AU2011250732A1 - Mobile Garbage Bin - Google Patents

Abstract

A handle assembly for a mobile garbage bin having at least one outer wall which defines an interior cavity, the handle assembly comprising: a handle; and, a securing arrangement; the handle being configured to be engaged with the bin such that the handle is moveable to adopt an operational position in which the handle extends from the bin and a nested position in which the handle is positioned substantially in line with a wall of the bin, wherein the securing arrangement is adapted to secure the handle with respect to the bin in the operational position.

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): SULO MGB Australia Pty Ltd Invention Title: Mobile Garbage Bin The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: 2 MOBILE GARBAGE BIN Technical Field This invention relates to mobile garbage bins. Background Mobile garbage bins traditionally comprise a moulded plastics container, having a closed base, at least one container wall defining an internal cavity, an opening extending from the cavity, and wheels positioned in a lower portion of the container. The bins also traditionally comprise a pivotable lid which is moveable between a closed and an open position and is designed to cover the opening in the closed position. Mobile garbage bins are designed to be moved on their wheels, generally through tipping the bin to allow the bin's weight to rest on the wheels and then pulling or pushing the bin body. Frequently a handle or handles which are positioned on the bin body or lid aids in allowing a user to tilt the bin into position and to pull or push the bin on the wheels. A variety of lifting devices are provided for disposal of the material inside a mobile garbage bin including comb lifting devices, grab lifting devices and hook lifting devices and clamp lifting devices. The lifting devices must lift the mobile garbage bin such that material located inside the bin is removed through the opening. Lifting devices must be adaptable to collect material from a plurality of bins for disposal. Generally a council or waste collection agency will have standard lifting devices which must be adapted to lift a variety of bins. Summary of the Disclosure Disclosed in some forms is a handle assembly for a mobile garbage bin having at least one outer wall which defines an interior cavity, the handle assembly comprising a handle; 2950292_1 (GHMUrns.) P&3524AU.1 3 and, a securing arrangement; the handle being configured to be engaged with the bin such that the handle is moveable to adopt an operational position in which the handle extends from the bin and a nested position in which the handle is positioned substantially in line with a wall of the bin, wherein the securing arrangement is adapted to secure the handle with respect to the bin in the operational position. Also disclosed is a mobile garbage bin comprising at least one outer wall which defines an interior cavity, a handle, an engagement member extending from the handle; the handle being moveable between an operational position in which the handle extends from the bin and a nested position in which the handle is positioned substantially in line with a wall of the bin, wherein the engagement member is adapted to secure the handle in the operational position. Also disclosed is a handle assembly for a mobile garbage bin having at least one outer wall which defines an interior cavity and a lid moveable between an open and a closed configuration, the handle assembly comprising a handle; and, a lid engaging arrangement; the handle being configured to be engaged with the bin such that the handle is moveable to adopt an operational position in which the handle extends from the bin and a nested position in which the handle is positioned substantially in line with a wall of the bin, wherein the lid engaging arrangement is configured such that tmovement of the handle between its operational position and its nested position effects movement of the lid between its open and its closed configuration. 2950292_1 (GHMattes) P83524AU.1 4 Brief Description of the Figures Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a mobile garbage bin of one embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 2 is a top perspective shaded view of the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig 3 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a rear view of the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a handle of one embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of a handle engagement of one embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the handle engagement of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a latch of one embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a latch of Fig. 9. Detailed Description of Embodiments Disclosed in some forms is a handle assembly for a mobile garbage bin having at least one outer wall which defines an interior cavity, the handle assembly comprising a handle; and, a securing arrangement; the handle being configured to be engaged with the bin such that the handle is moveable to adopt an operational position in which the handle extends from the bin and a nested position in which the handle is positioned substantially in line 2950292_1 (GHatter) P83524 AU.1 5 with a wall of the bin, wherein the securing arrangement is adapted to secure the handle with respect to the bin in the operational position. The