Whiff-Resistant Trash Container

Abstract

A garbage container having improved anti-odor and/or antibacterial properties, where the container includes refrigeration means for cooling garbage placed within the container. Also provided are kits including such a container and instructions for its use. Also provided are methods for reducing or preventing garbage smell by inserting garbage into such a garbage container.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/722,915 filed on Oct. 3, 2005, entitled “Whiff-free Garbage.” The content of the provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, including all text and figures.

FIELD

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to garbage containers that reduce or eliminate odors and/or bacteria that may normally be generated and/or emitted by garbage.

BACKGROUND

Garbage containers, particularly for home use, are typically containers that allow garbage to sit therein at room temperature until they are emptied to an outside garbage container or taken out for collection. When garbage (particularly garbage including foodstuffs) is allowed to sit at room temperature for a period of time, bacteria grows and the garbage becomes malodorous. In addition, such garbage may attract insects and/or rodents.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to garbage containers that inhibit, reduce or eliminate odors that may normally be emitted by garbage that is left in a container at room temperature over a period of time, e.g., overnight or for days. Exemplary embodiments of garbage containers include a refrigeration means for cooling garbage within the container. In particular, exemplary embodiments include a main body for collecting garbage therein, which may be insulated; a lid that encloses the main body when the lid is in a closed position; refrigeration means capable of cooling the inside of the main body, e.g., to a freezing temperature; and a power source for the refrigeration means. Further example embodiments may include an opening means such as a handle, which is capable of opening the lid. Example embodiments may include a seal positioned between the main body and the lid when the lid is in a closed position. Example embodiments may include at least one connection means, such as a hook or clamping device, within the main body, adapted to position an inner container within the main body. Example embodiments may also include one or more other features that may be advantageous for a refrigerator or freezer, such as a lock, temperature control, condenser, and/or evaporator.

Additional embodiments are directed to methods of reducing smell emitted from garbage that include placing garbage within a garbage container having refrigeration means.

Further embodiments are directed to inner containers, which are adapted such that the entire inner container may be maintained within the garbage container. Exemplary inner containers may include for example, a plastic bag, adapted such that it may be positioned entirely within the garbage container.

Embodiments are also directed to kits including such garbage containers and instructions for their use. Kits may include one or more disposable or reusable inner containers. Kits may include a secondary power source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the following accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of a front view of a container in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the container depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments,

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of FIGS. 1-3 in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a container in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments; and

FIG. 5B is a top view of the container of FIG. 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The aspects, advantages and/or other features of example embodiments of the invention will become apparent in view of the following detailed description, which discloses various non-limiting embodiments of the invention. In describing example embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the embodiments are not intended to be limited to this specific terminology. It is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

As used herein, “a” or “an” may mean one or more. As used herein, “another” may mean at least a second or more.

Exemplary embodiments are generally directed to containers for storing garbage or other material at low temperatures. Garbage containers include refrigeration means for cooling garbage or material stored therein. Storing garbage or other material at low temperature is advantageous in reducing or eliminating odor that may typically emanate from conventional garbage containers containing such garbage or other material, when such garbage is left for example, at room temperature or above over a period of time, e.g., overnight or for days. Further advantages of exemplary garbage containers include reducing or eliminating bacterial growth that may result from garbage or other material. The bacteria may generate malodorous gas and vapors as well as germs that may adversely affect health. A further advantage is that attraction to the garbage by insects or animals may be reduced by storing garbage in such containers.

Exemplary embodiments of garbage containers include a main body for collecting garbage therein; a lid that encloses the main body when the lid is in a closed position; refrigeration means capable of cooling the inside of the main body; and a power source for the refrigeration means.

The main body is a receptacle for holding garbage. Therefore, an inner space defined by the configuration of the main body should be a suitable size and shape for receiving, holding and removing garbage, depending on the intended use. The main body may be formed of any material or combination of materials, suitable in the art. According to some embodiments the main body may be insulated. For example, at least a portion of the main body may be made of or include a composition or material that provides some insulation to essentially maintain a cool temperature within the main body, which cool temperature may be generated by a refrigerating means. Similarly, at least a portion of the seal and/or lid may also provide insulation. The outside of the main body may be made of a material selected for aesthetic means or it may include the same material as the inside of the main body.

