AU2015100989A4 - A hitch for towing a wheeled bin - Google Patents

Abstract

A hitch for towing at least one wheeled bin of the type having a container body and a container lid, and a main handle spaced from and hinged to the container lid is provided. The hitch comprises a mount for mounting to a towing fixture of a vehicle and at least two arms extending from the mount. When the hitch is mounted to the towing fixture, each of the arms has an upwardly extending region directly or indirectly engageable with a bin so as to enable towing of the bin by the vehicle. A hitch assembly for towing at least one wheeled bin is also provided. The hitch assembly comprises a hitch and at least one bin mount.

Description

I A HITCH FOR TOWING A WHEELED BIN TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates, inter alia, to a hitch for towing one or more wheeled bins at the same time. In particular, the present invention relates to a hitch, a hitch assembly and a bin mount that are engageable with a bin so as to enable towing of the bin by a vehicle. BACKGROUND ART [0002] In some countries garbage and recycling collection services are offered by local councils to residents and tenants of residences and commercial properties, whereby a plastic wheeled refuse bin ('wheelie bin') containing garbage or recycling products is required to be moved by the resident or tenant to a garbage collection site specified by council for emptying. [0003] One problem faced by some residents and tenants is that of having to move a heavy bin full of garbage over a long distance or steep or uneven ground surface to the garbage collection site for emptying. [0004] Another problem faced by some residents and tenants is that of having to move more than one bin to and from a garbage collection site. [0005] Although hitches for towing wheeled bins by vehicle are commercially available, these tend to have one or more of the following problems: they can only be used to tow one bin at a time; during towing they tilt a bin such that a lid of the bin can easily lift and spill the bin's contents; they are complex devices and expensive to manufacture or to fit to a bin or towing fixture of a vehicle (such as a tow ball); and, they can only be used with specific types of vehicle towing fixtures or specific types of wheeled bins. [0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least minimise one or more of the problems described above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0008] With the foregoing in mind, according to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a hitch for towing at least one wheeled bin of the type having a container body and a container lid, and a main handle spaced from and hinged to the container lid, said hitch comprising a mount for mounting to a towing fixture of a vehicle and at least two arms extending from the mount, wherein when mounted to the towing fixture each of the arms has an upwardly extending region directly or indirectly engageable with a bin so as to enable towing of the bin by the vehicle. [0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hitch assembly for towing at least one wheeled bin of the type having a container body and a container lid, and a main handle spaced from and hinged to the container lid, said hitch assembly comprising a hitch and at least one bin mount, wherein the hitch comprises: a mount for mounting to a towing fixture of a vehicle and at least two arms extending from the mount, wherein when mounted to the towing fixture each of the arms has an upwardly extending region, and wherein the at least one bin mount is engageable with a bin and engageable with said upwardly extending region so as to enable towing of the bin by the vehicle. [0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bin mount engageable with a wheeled bin of the type having a container body and a container lid, and a main handle spaced from and hinged to the container lid, and engageable with a hitch as defined according to the first aspect. [0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of towing at least one wheeled bin of the type having a container body and a container lid, and a main handle spaced from and hinged to the container lid using the hitch according to the first aspect or the hitch assembly according to the second aspect, said method comprising the steps of: mounting the mount of the hitch to a towing fixture of a vehicle; and engaging the upwardly engaging region of at least one of the arms of the hitch directly or indirectly with a bin so as to enable towing of the bin by the vehicle. [0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for towing at least one wheeled bin comprising: the hitch according to the first aspect and at least one bin mount according to the third aspect; or the hitch assembly according to the second aspect. [0013] Context allowing, the description below relates to features of the first to fifth aspects of the invention defined above. [0014] The wheeled bin ('wheelie bin') may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. [0015] Preferably, the wheeled bin comprises a container body and a container lid, and a main handle spaced from and hinged to the container