阅读说明：本技术 堆肥容器 (Compost container ) 是由 佩里克·朗西安 于 2018-06-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请涉及一种堆肥的容器(1、100),包括罐(2、102)和盖(3、103)、构造成搅拌罐内的内容物的搅拌器(4、104)、以及构造成过滤罐的内容物的过滤篮(4、104)。(The present application relates to a container (1, 100) for compost comprising a tank (2, 102) and a lid (3, 103), an agitator (4, 104) configured to agitate the contents of the tank, and a filter basket (4, 104) configured to filter the contents of the tank.)

1. A container (1, 100) for composting comprising a tank (2, 102) and a lid (3, 103), a stirrer (4, 104) configured to stir the contents of the tank, and a filter basket (4, 104) configured to filter the contents of the tank.

2. Container (1, 100) according to claim 1, wherein the stirrer (4, 104) is adapted to be operated manually and/or electrically from outside the container (1, 100), preferably when the container is closed.

3. Container (1) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the stirrer (4) comprises a mechanical device, such as a mobile stirrer, capable of at least partially sweeping the internal volume of the tank.

4. Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the stirrer (4) comprises pneumatic means adapted to inject air at the bottom of the tank.

5. The container (100) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the stirrer (4) comprises at least one finger.

6. The container (100) of claim 5, wherein the at least one finger is adapted to sweep an interior volume of the canister.

7. Container (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least one finger is tapered, optionally at least two fingers having substantially the same radial distance from a vertical central axis and being evenly distributed.

8. Container (1, 100) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filter basket (8, 108) is adapted to be arranged within the tank (2, 102).

9. Container (1) according to claim 8, further comprising a drain (13) configured to hold the filtration container (8) at least partially outside and above the tank (2).

10. Container (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the filter basket (8, 108) comprises a handle (10) arranged to be accessible to the handle (10) when the filter basket (8, 108) is arranged within the tank (2, 102), wherein the handle (10) is preferably retractable.

11. The container (1, 100) according to any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a scale (11) for weighing the content.

12. The receptacle (1, 100) according to claim 11, wherein the scale (11) comprises a mechanical scale or a scale integrated in the receptacle (1, 100) or the filter basket (8, 108).

13. The container (1, 100) according to any of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a volume measurer (12) for measuring the volume of the content in the container.

14. The container (1, 100) according to claim 13, wherein the volume measurer (12) comprises a gauge, a float or a weighing device.

15. Container (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a gas detector, preferably provided with a controller accessible from outside the container.

16. Container (1, 100) according to any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the lid (3, 103) is sealed and preferably comprises a lock to resist pressure.

17. Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a drain (13) arranged at a level with respect to the bottom of the tank (2) and/or preferably further comprising a drain arranged at the bottom of the tank.

18. The container (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8 and 10 to 17, wherein the filtering member (108) is configured to rest on top of the upper portion (102a) of the tank (102) when in a draining configuration.

19. The container (100) according to any of claims 1 to 8 and 20 to 18, wherein the lid (103) comprises a translucent portion (103 c).

20. Container (1, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the filter basket (8, 108) comprises an obstructing portion (R), optionally at least one element extending inwardly from an inner surface of the filter basket (8, 108).

Technical Field

The invention relates to a compost container. The container is used to contain solid materials, usually of plant origin, and/or liquids to allow them to decompose in some way, producing natural phytosanitary products, also known as purines or liquid compost.

Background

In the field of compost containers, it is known to use universal containers capable of containing compost material. The container may be provided with a lid. In practice, the container is typically a bucket, a trash can, or any equivalent container.

There are different methods for producing compost, which can be roughly divided into the production of solid compost and liquid compost. The invention described herein relates to the production of liquid compost. Generally, methods of making liquid compost include decomposing organic material in a liquid (e.g., water). After the material is decomposed, the water injected with the by-product from the decomposed material is used in, for example, gardening. Liquid composting produces a large number of beneficial microorganisms that contribute to the healthy growth of plants and/or vegetables in the home garden environment.

Generally, the method for producing liquid compost comprises at least one phase of introducing composting materials, at least one waiting phase, at least one stirring phase (if appropriate), a dosing phase of providing at least one material in order to be able to carry out a fermentation process, at least one filtration step, and/or at least one discharge step for separating solid and liquid products in order to use one or more products from the composting process.

