AU2019336331A1

AU2019336331A1 - Wheeled bin

Info

Publication number: AU2019336331A1
Application number: AU2019336331A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Joachim POSCH
Original assignee: Sf Tech Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Sf Technologies Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-04
Filing date: 2019-09-03
Publication date: 2021-05-06
Also published as: WO2020047586A1

Abstract

Embodiments generally relate to a rubbish bin and a lid or cover for a rubbish bin. Some embodiments relate to a heat resistant or fire resistant wheeled bin. Some embodiments relate to a rubbish bin defining a body formed of a fibre reinforced composite material, wherein the composite material comprises unsaturated polyester resin and a mineral hydroxide additive. Some embodiments relate to a wheeled bin comprising a body and a lid hingedly coupled to the body, the lid defining one or more sloped panels extending from a peripheral rim or ridge of the lid to an inner flange of the lid, wherein the one or more sloped panels are configured to extend towards an interior of the body, when the lid is in a closed configuration, at an acute angle relative to a plane of the peripheral rim or ridge.

Description

"Wheeled bin"

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments generally relate to a rubbish bin and a lid or cover for a rubbish bin. Some embodiments relate to a heat resistant or fire resistant wheeled bin.

Background

[0002] Wheeled rubbish bins are conventionally formed of injection moulded thermoplastic polymers such as Polyethylene (PE) or High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Such rubbish bins are often used in public places, and in some cases housed within a bin enclosure or bin surround.

[0003] If a fire is lit in a conventional HDPE rubbish bin, the heat from the fire may cause the rubbish bin to melt, and in some cases, the rubbish bin itself may bum and increase the intensity and duration of the fire.

[0004] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or

disadvantages associated with existing rubbish bins, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

[0005] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims. Summary

[0007] Some embodiments relate to a wheeled bin comprising a body and a lid hingedly coupled to the body, the lid defining one or more sloped panels extending from a peripheral rim or ridge of the lid to an inner flange of the lid,

wherein the one or more sloped panels are configured to extend towards an interior of the body, when the lid is in a closed configuration, at an acute angle relative to a plane of the peripheral rim or ridge,

wherein the inner flange is configured to extend from the one or more sloped panels towards the interior of the body, when the lid is in a closed configuration, substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the peripheral rim or ridge, and

wherein the inner flange defines an opening in the lid.

[0008] In some embodiments, the angle of the one or more sloped panels relative to the plane of the peripheral rim or ridge is in the range of 30° to 65°, 30° to 45°, 35° to 40°, or about 37°, for example.

[0009] In some embodiments, the inner flange extends away from the one or more sloped panels by a distance of at least lOmm, at least l5mm, at least 20mm, or in the range of lOmm to 30mm, l5mm to 25mm, or about 20mm, for example.

[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more sloped panels are configured to cover a proportion of an area of an opening of the body in the range of 70% to 95%, 80% to 90%, 83% to 87%, or about 85%, for example.

[0011] In some embodiments, a ratio between a minimum diameter of the opening in the lid and a minimum diameter of the peripheral rim or ridge is in the range of 35% to 60%, 38% to 58%, 45% to 50%, or about 48%, for example.

[0012] In some embodiments, a minimum diameter of the opening in the lid is in the range of 200mm to 300mm, or about 240mm, for example. [0013] In some embodiments, a distance between the plane of the peripheral rim or ridge and a plane of an edge of the inner flange distal to the peripheral rim or ridge is less than 200mm, less than l50mm, or in the range of lOOmm to 200mm, lOOmm to l80mm, or lOOmm to l50mm, for example.

[0014] In some embodiments, the body is formed of a fibre reinforced composite material. The lid may also be formed of the fibre reinforced composite material. The composite material may comprise a thermosetting resin. The composite material may comprise unsaturated polyester resin and a mineral hydroxide additive. The composite material may comprise equal amounts of fibre glass and resin, and 55% to 65%

Aluminium Hydroxide (Al(OH)3) by weight, for example.