lid and container body. Preferably, the wheeled bin further comprises a pair of wheels pinned to the container body beneath the main handle such that when the container is tilted by pulling the main handle towards a ground surface, a base of the container body lifts from the ground surface such that the bin is able to be wheeled from one location to another. The vehicle used to tow the wheeled bin may be any suitable vehicle and may be, for example, a car, truck, ride-on mower, tractor or trailer. Given that the bins are generally only towed relatively short distances on private properties, indicators and warning lamps are typically not required, but could be fitted, along with secondary registration plate particulars according to local traffic regulations, if required. [0016] The term 'towing fixture of a vehicle' means a tow ball, tow bar or a vehicle accessory or other part of a vehicle that may be used to mount to the hitch. Preferably, the towing fixture is a tow ball having an enlarged end/head and a shaft/neck extending from the head. The towing fixture may include a fastening nut, pin or other type of fastener. [0017] The mount may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be made of any suitable material or materials. The nature of the mount will depend on the nature of the towing fixture of the vehicle. For example, the mount may be adapted to engage the tow ball or clamp to another accessory or part of the vehicle. The mount may be made of metal, wood or plastics material, for example. [0018] If the towing fixture is a tow ball, then the mount may have an opening for hooking over or around a head and/or neck of the tow ball. In one embodiment the mount comprises a mounting plate having an opening for engaging a tow ball. The plate may be of any suitable size and shape, e.g. substantially round, substantially rectangular or substantially triangular. Preferably, the mounting plate is made of steel or plastics material. The opening may be sized to pass over the head of the tow ball or for receiving only the neck/shaft of the tow ball, such that the mounting plate is pinned between the head of the tow ball and another part of the towing fixture. The mount may further comprise one or more guides, retainers or gussets extending from the plate for more positively engaging the towing fixture and for minimising yaw motion of the at least two arms when towing one or more bins. The guides, retainers or gussets may extend upwardly or downwardly from the mounting plate, or both upwardly and downwardly. [0019] In another embodiment, the mount may comprise a member or portion having an opening, cavity, hollow or passage for receiving a head and/or neck of the tow ball. Preferably the head and/or neck of the tow ball is snugly received. The mount may be a hollow and/or open-ended female portion, female member, receptacle, socket, compartment, finger, wall, hump, riser, upstand, knob, cap, conical portion, bullet-shaped portion, tubular portion, tube or collar for (preferably snugly) receiving a head and/or neck of the tow ball. Preferably, mounting the mount to a tow ball is a simple process of placing the mount over the tow ball so as to snugly receive the tow ball, and dismounting the mount is a simple process of lifting off and disengaging the mount from the tow ball. [0020] In another embodiment the mount comprises a mounting plate (or flat bar) having an opening for engaging a tow ball and a female portion, female member, receptacle, socket, compartment, finger, wall, hump, riser, knob, cap, conical portion, bullet-shaped portion, tubular portion, tube or collar, for example, extending from the plate (or bar) and opening for receiving a head and/or neck of the tow ball. The plate may be of any suitable size and shape, e.g. substantially round, substantially rectangular or substantially triangular. Preferably, the mounting plate is made of steel or plastics material. The opening may be sized to pass over the head of the tow ball. The female portion, female member, receptacle, socket, compartment, finger, wall, hump, riser, upstand, knob, cap, conical portion, bullet-shaped portion, tubular portion, tube or collar may extend from the plate and from around the opening for receiving (preferably snugly receiving) the head and/or neck of the tow ball. The mount may further comprise one or more guides, retainers or gussets extending from the plate and/or female portion, female member, receptacle, socket, compartment, finger, wall, hump, riser, upstand, knob, cap, conical portion, bullet-shaped portion, tubular portion, tube or collar for more positively engaging the towing fixture and for minimising yaw motion of the at least two arms when towing one or more bins. The mounting plate may comprise a recess (or be raised or lowered relative to the two arms) for more positively engaging the towing fixture and for minimising yaw motion of the at least two arms when towing one or more bins. Again, preferably mounting the mount to a tow ball is a simple process of placing the mount over the tow ball so as to snugly receive the tow ball, and dismounting the mount is a simple process of lifting off and disengaging the mount from the tow ball.

