AU2012257453A1 - Composter to be vertically attached - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention proposes a composter for an apartment, which avoids the presence of flies in the apartment, which avoids the problem of clutter and which can be adapted to most city apartments which have railings on windows or on balconies. For this purpose, the subject matter of the invention is an organic waste composter comprising a reservoir tank and at least one composting tank which can be positioned above the reservoir tank. The reservoir tank comprises a rigid bottom which has, on an external face of said bottom, a groove which is substantially vertical relative to the position of use, capable of accepting a part of a railing so as to fit the composter over the railing.

Description

(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau (43) International Publication Date (10) International Publication Number 22 November 2012 (22.11.2012) WIP0 I PCT WO 2012/156868 Al (51) International Patent Classification: (81) Designated states (unless otherwise indicated, for evely C05F 17/00 (2006.01) C05F 17/02 (2006.01) kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ, (21) International Application Number: PCT/IB2012/052313 CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, Fl, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, (22) International Filing Date: 9 May 2012 (09.05.2012) HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KM, KNT, KP, KR, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, (25) Filing Language : French MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, OM, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, (26) Publication Language: French SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, (30) Priority Data : ZW. 11/54,273 17 May 2011 (17.05.2011) FR (84) Designated states (unless otherwise indicated, for eve~y (71) Applicant (for all designated States except US) : kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH, MUSEUM NATIONAL D'HISTOIRE NATURELLE GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, [FR/FR]; 57 me Cuvier, F-75231 Paris Cedex 5 (FR). UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, (72) Inventor; and DK, EE, ES, Fl, FR, GB, OR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, (75) Inventor/Applicant (for US only) : RIFFET, Xavier LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, [FR/FR); CP 999, 57 rue Cuvier, F-75231 Paris Cedex SI, SK, SM, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, Cl, CM, GA, 5 (FR). GN, GQ, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). (74) Agents : RATABOUL, Xavier et al.; CABINET ORES, Published: 36 rue de Saint P&ersbourg, F-75008 Paris (FR). - with international search report (Article 21(3)) As printed (54) Title: COMPOSTER TO BE VERTICALLY ATTACHED (54) Titre : COMPOSTEUR A FIXATION VERTICALE Fig. 1 (57) Abstract: The invention proposes a composter for an apartment, which avoids the presence of flies in the apartment, which avoids the problem of clutter and which can be adapted to most city apartments which have railings on windows or on balconies. For this purpose, the subject matter of the invention is an organic waste composter comprising a reservoir tank and at least one compos ting tank which can be positioned above the reservoir tank. The reservoir tank comprises a rigid bottom which has, on an external face of said bottom, a groove which is substantially vertical relative to the position of use, capable of accepting a part of a railing so as to fit the composter over the railing. (57) Abr6g6: WO 2012/156868 Al Invention propose un composteur pour appartement, 6vitant la presence de mouches dans lappartement, 6vitant le problems de l'encombrement et pouvant 6tre adapted A la plupart des appartements en vile poss6dant des garde-corps aux fenstres ou aux bal cons. A cette fin, invention a pour objet un composteur de ddchets organiques comprenant un bac reservoir et an moins un bac de compostage positionnable au dessus du bac reservoir. Le bac reservoir coinporte un fond rigide muni, sur une face ext6rieure dudit fond, dune gorge sensiblement verticale par rapport i la position d'utilisation apte a recevoir une partie dun garde-corps pour en gager le composteur sur le garde-corps.

