CA3051581A1

CA3051581A1 - Trash press device and method

Info

Publication number: CA3051581A1
Application number: CA3051581A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Angela ESOMEJU
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-11-21
Filing date: 2017-11-20
Publication date: 2018-05-24
Also published as: WO2018094361A1

Abstract

A device to compress trash within a container may include a base portion having a bottom surface, a top surface and a side surface to connect the bottom surface to the top surface; an upward extending arm portion to connect to the base portion; and a horizontal extending panel to connect to the upward extending arm portion having a panel top surface, an opposed panel bottom surface and a panel side surface to connect the panel top surface with the panel bottom surface.

Description

TRASH PRESS DEVICE AND METHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of trash of existing art and more specifically relates to a trash press device.
RELATED ART

[0003] Trash may be placed in many types of containers including trash bins and trash receptacles. Generally, the users collect trash within a small container which may be stored within the dwelling. If a large object is placed in the small container, it may fill up very quickly which may result in multiple trips for disposal. When the small container is filled, it is transported outside and placed into a larger container which may be picked up by the waste disposal company on a regular basis. A common problem is that users typically fill these containers with trash without bothering to compress the trash within the trash receptacle.

[0004] In order to increase the amount of trash within the trash receptacle, it may be necessary to compress the trash. This creates more room within the trash receptacle and may lower the center of gravity to prevent the trash container from spilling.
Unfortunately, the users may compress the trash with their hands or feet which may be dangerous, because the user will not know what is in the trash receptacle. Glass and other types of foreign objects may lurk beneath the surface of the trash. Additionally, the trash is generally unsanitary which may spread germs and diseases to the unsuspecting user. A solution to this problem is certainly desirable.

[0005] U.S.
Pat. No. 7,997,191 to Paul Chrysson relates to a hand-held trash compactor.
The described hand-held trash compactor includes a base with a top surface. A
handle extends upward from the top surface and is removably connected to the base. A
hook can be pivotally connected to the base.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known trash press device art, the present disclosure provides a novel trash press device and method.
The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a trash press device useful for reducing a volume and size of trash in a trash receptacle.

[0007] A device to compress trash in a container is disclosed herein. The device to compress trash in a container includes a base portion having a bottom surface, a top surface and a side surface to connect the bottom surface to the top surface; an upward extending arm portion to connect to the base portion; and a horizontal extending panel to connect to the upward extending arm portion having a panel top surface, an opposed panel bottom surface, and a panel side surface to connect the panel top surface with the panel bottom surface. In one embodiment, the trash press device may include a nest of trash press sheets, connected to the base portion. In this embodiment, the first trash press sheet may include a smaller circumference then a second trash press sheet or pad. Further, the first trash press device may include a tab.

[0008]
According to another embodiment, a method of using a device to compress trash in a container is also disclosed herein. The method of using a device to compress trash in a container includes providing the device to compress trash in the container as above; gripping the horizontal extending panel; pressing the device into the container; and compressing the trash within the container with the bottom surface of the base portion.

[0009] For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, a trash press device and method, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1A
is a perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 1B
is a perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2A
is a bottom view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2B
is a bottom view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3A
is a perspective view of the device, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3B
is a perspective view of the device, according to alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4A
is a top view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4B
is a top view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5A
is a bottom view of the device, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5B
is a bottom view of the device, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 8A
is a top view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 8B
is a top view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 9A
is a side view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 9B
is a side view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 10A
is a top view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 10B
is a top view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 11A
is a detailed view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 11B
is a detailed view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 12 is a front view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 14 is a side view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of using the device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a trash press device and more particularly to a trash press device and method as used to improve devices for compacting trash in trash receptacles.

[0039]
Generally, the present disclosure compresses, shrinks and reduces the volume and or size of the trash, refuse, waste or any other type of product in a container of a trash or recycling receptacle. The present invention helps to prevent trash overflow and spills. The trash press device of the present invention may eliminate the need to press down on trash by hand or by foot. The present invention creates extra space in the trash receptacle and may provide for easy griping of a bag to remove it from the trash receptacle. The present invention saves time and frustration.