In the above methods, the stirring step is generally performed by removing the lid to open the container to access the contents, and then stirring the contents with a stick or equivalent. This operation involves the risk of the operator being splashed with composting material while stirring, which is undesirable because composting material is often malodorous.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention overcomes the various drawbacks described above and provides a container for composting which is particularly suitable for all or part of the operations. Specifically, the present invention provides a compost container comprising a tank and a lid, an agitator configured to agitate contents within the tank, and a filter basket configured to filter contents within the tank.

Due to the configuration of the composting container, an operator may perform the composting process with minimal interaction with the composting material within the container.

The stirrer may be adapted to be operated manually and/or electrically from outside the container, preferably when the container is closed. This facilitates the ability of the operator to stir the contents of the container when the container is closed.

The agitator may include a mechanical device, such as a movable agitator member, that is capable of at least partially sweeping through the internal volume of the tank. This configuration helps to ensure that the contents of the filter basket are a homogeneous mixture and helps to drain the liquid from the filter basket.

The agitator may comprise a pneumatic device adapted to inject air at the bottom of the tank. This configuration also helps to ensure that the contents of the filter basket are a homogeneous mixture and helps to drain the liquid from the filter basket.

The agitator may include at least one finger. The at least one finger may be adapted to sweep the interior volume of the tank. This configuration with at least one finger also helps to ensure that the contents of the filter basket are a homogeneous mixture and helps to drain the liquid from the filter basket. Configuring the at least one finger to sweep the contents of the canister further facilitates mixing of the contents of the canister.

The at least one finger may be tapered, optionally, the at least two fingers are substantially the same radial distance from the vertical central axis and are evenly distributed. The tapering helps the operator to insert the fingers into the contents of the filter basket and the provision of two fingers helps to ensure that the contents remain as a homogeneous mixture and facilitates the operator's agitation.

The filter basket may be adapted to be disposed within the canister. This configuration allows the filter basket to nest within the canister.

The vessel may also include a drain, which may be configured to at least partially retain the filter basket outside and above the tank. This configuration facilitates filtration of liquid from the filter basket.

The filter basket may comprise a handle arranged to be accessible when the filter basket is arranged within the canister, wherein the handle is preferably retractable. The handle facilitates insertion and removal of the filter basket from the canister. The telescoping handle allows the filter basket to be contained within an enclosure formed by the jar and lid.

The receptacle may also include a scale for weighing the contents. This is beneficial as the scale helps the operator to determine the correct amount of contents to be added and the correct ratio of organic material to water.

The scale may comprise a mechanical scale or scale integrated into the container or filter basket. Providing a mechanical scale is a cost-effective way of providing a scale in a receptacle.

The container may further comprise a volume measurer for measuring the volume of the contents in the container. This is advantageous as the volume measurer also helps the operator to determine the correct amount of contents to be added and the correct ratio of organic material to water.

The volume measurer may comprise a gauge, float or scale. Providing a gauge, float or other cost effective way of providing a scale in a container.

The container may also include a gas detector, preferably accompanied by a controller accessible from the exterior of the container. This is beneficial because detecting the presence of gas can help the operator determine the stage of the composting process and determine if there is a problem with the system by detecting the absence of gas.

The lid may be sealed and may preferably include a lock against pressure. This seal prevents undesirable malodorous gases from escaping the container and drifting to the operator.

The vessel may also include a drain disposed at a height relative to the tank bottom, and/or preferably also a drain disposed at the tank bottom. The drain allows the operator to selectively drain any liquid that has accumulated in the container without removing the cap from the tank. This may be done during or at the completion of the composting process. In addition, the drain can be used to help drain the remaining liquid in the tank without removing the lid from the tank.

The filter member may be configured to rest on top of the upper portion of the tank when in the drainage configuration. This is beneficial as it facilitates drainage of the filter basket and provides a configuration that enables the operator to perform the drainage operation with minimal interaction.

The cover may include a translucent portion. The inclusion of a translucent portion is beneficial because bubbles can form on the surface of the liquid during fermentation, or when the contents are being "brewed". When the fermentation process is finished, the formation of bubbles stops. Thus, inspection of the translucent portion allows the operator to determine whether the fermentation process is finished without opening the container.

