Automatic countertop access port and method of use thereof

• US 20070145057A1
• Filed: 12/23/2005
• Published: 06/28/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Greg Nance
• Original Assignee: Greg Nance
• Inventors: Nance, Greg
• Application Number:
  US11/317,209
• Publication Number:
  US 20070145057A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 220/495.60
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 1/1431 having a waste disposal chute integrally connected to a work top or the like, the refuse receptacle remaining static
• CPC Class Codes: B65F 1/1638 Electromechanically operated lids

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.

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.