handle assembly is designed such that a user can move the handle assembly from a nested position into its operational position and secure the handle assembly with respect to the bin to allow the handle assembly to be utilised to tip the bin to rest on its wheels and maneuver the bin. In some forms the securing arrangement comprises an engagement member extending from the handle of the bin. In some forms the engagement member is adapted to engage with a handle engagement extending from a portion of the bin. In some forms the handle is hingedly engaged with the bin and wherein rotation of the handle effects movement of the handle between the operational position and the nested position. In some forms the handle comprises a handle portion extending from a crossbar, the crossbar being adapted to be engaged with the mobile garbage bin such that the crossbar is rotatable about its longitudinal axis wherein rotation of the handle effects rotation of the crossbar. In some forms the engagement member extends from the crossbar. In some forms rotation of the crossbar effects movement of the engagement member into its secured position. In some forms the handle is adapted for use with a mobile garbage bin with a capacity less than 120L. 2950292_1 (GHater) P83524AU.1 6 In some forms the walls of the bin comprise at least one side wall, a base and a lid. In further aspects, disclosed is a mobile garbage bin comprising at least one outer wall which defines an interior cavity, a handle, an engagement member extending from the handle; the handle being moveable between an operational position in which the handle extends from the bin and a nested position in which the handle is positioned substantially in line with a wall of the bin, wherein the engagement member is adapted to secure the handle in the operational position. In some forms the engagement member is adapted to engage with a handle engagement extending from a portion of the bin. In some forms the handle comprises a handle portion extending from a crossbar, the crossbar being adapted to be engaged with the mobile garbage bin such that the crossbar is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, wherein rotation of the handle effects rotation of the crossbar. In some forms the engagement member extends from the crossbar. In some forms rotation of the crossbar effects movement of the engagement member into its secured position. In some forms the bin further comprises a handle engagement extending from the mobile garbage bin. In some forms the handle engagement comprises a wedge portion extending from the mobile garbage bin and including a cavity and a portion of the engagement member is adapted to be inserted in the cavity when the handle assembly is in its operational position to secure the handle assembly with respect to the bin. 29502921 (GHMatters) P83524AU.1 7 In some forms the bin has a capacity of less than 120L. In some forms the walls of the bin comprise at least one side wall, a base and a lid. Referring to the Figures, disclosed is a mobile garbage bin I comprising a closed base 2 and a side wall 4 that extends upwardly from the periphery of the base 2. The substantially vertical wall 4 and the base 2 define an interior cavity 5. The garbage bin I further comprises an opening 6 extending from the cavity 5. Wheels 3 are connected with the bin I by means of an axle (not illustrated) extending between two wheels and extending through the lower rear portion of the bin 1. The garbage bin I can be adapted for any volume and features of the garbage bin are effective on any volume container, however the disclosure is made specifically in relation to a mobile garbage bin with an interior cavity volume of less than 120L. The opening 6 is defined by the top edges of each of the wall 4 and is substantially horizontally aligned with the base 2 of the garbage bin 1. The opening 6 is surrounded by a peripheral rim 7. In the illustrated form a lid 25 is configured to cover the opening 6 when in a closed position and be hingedly moveable into an open position. The lid 25 includes hinge arms 26 which extend outwardly from the lid 25 and are adapted to engage with the bin I to hinge the lid. In the illustrated form, a handle engagement 9 extends from the rear top edge 8 of the mobile garbage bin 1. The handle engagement 9 in the illustrated form extends rearwardly of the bin I and is positioned centrally to the rear top edge 8, however it will be clear that other positioning of the handle engagement 9 falls within the scope of the disclosure. The handle engagement 9 comprises a wedge 21 composed of plastic or any other moldable material including metals. The wedge 21 includes a cavity 22 extending into the wedge 21. In the illustrated form, the handle engagement 9 is configured such that the wedge 21 extends outwardly from the rear top edge 8 of the bin 1. The cavity 22 2950292_1 (GHMatters) P83524AU.1 8 is configured to extend downwardly into the wedge when the wedge 21 is positioned on the bin 1. A handle assembly 10 is positioned at the rear top edge 8 of the garbage bin 1. The handle assembly 10 comprises a handle portion 11 extending between two outwardly extending bars 12. The outwardly extending bars 12 are hingedly affixed with two flanges 13 extending from the upper rear edge 8 of the garbage bin 1. A hinge pin 14 is positioned extending through each flange 13 and respective bar 12 such that the handle 10 is moveable with respect to the bin