Litter disposal device for automobiles

#The present invention generally concerns disposal systems and more specifically relates to litter disposal devices for automobiles or other vehicles.

#Disposal of litter from automobiles and other vehicles is a serious problem. Generally the litter problem in vehicles is solved in one of two ways. The passengers or occupants of the vehicle either throw the litter out of the automobile which is aesthetically and environmentally unpleasant, or the litter is simply dropped on the floor of the vehicle. The presence of a handy litter disposal device in our automobiles which is convenient and easily operated will eliminate the temptation to throw the litter out of the window or to let it accumulate in the interior of the passenger compartment.

#Litter disposal devices for automobiles, airplanes, and trans have been known in the prior art for a considerable period of time. These devices have embraced a wide variety of specific design and functional features. As early as 1926 simple automobile disposal devices were known. For example, in Hardesty, U.S. Pat. No. 1,611,437, there was disclosed a smoker's appliance for automobiles which evacuated the ash from tobacco products from the interior of the automobile to the exterior of the automobile. In this particular device, ashes were deposited in a receptacle in the interior of the autombile and were evacuated to the exterior of the autombile by a manifold assisted exhaust. Although this disposal device did not accommodate forms of litter other than ashes, subsequent devices did. In 1961, vacuum assisted waste disposal devices were developed for disposal of larger forms of litter. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,011,627 disclosed a vacuum actuated apparatus for receiving and depositing within a vehicle trash and refuge including ashes, cigarette butts, cigar stubs, cleansing tissues, paper napkins, and the like. In this particular device, a receptacle was placed in the interior of the automobile along the dashboard thereof and a receptacle for receiving the trash was connected thereto and was positioned in the engine compartment of the automobile. Whereas this particular device did accommodate litter other than ashes, it did not provide for bulkier, heavier litter such as cans, fruit cores, and the like.

#FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of the present invention as installed in a typical automobile; and

#FIG. 2 is a view in cross section of a first embodiment of the present invention.

#The litter disposal device of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 in a preferred configuration of installation in a typical automobile 11. In this embodiment, a litter conveyor conduit 15 is attached to and carried beneath the floor board of the passenger compartment of automobile 11. Litter conveyor conduit 15 is formed as an elongated cylindrical tube which is diametrically sized such that it will readily accomodate bulkier litter such as beverage cans or bottles. Access to the litter conveyor conduit 15 is provided through a plurality of access ports in the interior of the passenger compartment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an access port 20 is provided for the passengers in the front seat 13 of the automobile and a similar access port 21 is provided in the back seat 14 of the automobile. The access ports 20 and 21 are identical and are hingeably connected to the litter conveyor conduit 15 through openings formed in the floor board of the passenger compartment of automobile 11. The access ports 20 and 21 are constructed such that they form a tight sealing arrangement with the litter conveyor conduit 15 when closed.

#The litter conveyor conduit 15 is positioned on either side of the drive shaft on most standard automobiles. However, in front wheel drive, mid-engine or rear engine automobiles, the conveyor conduit 15 can be positioned along the middle of the floor board of the automobile. The conveyor 15 is preferably formed of a durable plastic material but can be fabricated from steel, aluminum, or any other suitable material.

#The litter disposal conduit 15 extends along the underside of the automobile floor board into the trunk compartment 12 of automobile 11. Depending upon the construction and design of the automobile, the configuration of the conduit 15 is variable to avoid design obstructions such as the positioning of fuel tanks, drive train, and axle. As shown in FIG. 1, the conduit 15 curves upward behind the rear passenger seat 14 and continues into the trunk compartment 12 where it is attached to the litter accumulation receptacle 16. The litter accumulation receptacle 16 can also include a compactor device for compressing the litter which is accumulated in the receptacle 16.