[0015] In some embodiments, the composite material may comprise equal amounts of fibre glass and resin, while the amount of Aluminium Hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) may be in the range of 40% to 70%, 50% to 65%, or 55% to 65%, for example. In some embodiments, the relative amounts of the components of the composite material may vary within 5% of the proportions listed above. In some embodiments, the relative amounts of the components of the composite material may be restricted to within 1% of the proportions listed above.

[0016] Some embodiments relate to an unattached lid according to any one of the described embodiments.

[0017] Some embodiments relate to a lid defining one or more sloped panels extending from a peripheral rim or ridge of the lid to an inner flange of the lid at an acute angle relative to a plane of the peripheral rim or ridge,

wherein the inner flange extends from the one or more sloped panels away from and perpendicular to the plane of the peripheral rim or ridge, and

wherein the inner flange defines an opening in the lid.

[0018] The lid may comprise any one or more of the features of the described embodiments. [0019] Some embodiments relate to a rubbish bin defining a body formed of a fibre reinforced composite material, wherein the composite material comprises unsaturated polyester resin and a mineral hydroxide additive. The composite material may comprise equal amounts of fibre glass and resin, and 55% to 65% Aluminium Hydroxide (Al(OH)3) by weight. The rubbish bin may comprise a wheeled bin, for example.

[0020] In some embodiments, the rubbish bin may further comprise a lid hingedly coupled to the body. The lid may also be formed of the fibre reinforced composite material.

[0021] The lid may define one or more sloped panels extending from a peripheral rim or ridge of the lid to an inner flange of the lid, wherein the one or more sloped panels are configured to extend towards an interior of the body, when the lid is in a closed configuration, at an acute angle relative to a plane of the peripheral rim or ridge. The inner flange may be configured to extend from the one or more sloped panels towards the interior of the body, when the lid is in a closed configuration, substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the peripheral rim or ridge, and the inner flange may define an opening in the lid.

[0022] The one or more sloped panels may be configured to cover a proportion of an area of an opening of the body in the range of 80% to 90%. A ratio between a minimum diameter of the opening in the lid and a minimum diameter of the peripheral ridge may be in the range of 35% to 60%. The angle of the one or more sloped panels relative to the plane of the peripheral ridge may be in the range of 30° to 65°, 35° to 45°, 35° to 40°, or about 40°.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] Embodiments will now be described in further detail with reference to the drawings, in which: [0024] Figure 1 A shows a side view of a bin according to some embodiments with the lid in an open configuration;

[0025] Figure 1B shows a side view of the bin of Figure 1 A with the lid in a closed configuration;

[0026] Figure 1C shows a perspective view of the bin of Figure 1 A with the lid in a closed configuration;

[0027] Figure 1D shows a rear elevation of the bin of Figure 1A indicating a section line A-A;

[0028] Figure 1E shows a cross-section A-A of Figure 1A as indicated by section line A-A in Figure 1D;

[0029] Figure 1F shows the same cross-section as Figure 1E illustrating the effect of the lid on combustion gases from burning rubbish in the bin;

[0030] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of a lid according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 2B shows a plan view of the lid of Figure 2A indicating a section line A-A;

[0032] Figure 2C shows a cross-section of the lid of Figure 2A as indicated by section line A-A in Figure 2B;

[0033] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a lid according to some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 4A shows the commencement of a comparison between fire tests of a conventional polyethylene bin on the left and a composite bin on the right according to some embodiments; [0035] Figure 4B shows the conventional bin and composite bin of Figure 4A five minutes after the commencement of the fire tests;

[0036] Figure 4C shows the conventional bin and composite bin of Figure 4A ten minutes after the commencement of the fire tests

[0037] Figure 5A shows a side view of a bin according to some embodiments with the lid in an open configuration;