buttresses, gussets, webs, rims or skirts For example, ribs may extend between the female portion, receptacle, socket, compartment, finger, wall, hump, riser, cap, conical portion, bullet shaped portion or tubular portion and mounting plate and/or two arms. For example, a rim or skirt may extend along a perimeter of the mounting plate and/or arms (or regions thereof). [0022] The mount may comprise a cushioning material that, when in direct contact with the towing fixture, may prevent the hitch from damaging the vehicle. [0023] The at least two arms extending from the mount may be of any suitable size, shape, length and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. The arms may be of unitary construction with the mount or may comprise separate detachable pieces. The arms may be made of metal, plastics material or wood, for example. [0024] Preferably, the arms extend from opposing sides of the mount. In one embodiment, the arms extend from the mount much like a pair of horns. In another embodiment, the arms and mount are of unitary construction, and the two arms extend from opposing sides or edges of the mounting plate, preferably such that the mounting plate is raised or lowered relative to the two side arms. In this embodiment, the mount may be made of plastics material or metal. [0025] In an embodiment, each arm may comprise a main arm region extending from the mount. Each main arm region may extend substantially in the same plane as the mounting plate. Each main arm region may have a bend such that a first region of the main arm region extends from the mounting plate substantially parallel with a rear end of the vehicle and a second region of the main arm region may extend away from the rear end of the vehicle. The upwardly extending arm region may extend upwardly from the second region of the main arm region. [0026] In another embodiment, each arm may comprise a main arm region extending from the mount. Each main arm region may extend substantially in the same plane or co-planarly as the mounting plate. A first region of the main arm region may extend from the mounting plate substantially parallel with a rear end of the vehicle. The upwardly extending arm region may extend upwardly from the first region of the main arm region. [0027] The hitch may have more than two arms extending from the mount if more than two bins need to be towed at any one time. For example, the hitch may comprise 3, 4, 5 or even 6 arms or more. [0028] In an embodiment, each arm may be in the form of a bar, rod, pipe or tube, for example. Each arm may be hollow and/or of solid cross-section. Preferably, each main arm and upwardly extending region is tubular, preferably of substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0029] If the arms are not of unitary construction with the mount, then the hitch may comprise a connecting mechanism for connecting the arms to the mount. Any suitable type of connecting mechanism may be used (e.g. male and female formations or a tongue in groove arrangement). The connecting mechanism may allow each arm to be adjustable connected. For example, the connecting mechanism may allow the arms to be extended and retracted relative the mount. In this embodiment, the connecting mechanism may comprise a sleeve connected to the mount, and an end of each arm receivable within the sleeve and connectable by way of fasteners (e.g. sprung latch bolts) that extend through coinciding openings in the sleeve and the arm ends. [0030] The arms themselves may be of unitary construction or comprise separate parts that may be joined together to allow a user to adjust the length and/or shape of the arms and allow for the arms to be disassembled and conveniently stored when the hitch is not in use. [0031] As mentioned, when the hitch is mounted to the towing fixture of the vehicle, each of the arms preferably has an upwardly extending region that directly or indirectly engages with a bin so as to allow towing of the bin by the vehicle. Each upwardly extending region may engage a bin directly (e.g. by hooking around the main handle of the bin) or indirectly in any suitable way. Each upwardly extending region - whether engaging the bin directly or indirectly - may allow the bin to swivel, pivot, rotate or otherwise move relative to the upwardly extending region. That is, when a bin is being towed, it may swivel, pivot, rotate or otherwise move about the upwardly extending region (through which extends an axis of rotation) so that the bin can be steered relative to the ground surface when being towed by a vehicle and can otherwise move in response to an uneven ground surface. [0032] Preferably, each upwardly extending region is an end region of the arm that engages a bin indirectly by way of a bin mount as defined earlier. In such a case preferably the bin mount enables the bin to swivel, pivot, rotate or otherwise move relative to the upwardly extending region so that the bin can be steered relative to the ground surface when being towed by a vehicle and can otherwise move in