The main body and/or seal or lid may also be constructed to allow space for an insulating material (including air). By way of non-limiting example, a container may be constructed that includes separation walls to provide some space between walls of the main body and garbage deposited therein. Such separation walls may provide insulation and allow cool air to flow throughout the inside of the container. Separation walls may correspond to one or more walls of the inside of the main body, or in the case for example of a substantially curved or round container, the separation wall may correspond to the entire inside wall of the main body, that is, going around the entire circumference of the container. According to some embodiments, there may be a stop gap bridging near the top of a separation wall to an inside wall of the main body. Such a stop gap may be configured to substantially prevent any garbage from entering the space between the separation wall and the wall of the main body. The stop gap may also serve to assist in maintaining the position of the separation wall.

Lids of the container may include any size, shape, width, design, and/or material that effectively seals the container, to help maintain the temperature within the container. Lids may be positioned on top of the main body or placed in a location other than the top, for example, the lid may be on a side of the container (similar to a front opening refrigerator). According to these embodiments, an inner container may be inserted and/or removed from the side of the container. According to some embodiments, part of the inside of the container (such as part of the main body itself) or an assembly therein (such as an assembly including connection means), may slide or pull out in the direction of the opening to allow for easier insertion or removal of an empty or full inner container.

Example lids may open to an approximately 90 degree angle from the lid's closed position. In accordance with other example embodiments, an open lid may be positioned at less or greater than 90 degrees from the closed position.

Lids may be connected to the main body, for example by a connection assembly. Such a connection assembly may take any form and be of any shape, configuration and material suitable, such that the lid may be opened to allow a consumer to deposit trash or other material within the main body of the container. The lid and/or connection assembly may be configured to allow the lid to be opened far enough to allow trash to be removed from the container, for example in a bag, where the trash may be cooled, and potentially frozen into a compact form.

Containers also include a refrigerating means (not pictured) for cooling the inside of the container. The term “refrigerating means” or “refrigeration means” is intended to encompass any means for cooling the inside of the container, from a slight cooling all the way to freezing temperatures. By way of non-limiting example, the refrigeration means may cool the inside of the container to a temperature of about 0° F. to about 15° F., or about 0° F. to about 10° F., or about 0° F. to about 50° F., or less. Low temperature inside the container will cool, or in some embodiments, freeze the garbage or other material therein. A non-limiting example of a refrigerating means that may be used may include Freon gas or other refrigerating means known in the art.

The refrigerating means may be incorporated in any suitable location within the container, for example, between an inside and outside wall of the main body, in the lid, sitting within main body, or any other location that is known by those skilled in the art for creating a refrigerator or freezer. By way of non-limiting example, refrigeration means, such as a freezing unit may be located in a bottom compartment of the main body.

The refrigerating means generally requires power, thus, containers may also include a power source. Example power sources may include an electrical cord, battery pack, gas, or any other power source capable of supplying sufficient power to a refrigerating means. According to some embodiments, the container may have more than one power source, such as a power cord for when electric power is available and a battery pack for back up power, travel, camping or the like.

Further embodiments may include an opening means such as a handle, which is capable of opening the lid, such that garbage or other material may be inserted into the container. Embodiments may include one or more handles that open the lid in any direction. Non-limiting examples may include lifting, rotating or pulling the lid up or out in any direction to allow access to the inside of the container. A handle may be made of the same or different material from the lid. A handle may be for example a separate handle from the lid or a portion of the lid that protrudes from the lid. Other examples may include a modification to the shape of the lid, such as an indent in the lid, which may allow a user to grasp the lid and lift or pull it. According to other embodiments, devices of the present invention may not have a handle at all, but may open by pressing a button, pressing on the lid, using a knob, lifting the lid, or by any other opening means.