[0040] The trash press of the present invention provides an easy and convenient way to compress trash without contaminating or exposing the hands or feet. The trash press may be formed from metal, iron, plastic or other suitable material or a combination of suitable materials and may include a planar, corrugated surface on one side and a detachable or fixed handle on the other side. The handle may be formed in different styles including a knob or straight edged handle. The trash press may be placed on the top of the trash receptacle or bin to compress the contents of the receptacle or bin.

[0041] The handle may include rubber griping grooves, and the device may have a band such as a hand or foot strap formed from rubber, plastic or other suitable material or a combination of suitable materials to cover a portion of the hand or foot to facilitate removing the device from the trash bin or container after using the trash press. The device may have a hook for convenient hanging in storage when not in use.

[0042] The trash press of the present invention may include detachable /mountable pads which may be positioned on the bottom surface of the trash press. The trash press may be packaged with a trash bin or may be separately packaged. The detachable pads may be positioned on the bottom surface of the trash press with a detachable adhesive to allow the detachable pads to be individually removed from the bottom surface of the trash press in order to provide a fresh detachable pad after the bottom detachable pad has been contaminated.

[0043] Further, the trash press may include a fastener to facilitate holding trash bag liners in place. A fastener may be provided to fasten to a device to clean or sterilize the trash press device or may be placed in a protective apparatus to protect, cover or clean or sterilize the trash press device. The trash press may include a detachable cover to cover or protect the trash press of the present invention. In addition, the trash press may include a fastener to attach to a device to odorize, freshen and or alter the smell of the contents in the trash container for the trash bin.

[0044] A handle of the trash press may be sufficiently shaped to hang the trash press directly over the rim of an open container. The handle of the trash press may include an aperture to allow the handle to be hung up directly into a wall, the unit or container.

[0045]
Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1A-16, various views of a device to compress trash in a container ("device"
100).

[0046] FIG. 1A
shows the device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Here, the device may be beneficial for use by a user 40 to compress trash in the container. As illustrated, the device 100 may include a base portion 101 having a bottom surface 103 which may be opposed to a top surface 105 which may be connected to a peripheral side surface 107 which may connect to the bottom surface 103. The base portion 101 may be connected to a handle portion 108 which may include a planar horizontal extending panel 109 and an upward extending arm 111 which may connect the base portion 101 with the planar horizontal extending panel 109. The base portion 101 may be oval for circular (as shown).
The horizontal extending panel 109 may include a panel top surface 113 which may be planar, an opposed panel bottom surface 115 which may be connected to the panel top surface 113 by a panel side surface 117 which may extend around the periphery of the horizontal extending panel 109. The horizontal extending panel 109 may include a flexible strap 119 as shown in FIG. 1 which may extend across the horizontal extending panel 109 to engage a hand or a foot of the user to provide stability.

[0047] FIG. 1B
illustrates device 100 of the present invention which may include a base portion 101 having a bottom surface 103 which may be opposed to a top surface 105 which may be connected to a peripheral side surface 107 which may connect to the bottom surface 103. The base portion 101 may be connected to the handle portion 108 which may include the planar horizontal extending panel 109 and the upward extending arm 111 which may connect the base portion 101 with the planar horizontal extending panel 109. The base portion 101 may be rectangular (as shown). The horizontal extending panel 109 may include the panel top surface 113 which may be planar, an opposed panel bottom surface 115 which may be connected to the panel top surface 113 by the panel side surface 117 which may extend around the periphery of the horizontal extending panel 109. The horizontal extending panel 109 may include the flexible strap 119 which may extend across the horizontal extending panel to engage the hand or the foot of the user to provide stability.

[0048] FIG. 2A
illustrates the base portion 101 which may include the bottom surface 103 which may be opposed to the top surface 105 and may be connected to the bottom surface 103 by the side surface 107. The base portion 101 may be circular.