I about an axis extending through each hinge pin 14.. The handle assembly 10 of the illustrated form further includes a crossbar 16 extending between the outwardly extending bars 12 and flanges 13. When the handle 10 is engaged with the bin I the crossbar 16 extends substantially in line with an upper rear edge 8 of the bin 1. Thus the handle assembly 10 forms a closed quadrilateral formed of the handle portion, the side bars extending from the handle portion and the cross bar. In the illustrated form, the handle assembly further includes an engagement member 18 which extends from the crossbar 16. The engagement member 18 is oriented such that when the handle assembly 10 is configured to extend upwardly and outwardly from the garbage bin 1, the engagement member 18 extends downwardly from the cross bar. In this position the engagement member 18 is configured to engage with the handle engagement 9. The engagement member 18 is composed of plastic or any other moldable or formable material such as metals. The handle assembly 10 is moveable between an operational position as shown in the figures, and a nested position in which, in the embodiments illustrated, the handle assembly 10 extends along substantially in line with or proximal to the rear wall 4a of the 2950292l_ (GHMatters) P83524AU.1 9 bin 1. In not illustrated embodiments the handle assembly extends along the lid in the nested position. In the operational position, the handle assembly 10 is oriented to extend upwardly and outwardly from the bin 1. In this position the engagement member 18 engages with the handle engagement 9 such that a distal portion 19 of the engagement member 18 is inserted into the cavity 22 in the handle engagement 9. Movement of the handle portion iI when the engagement member 18 is engaged with the handle engagement 9 effects movement of the bin as a whole. Thus the handle assembly can be utilised for tipping the bin I to an angle where it is supported by the wheels 3 and can be easily maneuvered. In some forms the bin cavity 5 is accessible when the handle is in its operational configuration and when the handle is in its nested configuration. At least one of the wedge 21 or the engagement member 18 is sufficiently flexible to allow the engagement member 18 to be brought into and out of engagement with the handle engagement 9 by a user. In illustrated forms, flexing the handle engagement 9 downwardly allows the engagement member 18 to be removed from the cavity 22 to allow the handle assembly 10 to move between its operational, nested position and rotated to the rear of the bin, leaving the opening fully exposed. In some forms, the handle assembly 10 incorporates an engagement portion in the form of a lip or edge positioned on the outer edges of the bars 12 such that in use the lip is proximal the flange 13 and hinge pin 14. In this form the handle assembly 10 is configured to catch and engage the hinge arms 26 of the lid 25 once the handle assembly 10 is moved past an upright position. Further rotation of the handle assembly 10 therefore results in lifting of the lid. In these forms once the handle has moved a further 90 degree angle between the upright position and the nested position in which the handle rests against the wall 4a of the bin 1, the lid is in an open and upright position. In the illustrated form, the handle assembly 10 is composed of hollow molded plastics or any sufficiently light and moldable material. 2950292_1 (GHMatlerv) P83524AU.1 10 In the nested position, the handle assembly 10 is flush against the bin 1 and thus the bin I can be stored more easily. The flanges 13 are further arranged to support a lid 25. The lid 25 is engaged with the flanges 13 by means of the hinge pin 14 and is pivotable between a closed position in which the lid rests on the rim 7 and covers the opening 6 and an open position. In the open position if the handle assembly is in the operational position the lid 25 will lean against the handle assembly 10 allowing for easy closure of the bin 1. Further in the operational position, the handle assembly 10 is angled such that after lifting and inverting the bin I for emptying the lid 25 will naturally overbalance and return to the closed position upon the lifting device returning the bin 1 to an upright position. In one form the bin I is rotationally moulded or injection moulded. The bin can be moulded by any other type of plastics or metal moulding without departing from the scope of the invention. The mobile garbage bin 1 further includes a gravity latch 27 of molded plastic which is positioned in the lid 25. The gravity latch is adapted to engage the interior of the rim 7 of the bin I when the bin is in an upright position such that the lid 25 is in a locked configuration and to move upon inverting of the bin such that the lid 25 is in an unlocked position. In a not illustrated form, the gravity latch may include an insert composed of a heavy material such as a metal positioned at at least one end of the to assist in moving the latch past its tipping point when the bin is inverted or up righted. In the claims which follow and in the preceding summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", that is the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention. Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without 29502921 (GHMattrs) P83524 AU.1 l1 departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention. 2950292_1 (GHMatters) P83524AU.1