Some embodiments may include a seal or suction component on the main body, or lid that may be positioned between the main body and the lid when the lid is in a closed position. The seal serves to maintain cold air (and garbage odors) within the container. Such a seal may include any seal known to those skilled in the art, such as seals on standard refrigerators and freezers to ensure a tight connection between the lid and the main body. The seal may be made of any suitable material, but is typically a flexible, polymeric material, such as a rubber material. The seal may be attached to either a rim of the main body or to the lid, or both, so long as it provides a seal between the main body and the lid when the lid is in a closed position.

Example embodiments may include at least one connection means, such as a hook or clamping device, within the main body, adapted to position and/or support an inner container within the main body. By way of non-limiting example, embodiments having a separation wall may be configured such that a bag may be clamped to a portion of the separation wall. The inner container is a container in which trash may be deposited (such as a disposable bag). The hooks, clamping devices, or other connection means may be a protrusion or extension of the main body, or they may be separate devices attached to the inside of the main body or a separation wall. According to some embodiments, the connection means may be retractable, such that they do not significantly block removal of an inner container having garbage or other material therein. Any suitable number, size or shape of connection means may be used, in any configuration or location within the main body.

An inner container may be any container capable of collecting garbage, which is of a size and shape that allow it to be maintained within a present garbage container. The inner container is a container that may be capable of connecting to connection means, such as conventional garbage bags, or it may be specifically configured for use with the present garbage container. According to some embodiments, an inner container may be hung by hooks, attached to clamping devices, or otherwise suspended or maintained within the main body of the container. In some embodiments, unlike conventional garbage containers, the inner container/bag does not hang outside the container (e.g., over the edges of the outside). Rather, the bag is capable of being hung completely within the container, such that the container is better sealed and temperature better maintained within the container.

According to some embodiments in which inner bags are used, the bags may have loops, rings, grommet openings, or any other manner of connecting the inner container to the connection means of the garbage container, to allow for the positioning or hanging of the bag, or to better stabilize the bag within the container. According to some embodiments, the loops, rings, grommet openings or other fastening means may be positioned on the bag such that enough bag remains above the loops, rings, grommets or fastening means to tie the bag as it is being removed or thrown out. For example, where the bag has four rings, the rings may be positioned low enough on the bag to allow one to tie the bag after it is removed from the container. According to other embodiments, such bags may have drawstrings, flaps or other means known to those skilled in the art to allow one to essentially close the bag when it is being taken out to a main garbage can, chute, or out to the street.

According to other embodiments, an inner container may be a reusable container. Examples may include containers that may withstand temperature changes associated with the container. Examples may include a polymeric or metal material, such as a material with reduced sticking properties that may allow one to dump trash out of the inner container and re-use the inner container. In examples where an inner container is reusable, it may be capable of being rinsed out or washed between uses. The container may be flexible, rigid or semi-rigid and may be removable from the main body to make dumping of its contents and washing as easy as possible.

According to further embodiments, containers may be adapted such that no inner container and/or connection means is needed. According to example embodiments, garbage may be inserted into the main body of the container and cooled and/or compressed. When the container is full or removal of the garbage is desired, the trash may be extracted, for example out the side or bottom of the container (e.g., in frozen, solid or semi-solid form) into another receptacle, such as a bag to be taken out for city or county garbage pick up.

Embodiments may further include a locking mechanism to prevent animals or children from being able to open or spill the container (which may create a mess or a safety hazard). Any known locking mechanism may be used. For example, various locks are available in the art for child-proofing refrigerators. Other locks may include for example padlocks that may go through a lid or handle.

According to some embodiments, containers of the present invention may include one or more other features that may be advantageous for a refrigerator or freezer, such as a condenser and/or evaporator, adjustable temperature controls, and/or frost control mechanisms, such as a manual or auto defrost function, or other features of conventional refrigerators or freezers. Examples may include defrost drains. In particular, embodiments may be designed to achieve and essentially maintain low temperatures inside the container, similarly to refrigerators or freezers. As indicated above, the cool temperature is advantageous in that it may suppress smell that may usually emit from garbage or other material, such as chicken extracts and banana peels.