[0049] FIG. 2B
illustrates the base portion 101 which may include the bottom surface 103 which may be opposed to the top surface 105 and may be connected to the bottom surface 103 by the side surface 107. The base portion 101 may be rectangular.

[0050] FIG. 3A
illustrates the base portion 101 which may include the bottom surface 103 which may be opposed to the top surface 105 and may be connected to the bottom surface 103 by a side surface 107. The base portion 101 may be rectangular. A
C-shaped handle 121 is connected to the base portion 101. Other shapes are within the scope of the invention.

[0051] FIG. 3B
illustrates the base portion 101 which may include the bottom surface 103 which may be opposed to the top surface 105 and may be connected to the bottom surface 103 by the side surface 107. The base portion 101 may be circular. A C-shaped handle 121 is connected to the base portion 101. Other shapes are within the scope of the invention.

[0052] FIG. 4A
illustrates the base portion 101 which may include the bottom surface 103 which may be opposed to the top surface 105 and may be connected to the bottom surface 103 by the side surface 107. The base portion 101 may be rectangular.
A knob-shaped handle 123 is connected to the base portion 101. Other shapes are within the scope of the invention.

[0053] FIG. 4B
illustrates the base portion 101 which may include the bottom surface 103 which may be opposed to the top surface 105 and may be connected to the bottom surface 103 by the side surface 107. The base portion 101 may be circular. A
knob-shaped handle 123 is connected to the base portion 101. Other shapes are within the scope of the invention.

[0054] FIG. 5A
illustrates the bottom surface 103 of the bottom portion 101 which may include detachable pads 125 nondestructively detachably connected to the bottom surface.
The bottom portion 101 may be circular or other appropriate shape.

[0055] FIG. 5B
illustrates the bottom surface 103 of the bottom portion 101 which may include detachable pads 125 nondestructively detachably connected to the bottom surface.
The bottom portion 101 may be circular or other appropriate shape.

[0056] FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a perspective view of another embodiment of the device 100 of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates the base portion which may be disk shaped and may include a hook device 131 which may be used to attach to a trash receptacle. FIG. 7 illustrates the base portion which may be rectangular shaped and may include a hook device 131 which may be used to attach to a trash receptacle.

[0057] FIG. 8A
illustrates a top view of layers of trash press sheets 141 which may be nested by having a successor trash press sheet 141 being smaller in circumference (or the same size) then the trash press sheet 141 directly underneath. Although the size of the trash press sheet 141 may vary with respect to successive trash press sheets 141, the trash press sheets 141 may be a substantial mirror of another device sheet 141. The trash press sheet 141 may include at least one of the cleaning material, the deodorizing material or other material to aid in the trash compressing process. The trash press sheets 141 may be substantially disk shaped. The trash press sheet 141 may include a tab 147 which may extend radially in order to provide a grasping point for the user to remove a trash press sheet 141.

[0058] FIG. 8B
illustrates a top view of layers of trash press sheets 143 which may be nested by having a successor trash press sheet 143 being smaller in circumference then the trash press sheet 143 directly underneath. Although the size of the trash press sheet may vary with respect to successive trash press sheets 143, the trash press sheets 143 may be a substantial mirror of another trash press sheet 143. The trash press sheet 143 may include at least one of the cleaning material, the deodorizing material or other material to aid in the trash compressing process. The trash press sheets 143 may be substantially rectangular. The trash press sheet 143 may include a tab 147 which may extend outwards in order to provide a grasping point for the user to remove a trash press sheet 143.

[0059] FIG. 9A
illustrates a side view of the nest of trash press sheets 141 which may include a layer 145 of detachable/removable adhesive between each of the trash press sheets 141. The layer 145 of adhesive may retain the nest of trash press sheets 141 until the user press the tab 147 and separates a first trash press sheet 141 from a second trash press sheet 141.

