Trash can with power operated lid

What is this patent about?

’109 is related to the field of power-operated receptacles, specifically trash cans equipped with automated lids. Traditional motion-sensing trash cans often suffer from accidental triggering due to sensors placed near the lid that react to ambient light changes or passing traffic. Furthermore, these sensors can be inconsistent when detecting different skin tones or clothing colors, leading to a frustrating user experience and unnecessary battery drain.

The underlying idea behind ’109 is to shift the primary interaction point from the top of the receptacle to a recessed foot zone at the base. By utilizing a low-power interrupt-style sensor—such as a light beam—positioned near the floor, the system ensures that the lid only opens when a user deliberately places a foot into a specific, shielded area. This approach eliminates false positives from room movement and allows for the use of simpler, more reliable detection hardware that is indifferent to the optical properties of the user's clothing.

The claims of ’109 focus on a receptacle featuring a sensor mounted at the lower end, specifically within a base recess, coupled to a control mechanism that drives the lid. A critical aspect of the claimed architecture is the use of a jack screw assembly where the drive follower and the lifting column are not physically joined. This mechanical decoupling ensures that the lid can be opened manually at any time without back-driving the motor or damaging the internal gears.

In practice, the invention employs a motor-driven screw that pushes a follower upward to engage a lifting arm. Because the lifting arm merely rests on the follower rather than being bolted to it, the user can lift the lid by hand using a dedicated finger recess at the rim, even if the batteries are dead. The system also incorporates an encoder wheel to track the lid's precise position and a load sensor to cut power if the motor encounters resistance, such as a heavy object placed on the lid.

This solution differentiates itself from prior art by combining intentional foot-based triggering with a fail-safe mechanical linkage. While earlier designs relied on complex proximity sensors that were prone to error, ’109 provides a robust, energy-efficient alternative that maintains manual usability. Additionally, the inclusion of a secondary input device allows users to override the automatic timer and lock the lid in an open position for extended tasks, providing greater operational flexibility than standard motion-activated bins.