Patent and Product Search September 18, 2006 Team Moondogs Chris Culver Rahul Kirtikar Elias Krauklis Christopher Sampson Michael Widerquist

Patent Search Objective The goal of the patent search is to find patents that are similar in design to the project design The goal of the patent search is to find patents that are similar in design to the project design The product design is then altered so as to not infringe upon any patents that currently exist The product design is then altered so as to not infringe upon any patents that currently exist Possible changes to the current design are discussed to deter from infringement Possible changes to the current design are discussed to deter from infringement

“Linkage Manual Trash Compactor” Patent # 6,851,357 Feb. 8 th, 2005 Inventor: Rudolph Martorella Inventor: Rudolph Martorella Utilizes a coupling arm (30) connected to a lever arm (26) which is connected to the plunging arm (36) Utilizes a coupling arm (30) connected to a lever arm (26) which is connected to the plunging arm (36) The plunging arm lowers the compression plate (50) and compress the garbage The plunging arm lowers the compression plate (50) and compress the garbage The container is a slideable tray which allows for concealment The container is a slideable tray which allows for concealment

Patent # 6,851,357 Advantages Advantages Has coupling system for additional leverage Has coupling system for additional leverage Has pull-out tray to allow for concealment Has pull-out tray to allow for concealment Disadvantages Disadvantages Coupling system may take a considerable amount of time for compaction unless made bulky Coupling system may take a considerable amount of time for compaction unless made bulky

“Rack and Pinion Manual Trash Compactor” Patent # 5,619,915 April 15th, 1997 Inventor: William E. Wagner Inventor: William E. Wagner Includes a trash bin that is mounted to a portable platform Includes a trash bin that is mounted to a portable platform The trash bin is then connected to a compaction plate that is held together by a rack and pinion gear The trash bin is then connected to a compaction plate that is held together by a rack and pinion gear A drive wheel is connected to the gearing to allow for lowering of the compression plate A drive wheel is connected to the gearing to allow for lowering of the compression plate A compression spring is used to return compression plate to original position A compression spring is used to return compression plate to original position Drain holes are contained on the bottom of the portable platform for use when cleaning Drain holes are contained on the bottom of the portable platform for use when cleaning

Patent # 5,619,915 Advantages Advantages Rack and Pinion gearing to turn rotational motion into linear motion Rack and Pinion gearing to turn rotational motion into linear motion Portable Portable Disadvantages Disadvantages Far too bulky and cumbersome to be used in a residential setting Far too bulky and cumbersome to be used in a residential setting

“Refuse Compactor Device” Patent # 4,991,500 Feb 12th, 1991 Inventor: James S. Knapp Inventor: James S. Knapp A refuse bin holds a container device (most commonly a trash bag) and a compactor plate (38) A refuse bin holds a container device (most commonly a trash bag) and a compactor plate (38) The compactor plate as well as refuse bin is drilled with holes for ventilation and to not allow an increase in pressure The compactor plate as well as refuse bin is drilled with holes for ventilation and to not allow an increase in pressure The compactor plate is lowered to compact refuse and is also equipped with an opening for convenient closing of the mouth end of the bag The compactor plate is lowered to compact refuse and is also equipped with an opening for convenient closing of the mouth end of the bag

Patent # 4,991,500 Advantages Advantages Simplistic Design Simplistic Design Ventilation holes to prevent pressure build up Ventilation holes to prevent pressure build up Disadvantages Disadvantages Vague on exactly how the compression plate operates; seems to define the concept more than the practical application Vague on exactly how the compression plate operates; seems to define the concept more than the practical application

“Refuse Compactor Device with Latches” Patent # 4,128,055 Dec 5th, 1978 Inventor: James J. Hellman Inventor: James J. Hellman Rectangular housing that is flush with compaction plate (35) Rectangular housing that is flush with compaction plate (35) Compaction plate is weighted to allow additional compaction force Compaction plate is weighted to allow additional compaction force Has a mounting and latching system at the top of the refuse bin to hold the refuse bin flush against the wall of the container Has a mounting and latching system at the top of the refuse bin to hold the refuse bin flush against the wall of the container Has additional latching at the bottom of the refuse bin to allow trash container to retain shape Has additional latching at the bottom of the refuse bin to allow trash container to retain shape When unlatched the walls of the container separate to allow easy access to trash container When unlatched the walls of the container separate to allow easy access to trash container

Patent # 4,128,055 Advantages Advantages Latching system allows for bag to remain flush against walls Latching system allows for bag to remain flush against walls Weighted plunger allows for additional compaction force Weighted plunger allows for additional compaction force Removable walls allow for easier removal of refuse container Removable walls allow for easier removal of refuse container Disadvantages Disadvantages Vague on exactly how the compression plate operates; seems to define the concept more than the practical application Vague on exactly how the compression plate operates; seems to define the concept more than the practical application

“Plunger Manual Trash Compactor” Patent # 4,050,373 Sep 27th, 1977 Inventor: James J. Hellman Inventor: James J. Hellman Rectangular housing that is flush with compaction plate (35) and lid (44) to place refuse into housing Rectangular housing that is flush with compaction plate (35) and lid (44) to place refuse into housing Means of compaction is a plunger apparatus (52) that when pressed down compacts refuse within the housing Means of compaction is a plunger apparatus (52) that when pressed down compacts refuse within the housing Additional weight is added to the head of the plunger to allow for additional force while compacting Additional weight is added to the head of the plunger to allow for additional force while compacting

Patent # 4,050,373 Advantages Advantages Lid allows for easy placement of garbage into refuse bin Lid allows for easy placement of garbage into refuse bin Disadvantages Disadvantages Not much additional compacting force is added by the use of the plunger Not much additional compacting force is added by the use of the plunger

“The Bettermaid Compactor” Produced by Bettermaid Compactors Inc. Produced by Bettermaid Compactors Inc. Incorporates the use of a scissor mechanism within a refuse bin Incorporates the use of a scissor mechanism within a refuse bin Allows for application of up to 400 lbs force of compaction Allows for application of up to 400 lbs force of compaction Cost is $ Cost is $ Compaction ratio is around 2:1 (by inspection) Compaction ratio is around 2:1 (by inspection) Endorsed by Canadian Heavy Weight Boxing Champion Donovan "Razor" Ruddock Endorsed by Canadian Heavy Weight Boxing Champion Donovan "Razor" Ruddock

The Bettermaid Compactor Advantages Advantages Compact, lightweight, aesthetic Compact, lightweight, aesthetic Good amount of compression (400 lb) Good amount of compression (400 lb) Disadvantages Disadvantages Cost is somewhat high for a residential setting Cost is somewhat high for a residential setting Plastic compression plate may not stand prolonged use Plastic compression plate may not stand prolonged use

Conclusion Most patents are similar in design Most patents are similar in design Overhead compression plate lowered in a uniaxial direction flush with the refuse bin Overhead compression plate lowered in a uniaxial direction flush with the refuse bin Often the means of compaction is vague Often the means of compaction is vague Only two designs could be found that are in production (Bettermaid as well as plunger design) Only two designs could be found that are in production (Bettermaid as well as plunger design)