W02012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 1 COMPOSTER TO BE VERTICALLY ATTACHED The present invention relates to a vertical-fastening composter, in particular for a railing of a balcony or terrace. 5 Composters are used for recycling organic waste matter by decomposition, essentially by the combined action of animals (most commonly earthworms in what is then referred to as a wormery), bacteria and fungi present on this waste. The end product is humus, which can be used as an organic supplement in soils. 10 This process is widely practised in rural areas, where the necessary space is readily available. However, there are obvious advantages in implementing the process in areas which produce a lot of organic waste, namely cities. Wormeries which by virtue of their size can be used in an 15 apartment have already been proposed. Most are guaranteed to be odor free. While that is often true, these composters also bring flying insects into the apartment, which can deter a lot of people. These apartment wormeries have therefore not been very successful. Moreover, once the waste has been recycled, the humus 20 produced by the composter must be removed. This new product then presents the user with the same problem as the waste itself, namely the removal thereof. The invention aims to solve these problems by proposing an apartment composter which avoids the presence of flying insects in the 25 apartment, and avoids the problem of space requirements and which can be adapted to the majority of city apartments having railings on windows or balconies. To this end, the invention relates-to an organic waste composter comprising a reservoir container and at least one composting container 30 which can be positioned above the reservoir container, the reservoir container comprising a rigid bottom which has, on an external face of said bottom, a channel which is substantially vertical relative to the position of W02012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 2 use and capable of receiving a portion of a railing so as to fit the composter over the railing. According to other embodiments: * the composter can comprise, moreover, a fastening means for 5 fastening the composter onto the railing; * the reservoir container can comprise a liquid collecting drawer for collecting liquid produced by the composting of the organic waste; * the fastening means can be integral with the channel; " the fastening means can be added to the channel; 10 * the reservoir container can comprise a positioning portion for positioning a composting container, below which portion is arranged the channel for receiving the railing, and a planter portion; " the composter can comprise, moreover, a lid mounted pivotably above the composting container situated in the highest position 15 relative to the reservoir container; " the lid can slope; * the fastening means can comprise a U-shaped profile, either integral with or added to the channel, and a means for clamping the U shaped profile against the railing; 20 e the U-shaped profile can have, at the base of the U, two through slits designed to receive a clamping collar for fastening the U-shaped profile against the railing; * the clamping collar can be made of metal or polymer; * the fastening means can comprise a U-shaped profile having, at the 25 base of the U, two through holes designed to accommodate two bolts, and two parts forming two clamping jaws designed to be clamped around a portion of the railing by turning said two bolts; * the U-shaped profile can comprise, moreover, a leg which is integral with a spacer having, in the hollow of the U, a clamping plate 30 designed to enter into clamped contact with the railing so that, in use, the spacer tends to press the clamping plate against the railing, opposite the leg bearing the spacer, the railing being in abutment against the other leg of the U-shaped profile; W02012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 3 * the spacer can comprise an elastic means allowing automatic clamping; * the elastic means can consist of a spring or a prestressed strip; * the U-shaped profile can comprise, moreover, a hole through which 5 there passes a rod mounted so as to be able to slide in an oblong slot in each of two L-shaped parts mounted opposite one another, so as, during use, to grip the railing between the two L-shaped parts, the rod comprising a clamping means for clamping against the U shaped profile in order to keep the separation between the two L 10 shaped parts constant and thus to clamp the railing between these two L-shaped parts; o the U-shaped profile can have a separation between the free ends of the legs of the profile which is slightly greater than the width of the channel, so as to be able to be inserted into the channel and held 15 there in a force-fitting manner; * the channel and the U-shaped profile can have complementary portions, such as a projection and a recess, which allow the profile to be automatically blocked in the channel; and/or * the composting container or containers can be mounted so as to be 20 able to slide on a support arranged above the reservoir container. The invention also proposes a fastening means for fastening a composter according to the invention onto a railing, comprising a U-shaped profile as described above. Other features of the invention will be set out in the detailed 25 description hereinbelow given with reference to the attached figures in which, respectively: - figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a composter according to the invention, in the position of use on a railing; - figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a 30 composter according to the invention; - figure 3 is an exploded schematic perspective view of a composter according to the invention; W020121156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 4 - figure 4 is a schematic view in profile of a composter according to the invention, showing various possible positions of the lid depending on the number of composting containers; - figures 5 and 5a to 14 are schematic views of various embodiment 5 variants for the means for fastening a composter according to the invention; and - figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a composter according to the invention, in which the composting containers are drawers mounted so as to be able to slide on a 10 support arranged above the reservoir container. The organic waste composter according to the invention comprises a reservoir container and at least one composting container which can be positioned above the reservoir container. The composting container or containers can be positioned either by stacking, in which case 15 they comprise a nesting structure, or by sliding, as with drawers, in which case they are mounted so as to be able to slide on a support arranged above the reservoir container. In general, according to the invention, a channel 11, substantially vertical in the position of use, is provided in the lower portion 20 of the composter 1 according to the invention so that it can straddle the railing G, i.e. either a portion of the railing is engaged directly in the channel provided for this purpose, or a secondary element fastened to the railing is engaged in the channel provided for this purpose. in this second case, instead of being engaged directly in the channel, the railing is 25 engaged indirectly by the intermediary of the secondary means (see figure 14). Thus, the reservoir container comprises a rigid bottom which has, on an external face of said bottom, a channel which is substantially vertical relative to the position of use and capable of receiving a portion of 30 a railing so as to fit the composter over the railing. "Substantially vertical" is to be understood to mean a channel which is at an angle of 900, plus or minus 10*, to the horizontal.