response to being towed over an uneven ground surface. [0033] Each upwardly extending end region may extend upwardly at any suitable angle relative to a remainder of the arm. Typically, the upwardly extending end region extends at about 90 degrees relative to the remainder of the arm. That is, preferably each arm has an upturned end that functions as the upwardly extending region. [0034] Each arm may have a retainer, stopper or cap located at a free end of the upwardly extending region. The cap, retainer or stopper may prevent liquids from entering into the arm, may help minimise damage to the arm and bin mount, and may help the bin mount from [0035] Preferably, each arm comprises a rubber or plastic cap located at a free end of the upwardly extending region. [0036] Preferably, the cap, retainer or stopper is removably attached to the free end of the upwardly extending region of the arm by any suitable means. Thus, the cap, retainer or stopper may (e.g.) friction fit or be screwed on to the free end of the upwardly extending region of the arm. The cap, retainer or stopper may have an opening, cavity, hollow or passage for receiving the free end of the upwardly extending region of the arm. Preferably, the free end of the upwardly extending region of the arm is snugly received within the cap, retainer or stopper. [0037] The cap, retainer or stopper may be a hollow and/or open-ended female portion, female member, receptacle, socket, compartment, knob, conical portion, bullet-shaped portion, tubular portion, tube or collar for (preferably snugly) receiving the free end of the upwardly extending region of the arm. Preferably, placing/securing/fastening/positioning the cap, retainer or stopper on to the free end of the upwardly extending region of the arm is a simple process of placing the cap, retainer or stopper over the free end of the upwardly extending region of the arm (with or without a screwing/turning motion) so as to snugly receive the free end of the upwardly extending region of the arm, and removing the cap, stopper or retainer is a simple process of lifting off and disengaging the cap, retainer or stopper from the free end of the upwardly extending region of the arm (with or without a screwing/turning motion). [0038] The cap, retainer or stopper may have a flange or rim that serves as a finger grip when connecting or removing the cap, retainer or stopper. [0039] In another embodiment, each arm may have a main arm region in the form of a plate or flat bar, or be flat and elongate, for example. Each upwardly extending region may be in the form of a male projection, horn, cylinder, bullet, cone, wall, finger, tube, hump, riser or rod, for example. Each upwardly extending region may be of solid cross section or of hollow cross section (i.e. tubular). [0040] If the arms are not of unitary construction with the mount, then the hitch may comprise a connecting mechanism for connecting the arms to the mount. Any suitable type of connecting mechanism may be used (e.g. male and female formations or a tongue in groove arrangement). The connecting mechanism may allow each arm to be adjustable connected. For example, the connecting mechanism may allow the arms to be extended and retracted relative the mount. In this embodiment, the connecting mechanism may comprise a sleeve connected to the mount, and an end of each arm receivable within the sleeve and connectable by way of fasteners (e.g. sprung latch bolts) that extend through coinciding openings in the sleeve and the arm ends.

0 [0041] The arms themselves may be of unitary construction or comprise separate parts that may be joined together to allow a user to adjust the length and/or shape of the arms and allow for the arms to be disassembled and conveniently stored when the hitch is not in use. [0042] As mentioned, when the hitch is mounted to the towing fixture of the vehicle, each of the arms preferably has an upwardly extending region that directly or indirectly engages with a bin so as to allow towing of the bin by the vehicle. Each upwardly extending region may engage a bin directly (e.g. by hooking around the main handle of the bin) or indirectly in any suitable way. Preferably, each upwardly extending region is an end region of the arm that engages a bin indirectly by way of a bin mount as defined earlier. [0043] Each upwardly extending end region may extend upwardly at any suitable angle relative to a remainder of the arm. Typically, the upwardly extending end region extends at about 90 degrees relative to the remainder of the arm. [0044] The bin mount may be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and may be made of any suitable material or materials. The bin mount may engage with the bin and the upwardly engaging region of each arm of the hitch in any suitable way. [0045] Preferably, the bin mount is engageable with the main handle of a bin and this may be achieved in any suitable way. For example, the bin mount may comprise a main handle engaging region for engaging and retaining the main handle whilst the bin