WO2004016529A1

WO2004016529A1 - Waste disposal mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2004016529A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2003/000115
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dewald J. Lubbe
Original assignee: Lubbe Dewald J
Priority date: 2002-08-15
Filing date: 2003-08-15
Publication date: 2004-02-26
Also published as: ZA200501205B; AU2003260150A1

Abstract

A waste disposal mechanism (1), for use in the disposal of waste through an opening in a work top (10) into a waste container, comprising: a support structure (8) having two closure plates (2, 3) hingedly attached to the support structure (8); the support structure (8) being locatable under the opening of the work top (10) for supporting the closure plates (2, 3) such that the closure plates (2, 3) are hingable between closed positions in which the free ends of the closure plates (2, 3) are in close proximity to each other to close the opening and open positions in which the closure plates (2, 3) have their free ends moved operatively downwards and away from each other.

Description

WASTE DISPOSAL MECHANISM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a waste disposal mechanism and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a waste disposal mechanism built into a kitchen cupboard for the disposal of waste through an opening in a work top of the kitchen cupboard.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

United States patent number 5,013,102 entitled "Trash organizer" in the name of Loblein, E. discloses an under-counter kitchen trash appliance that facilitates sorting of household waste for recycling. Six triangular waste cans are nested in a cylindrical array on a revolving base and enclosed in an independent housing beneath a new or existing kitchen counter, much like a dishwasher. The counter has a trash drop hole above the revolvable nest of cans. A hinged lid covers the hole. A visible index gauge, indicates the rotated positions of the cans. The hinged lid is manually operated for disposal of waste into a selected can. A foot pedal is provided to rotate the cylindrical array of cans. Although the user can use his foot to select the correct can, both hands are still required for the disposal of waste, as the hinged lid must be lifted manually. United States patent number 4,552,061 entitled "Trash compactor system" in the name of Brutsman, J. W. discloses a trash compactor system, which includes a trash compactor unit, a compaction receptacle and a trash deposit door disposed above the receptacle to enable trash to be deposited in the system. The door is automatically opened when a person approaches the compactor to deposit waste material therein. When a person steps onto a mat adjacent the compactor, a pressure-switch is triggered and an electrical motor is activated for opening the door. The door closes under gravitation when the pressure switch is deactivated. This configuration allows the user to dispose of waste without having to use his hands to open the door. However, the user does not have control as to the opening and closing of the door while he is standing in front of the compactor. This can be problematic should the compactor be built into a cupboard forming part of a working surface for a kitchen, as the user would like the door to stay closed until he elects to dispose of the waste.

United States patent number 5,172,630 entitled "Trash separation and storage system" in the name of Thomson, R. M. discloses a trash storage system suitable for multiple compartments for selectively compacting and storing the trash generated in a home for subsequent recycling. This trash storage system preferably has a programmable micro controller that allows the selective loading of compartments and compaction of compartments. The trash storage system discloses herein can be mounted under the counter in a kitchen and when so mounted has a front opening that allows the input and removal of trash.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a waste disposal mechanism for disposal of waste through an opening in a work surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to this invention there is provided a waste disposal mechanism comprising: a support structure having two closure plates hingedly attached to the support structure; the support structure being beatable under an opening in a work top for supporting the closure plates such that the closure plates are hingable between closed positions in which free ends of the closure plates are in close proximity to each other to close the opening and open positions in which the closure plates are hinged so that their free ends are moved operatively downwards and away from each other.

At least parts of the closure plates overlap in plan view when the closure plates are in their closed positions. The trap doors are attached to hinge rods and the hinge rods are situated at different elevations.

There is provided for the bias to be provided by a gas strut and for the movement actuating means to include a pedal mechanism.

A further feature of the invention provides for the support structure to be secured under a counter or work top of a kitchen cupboard.

A cover plate having an opening therein, smaller than the opening in the work top, is located on top of the work top such that it provides a frame for the opening in the work top.

The cover plate includes engagement formations for engagement with complementary engagement formations on a cutting board.

These and other features of the invention are described below in more detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a waste disposal mechanism built into a cupboard; Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the waste disposal mechanism with closure plates thereof in closed positions; Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the waste disposal mechanism of figure 2 with closure plates thereof in open positions; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the waste disposal mechanism with a cutting board mounted thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the drawings, in which like features are indicated by like numerals, a waste disposal mechanism is generally indicated by reference numeral 1.

The waste disposal mechanism includes a support structure 8 and two closure plates or members 2 and 3 being hingedely attached to the support structure. The closure members 2 and 3 can move from a closed position as shown in figure 2 to an open position as shown in figure 3. A pedal 5 operates an actuating mechanism 13 to facilitate movement of the closure members 2 and 3.