W02012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 5 Thus, one portion of the composter I extends on either side of the railing G while another portion of the composter is located above the railing. In one particular embodiment, the bottom of the reservoir 5 container is preferably watertight in order to avoid both losing the liquid produced during composting and damaging the reservoir container. More particularly, in one embodiment shown in figure 1, the organic waste composter 1 according to the invention comprises one reservoir container 10 and a plurality of composting containers 20, 21, 22 10 which can be stacked on top of the reservoir container 10. Preferably, as shown in figure 3, each composting container 20, 21, 22 has a rigid frame 20a, 21a, 22a and a mesh bottom 20b, 21b, 22b to allow exchanges of matter and circulation of composting organisms such as earthworms. 15 The rigid frame 20a, 21a, 22a has air holes 20c, 21c, 22c to provide oxygenation of the medium and to promote the process of biodegrading the organic waste. Moreover, each composting container 20, 21, 22 advantageously has a nesting structure allowing the containers to be 20 stacked on top of one another and on top of the reservoir container, without the risk of the containers sliding off one another. For example, the frame of each composting container can have a narrower portion 20d, 21d, 22d allowing one composting container to nest in the frame of the composting container below or of the reservoir container. 25 The channel 11 has a depth P, in a direction which is vertical relative to the position of use, preferably at least equal to 30% of the maximum total height of the composter. The maximum total height is equal to the sum of the respective heights of the reservoir container and of the composting containers 30 (preferably three composting containers). In parallel, the channel has a depth P in a direction which is vertical relative to the position of use, preferably at least equal to 60% of W02012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 6 the height H of the reservoir container, advantageously at least equal to 75% of the height H of the reservoir container. Figure 2 shows, as an example, dimensions of the various structures of the composter according to the invention. Nonetheless, the 5 composter according to the invention has a dimension D1, measured between the channel and the edge of the composter facing the inside of the balcony, which is adapted so that the composter can be fitted over the railing while still allowing the window onto the balcony to be closed. For example, in cities, the majority of railings are positioned 10 approximately twenty centimeters from the window. In this case, the dimension D1 is advantageously chosen between 13 and 16 centimeters. A person skilled in the art will know how to adapt the dimensions of the composter according to the invention based on the information provided, depending on the balcony configuration in question. 15 In this figure 2, only two composting containers 20 and 21 are arranged on top of the reservoir container 10. As shown in figure 3, the reservoir container 10 of the composter according to the invention comprises a positioning portion 10a for positioning (in this figure 3 by stacking and in figure 15 by arranging a 20 support for containers mounted so as to be able to slide) the composting containers 20, 21, 22, beneath which portion is arranged the channel 11 for receiving the railing, and a planter portion 12. "Planter" is to be understood either as an area for growing plants and consisting, for example, of a portion of the reservoir container which is 25 filled with soil, or as a portion for holding (and advantageously disguising) growing pots (flowers etc.) which are independent of, and can be removed from, the composter. The reservoir container 10 also comprises a liquid collecting drawer for collecting the liquid produced by the composting of the organic 30 waste in the composting containers. Advantageously, the bottom 1Ob of the reservoir container is inclined so as to direct the liquid toward the drawer 13.