is in tow. Preferably, the handle engaging region comprises a hook that hooks around or partway around the main handle. The bin mount may comprise two handle engaging regions or more than two. [0046] The bin mount may comprise a hitch engaging region for engaging the hitch, and this may be achieved in any suitable way. For example, the hitch engaging region may comprise one or more suitably sized openings for receiving the upwardly extending arm. Preferably the opening(s) enables the bin mount to swivel, pivot, rotate or otherwise move relative to the upwardly extending region. [0047] The hitch engaging region may comprise a rim, raised edge, bearing or flange encircling the (or each) opening, for increasing the contact surface area (increased bearing) with the upwardly extending region. [0048] In another embodiment, the hitch engaging region may engage the tow ball or other towing fixture of the vehicle directly. That is, the one or more suitably sized openings for receiving the upwardly extending arm may also fit over the head of a tow ball and around a neck of the tow ball. Preferably the opening enables the bin mount to swivel, pivot, rotate or otherwise move relative to the tow ball. Again, a rim, raised edge, bearing or flange may encircle the opening, for increasing the contact surface area (increased bearing) with the tow ball. The bin mount may comprise a lid closing region for keeping the lid closed whilst the bin is in tow, and this may be achieved in any suitable way. For example, the lid closing region may comprise one or more legs that extend over the lid and cooperate with the main handle engaging region and bin mount region to keep the lid closed. The number and spacing of arms may depend on the number and spacing of the webbings connecting the main handle to the container body. [0049] In one embodiment, the bin mount may comprise: a hitch engaging region for engaging an upwardly extending arm region; a lid closing region for keeping the lid closed; and a main handle engaging region intermediate the hitch engaging region and lid closing region. Preferably, the bin mount comprises: a hitch engaging region comprising an opening for receiving an upwardly extending arm region (or tow ball); a lid closing region comprising one or more legs extendible over the lid; and a main handle engaging region comprising a hook intermediate the hitch engaging region and lid closing region. [0050] The bin mount may be of unitary construction or may comprise separate pieces. Preferably, the bin mount is of unitary construction and in the form of a plate bent in a certain shape. Preferably, the bin mount is made of metal, wood or plastics material, preferably being made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate or polyurethane. [0051] The bin mount may comprise one or more strengthening structures such as ribs, buttresses, gussets, webs, rims or skirts. For example, one or more ribs may extend along each leg of the lid closing region to at least the main handle engaging region. [0052] Preferably, the bin mount comprises a metal or plastic plate comprising: a hitch engaging region comprising an opening for receiving an upwardly extending arm region; a lid closing region comprising one or more legs; and a main handle engaging region comprising a hook intermediate the hitch engaging region and lid closing region, wherein the hitch engaging region extends upwardly of the main handle engaging region and the one or more legs of the lid closing region extend substantially perpendicularly from the main handle engaging region. Preferably the opening enables the bin mount to swivel, pivot, rotate or otherwise move relative to the upwardly extending arm region or tow ball. [0053] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

IV1~ BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0054] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hitch, according to an embodiment of the invention. [0056] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a hitch, according to another embodiment of the invention. [0057] Figure 3 is a perspective view of part of the hitch shown in Figure 1. [0058] Figure 4 is a partly exploded perspective view of a hitch assembly, according to another embodiment of the invention, as well as a towing fixture (tow ball) of a vehicle. [0059] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a bin mount substantially as shown in Figure 4. [0060] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of a bin mount, according to another embodiment of the invention. [0061] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a wheeled bin suitable for use with the present invention. [0062] Figure 8 is a detailed top perspective view of a hitch assembly shown mounted to a tow ball, according to another embodiment of the invention. [0063] Figure 9 is a bottom perspective view of the hitch assembly as shown in Figure 8. [0064] Figure 10 is a top perspective of a hitch assembly as shown in Figures 8 and 9, as well as a cap located at a free end of the upwardly