Drawings

As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, depict illustrative aspects and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The depicted illustrative aspects are exemplary only.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the canister of FIG. 1, partially cut away;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a filter basket according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the filter basket of FIG. 3 with a portion cut away;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a weighing mechanism;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a stirring mechanism;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a stirring mechanism;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the container of FIG. 8;

figure 10 shows a perspective view of the vessel with the filter basket in a suspended state in which the filter basket rests on the rim of the tank.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a container 1 with compost according to the invention. The container 1 may include a can 2 and a lid 3. The tank 2 may be configured to contain material to be composted. These materials can be both solid and liquid. For example, the solid material may be a solid organic material, in particular a plant. The plant may be, for example, comfrey, nettle, fern, horsetail, lavender, dandelion, burdock, tanacetum parthenium, wormwood, etc. These solid materials may be mixed with water. Furthermore, the tank 2 is preferably liquid-tight. In particular, the tank is used for making liquid compost, so it is advantageous to keep the liquid inside the tank until the operator is ready to take it away. This is described in more detail below, particularly during stirring. In order to be able to introduce the material easily, it is advantageous if the opening of the tank 2 is wide. The lid 3 is adapted to fit over the opening such that the lid 3 and the container 1 can form a closure.

For composting material introduced into the container 1, the step which usually takes the longest time in the composting process is to wait for the introduced material to ferment.

Furthermore, it is often useful to stir the contents being fermented to mix them and homogenize them at various stages of the fermentation process. Furthermore, according to an advantageous feature, the container 1 may further comprise stirring means 4, the stirring means 4 being configured to stir the content of the tank 2.

Generally, at the end of the composting process, it is useful to separate solid and liquid by-products. This may be achieved by providing a filter. This is because solid and liquid by-products cannot be used in the same way. Thus, according to an advantageous feature, the container 1 may comprise a filter basket 8, the filter basket 8 being configured to filter the contents of the tank 2.

In order to avoid the above-mentioned drawbacks of manually stirring the contents of an open can, the stirring mechanism 4 is advantageously configured to be actuated from outside the container 1. According to a preferred feature, such actuation is effected when the container is closed. This configuration reduces the risk of the operator spilling the contents of the container onto him.

According to one embodiment, the actuation of the stirring mechanism 4 is effected manually by an actuator (for example a handle provided outside the tank 2 or the lid 3). Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the actuation of the stirring mechanism 4 may be implemented electronically by an actuator (e.g. a motor), which may be of any type, such as an electric DC motor. This can be controlled from outside the tank 2 and lid 3 by, for example, providing a switch on the lid 3 or the outer wall of the tank 2 or providing a remote control.

The stirring means 4 may have any suitable form. For example, as shown in fig. 6, which shows the first embodiment, the stirring mechanism 4 may include a stirring member provided below the lid 3 so as to be inserted into the can 2 when the lid 3 is fixed to the can 2. An actuating mechanism 6 (which may be in the form of a handle) may be provided on the exterior of the lid 3 and/or the canister 2. It can be seen that the lid 3 is configured to allow the stirrer to be actuated from outside the container 1 within the enclosure formed by the tank 2 and the lid 3. Similar to the salad spinner, the stirring mechanism 4 may include a rotating lower cap relative to the center of ring rotation. The ring may be fixed to the tank 2. The operator can rotate the lower cap relative to the ring by manipulating the handle 6. Further, a first gear (not shown) may be configured to mesh with a second gear on the cover 3 to drive the stirring member to rotate. The movement of the lower cap and the stirring piece realizes double rotation: a first rotation about the periphery of the lower cap and a second rotation of the stirring element about its axis. During this double movement, the stirring member sweeps partially or completely through the contents of the internal volume of the tank 2 to ensure that the contents are mixed. Such a mechanism may be used primarily and/or with the aid of an actuator (e.g., a motor).