[0038] Figure 5B shows a side view of the bin of Figure 5 A with the lid in a closed configuration;

[0039] Figure 5C shows a perspective view of the bin of Figure 5A with the lid in a closed configuration;

[0040] Figure 5D shows a rear elevation of the bin of Figure 5 A indicating a section line A-A;

[0041] Figure 5E shows a cross-section A-A of Figure 5 A as indicated by section line A-A in Figure 5D;

[0042] Figure 6A shows a perspective view of a lid according to some embodiments;

[0043] Figure 6B shows a plan view of the lid of Figure 6A indicating a section line A-A; and

[0044] Figure 6C shows a cross-section of the lid of Figure 6A as indicated by section line A-A in Figure 6B.

Description of Embodiments

[0045] Embodiments generally relate to a rubbish bin and a lid or cover for a rubbish bin. Some embodiments relate to a heat resistant or fire resistant wheeled bin. [0046] Terms such as“heat/fire/flame resistant”,“fire/flame retardant”, and “fire/flame suppression” used herein are not intended to refer to a particular standard or degree in accordance with a prescribed test, only to indicate a comparative

improvement with respect to conventional thermoplastic polymer rubbish bins, such as HDPE rubbish bins, for example.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 A to 1F, a rubbish bin 100 is shown according to some embodiments. The rubbish bin 100 may comprise a body 102 and a lid 200 hingedly coupled to the body 100. The body 102 generally defines one or more side walls 104 and a bottom wall 106. The side walls 104 define an opening 120 at an upper end of the body 102 to receive rubbish into the rubbish bin 100.

[0048] In some embodiments, the bin 100 may comprise a pair of wheels 108 rotatably coupled to the body 102 on one side near the bottom wall 106, to allow the bin 100 to be angled onto the wheels 108 and rolled along the ground.

[0049] The lid 200 is connected to the body 102 by a hinge 110, as shown in Figures 1 A to 1C. The hinge 110 comprises one or more body hinge parts or protrusions 112 extending away from one of the side walls 104 near the opening 120, pivotally coupled to a corresponding one or more lid hinge parts or protrusions 212 extending away from an edge of the lid 200. The hinge 110 allows the lid 200 to be rotated about the hinge 110 between a first open position (as shown in Figure 1 A), and a second closed position covering at least part of the opening 120 (as shown in Figure 1B).

[0050] In some embodiments, the lid 200 may define an opening 220 which is smaller than the opening 120 of the body 102, but large enough to allow general hand-held rubbish to be put into the bin 100 through the lid opening 220 when the lid 200 is in the closed position, as shown in Figure 1C. The lid 200 is described in further detail below with reference to Figures 2A to 2C and 1F.

[0051] In some embodiments, the bin 100 may comprise one or more handles 116 near the opening 120 to facilitate manual manoeuvring of the bin. For example, the one or more handles 116 may extend between one or more adjacent pairs of the body hinge protrusions 112, as shown in Figures 1C and 1D.

[0052] In some embodiments, the body 102 may define a similar shape to

conventional rubbish bins, such as wheeled bins, for example. However, instead of the conventional thermoplastic polymers typically used in wheeled bins, in some embodiments, the bin 100 may be formed of a fibre reinforced composite material.

[0053] The composite material may include natural or synthetic fibres, such as glass fibres, bidirectional woven fibre matting, or alkali free fibreglass chopped strands, for example, which may be obtained from the company, Jushi, for example.

[0054] The matrix for the composite material may comprise a thermosetting resin, such as unsaturated polyester resin, for example, which may be obtained from Jinmeng Composites.

[0055] In some embodiments, the composite material may further comprise one or more mineral additives or fillers mixed into the resin. For example, such additives or fillers may include mineral hydroxides, such as Magnesium Hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), or Aluminium Hydroxide (Al(OH)₃), which can be obtained from China Aluminium Company. The mineral additives may be supplied in powder form and mixed into the resin before curing the composite material. The mineral additives may increase the heat resistance or fire resistance properties of the composite material.