Figure 1 shows the waste disposal mechanism build into a cupboard 11 with the closure members located in an opening in the countertop or work top 10 of the cupboard 11. A cover frame plate 4 having a central opening is located over the opening in the work top 10 to provide a frame over the opening in the work top 10. The opening in the frame or cover plate 4 corresponds with, but is smaller than the opening in the work top 10. The closure members 2 and 3 are located underneath the cover plate so that their free ends overlap in plan view and that they close the opening in the cover plate when they are in the closed positions.

The cover plate 4 has engagement formations 6 extending therefrom for engaging a cutting board (shown in figure 4).

The pedal 5 is connected to the actuating mechanism 13 by means of a connection member 12.

Figures 2 and 3 show a first hinge rod 20 and a second hinge rod 21 included in and rotatably connected to the support structure 8 of the waste disposal mechanism. The first 2 and second 3 closure members are attached to the first and second hinge rods. The closure members are plates, L-shaped in cross section, with the edge of each short side of each L- shaped plate attached to a hinge rod. The long sides of each plate locates horizontally to close the opening in the work top as is further described below. Free ends of the long sides of the closure members overlap when the closure members are in their closed positions. In their open positions, the free ends of the long sides of the closure members are spaced apart to allow waste to move or fall past the closure members into a waste container as is further described below. The first hinge rod is positioned at a higher elevation than the second hinge rod, providing for the closure members to hinge in different horizontal planes thereby allowing the inner ends of the closure members to move past each other with ease. It also allows for the closure members to overlap when both closure members are in a horizontal position or closed position thereby closing the opening in the frame 4.

Actuator arms 7 are connected to hinge arms 20a and 21a. The hinge arms are connected to the rods 20 and 21 and their other ends are hingedly connected to the actuator arms. The other ends of the actuator arms are hingedly connected to a horizontal cross bar 15. The cross bar 15 is connected to a vertical connection strut 12, the other end of which is connected to the pedal 5. The cross bar is slidably movable up and down on two upright columns 30 and 31 extending from a horizontal brace 9. A pneumatic cylinder 20 is positioned between the cross bar 15 and the brace 9.

The hinge rods 20 and 21 are rotated by actuation of the foot pedal 5. Downward displacement of the foot pedal 5 causes downward movement of the cross bar 15 against the gas strut bias which in turn causes downward movement of the actuator arms thereby causing a movement about the rods as a result of the downward movement of the outer ends on the hinge arms 20a and 21a. The closure members are thus hinged to their open positions.

When the pedal is released, the closure members return to their closed positions under the influence of the bias provided by the gas strut. Figure 4 shows a cutting board 30 mounted on the engagement formations 6.

In use, waste can be moved from the cutting board onto the closure members 2 and 3, which can be opened by stepping on the pedal 5 as described above. A waste container (not shown) is included in the cupboard for collecting waste. The waste container can be removed through a door (not shown) in the cupboard.

It is envisaged that the mechanism described above will be easy to install and convenient to use in kitchens and the like, especially when preparing food. The cover frame plate 4 provides a neat frame above the closure members and the opening in the work top 10, and the pedal is convenient to use for the disposal of waste, through the openings and closure members into a waste container in the cupboard.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A waste disposal mechanism, for use in the disposal of waste through an opening in a work top into a waste container, comprising: a support structure having two closure plates hingedly attached to the support structure; the support structure being beatable under an opening in a work top for supporting the closure plates such that the closure plates are hingable between closed positions in which the free ends of the closure plates are in close proximity to each other to close the opening and open positions in which the closure plates are hinged so that their free ends are moved operatively downwards and away from each other.

2. A waste disposal mechanism as claimed in claim 1 in which at least parts of the closure plates overlap in plan view, when the closure plates are in their closed positions.

3. A waste disposal mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a biasing means biases the closure plates towards their closed position.

4. A waste disposal mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the two closure plates are attached to hinge rods, which hinge rods are at different elevations.

5. A waste disposal mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 3 or 4 in which the biasing means is a pneumatic cylinder.

6. A waste disposal mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the closure plates are movable to their open positions with a pedal operated actuating means.

7. A waste disposal mechanism as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the support structure mountable under a work top of a kitchen cupboard.

8. A waste disposal mechanism as claimed in claim 7 in which a cover plate having an opening therein, smaller than the opening in the work top, is located on top of the work top such that it provides a frame for the opening in the work top.

9. A waste disposal mechanism as claimed in claim 8 in which engagement formations extend from the cover plate for engaging complementary engagement formations in a cutting board.