extending region of one of the two arms. [0065] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0066] In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like features. [0067] Referring first to Figure 4, there is shown a hitch assembly (400) comprising a hitch (100) and two bin mounts (410) for towing one or more wheeled bins ('wheelie bins') (700) like the one shown in Figure 7. The hitch (100) is engageable with a towing fixture of a vehicle, and preferably a tow ball (460) like the one illustrated in Figure 4. The tow ball (460) includes an enlarged head (462), a threaded flanged neck/shaft (464) extending from the head (462), and a nut fastener (470) for fastening the head (462) and shaft (464) to a towing tongue (not shown) of a vehicle. [0068] Referring now to Figure 7, the wheeled bin (700) includes a container body (710) and a container lid (740), and a main handle (730) spaced from and hinged to the container lid (740) and connected to the container body (710). The main handle (730) is connected to the container body (710) with webbing (770). The wheeled bin (700) further includes a pair of wheels (720) pinned to the container body (710) beneath the main handle (730) such that when the container body (710) is tilted by pulling the main handle (730) towards a ground surface (785), a base of the container body (790) lifts from the ground surface (785) such that the bin (700) is able to be wheeled from one location to another. [0069] Figures 1 and 3, 2 and 4 show slightly different embodiments of a hitch (100). Despite this, similar numbering will be used for each embodiment. Each hitch (100) includes a mount (120), a pair of arms (110) and a connecting mechanism (320) for connecting the arms (110) to the mount (120). [0070] The mount (120) comprises a mounting plate (122), an opening (140) for engaging the neck/shaft (464) of the tow ball (460) and two retainers (150) extending perpendicularly from the plate (122) that engage sides of the towing tongue and help prevent yaw movement of the arms (110) when towing one or more bins (700). [0071] The arms (110) extend outwardly from the mount (120) in opposite directions, ending with upwardly extending regions (130). Each arm (110) includes a main arm region (112) extending from the mount (120) and an upwardly extending arm region (130). Each main arm region (112) extends substantially in the same plane as the mounting plate (122). Each main arm region (112) has a bend (114) such that a first region (116) of the main arm region (112) extends from the mounting plate (122) substantially parallel with a rear end of the vehicle and a second region (118) of the main arm region (112) extends away from the rear end of the vehicle. The upwardly extending arm region (130) extends upwardly from the second region (118) of the main arm region (112). Each main arm region (112) and upwardly extending region (130) is of tubular construction, being of substantially rectangular cross-section. [0072] Each arm (110) includes a rubber cap/stopper (160) that protects the end of the upwardly extending arm region (130) and prevents anything hooked on to the upwardly I /_ accident when a bin (700) is being towed. The connecting mechanism (320) comprises a sleeve (124) connected to the mount/mounting plate (120/122), and an end of each main arm region (112) is receivable within the sleeve (124) and connectable by way of sprung latch bolts (220) (as seen in Figure 2) that extend through coinciding openings (126) in the sleeve (124) and the main arm region (112). This means that the arms (110) of the hitch (100) can be readily removed and stowed when not in use. [0073] Figures 8,9 and 10 show yet another embodiment of a hitch assembly (400) comprising a hitch (100) and two bin mounts (410) for towing one or more wheeled bins ('wheelie bins') (700) like the one shown in Figure 7. The hitch (100) is engageable with a towing fixture of a vehicle, such as a tow ball (460). [0074] The hitch (100) is of unitary construction and is made of plastics material. The hitch (100) includes a mount (120) and two arms (110). [0075] The mount (120) comprises a mounting plate (122), an opening (140), and a bullet shaped hollow female portion/socket/cone/cap (600) extending from the plate (122) and from around the opening (140) for (snugly) receiving the tow ball (460). The tow bar (460) can be seen in Figure 8 in that the bullet-shaped hollow female portion/socket/cone/cap (600) is shown transparent. [0076] The mounting plate (122) is raised relative to opposed ends/edges (601) of the two arms (110) so that the opposed edges (601) engage opposed sides of the towing tongue (not shown) and help prevent yaw movement of the arms (110) when towing one or more bins (700). The opposed edges (601) are spaced about 65-75mm apart. [0077] The arms (110) extend outwardly from the mounting plate (122) in opposite directions, essentially ending with upwardly extending regions (130). Each arm (110) includes a main arm region (112) extending from the mounting plate (122) and