Claims (21)

1. A handle assembly for a mobile garbage bin having at least one outer wall which defines an interior cavity, the handle assembly comprising: a handle; and, a securing arrangement; the handle being configured to be engaged with the bin such that the handle is moveable to adopt an operational position in which the handle extends from the bin and a nested position in which the handle is positioned substantially in line with a wall of the bin, wherein the securing arrangement is adapted to secure the handle with respect to the bin in the operational position.

2. A handle assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the securing arrangement comprises an engagement member extending from the handle of the bin.

3. A handle assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the engagement member is adapted to engage with a handle engagement extending from a portion of the bin.

4. A handle assembly as defined in any one of claims I to 3, wherein the handle is hingedly engaged with the bin and wherein rotation of the handle effects movement of the handle between the operational position and the nested position.

5. A handle assembly as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle comprises a handle portion extending from a crossbar, the crossbar being adapted to be engaged with the mobile garbage bin such that the crossbar is rotatable about its longitudinal axis wherein rotation of the handle effects rotation of the crossbar.

6. A handle assembly as defined in claim 5 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the engagement member extends from the crossbar. 2950292_1 (GHMatter) P83524AU 1 13

7. A handle assembly as defined in claim 6, wherein rotation of the crossbar effects movement of the engagement member into a secured position.

8. A handle assembly as defined in any of the preceding claims, adapted for use with a mobile garbage bin with a capacity less than 120L.

9. A handle assembly as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the bin comprise at least one sidewall, a base and a lid.

10. A mobile garbage bin comprising: at least one outer wall which defines an interior cavity; a handle; an engagement member; the handle being moveable between an operational position in which the handle extends from the bin and a nested position in which the handle is positioned substantially in line with a wall of the bin, wherein the engagement member is adapted to secure the handle in the operational position.

11. A mobile garbage bin as defined in claim 10, wherein the engagement member extends from the handle and is adapted to engage with a handle engagement extending from a portion of the bin.

12. A mobile garbage bin as defined in claim 10 or 11, wherein the handle comprises a handle portion extending from a crossbar, the crossbar being adapted to be engaged with the mobile garbage bin such that the crossbar is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, wherein rotation of the handle effects rotation of the crossbar.

13. A handle assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein the engagement member extends from the crossbar. 2950292_ (GHMaers) P83524AU.A 14

14. A handle assembly as defined in claim 13, wherein rotation of the crossbar effects movement of the engagement member into a secured position.

15. A mobile garbage bin as defined in any of claims 10 through 14, further comprising a handle engagement extending from the mobile garbage bin.

16. A mobile garbage bin as defined in claim 15, wherein the handle engagement comprises a wedge portion extending from the mobile garbage bin and including a cavity and a portion of the engagement member is adapted to be inserted in the cavity when the handle assembly is in its operational position to secure the handle assembly with respect to the bin.

17. A mobile garbage bin as defined in any one of claims 6 through 11, having a capacity of less than 120L.

18. A mobile garbage bin as defined in any of claims 9 through 16, wherein the walls of the bin comprise at least one sidewall, a base and a lid.

19. A handle assembly for a mobile garbage bin having at least one outer wall which defines an interior cavity and a lid moveable between an open and a closed configuration, the handle assembly comprising: a handle; and, a lid engaging arrangement; the handle being configured to be engaged with the bin such that the handle is moveable to adopt an operational position in which the handle extends from the bin and a nested position in which the handle is positioned substantially in line with a wall of the bin, wherein the lid engaging arrangement is configured such that tmovement of the handle between its operational position and its nested position effects movement of the lid between its open and its closed configuration. 2950292_1 (GHMatter) P83524AU.1 15

20. A handle assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

21. A mobile garbage bin substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 2950292_1 (GHMattems) P83524AU.1