Embodiments may further include at least one odor or bacteria reducing agent incorporated into the garbage container and/or into an inner container. Such odor or bacteria reducing agents may be incorporated as part of the garbage container or inner container or may be maintained in a portion thereof and released into the opening of the garbage container when desired, such as by manual release or upon closing the lid.

The container may be any shape or size that may be used by a consumer. Non-limiting examples of such containers may include those that may be used by a home consumer, such as an inside container for kitchen trash, or a container for the garage, or for outside. In the example of a kitchen container, for example, the container may have an essentially round, square, oval or rectangular cross-section or any other shape that may be suitable for the intended use. In the example of a garage or outside container, the container may be larger than an example of a container intended to be maintained inside, and may also be any suitable shape.

Example containers may be adapted for many different purposes and are not intended to be limited to the specific example purposes set forth herein. By way of non-limiting example, containers may include those used for municipal or commercial use, rather than just home use. Those skilled in the art would be able to adapt the devices of the present invention, depending for example, on the intended use of the device, e.g., by changing the size and/or shape. Thus, non-limiting examples of containers may include those that may be used by government or commercial consumers such as restaurants, delis or other servers of food items, producers of food products, handlers of animal products, such as farmers, veterinarians, and the like, county trash collectors or processors, or any person or company that handles trash or other materials for which bacteria or smell may be reduced by cooling. In the case of trash collectors or commercial consumers, containers of the present invention may be larger scale than for individual users. For example, containers may be incorporated into a trash collection vehicle or dumpster.

Additional embodiments are directed to methods of reducing smell and/or bacteria and to methods of preventing smell and/or bacteria that may potentially be emitted from garbage. Such methods include placing garbage within a garbage container having refrigeration means. In particular, embodiments are directed to methods that include placing garbage within a garbage container that includes a main body for collecting garbage therein, which main body may be insulated; a lid that encloses the main body when the lid is in a closed position; refrigeration means capable of cooling the inside of the main body; and a power source for the refrigeration means. The garbage container and various required and optional components thereof may be as described with respect to other embodiments herein.

Further exemplary embodiments are directed to inner containers as described herein, which may be adapted such that the entire disposable inner container may be maintained within the garbage container. Exemplary inner containers may include for example, a disposable inner container, such as a plastic bag, adapted such that it may be positioned entirely within the garbage container.

Embodiments are also directed to kits including any of the garbage containers described herein and instructions for their use. Kits may include one or more disposable (e.g., plastic bags) or reusable inner containers. Kits may include a secondary power source, such as a battery back up apparatus and/or batteries. Kits may include further instructions for any necessary assembly, or start up of the container and/or use of the inner container.

The following examples illustrate non-limiting embodiments. The examples set forth herein are meant to be illustrative and should not in any way serve to limit the scope of the claims. As would be apparent to skilled artisans, various changes and modifications are possible and are contemplated and may be made by persons skilled in the art.

EXAMPLE 1

In this example, a non-limiting embodiment of a garbage container is depicted in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 1 is a schematic of a front view of a garbage container. In this example, a container is provided having a lid 1, a handle 2 capable of lifting the lid such that garbage or other material may be inserted into the container, a main body 4 of the container, a seal 3 between the lid 1 and main body 4 of the container, and an electrical cord 5.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the container of FIG. 1, which shows that the shape of the container may appear different depending on the side from which it is viewed. FIG. 2 further depicts that the handle 2 may be one that protrudes from the lid, although handles are not limited to handles that protrude from the lid.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the container depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the lid 1 is in an open position. FIG. 3 shows a connection assembly 6 between the lid 1 and the main body 4 of the container. The connection assembly 6 may take any form and be of any shape, configuration and material suitable, such that the lid may be opened to allow a consumer to deposit trash or other material within the main body of the container. FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the open lid at an approximately 90 degree angle from where the lid is in a closed position (see FIG. 2). In accordance with other example embodiments however, an open lid may be at less or greater than 90 degrees from the closed position.