an upwardly extending arm region (130). Each main arm region (112) extends substantially in the same plane as the mounting plate (122). Each upwardly extending arm region (130) is in the form of a bullet shaped hollow male projection (knob) extending perpendicularly from each main arm region (112). Each bullet-shaped hollow male projection (knob) is about 75mm in length. [0078] Figure 10 shows a slighly different embodiment of a cap/stopper/retainer compared to the one shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4. In Figure 10, a bullet-shaped hollow female portion/socket/cone/cap/stopper/retainer (160) is positioned on top of, and friction fits to, a free end (134) of the upwardly extending arm region (130). As shown, the cap/stopper/retainer (160) is designed to snugly receive the free end (134) of the upwardly extending arm region (130) and prevent anything hooked on to the upwardly extending arm region (130), such as a bin mount (410), from sliding off by accident when a bin (700) is being towed. A peripherally extending rim/flange (164) serves as a grip for fingers. [0079] Hitch (100) has reinforcing structures in the form of ribs (602) that extend between the mounting plate (122), bullet-shaped female portion/socket (600) and arms (110). A reinforcing rim/skirt (603) extends around a perimeter of the mounting plate (140) and main arm regions (112). [0080] Figures 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 show slightly different embodiments of a bin mount (410). Despite this, similar numbering will be used for each embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 5, each bin mount (410) includes a metal plate or plastic moulding comprising a hitch engaging region (480) having an opening (450) for receiving an upwardly extending arm region (130) or tow ball when being towed, a lid closing region (420) having a pair of legs (422) for keeping the container lid (740) closed when the bin (700) is being towed, and a main handle engaging region (440) having a hook (442) for holding onto the handle (730) when the bin (700) is being towed. The hitch engaging region (480) also has a rim or flange encircling the opening (450) for increasing the contact surface area (increased bearing) with the upwardly extending arm region (130). The hitch engaging region (480) extends upwardly of the main handle engaging region (440) and the legs (422) of the lid closing region (420) extend substantially perpendicularly from the main handle engaging region (440). [0081] The legs (422) of the lid closing region (420) cooperate with the other regions by spring action to keep the container lid (740) closed whilst the bin (700) is being towed. [0082] In the embodiment of Figure 6 the lid closing region (420) is in the form of two legs (422) that comprise apertures (610) at their ends that are used during manufacture. [0083] In the embodiment of Figure 8 (which bin mount (410) is preferably made of plastics material), a reinforcing rib (not labelled) extends along each leg (422) to at least the main handle engaging region (440). [0084] In the case of the embodiments of Figures 1-4, in use, the mounting plate (122) of the mount (120) of the hitch (100) is pinned against the towing tongue of the towing fixture using the tow ball head (462) and nut fastener (470), such that the shaft/neck (464) of the tow ball (460) extends through the opening (140) of the mounting plate (122). The retainers of the mount (150) are positioned on each side of the towing tongue so as to limit yaw motion of the arms (110) during use. The arms (110) are then connected to the mounting plate (122) using the connecting mechanism (320) by way of sliding the end (not shown) of each arm (110) into the I -t sleeve (124) and engage the latch bolts (220) in the coinciding openings (126). [0085] The bin mount (410) is then brought into engagement with a main handle (730) and container lid (740) of a bin such that the hook (442) extends around the main handle (730), following which the upwardly extending region (130) of the arm (110) is threaded through the opening (450) in the hitch engaging region (480). [0086] As the bin (700) is angled back such the bin mount (410) engages the arm (110), the lid closing region (420) forces closed the container lid (740). A pair of bins (700) is then towed to their destination by a vehicle. [0087] In the case of the embodiment of Figures 8, 9 and 10, the bullet-shaped hollow female portion/socket/cone/cap (600) is lowered over a tow ball (460) to snugly receive the tow ball (460) until the mounting plate (122) rests against a towing tongue of the towing fixture. The opposed arm edges (601) engage opposed sides of the towing tongue so as to limit yaw motion of the arms (110) during use. [0088] The bin mount (410) is then brought into engagement with a main handle (730) and container lid (740) of a bin such that the hook (442) extends around the main handle (730), following which the upwardly extending region (130) of the arm (110) is threaded through the opening (450) in