W02012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 7 A filter 23 (preferably comprising holes having a diameter less than or equal to 1.5 mm) is provided between the reservoir container 10 and the first composting container 20 in order to allow the liquid to pass through while retaining the compost and the organisms participating in the 5 decomposition of the organic waste. In order to use the composter according to the invention, the reservoir container 10 is placed on a railing by engaging the railing in the channel 11 (either directly or indirectly, as explained above). Means for fastening the composter onto the railing are then 10 activated. Next, the filter 23 is placed over the portion 10a of the reservoir container 10 and a first composting container 20 is then placed on top of the filter 23. This container is intended to receive the organic waste. Next, a second composting container 21 is stacked on top of the container 20 when the latter is full of organic matter. A third container 22 can be stacked 15 on top of the container 21 in order also to receive organic waste. A lid 24 is also provided in order to be placed selectively on the containers 20, 21 or 22 depending on whether or not these are to be used (see figure 4). The lid 24 slopes toward the planter portion 12 of the composter 20 according to the invention. This makes it possible not only to avoid rainwater from stagnating on the lid, but also to increase the water supply to the planter 12. Advantageously, the lid has areas for displaying information, such as a list of waste that can be used in the composter, a list of waste to 25 be avoided, the date each of the containers was filled, etc. Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the lid 24. The lid has a trapezoidal profile to ensure that water is shed toward the planter portion 12. The lid 24 is pivotably connected to an articulated arm 25. The lid 24 rests pivotabiy on the composting containers 20, 21 or 22. 30 As this figure 4 shows, the lid 24 can be positioned selectively on the composting containers 20, 21 or 22 depending on which is/are present on the reservoir container, and it can easily be pivoted toward the outside in order to gain access to the composting container and deposit WO2012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 8 organic waste therein. Moreover, it is permanently held on the composter by the articulated arm 25, which makes operating the lid 24 when removing or adding a composting container easier. Indeed, when a composting container 20, 21 or 22 no longer 5 contains anything but recycled compost, this container can be taken out of the stack, leaving only that or those container(s) which still contain organic waste. The planter portion 12 comprises a reservoir, advantageously with a hole or holes in the bottom in order to drain away excess water, and 10 intended to receive soil and plants. The reservoir of the planter is advantageously provided with a mesh in order to allow water to pass through and to retain the soil and the roots of the plants. By virtue of this structure, the planter makes it possible to grow 15 plants which are fed using the decomposition liquid which is gathered in the drawer 13 and can be poured out onto the soil in the planter, and which are fed using the rainwater which pours off the lid 24. The composter according to the invention therefore has a structure allowing integrated use of the organic waste, since the compost from the composter can be reused every 20 time something new is planted in the planter. Moreover, the planter, and the plants which it contains, allow the composting containers to be camouflaged with regard to the outside. Finally, this structure makes it possible to have a composter for organic matter on balconies occupying a small amount of space, while still 25 being large enough to allow the composter to work. The planter and the plants that it contains also allow the composter to be protected from direct sunlight during summer, thus avoiding the composter overheating. The composter according to the invention therefore allows for 30 complete recycling of organic matter since the user can recycle the compost produced by the composter in the planter, and can avoid having to suffer the unpleasant effects of an indoor composter, as the composter can W02012/156868 PCT/IBZO12/052313 9 be placed on a standard balcony thanks to the limited space requirement made possible by the straddling of the railing. As mentioned above, the composter according to the invention comprises a fastening means for fastening the composter onto the railing. 5 This fastening means can be either integral with the channel or added to the channel. A fastening means which is integral with the channel means that it is fastened inside the channel and that it is activated during or after the positioning of the composter on the railing. 10 A fastening means added to the channel is activated before the composter is positioned on either side of the railing. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening means comprises a U-shaped profile and a means for clamping the U-shaped profile against the railing. Figures 5 to 14 show several 15 variants of fastening means according to the invention. A first embodiment variant particularly suited to railings having a handrail of circular cross section is shown in figure 5. In this embodiment variant, the fastening means 40 comprises a U-shaped profile 41 having, at the base of the U, two through holes 20 designed to accommodate two bolts 42. The fastening means 40 also comprises two parts 43-44 forming two clamping jaws designed to be clamped around the handrail of the railing by the two bolts 42. To that end, a first jaw 43 comprises two through passages for allowing the bolts 42 to pass through. In the embodiment shown in figure 5, the other jaw 44 has 25 two threaded portions for turning the bolts 42. Alternatively, the jaw 44 can comprise two through passages for allowing the bolts 42 to pass through, two nuts being provided for turning the bolts 42. In this manner, the jaws 43 and 44 are clamped forcefully against and around the railing G. Once the fastening means 40 has been 30 thus positioned and clamped on the railing G, the composter according to the invention is fitted over this railing and onto the fastening means 40 as shown in figure 5. In this variant, as in the others which will be described subsequently, the U-shaped profile advantageously has an opening which W02012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 10 is slightly greater than the width of the channel 11, so that the composter