You can freely build on How the First Modern Kitchen Garbage Disposal Was Invented
This patent expired in 1953. Every claim — 0 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Individual
Patent granted
1935
Expired
1953
Forward citations
43
What this patent covers
The device consists of a grinding chamber mounted directly beneath a sink drain. It uses a motor to spin a shredding mechanism that forces food scraps against stationary teeth or a grinding ring. This action breaks down solid food waste into a slurry fine enough to pass through standard residential plumbing pipes without causing clogs. The system is designed to be activated by a switch, allowing users to clear food waste immediately after meal preparation.
What is now free to use
All 0 claims of US 2012680 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover non-motorized manual grinding devices.
Does not cover industrial-scale waste management systems or sewage treatment plants.
Does not cover composting systems or devices that do not discharge waste into the sewer line.
Does not cover chemical-based waste breakdown methods.
Who is building on this today
The technology was commercialized by InSinkErator, a company founded by the inventor John W. Hammes. Today, major appliance manufacturers like Emerson Electric continue to iterate on this core design for residential and commercial markets.
Products built on expired version of this technology
InSinkErator residential garbage disposals
Standard under-sink food waste grinders
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Individual. US Patent 2012680. Garbage disposal device. Granted 1935, expired 1953. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.