[0056] In some embodiments, different mineral additives may be added to the resin in combination. In some embodiments, only a single type of mineral additive may be added to the resin.

[0057] In some embodiments, the composite material may comprise fibre glass set in polyester resin with Aluminium Hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) mixed into the resin. The composite material may comprise about 20% fibre glass, about 20% polyester resin, and about 60% Aluminium Hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) by weight, for example. In some embodiments, the composite material may comprise equal amounts of fibre glass and resin, while the amount of Aluminium Hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) may be in the range of 40% to 70%, 50% to 65%, or 55% to 65%, for example. In some embodiments, the relative amounts of the components of the composite material may vary within 5% of the proportions listed above. In some embodiments, the relative amounts of the components of the composite material may be restricted to within 1% of the proportions listed above.

[0058] In some embodiments, the bin 100 may be formed using a compression moulding process with Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC). The composite material may be laid out in sheets by mixing the resin and additives into a paste; depositing the paste onto a carrier film; and sandwiching the fibreglass between two layers of the paste between two carrier films. Multiple SMC sheets may be formed in this way in an SMC machine. The composite SMC sheets may then be stored for several hours (such as in the order of 24 hours, for example) and allowed to partially cure.

[0059] The SMC sheets are then cut to size and applied to one die of a two part mould. For example, the mould for the body 102 may comprise an internal die to define an internal surface 114 of the body 102, and an external die to define an external surface 124 of the body 102, as shown in Figure 1E, which illustrates cross-section A- A of the bin 100 as shown in Figure 1D. Another mould may be used to form the lid 200, and may similarly comprise an internal die to define an internal surface 214 of the lid 100, and an external die to define an external surface 224 of the lid 200, as shown in Figure 1E.

[0060] The dies may be formed of steel and may be coupled to a hydraulic press configured to press the two dies together. The sheets may be applied to the internal die (or external die). The sheets may be preheated before compression. The dies are then brought together with the sheets between the two dies. The temperature is raised to between l30°C and l45°C and the dies are pressed together with a compressive force (in the order of 200 tons, for example) for a period in the range of 5 to 10 minutes, for example, to cure the resin and form the composite material into the body 102, or the lid 200.

[0061] The body 102 and lid 200 may be formed separately in different moulds using a similar compression moulding process. The body 102 is thus preferably integrally formed as a solid unitary bin body. Similarly, the lid 200 is preferable integrally formed as a solid unitary lid body. The pressed cured composite material of the body 102 and lid 200 of the bin 100 may have a typical wall thickness in the range of 3mm to 5mm, for example. The lid 200 may then be mechanically coupled to the body 102 by the hinge 110. The wheels 108 may be coupled to the body 102 in a conventional manner, as shown in Figure 1D.

[0062] One manufacturer that is capable of fabricating such bins 100 and lids 200 from composite materials using the compression moulding process described above is Hangzhou Jinmeng Road Establishment Co., Ltd.

[0063] The composite material bin 100 formed as described above may have improved heat resistance and/or fire resistance in comparison with conventional thermoplastic polymer bins.

[0064] Referring to Figures 2A to 2C, the lid 200 is shown in more detail. The lid 200 defines one or more sloped panels 230 extending from a peripheral rim or ridge 232 of the lid 200 to an inner flange 234 of the lid 200 at an acute angle relative to a plane 242 of the peripheral rim or ridge 232. The panels 230 provide a solid and continuous sloped surface tending to direct liquids and solid items or particles inwardly and downwardly toward the opening 220. The inner flange 234 extends from the sloped panels 230 away from and substantially perpendicular to the plane 242 of the peripheral rim or ridge 232. The inner flange 234 may partly or fully define or partly or fully surround the opening 220 in the lid 200. The inner flange 234 may be formed of separate or continuous flange portions. In some embodiments, the inward-most edges of the sloped panels 230 define at least an upper part of the opening 220. [0065] The opening 220 allows rubbish to be placed in the bin 100 through the opening 220. The one or more sloped panels 230 may be sufficiently angled such that most items of rubbish placed on the external surface 224 of the one or more sloped panels 230 will tend to fall into the bin 100 through the opening 220. In the event of a fire in the rubbish bin 100, when the lid 200 is closed, the lid 200 may act as a smoke deflector or smoke trap by inducing smoke to recirculate within the rubbish bin 100, which may restrict the amount of fresh air entering the bin 100 through the opening 220 in the lid 200, and thereby starve the fire of oxygen.