can be force-fitted and held against the railing. Figure 5a shows a mounting variant in which the U-shaped profile 41 is screwed, in the position of use, over the railing G, whereas in 5 figure 5 it is screwed underneath. Another variant is shown in figure 6. In this variant, the fastening means 30 comprises a U-shaped profile 31 having, at the base 32 of the U, two through slits 33. The U-shaped profile can be positioned either right way-up or upside-down (as shown in figure 6) on the railing G. The 10 composter is held more firmly on the railing if the U-shaped profile is positioned on the railing in the upside-down position, as shown in figures 6 to 13. Then, a clamping collar 34 of the Serflex@ type is wrapped around the railing G and passed through the slits 33 in order to fasten and hold the U-shaped profile against the railing G. After this, as shown in figure 7, the 15 composter according to the invention is positioned on top of the railing G such that the U-shaped profile is inserted into the channel 11. Advantageously, the U-shaped profile has an opening which is slightly greater than the width of the channel, so that the composter can be force fitted over the U-shaped profile. 20 This embodiment variant shown in figures 6 and 7 is particularly suited to railings having a flat handrail. The embodiment variant shown in figure 8 illustrates a fastening means 50 having a U-shaped profile 51, one of the legs 52 of which is integral with a spacer 53. The latter has, in the hollow of the U-shaped 25 profile, a clamping plate 54 designed to enter into contact with the railing G. In use, the U-shaped profile is positioned so that the railing is inserted into the hollow of the U, in contact with the clamping plate 54 and in abutment against the other leg of the U-shaped profile, which does not have a spacer. The composter according to the invention is then fitted over the 30 railing such that the U-shaped profile is inserted into the channel 11. Then, the spacer is activated such that it tends to press the clamping plate 54 against the railing, in the opposite direction to the leg 52 bearing the spacer, such that the U-shaped profile tends to open (the free ends of the W02012/156868 PCTIB2012/052313 11 legs of the U separate) and wedges itself in the channel 11 of the composter according to the invention. In the embodiment variant shown in figure 8, the spacer consists of a threaded rod having two nuts. To activate the spacer, the nuts are 5 turned in such a way that they force the leg 52 to separate from the other leg 51 of the U-shaped profile against which the railing G is in abutment. In the embodiment variant shown in figure 9, the spacer comprises an elastic means allowing automatic clamping of the U-shaped profile in the channel 11 of the composter. In figure 9, this elastic means 10 consists of a spring 56 arranged between the clamping plate 54 and the leg 52 bearing the spacer. In order to position this fastening means, the spring 56 is compressed to move the plate 54 out of the way and leave space for the railing G to be placed in abutment against the leg of the U-shaped profile 15 not bearing the spacer. Then, the spring is released so that the plate 54 comes into contact with the railing G. The leg 52 then tends to separate from the railing G under the action of the spring 56. Finally, the composter according to the invention is fitted over the U-shaped profile which enters in a force-fitting manner into the channel 11 of the composter. 20 Figures 10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment variant in which the elastic means consists of a prestressed strip 57. In this variant, the free end of the prestressed strip performs the same technical function as the clamping plate for clamping against the railing G. In order to activate this fastening means, the U-shaped profile 25 need merely be force-fitted over the railing G. During this fitting, the railing G tends to compress the strip 57 such that the U-shaped profile is held firmly against the- railing G while at the same time having an opening which is greater than the width of the channel 11 of the composter according to the invention. Thus, the insertion of the railing and the U-shaped profile into 30 the channel 11 of the composter is done in a force-fitting manner such that the composter is held firmly on the railing. Figures 12 and 13 show two embodiment variants of a fastening means comprising an elastic means allowing automatic clamping of the U- W02012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 12 shaped profile against the railing. These embodiment variants differ from those shown in figures 8 to 11 by the arrangement of the spacer. In figure 9, the spacer is positioned on the inside of the balcony, toward the window, whereas the spacer of figure 12 is positioned on the outside of the balcony, 5 away from the building. The fastening means of figures 8 to 13 can either be added to the channel, as described above, or be integral with the channel 11. In this case, they can be activated automatically (automatic fastening means of figures 10, 11 and 13) or manually (means of figures 9 and 12) during 10 installation of the composter according to the invention on the railing, or activated after installation of the composter on the railing (fastening means of figure 8). Figure 14 shows an embodiment variant of a fastening means allowing fastening of a composter according to the invention having a 15 channel on a railing the width of which is greater than that of the channel. This type of "railing" can consist of low walls provided around some terraces. In this embodiment variant, the fastening means 60 comprises a U-shaped profile the base of which comprises a hole through which there 20 passes a threaded rod 62. This rod 62 is mounted so as to be able to slide in an oblong slot borne by two L-shaped parts 63-64 mounted opposite one another, so as, during use, to grip the railing between the two L-shaped parts. By virtue of this structure, the fastening means may be adapted 25 to the width of the railing by making the L-shaped parts slide around the threaded rod 62. Once the L-shaped parts 63-64 have been arranged tightly against the railing G, a clamping means 65, in this example consisting of a nut, is activated in order to clamp the U-shaped profile 61 against the L 30 shaped parts 63-64 in order to keep the separation between the two L shaped parts constant. The railing is thus clamped between these two parts. Then, the composter according to the invention is force-fitted over the U-shaped profile 61 in order to hold the composter on the railing G.