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment. The agitation mechanism 4 may include a pneumatic device configured to inject air into the lower portion of the tank 2. The injected air may be in the form of bubbles or a stream of air. The injected air will agitate the contents of the tank 2 as it moves from the lower portion to the upper portion of the tank 2. As shown, agitation mechanism 4 may include a diffuser having any suitable shape, such as a cross-shaped flow splitter (river), configured to be positioned adjacent a lower portion of tank 2. The diffuser may comprise a duct configured to direct air from outside the container 1. Further, the diffuser may have a plunger configured to be disposed at or near the bottom of the canister 2, below the contents within the canister 2. The plunger may have perforations 4a, these perforations 4a being configured to allow injected air to escape into the tank 2. The stirring mechanism 4 may further comprise a pump 7, the pump 7 being configured to inject air into the diffuser. The pump may be manually operated, for example similar to a bicycle pump that is actuated by movement (e.g., linearly reciprocating a handle), and may be a bicycle pump. Alternatively or additionally, the air injection may be performed by a compressor or any other suitable mechanism (e.g., an electric drive).

The vessel 1 may also include a filter basket 8 having a filter 15. The filter basket 8 is advantageously a container that may be at least slightly smaller than the tank 2, so that the filter basket 8 may be completely disposed within the enclosure formed by the tank 2 and the lid 3.

The filter basket 8 includes at least one perforation on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof to filter solid and liquid materials by allowing liquid to flow through the filter 15 and out of the filter basket 8, but trapping the solids. The size of the at least one perforation is a function of the size of the solid component to be retained in the filter basket 8. For example, the at least one perforation may have an area of 0.001cm²To 2cm²Within the range of (1).

According to one embodiment, and as shown in the cross-sectional view shown in fig. 4, the bottom of the filter basket 8 includes substantially the entire filter 15 made of perforations formed on the bottom or any other type of filter (e.g., mesh or netting). The presence of at least one perforation in the bottom of the filter basket 8 advantageously makes it possible to completely separate the liquid material from the solid material.

To facilitate the filtering operation without requiring the operator to hold the filter basket 8 above the tank 2 during the whole filtering operation, the container 1 comprises means for performing the draining according to the first embodiment. Such means comprise, for example, at least two stops integral with the inner wall of tank 2, which are preferably retractable and suitable for maintaining filter basket 8 in an at least partially raised position above the bottom portion of tank 2.

According to another embodiment, the drain mechanism may also be formed by providing a filter basket 8 and tank 2 that are substantially circular in cross-section. For example, the filter basket 8 and the canister 2 may have interlockable portions 8a such that the filter basket 8 may contact or be near the bottom of the canister 2 when in the first orientation. When in the second orientation, the interlocking portions are angularly offset about the vertical central axis, thereby preventing the filter basket 8 and the canister 2 from interlocking. In this second orientation, the filter basket 8 is not in contact with the bottom, but is suspended above the bottom of the tank 2.

These interlocking portions may be corresponding ribs and grooves 8a formed on the inner surface of the tank 2 and the outer surface of the filter basket 8, respectively. For example, the canister 2 may have a set of 4 ribs disposed therein and the filter basket 8 may have a corresponding set of 4 slots 8 a. The ribs and grooves 8a may have any length. For example, the ribs and grooves 8a may retain the filter basket 8 in the middle of the tank 2 when in the second orientation, or the ribs and grooves 8a may substantially retain the filter basket 8 in the top portion of the tank 2 when in the second orientation.

In another example, the filter basket 8 and the canister 2 may have an oval shape. The filter basket 8 may fit within the canister 2 when the filter basket 8 is in a first orientation relative to the canister 2 (e.g., when the long axes of the canister 2 and filter basket are aligned). However, in the second orientation, the filter basket 8 may rest on the top surface of the tank 2 (e.g., when the long axis of the filter basket 8 is aligned with the short axis of the tank 2).

According to another feature, the filter basket 8 may comprise a gripping means 10, the gripping means 10 may be arranged such that the gripping means 10 is accessible to an operator when the filter basket 8 is arranged within the tank 2. The gripping mechanism 10 may be, for example, a pair of handles, and may be retractable. The gripping means 10 may advantageously be arranged on top of the filter basket 8 so that the operator can avoid access to the contents of the tank 2.

Furthermore, the container 1 may advantageously comprise gripping means 9 to facilitate the transport of the container. The gripping means 9 may be, for example, at least one handle, preferably a pair of handles.

