficiently
to position the top opening below/adjacent an edge of the work
surface. Then the organic material may be scooped into the storage
volume directly from the work surface. Collector 100 is unhooked
and placed into the freezer with the quantity of organic waste
stored in the storage volume. FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred
implementation for mounting system 810, with the downward pointing
"hook" spaced from a back of sidewall 805 sufficiently to hook over
a drawer face as described herein.
[0029] After freezing, eventually it will be desired to remove the
frozen organic waste, such as to transfer it to a compost pile or
add it to recycling process. Collector 100 may be inverted,
mounting structure 810 may be used as a handle, and the frozen
contents are dislodged and removed by manipulating pliable sidewall
805 (e.g., by depressing the bottom towards the top opening).
[0030] There are many advantages to this disclosed structure for
collecting and storing organic waste besides the elimination of
decomposition odors and fluids, with the associated pests. The
flexibility of the sidewalls permits collector 800 to be stored
anywhere in the freezer where there is space without worrying about
the size and orientation of that space.
[0031] The system and methods above has been described in general
terms as an aid to understanding details of preferred embodiments
of the present invention. Other preferred embodiments of the
present include the described application for organic waste
collection. In the description herein, numerous specific details
are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to
provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present
invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however,
that an embodiment of the invention can be practiced without one or
more of the specific details, or with other apparatus, systems,
assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like.
In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations
are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid
obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment",
"an embodiment", or "a specific embodiment" means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus,
respective appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an
embodiment", or "in a specific embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the
same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures,
or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the present
invention may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more
other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and
modifications of the embodiments of the present invention described
and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings
herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of
the present invention.
[0033] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements
depicted in the drawings/figures can also be implemented in a more
separated or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered as
inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in accordance with a
particular application.
[0034] Additionally, any signal arrows in the drawings/Figures
should be considered only as exemplary, and not limiting, unless
otherwise specifically noted. Furthermore, the term "or" as used
herein is generally intended to mean "and/or" unless otherwise
indicated. Combinations of components or steps will also be
considered as being noted, where terminology is foreseen as
rendering the ability to separate or combine is unclear.
[0035] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims
that follow, "a", "an", and "the" includes plural references unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the
description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0036] The foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the
present invention, including what is described in the Abstract, is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of, and
examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative
purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within
the spirit and scope of the present invention, as those skilled in
the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. As indicated, these
modifications may be made to the present invention in light of the
foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the present
invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0037] Thus, while the present invention has been described herein
with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of
modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the
foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some
instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be
employed without a corresponding use of other features without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth.
Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the
present invention. It is intended that the invention not be limited
to the particular terms used in following claims and/or to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of
the appended claims. Thus, the scope of the invention is to be
determined solely by the appended claims.
* * * * *