US 12,139,328 B2
Ultrasonic sensing trash can
Frank Yang, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (US); David Wolbert, Redondo Beach, CA (US); Joseph Sandor, Newport Beach, CA (US); Kenneth Yen, Torrance, CA (US); Orlando Cardenas, Laguna Niguel, CA (US); Michael Basha, Brisbane, CA (US); and Christopher Fruhauf, San Anselmo, CA (US)
Assigned to simplehuman, LLC, Torrance, CA (US)
Filed by simplehuman, LLC, Torrance, CA (US)
Filed on Mar. 10, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/182,284.
Application 18/182,284 is a continuation of application No. 17/449,408, filed on Sep. 29, 2021, granted, now 11,603,263.
Application 17/449,408 is a continuation of application No. 16/901,376, filed on Jun. 15, 2020, granted, now 11,136,186, issued on Oct. 5, 2021.
Application 16/901,376 is a continuation of application No. 15/783,370, filed on Oct. 13, 2017, granted, now 10,683,165, issued on Jun. 16, 2020.
Application 15/783,370 is a continuation of application No. 13/787,638, filed on Mar. 6, 2013, granted, now 9,790,025, issued on Oct. 17, 2017.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/609,233, filed on Mar. 9, 2012.
Prior Publication US 2023/0286740 A1, Sep. 14, 2023
Int. Cl. B65F 1/16 (2006.01); B65F 1/04 (2006.01); B65F 1/06 (2006.01)
CPC B65F 1/1638 (2013.01) [B65F 1/04 (2013.01); B65F 1/06 (2013.01); B65F 1/068 (2013.01); B65F 1/1646 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An ultrasonic-sensing trash can comprising:
a receptacle configured to receive refuse or recycleable materials;
an exterior shell or housing made of metal;
a lid configured to move between a first position and a second position;
a trim member extending around an outside perimeter of the exterior shell or housing;
a power operated driver comprising an electric motor;
a sensor system comprising an ultrasonic sensor; and
an electronic controller electrically connected to the motor and the sensor system;
wherein, when the sensor system senses the presence of a user in front of or above the trash can, the sensor system is configured to generate an electrical signal to the controller which is configured to drive the electric motor to move the lid from the first position to the second position.