It is useful to be able to dose the material into the container 1 at certain stages of the composting process. For example, chemicals may be added to the material to facilitate the fermentation process. The chemical may be in the form of granules, powders or pellets, or may be yeast or an activator. A measuring device such as a measuring cup or spoon may be used to measure the "dose" required for each batch of compost. For example, measurements may need to be taken when the material is introduced at the beginning of the process. Measurements may also need to be made during the time that material (e.g., additional or supplemental material) must be added or completed, such as adding or supplemental material. This may also be related to the fermentation activators (bacteria, yeast or starter) introduced initially or during the fermentation.

The dosing can advantageously be carried out by weighing the material. Weighing is more suitable for doses of solid material, but may also be suitable for liquid material. Weighing can advantageously be carried out by using mechanical or electronic scales. The scale 11 can then be integrated into the receptacle 1. For example, a scale may be placed between the receptacle and the tank to measure the load of the entire receptacle 1 between the tank 2 and the ground. In another example, the scale 11 may be configured to measure the load in the filter basket 8 by integrating the scale 11 between the canister 2 and the filter basket 8. However, in another example, the scale 11 may also be configured to measure the load in the filter basket by integrating the scale 11 between the lid 3 and the filter basket 8. Alternatively, the scale may be integrated into the filter basket 8 and configured to measure the force between the filter basket 8 and the canister 2, wherein the force may be used to determine the weight of the contents in the filter basket 8.

According to an inexpensive and alternative embodiment, the weighing means 11 may comprise a mechanical scale. As previously described for the scale 11, it may be integrated into the receptacle 1 similar to the previous example.

According to another embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, the mechanical scale 11 may be integrated in the filter basket 8. The mechanical scale 11 may be in the form of a resilient compression mechanism, such as a compression spring, and may be disposed below the filter basket 8. The mechanical scale 11 may be pressed by the filter basket 8 against the bottom of the tank 2 or against a support 16 when the filter basket 8 is loaded with material. The crushing of the scale 11 may help determine the weight of the contents of the filter basket 8. The support member may also have interlocking portions 16a, the interlocking portions 16a being adapted to interlock with the interlocking portions 8a of the filter basket 8.

A scale may be provided between the filter basket 8 and the support 16 or the tank 2, which makes it possible to convert the height of the filter basket 8 relative to the tank 2 into the weight of the contained material. By placing the filter basket 8 on the support 16 on the ground, the support 16 can be used as a weighing mechanism 11 without the tank 2. In this case, the scale can advantageously be arranged on the filter basket 8 with respect to any one of the slides of the support 16.

Additionally or alternatively, a scale on the top of the inner wall of the tank 2 may allow weighing to be carried out when the filter basket 8 is in the tank 2.

The volume measuring means 12 is also advantageous for performing dosing of liquid material. Such means 12 may advantageously be integrated with the container 1, preferably at the level of the tank 2, or alternatively with the filter basket 8.

The mechanism for measuring the volume 12 may be any suitable mechanism. According to a preferred embodiment, the volume measuring mechanism 12 may comprise a gauge, float or other.

Fig. 1 and 2 show a meter 12. In an embodiment of the tank 2, the tank 2 may be made of a plastic material. Furthermore, at least a portion of the wall of the tank 2 may be at least partially translucent, advantageously extending over substantially the entire height of the tank 2. A suitable scale may be provided on the outer wall of the tank 2 at a position opposite to the translucent portion. The scale may comprise said gauge and may be configured to convert the liquid level in the tank 2 into a volume. The markings M of the scale may vary depending on the size of the container 1, but may be spaced apart in the order of 0.1 litres.

Alternatively or in addition, the gauge may also function as a float and be configured to float on the surface of the liquid so as to indicate the height of said surface.

Alternatively or in addition, the scale may also be used as a scale. It may be necessary to know the density of the liquid in order to be able to convert the measured weight into a volume. However, if the liquid used has properties similar to water, at least in terms of weight and density, the properties of the liquid can be considered equivalent to those of water.

An advantage of using a scale is that the scale can advantageously be reused for weighing and measuring volumes, which can be achieved by performing a calibration and/or changing the configuration between the weighing operation and the volume measuring operation.

Depending on the composting process envisaged, it may be advantageous to determine the presence or absence of gas. Such a determination may actually indicate the completion of a step or process and provide useful information to the operator. Furthermore, the container 1 may advantageously also comprise means for detecting gases. Such detection means may for example comprise means for sensing a pressure difference. The detection mechanism may preferably be coupled to a binary or proportional controller which may advantageously be accessible from the outside of the container 1, so that it can be read without opening the container 1.