[0066] The body 202 of the lid 200 may define any suitable shape for a particular rubbish bin. In some embodiments, as shown in the drawings, the body 202 may define a generally rectangular or square shape in horizontal cross-section and/or plan view, with rounded corners, to suit a generally square bin body 102 for example.

[0067] The peripheral rim or ridge 232 and opening 220 may define similar shapes to the general shape body 202, such as a rounded square, as shown in the drawings.

Although, any other suitable shape may be used.

[0068] A minimum diameter of the opening 220 in the lid 200 may be in the range of 200mm to 300mm, or about 240mm, for example. A minimum diameter of the body 202 of the lid 200 may be in the range of 500mm to 1000mm, 600mm to 800mm, or 600mm to 700mm, for example. A ratio between the minimum diameter of the opening 220 in the lid 200 and a minimum diameter of the peripheral rim or ridge 232 may be in the range of 35% to 60%, 38% to 58%, 45% to 50%, or about 48%, for example.

[0069] Referring to Figure 3, a smaller alternative lid 300 is shown according to some embodiments. The lid 300 may comprise similar features (e.g., similar sized opening 220, similar slope angle of panels 230, similar configuration of flange 234 and similar material composition) to the lid 200 described in relation to Figures 2A to 2C, but may be suited to a smaller sized bin body 102. [0070] Referring again to Figures 2A to 2C, in some embodiments, the body 202 of the lid 200 may define a plurality of sloped panels 230 extending from the ridge 232 to the inner flange 234 and opening 220. In some embodiments, the sloped panels 230 may be joined by rounded comers or rounded surfaces. In some embodiments, a single, curved, sloped panel 230 may extend between the ridge 232 and the inner flange 234.

[0071] The one or more sloped panels 230 are configured to extend from the ridge 232 towards an interior of the body 102 of the bin 100, and the inner flange 234 is configured to extend from the one or more sloped panels 230 towards the interior of the body 102, when the lid 200 is in a closed configuration, as shown in Figure 1E.

[0072] In the event of a fire in the body 102 of the bin 100 with the lid 200 closed, the internal surface 214 of the lid 200 may deflect rising smoke down along the sloped panels 230 towards the inner flange 234.

[0073] The angle of the one or more sloped panels 230 relative to the plane 242 of the peripheral ridge 232 may be in the range of 30° to 65°, 30° to 45°, 35° to 40°, or about 37°, for example.

[0074] The inner flange 234 may extend away from the one or more sloped panels 230 by a distance of at least lOmm, at least l5mm, at least 20mm, or in the range of lOmm to 30mm, l5mm to 25mm, or about 20mm, for example.

[0075] The inner flange 234 terminates at a flange edge 235 which lies in a flange edge plane 245 that is parallel to the ridge plane 242.

[0076] The lid 200 may further comprise a peripheral lip 236 extending from the peripheral ridge 232 to an outer edge 238 of the lid 200, which lies in an outer edge plane 248 that is parallel to the ridge plane 242. The outer edge 238 may be configured to rest on an upper rim 138 of the body 102 of the bin 100, as shown in Figure 1E. [0077] A distance between the ridge plane 242 and the flange edge plane 245 may be less than 200mm, less than l50mm, or in the range of lOOmm to 200mm, lOOmm to l80mm, or lOOmm to l50mm, for example.