FIG. 3 further depicts hooks or other connection means 7 within the main body 4 of the container that may be used to position or support an inner container (such as a disposable bag), in which trash may be deposited. Although four hooks 7 are depicted in FIG. 3, any suitable number of connection means may be used, in any configuration or location within the main body.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the container of FIGS. 1-3, in which the lid 1 is in an open position. FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment in which the connection means 7 are hooks located toward the top of the main body 4. FIG. 4 further shows an inner container 8 attached to the connection means 7, where the inner container is a disposable garbage bag.

EXAMPLE 2

In this example, a non-limiting embodiment of a garbage container is depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a container in accordance with non-limiting example embodiments; and FIG. 5B is a top view of the container of FIG. 5A. In this example, a container is provided having a lid 1, and a handle 2 capable of lifting the lid such that garbage or other material may be inserted into the container. A seal 3 is provided between the lid 1 and main body 4 of the container. In this example, a temperature control 9 is depicted, which is integrated into the lid 1. The placement of a temperature control is not critical however, and may be incorporated elsewhere on the container, such as onto the main body.

FIG. 5A also depicts a separating wall 10 which provides space between the main body 4 and an inner container 12. According to the depicted embodiments, the inner container 12 may be a plastic bag for example that is positioned over the top of the separating wall 10 and may be attached for example, by clamping the bag to the top of the separating wall (not shown). Also depicted in FIG. 5A is a stop gap portion 11, which prevents any garbage from falling between the separating wall 10 and the main body 4.

FIG. 5A also depicts embodiments in which a freezer component is adapted within a bottom portion 13 of the container. Grills 14, such as those used in conventional freezers, may be included.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the container of FIG. 5A (not showing the lid). FIG. 513 depicts a separating wall 10 extending around the entire circumference of the container. FIG. 5B also shows an example area between the separating wall 10 and the main body, where clamps 15 may be included to attach an inside container. Two clamps are depicted in FIG. 5B, but embodiments may include any suitable number, kind and/or location of clamps.

Although the invention has been described in example embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that this invention may be practiced other than as specifically described. Thus, the present embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive

Claims

1. A garbage container comprising:

a main body for collecting garbage therein;

a lid that encloses the main body when the lid is in a closed position;

refrigeration means capable of cooling the inside of the main body; and

a power source for the refrigeration means.

2. The garbage container of claim 1, further comprising opening means capable of opening the lid.

3. The garbage container of claim 2, wherein the opening means is a handle.

4. The garbage container of claim 1, further comprising a seal between the main body and the lid when the lid is in a closed position.

5. The garbage container of claim 1, further comprising at least one connection means within the main body, adapted to position an inner container within the main body.

6. The garbage container of claim 1, wherein the at least one connection means comprises at least one hook.

7. The garbage container of claim 1, wherein the at least one connection means comprises at least one clamping device.

8. The garbage container of claim 1, further comprising at least one odor-reducing agent.

9. The garbage container of claim 1, further comprising a lock.

10. The garbage container of claim 1, further comprising a temperature control.

11. The garbage container of claim 1, further comprising a condenser.

12. The garbage container of claim 1, further comprising an evaporator.

13. The garbage container of claim 1, wherein the main body is insulated.

14. The garbage container of claim 1, wherein the refrigeration means is capable of cooling the inside of the main body to a temperature of about 0° F. to about 150° F.

15. A method of reducing smell emitted from garbage comprising

placing garbage within a garbage container comprising a main body for collecting garbage therein; a lid that encloses the main body when the lid is in a closed position; refrigeration means capable of cooling the inside of the main body; and a power source for the refrigeration means.

16. A kit comprising:

a garbage container comprising:

a main body for collecting garbage therein; a lid that encloses the main body when the lid is in a closed position; refrigeration means capable of cooling the inside of the main body; and a power source for the refrigeration means; and

instructions for use of the garbage container.

17. The kit of claim 16, further comprising one or more inner containers for use in the garbage container.

18. The kit of claim 17, wherein the inner container comprises a plastic bag having one or more holes to hang the bag within the main body of the garbage container.

19. The kit of claim 16, further comprising a secondary power source.

20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the secondary power source is a battery pack.