The composting process may generate malodorous gases and the lid 3 may therefore advantageously be airtight. Depending on the pressure envisaged, the lid is preferably equipped with a locking mechanism configured to resist the pressure. Alternatively, the container 1 may comprise a pressure relief valve.

At the completion of the composting process, it is appropriate to obtain liquid by-products. This can be done before or after the filtration is complete. Thus, the container 1 may also comprise a discharge opening 13, which is visible in fig. 2. The discharge opening 13 may be closed by a plug or cock. According to one embodiment, the drain 13 may be arranged at a height with respect to the bottom of the tank 2. Specifically, the distance between the bottom of the tank 2 and the discharge port 13 may be in the range of 1 to 10 cm. This distance allows a volume of liquid to be left at the bottom of the tank. This volume of liquid may contain unwanted products or particles that are small enough to pass through the filter.

According to one embodiment, as shown in fig. 2, the bottom of the tank 2 may further comprise a channel 14 capable of containing particles (i.e. highly viscous liquids).

The container 1 may also include a drain (not shown) disposed at the bottom of the tank 2. The drain may be closed with a plug or cock. The drain may allow for complete emptying of the tank 2 after draining of the tank 2 through the drain 13. However, the discharge port 13 may be replaced with a drain port.

The discharge opening 13 and/or the evacuation opening may advantageously be equipped with a standard garden-type connection device for connection to, for example, a watering device for spreading nutrients on the ground or soil.

After discharge/emptying of the liquid product from the container 1, the solid product can also be recovered and used as an activator for future composting or slow-diffusing fertilizers that can be buried.

To facilitate cleaning of the container 1 after use, the container 1 and all its components may advantageously have a smooth surface and shape without depressions and/or cracks.

The container 1 may be made of any material, for example, a plastic such as polypropylene, which is cost effective, easy to clean, resistant to contamination, and also stable to ultraviolet light, which allows the container to be stored outdoors and maintain its color. In addition, the lid 3 may have an inspection portion to allow an operator to view the contents of the container 1 by opening a small door or having a transparent portion without having to open the container 1. This may be achieved, for example, by including an openable door that is rotatably connected to the lid 3 or the tank 2. The door may have a transparent portion underneath. In another example, a transparent window is provided without a door. This inspection is partly beneficial because bubbles can form on the surface of the liquid during fermentation or when the contents are being "brewed". When the fermentation process is finished, the formation of bubbles stops. Thus, the inspection portion allows the operator to determine whether the fermentation process is finished without removing the lid 3 from the container 1.

Figures 8-11 illustrate a compost container 100 according to another example. It can be seen that, similar to fig. 1, fig. 8 shows a container 100 with compost. The container may include a can 102 and a lid 103. The tank 102 may be configured to contain material to be composted. These materials may be solid or liquid. As described above, the tank 102 is used to make liquid compost, so it is advantageous to keep the liquid in the tank 102 until the operator is ready to remove the liquid, particularly during blending. Thus, the tank 2 is preferably liquid-tight. In order to be able to introduce the material easily, it is advantageous if the opening of the tank 2 is wide. The lid 3 is adapted to fit over the opening so that the lid 3 and can 2 form a closure.

As mentioned above, it is useful to agitate the contents at various stages of the composting process. Accordingly, the container 100 may also include a stirring mechanism 104 configured to stir the contents of the tank 102. To avoid the above-mentioned disadvantages of manually stirring the contents of an open can, the stirring mechanism 104 is configured to be actuated from outside the container 100. This configuration reduces the unpleasant risk of the operator spilling the contents of the container onto the body.

According to this embodiment, the agitation mechanism 4 may have at least one finger 104a, the at least one finger 104a extending from an upper portion 104a of the filter basket 104 to a lower portion 104b of the filter basket 104. The fingers 104a may be offset from a vertical central axis of the filter basket 104. This is advantageous because the fingers 104a, like the stirring members 104, may sweep the inner wall of the filter basket 104.

