Automatic solid surface access port and methods of use thereof

• US 20070257036A1
• Filed: 07/16/2007
• Published: 11/08/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Greg Nance
• Original Assignee: Greg Nance
• Inventors: Nance, Greg
• Application Number:
  US11/879,128
• Publication Number:
  US 20070257036A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 220/211
• 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 solid surface access port with automatic cover, wherein the access port comprises a sensor that recognizes when refuse is approaching the cover, and wherein the sensor activates a direct current motor which in turn moves a drive arm to open the cover to permit refuse 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. Use of a drive arm in combination with a reducer and counterweight provides for a more efficient and durable apparatus.

Claims

1. An automatic solid surface access port comprising:

a pivotally-operating access cover plate;

a drive arm in connection with said pivotally-operating access cover plate; and

a motor to urge said drive arm.

2. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 1, further comprising at least one spring to assist movement of said pivotally-operating access cover plate.

3. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 2, wherein said at least one spring is a clock spring.

4. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 1, wherein said motor is a direct current drive motor.

5. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 1, wherein said motor is a gear reduced reversible drive motor.

6. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 1, further comprising a worm gear reducer drive unit in mechanical communication with said motor.

7. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 1, further comprising a mounting bracket to secure said automatic solid surface access port to a solid surface.

8. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 7, further comprising a first beveled edge of said solid surface and a second beveled edge of said pivotally-operating access cover plate, wherein said second beveled edge of said pivotally-operating access cover plate sealedly engages said first beveled edge of said solid surface.

9. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 7, further comprising a gasket material disposed between said pivotally-operating access cover plate and said solid surface.

10. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 7, further comprising a seal disposed between said pivotally-operating access cover plate and said solid surface.

11. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 7, further comprising bumpers disposed between said pivotally-operating access cover plate and said solid surface.

12. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 1, further comprising an electrically activated locking mechanism.

13. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 1, further comprising:

a roller wheel rotationally disposed on a first end of said drive arm, wherein said roller wheel is movably disposed on said pivotally-operating access cover plate.

14. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 13, further comprising:

a track, wherein said track secures said roller wheel in contact with said pivotally-operating access cover plate.

15. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 13, further comprising a counter-weight disposed on a second end of said drive arm.

16. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 13, wherein said drive arm is spring actuated.

17. The automatic solid surface access port of claim 13, wherein said roller wheel is spring actuated.

18. A method of depositing trash into a trash container, said method comprising the steps of:

sensing objects approaching an access door; and

disengaging said access door from a solid surface via a gear reduced reversible direct current drive unit to permit said objects to pass through an aperture in said solid surface.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said disengaging step further comprises disengaging said access door from said solid surface via movement of a drive arm in mechanical communication with said gear reduced reversible direct current drive unit and said access door.

20. A method of operating an automatic solid surface access port, comprising the steps of:

sensing objects approaching a pivotally-operating access cover plate;

moving a drive arm in an opening direction via a gear reduced reversible direct current drive unit, wherein said drive arm is in contact with said pivotally-operating access cover plate;

disengaging said access door from a solid surface via movement of said drive arm to permit said objects to pass through an aperture in said solid surface;

storing energy generated via said gear reduced reversible direct current drive unit moving said pivotally-operating access cover plate in a spring;

releasing said energy from said spring to assist movement of said drive arm in a closing direction, wherein said drive arm is in contact with said pivotally-operating access cover plate; and

engaging said pivotally-operating access cover plate with said solid surface via movement of said drive arm.