the hitch engaging region (480). [0089] As the bin (700) is angled back such the bin mount (410) engages the arm (110), the lid closing region (420) forces closed the container lid (740). A pair of bins (700) is then towed to their destination by a vehicle. [0090] The opening (450) is sized so as to enable the bin mount (410) to pivot, rotate, swivel or otherwise move about the upwardly extending region (130) of the arm (110) so that the bin can be steered relative to the ground surface when being towed by a vehicle or can react when being towed over an uneven ground surface. The opening (450) is also sized so as to enable the bin mount (410) to be receive by and mounted to the tow ball, such that the bin mount (410) can pivot, rotate, swivel or otherwise move about the tow ball so that the bin can be steered relative to the ground surface when being towed by a vehicle or can react when moving over an uneven ground surface. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION [0091] As mentioned, one problem faced by some residents and tenants is that of having to move a heavy bin full of garbage over a long distance or steep or uneven ground surface to the garbage collection site for emptying. [0092] Another problem faced by some residents and tenants is that of having to move more than one bin to and from a garbage collection site. [0093] Although hitches for towing wheeled bins by vehicle are commercially available, these tend to have one or more of the following problems: they can only be used to tow one bin at a time; during towing they tilt a bin such that a lid of the bin can easily lift and spill the bin's contents; they are complex devices and expensive to manufacture or to fit to a bin; and, they can only be used with specific types of vehicle towing fixtures or specific types of wheeled bins. [0094] In various embodiments, the present invention advantageously provides one or more of the advantages listed below: - the hitch and hitch assembly are easy to assemble, disassemble and transport (e.g. in the trunk of a car); - the hitch, hitch assembly and bin mount are of light construction; - the hitch can be used either alone or together with at least one bin mount; - the hitch and hitch assembly are suitable for safe and stable transport of one or more wheeled bins at the same time; - the arms on the hitch may be adjusted to different lengths and configurations, thereby providing the user with flexibility as this allows for bins of different sizes and different towing vehicles to be used; - the lid closing region of the bin mount keeps the lid closed during transport so as to ensure that no material escapes from the bin. [0095] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0096] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0097] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A hitch for towing at least one wheeled bin of the type having a container body and a container lid, and a main handle spaced from and hinged to the container lid, said hitch comprising a mount for mounting to a towing fixture of a vehicle and at least two arms extending from the mount, wherein when mounted to the towing fixture each of the arms has an upwardly extending region directly or indirectly engageable with a bin so as to enable towing of the bin by the vehicle.

2. A bin mount engageable with a wheeled bin of the type having a container body and a container lid, and a main handle spaced from and hinged to the container lid, and engageable with a hitch as defined according to claim 1.

3. A hitch assembly comprising a hitch as defined in claim 1 and at least one bin mount as defined in claim 2, or a hitch assembly for towing at least one wheeled bin of the type having a container body and a container lid, and a main handle spaced from and hinged to the container lid, said hitch assembly comprising a hitch and at least one bin mount, wherein the hitch comprises: a mount for mounting to a towing fixture of a vehicle and at least two arms extending from the mount, wherein when mounted to the towing fixture each of the arms has an upwardly extending region, and wherein the at least one bin mount is engageable with a bin and engageable with said upwardly extending region so as to enable towing of the bin by the vehicle.

4. The hitch assembly of claim 3, wherein the bin mount comprises: a hitch engaging region comprising an opening for receiving the upwardly extending arm region; a lid closing region comprising one or more legs extendible over the lid for keeping the lid closed during towing of the bin; and a main handle engaging region intermediate the hitch engaging region and lid closing region, said main handle region comprising a hook intermediate the hitch engaging region and lid closing region.

5. The hitch assembly of claim 4, wherein the opening enables the bin mount to swivel, pivot, rotate or otherwise move relative to the upwardly extending arm region so as to allow the bin to be steered relative to a ground surface during towing of the bin. Date: 24 July 2015