W02012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 13 In this embodiment variant, the railing is inserted not directly into the channel of the composter according to the invention but indirectly by the intermediary of the fastening means 60. Advantageously, in all the embodiment variants suited to this, 5 the channel 11 of the composter and the U-shaped profile of the fastening means can have complementary portions, such as a projection and a recess, which allow the U-shaped profile to be automatically blocked in the channel. This embodiment, which is not shown, makes it possible to improve the fastening of the composter on the railing by locking the 10 fastening of the U-shaped profile in the channel 11. According to other features of the invention, the composter can comprise a support means for thermal protection to be positioned over the composter during cold periods in winter. This support can consist, for example, of a hook for attaching an insulating panel or a flexible covering 15 made of insulating material to be arranged around the composter. The invention also relates to a kit comprising the composter as described above, and a composting starter litter. This litter advantageously consists of organic matter and decomposition organisms such as earthworms. 20 Preferably, the aforementioned kit moreover comprises thermal protection for the composter during cold periods in winter. This thermal protection makes it possible to keep the compost at a minimum operating temperature and avoids the earthworms dying. In one particular embodiment, the channel 11 is advantageously 25 located below the reservoir container 10 such that, in use, the center of gravity of the composter is located near the channel, but preferably on the inward or balcony side and not on the outward side. In this way, the placement of the composter is relatively balanced, while obtaining a slight tilting of the composter toward the 30 balcony. This tilting about the railing, and in the channel, ensures the best possible placement of the composter and reduces the risk of the composter falling the other way, i.e. outward, if the railing were to collapse under the shearing force due to the weight of the composter.