As shown in fig. 9, the agitation mechanism has two fingers 104a, 104b extending from the top portion 104a of the filter basket to the lower portion 104b of the filter basket. The fingers 104a, 104b are both offset from the vertical central axis of the filter canister and are also diametrically opposed. Although one and two fingers are discussed, it is contemplated that any suitable number of fingers may be used. However, it is also contemplated that if multiple fingers 104a, 104b are implemented, each finger 104a, 104b is the same radial distance from the vertical central axis and is equally distributed in the filter basket 104.

Each finger 104a, 104b may be tapered such that the cross-section of the portion (e.g., base) of the finger closest to the upper portion 108a of the filter basket 108 is greater than the cross-section of the portion of the finger closest to the bottom portion 108b of the filter basket 108. This tapering facilitates insertion of the fingers 104a, 104b into the contents of the filter basket 108. The fingers 104a, 104b may be hollow, however, it is also contemplated that the fingers 108a, 108b may be solid. The stirring mechanism 104 may also include an attachment portion 104 c. The attachment portion 104c may be formed as a plate. For example, the bases of the fingers 104a, 104b are secured to the attachment portion 104 c. The attachment portions may be integrally formed with the fingers 104a, 104b, but it is also contemplated that they may be sub-assemblies.

Similar to the container 100, the agitation mechanism 104 is attached to the lid 103. The cap 103 has a ring 103a that can be secured to the can 102. The lid 103 and the canister 102 may have an airtight connection. The cover 103 further comprises a rotating portion 103b rotatably attached to the ring 103 a. A handle 106 may be attached to an outer portion of the rotating portion 103b and a stirring mechanism 104 may be attached to an inner portion of the rotating portion 103 b. In particular, the rotating portion 103b may have an elongated skirt extending vertically along a vertical central axis through the ring 103a and towards the interior of the can 2. The attachment portion 104c of the stirring mechanism 104 may be attached to the cover 103 by an elongated skirt of the rotating portion 103 b. Such attachment may be achieved by a fastening mechanism 105, such as a set of screws, bolts, clips, or the like.

Similar to the container 100, when the handle 106 is actuated, the rotating portion 103b rotates, which in turn drives the stirring mechanism 104 to rotate. In this configuration, the fingers 104a, 104b are configured to sweep the inner wall of the filter basket 108 and mix the contents of the filter basket.

As described above with reference to the container 1, the lid 103 may have an inspection portion 103c to allow an operator to see the contents inside the container 100 without having to remove the lid 103 from the container 100. This is beneficial because during fermentation, or when the contents are being "brewed", bubbles can form on the surface of the liquid. When the fermentation process is finished, the formation of bubbles stops. The inspection portion 103c allows the operator to determine the stage of the fermentation process. In addition, the composting process may generate malodorous gases, so the presence of the inspection portion 103c is beneficial because it enables the operator to inspect the fermentation process without being disturbed by the odor of the malodorous gases.

The inspection portion 103c may be in any form, such as a circular or disc form (see also fig. 9). In this example, the inspection portion 103c is a transparent window. Any suitable material may be used, for example a plastic, the mechanical resistance of which is adapted to resist the force exerted by the operator's hand, or which is the same as the total mechanical resistance of the cover.

The inspection portion 103c may be integral with, and therefore non-removable, or may be attached to other components of the cover without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the inspection portion may be an openable door that is rotatably attached to the cover 103. Such an openable door may be significantly smaller in size than the cover, and may be quickly opened and closed. Therefore, opening such a door may result in only a small amount of malodorous gas being released, thereby substantially avoiding the inconvenience that such gas may cause.

The inspection portion may be implemented by providing an openable door (not shown) rotatably attached to the lid 3 or the tank 2. Another way to achieve this is to provide a transparent window. As shown in fig. 8 to 10, a window may be formed on the cover 103 as a cap 103 c.