[0060] FIG. 9B
illustrates a side view of the nest of trash press sheets 143 which may include a layer 145 of detachable/removable adhesive between each of the trash press sheets 143. The layer 145 of adhesive may retain the nest of trash press sheets 143 until the user press the tab 147 and separates a first trash press sheet 143 from a second trash press sheet 143.

[0061] FIGS.
10A-10B illustrates a top view of adhesive 145 which may extend around the outer periphery of the trash press sheet 141.

[0062] FIGS. 11A-11B show a detail of the tab 147.

[0063] FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the device 100 which may include the base portion 101, the horizontal extending panel 109 and the upward extending arm portion 111.

[0064] FIG. 13 illustrates a back view of the device 100 which may include the base portion 101, the horizontal extending panel 109 and the upward extending arm portion 111.

[0065] FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the device 100 which may include the base portion 101, the horizontal extending panel 109 and the upward extending arm portion 111.

[0066] FIG. 15 illustrates a trash receptacle 200 which may be in a shape including a rectangle, circle or oval being connected to the device 100 of the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a trash receptacle 200 having an exterior surface connected to the device 100 of the present invention.

[0068] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for using a device for compressing trash in a container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, the method for using a device for compressing trash in a container 500 may include one or more components or features of the device 100 as described above. As illustrated, the method for using a device for compressing trash in a container 500 may include the steps of: step one 501, providing the device 100 as above; step two 502, gripping the horizontal extending panel 109; step three 503, pressing the device 100 into the container;
and step four 504, compressing the trash within the container with the bottom surface 103 of the base portion 101.

[0069] It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of "step or should not be interpreted as "step for, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for using a device for compressing trash in a container are taught herein.

[0070] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. A device to compress trash within a container, the device comprising:
a base portion having a bottom surface, a top surface and a side surface to connect the bottom surface to the top surface;
an upward extending arm portion to connect to the base portion; and a horizontal extending panel to connect to the upward extending arm portion having a panel top surface, an opposed panel bottom surface and a panel side surface to connect the panel top surface with the panel bottom surface.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a nest of trash press sheets connected to the base portion.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the nest of trash press sheets includes at least a first trash press sheet and a second trash press sheet; and wherein the first trash press sheet has a smaller circumference than the second trash press sheet.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first trash press sheet includes a tab.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is attached to a receptacle.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the device attached to a receptacle via a handle.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the handle is detachable.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the handle is fixed.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the handle includes a hand strap.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the handle includes a foot strap.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the handle includes rubber griping grooves.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of detachable/mountable pads.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of detachable/mountable pads is positioned on the bottom surface of the device.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a material configured to odorize waste.

15. The device of claim 1, further comprising a planar corrugated surface.

16. The device of claim 1, further comprising a hook for storage.

17. The device of claim 1, further comprising a fastener to facilitate trash bag liners.

18. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cover configured to cover the device.

19. A device to compress trash within a container, the device comprising:

a base portion having a bottom surface, a top surface and a side surface to connect the bottom surface to the top surface; and wherein at least one of the bottom surface and the top surface is a planar corrugated surface;
an upward extending arm portion to connect to the base portion;
a horizontal extending panel to connect to the upward extending arm portion having a panel top surface, an opposed panel bottom surface and a panel side surface to connect the panel top surface with the panel bottom surface;
a nest of trash press sheets connected to the base portion; and wherein the nest of trash press sheets includes at least a first trash press sheet and a second trash press sheet;
wherein the first trash press sheet has a smaller circumference than the second trash press sheet; and wherein the first trash press sheet includes a tab;
a plurality of detachable/mountable pads; and wherein at least one of the plurality of detachable/mountable pads is positioned on the bottom surface of the device;
a material configured to odorize waste;

a hook configured for storing the device;
a fastener to facilitate trash bag liners; and a cover configured to cover the device; and wherein the device is attached to a receptacle;
wherein the device is attached to a receptacle via a handle;
wherein the handle is detachable;
wherein the handle includes a hand strap and a foot strap; and wherein the handle further includes rubber griping grooves.