W02012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 14 Advantageously, fastening means are arranged to press the composter against the railing, in the same direction as that of the tilting of the placement. Thus, the fastening means do not act counter to the natural movement of the composter. This ensures easy activation for the user, who 5 does not need to provide supply a large force in order to ensure that the composter is firmly held on the railing, both in rotation and in translation. This also ensures a longer lifespan for the fastening means as they are subjected to almost no stress. An alternative embodiment is illustrated in figure 15. In this 10 embodiment, the composting containers 20, 21 and 22 are mounted so as to be able to slide on a support 70 arranged on top of the reservoir container 10. Thus, each container 20, 21 and 22 forms a drawer which can be positioned above the reservoir container 10. This embodiment is highly advantageous as it avoids the need 15 to lift and move a composting container in the upper position in order to remove the soil or to fill with waste a composting container in the lower position. All that is necessary is to slide the container which one wishes to empty of compost or fill with waste (for example container 20 in figure 15), the other composting container or containers (for example containers 21 20 and 22 in figure 15) being kept in position above the reservoir container 10 by the support 70. Apart from this different structure compared to the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 14, the other technical features described are identical.

Claims (22)

1. An organic waste composter comprising a reservoir container (10) and at least one composting container (20, 21, 22) which can be 5 positioned above the reservoir container (10), characterized in that the reservoir container comprises a rigid bottom (10b) which has, on an external face of said bottom, a channel (11) which is substantially vertical relative to the position of use and capable of receiving a portion of a railing (G) so as to fit the composter over the railing. 10

2. The composter as claimed in claim 1, in which the composter comprises, moreover, a fastening means (30, 40, 50, 60) for fastening the composter onto the railing.

3. The composter as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, in which the reservoir container comprises a liquid collecting drawer (13) for 15 collecting liquid produced by the composting of the organic waste.

4. The composter as claimed in either of claims 2 and 3, in which the fastening means are integral with the channel.

5. The composter as claimed in either of claims 2 and 3, in which the fastening means are added to the channel. 20

6. The composter as claimed in any one of claims I to 5, in which the reservoir container comprises a positioning portion (10a) for positioning a composting container, below which portion is arranged the channel for receiving the railing, and a planter portion (12).

7. The composter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, 25 comprising, moreover, a lid (24) mounted pivotably above the composting container situated in the highest position relative to the reservoir container.

8. The composter as claimed in the preceding claim, in which the lid slopes. 30

9. The composter as claimed in claim 6, comprising, moreover, a lid (24) which can be placed selectively on the containers (20, 21 or 22) and which slopes toward the planter portion (12). WO2012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 16

10. The composter as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, in which the lid is pivotably connected to an articulated arm (25).

11. The composter as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 10, in which the fastening means comprises a U-shaped profile, either integral with or 5 added to the channel, and a means for clamping the U-shaped profile against the railing.

12. The composter as claimed in claim 11, in which the U-shaped profile (31) has, at the base (32) of the U, two through slits (33) designed to receive a clamping collar (34) for fastening the U-shaped profile against 10 the railing (G).

13. The composter as claimed in claim 12, in which the clamping collar (34) is made of metal or polymer.

14. The composter as claimed in claim 11, in which the fastening means comprises a U-shaped profile (41) having, at the base of the U, 15 two through holes designed to accommodate two bolts (42), and two parts (43-44) forming two clamping jaws designed to be clamped around a portion of the railing (G) by turning said two bolts.

15. The composter as claimed in claim 11, in which the U-shaped profile (51) comprises, moreover, a leg (52) which is integral with a spacer 20 (53) having, in the hollow of the U, a clamping plate (54) designed to enter into clamped contact with the railing so that, in use, the spacer tends to press the clamping plate against the railing, opposite the leg (52) bearing the spacer, the railing being in abutment against the other leg of the U shaped profile. 25

16. The composter as claimed in the preceding claim, in which the spacer comprises an elastic means (56, 57) allowing automatic clamping.

17. The composter as claimed in the preceding claim, in which the elastic means consists of a spring or a prestressed strip.

18. The composter as claimed in claim 11, in which the U-shaped 30 profile (61) comprises, moreover, a hole through which there passes a rod (62) mounted so as to be able to slide in an oblong slot in each of two L shaped parts (63-64) mounted opposite one another, so as, during use, to grip the railing (G) between the two L-shaped parts, the rod comprising a W02012/156868 PCT/IB2012/052313 17 clamping means (65) for clamping against the U-shaped profile in order to keep the separation between the two L-shaped parts constant and thus to clamp the railing between these two L-shaped parts.

19. The composter as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 18, in 5 which the U-shaped profile has a separation between the free ends of the legs of the profile which is slightly greater than the width of the channel, so as to be able to be inserted into the channel and held there in a force fitting manner.

20. The composter as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 19, in 10 which the channel and the U-shaped profile have complementary portions, such as a projection and a recess, which allow the profile to be automatically blocked in the channel.

21. The composter as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, in which the composting container or containers (20, 21, 22) is/are mounted so as 15 to be able to slide on a support (70) arranged above the reservoir container (10).

22. A fastening means for fastening a composter as claimed in claim 2 onto a railing, comprising a U-shaped profile as characterized according to any one of claims 11 to 21.