As mentioned above, it is useful to separate the solid and liquid by-products at the end of the composting process. Similar to filter basket 4, filter basket 104 includes a filter 115. The filter 115 may be removably attached to the bottom portion 108b of the filter basket 108. The filter 115 may have at least one perforation for separating the liquid material from the solid material. The filter 115 may have a plurality of perforations. Additionally, a mesh or netting may be positioned between the bottom portion 104b of the filter basket 104 and the filter 115.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of the filter basket 108. The inner surface of the filter basket 108 has an interference portion R. The obstructing portion R may grasp the contents in the container 100 when the operator agitates the contents. This obstruction causes the contents to become turbulent, effectively mixing the contents together, rather than tumbling in the form of a solid block within the container 100. The blocking portion R may be formed as a protrusion extending toward the inside of the filter basket 108. The protrusion may extend the entire height of the filter basket 108 or at least a portion thereof. The blocking portion R may be formed as at least one rib. The obstruction is arranged to leave a sufficiently large diametrical dimension within the tank without obstructing agitator movement.

As shown in fig. 10, the blocking portion R is formed as four V-shaped ribs. Although the barrier portion R is depicted as four V-shaped ribs, any number of ribs R may be used. In addition, the rib R may be formed to have any suitable shape, such as a square or any other profile having edges.

As shown in fig. 10, the canister 102 and filter 115 have alignable substantially square cross-sections. This configuration allows the filter basket 108 to rest on the top portion 102a of the canister 102 to facilitate draining of the filter basket 104 of liquid. For example, in operation, an operator may grasp a gripping portion of the filter basket 108 to remove the filter basket 108 from the interior of the canister 102. The filter basket 108 may then be rotated about the vertical central axis such that the shape of the filter 115 and the shape of the opening of the tank 102 are not aligned, allowing the operator to balance the filter basket 108 on top of the tank 2. Herein, the square end of the filter serves as a retaining portion for retaining the filter basket 108 on the top portion 102a of the canister 102.

However, this is only an exemplary solution, and the holding portion need not be a square filter 115. For example, similar to the corresponding ribs and grooves 8a of the container 1, the top portion 102a of the canister 102 may include a lip or shoulder as a retaining portion, and the filter basket 108 may be adapted to rest at or on the top portion 102a of the canister 102 when the filter 115 is in a desired orientation. Alternatively, the retaining portion need not be incorporated into the filter 115. For example, the retaining portions may be formed as a plurality of flanges protruding from the outer surface of the filter basket 108.

The filter basket 108 and the canister 102 may be any suitable shape such that the filter vessel 108 is optionally nested within the canister 102 or disposed on top of the upper portion 102a of the canister 102. In addition, the filter 115 of the filter basket 108 may also include a gripping portion that may allow an operator to grip the filter basket 108, particularly when the filter basket 104 is disposed on top of the canister 102. The construction is similar to the vessel 1 in that the filter vessel 8 and the tank 2 have nested oval cross-sections.

In this configuration, the filter basket 108 may rest on top of the tank 102 without the assistance of an operator. This is advantageous because this configuration allows the operator to choose to "leave behind" the filter basket 108 or leave the filter basket 108 on top of the tank 102 until the filter basket 108 is empty or substantially empty of liquid without having to interact with the vessel 100.

The can 102 can also include a shoulder 102c, which shoulder 102c can be formed in a range of 1 to 10cm from the bottom portion 102b of the can 102. The shoulder 102c is configured to prevent the filter 115 from entering the bottom portion 102b of the canister 102. In this configuration, liquid passing through the filter 115 may collect in the bottom portion 102b of the tank 102.

Similar to tank 2 of vessel 1, tank 102 also includes a drain 113 located on bottom portion 102b of tank 102. The drain 113 may be opened to release liquid from the tank 102, or the drain 113 may be closed to allow liquid to accumulate in the tank 102.

The canister 102 may also include a handle 120, and the handle 120 may assist an operator in moving the canister 102 or the entire container 100.

Although the described embodiments are provided as different exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated that these embodiments may be combined or that features described in the described embodiments may be interchangeable without conflict. For example, similar to the description of the container 1, the container 100 may also include a weighing mechanism 11, a scale, a float, a scale, a drain, a detection mechanism, and the like.

Throughout this specification, including the claims, unless specified otherwise, the term "comprising" should be understood as being synonymous with "including at least one". Moreover, unless otherwise indicated, any ranges set forth in the specification (including the claims) are to be understood to include their endpoints. Specific values for the described elements are to be understood as being within acceptable manufacturing or industrial tolerances as known to those skilled in the art, and use of any of the terms "substantially" and/or "about" and/or "generally" is to be understood as falling within such acceptable tolerances.

Although the disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.