[0078] A distance between the ridge plane 242 and the outer edge plane 248 may be less in the range of lOmm to l50mm, 30mm to l20mm, or 50mm to lOOmm, for example.

[0079] In some embodiments, the peripheral ridge 232 may be inset from the outer edge 238 when viewed from above, and the peripheral lip 236 may slope away from the peripheral ridge 232 to the outer edge 238 at an acute angle relative to the ridge plane 242.

[0080] Referring to Figures 1C and 1E, the body 202 or the one or more sloped panels 230 of the lid 200 may be configured to cover a proportion of an area of the opening 120 of the body 102 of the bin 100 that is in the range of 70% to 95%, 80% to 90%, 83% to 87%, or about 85%, for example.

[0081] Referring to Figure 1F, a cross-section of the bin 100 is shown illustrating the effect of the geometry of the lid 200 when there is a fire in the bin 100. For example, the body 102 of the bin 100 may contain rubbish 150 which may be ignited and bum producing smoke, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other gaseous combustion products 153. The hot combustion gases 153 will rise as indicated by flow lines 155. When the combustion gases 153 reach the internal surface 214 of the lid 200 they will be deflected or redirected along the sloped panels 230, converge near the centre of the bin 100 and exit through the opening 220 in the lid.

[0082] Due to the geometry of the lid 200, sloped panels 230 and inner flange 234, the lid 200 may act as a smoke trap and restrict the combustion gases 153 from leaving the bin 100 and restrict fresh air from entering the bin 100 through the opening 220 in the lid 200. While some of the combustion gases 153 will escape and some fresh air will enter through the opening 220 in the lid 200, the turbulence and convergence of the combustion gases 153 near the opening 220 (due to the geometry of the lid) may restrict the passage of gases through the opening 220 and thereby starve the fire of oxygen.

[0083] In some cases, this effect may cause the fire to be extinguished. In other cases, the effect may suppress or reduce the intensity of the fire, in comparison with a fire in a conventional bin with an fully open lid. In some cases, the rubbish in the bin may continue to burn or smoulder at a reduced temperature, in comparison with a fire in a conventional bin with an fully open lid, due to the reduced flow of oxygen. In some cases, the bin 100 may be housed within a bin enclosure or surround (not shown), which may affect the flow of air and combustion gases 153. However, even within a bin enclosure, the geometry of the described lid 200 may restrict the flow of air to the fire in comparison with a conventional fully open bin.

[0084] Referring now to Figures 4A to 4C, a test of the rubbish bin 100 is shown on the right, according to some embodiments, in comparison with a conventional polyethylene bin, shown on the left. In this case, the bin 100 (body 102 and lid 200) was formed with a composite material in a compression moulding process, as described above, with a composition of 20% alkali free chopped fibreglass, 20% unsaturated polyester resin, and 60% Aluminium Hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) powder by weight.

[0085] The composite bin 100 and conventional bin were each filled with a similar amount of similar rubbish, including plastic Bottles, take away boxes, paper bags, paper serviettes, cardboard cigarette packs, newspaper, tissue paper, and cardboard coffee cups with plastic lids.

[0086] The rubbish in each bin was ignited and began to bum with flames seen in both bins, as shown in Figure 4A.

[0087] After 5 minutes, the conventional bin had begun to melt, as shown in Figure 4B. A hole formed in the side of the conventional bin allowing more oxygen to feed the fire, and the polyethylene material of the bin itself began to burn. [0088] In contrast, the flames of the fire in the composite bin 100 were suppressed due to the geometry of the lid 200, as described above. The suppression of the fire in the composite bin 100 is evident in the increased smoke seen in Figure 4B and 4C, due to the fire burning richer with less oxygen and ultimately smouldering with little or no flame.

[0089] After 10 minutes, the conventional bin had melted down to the ground, as shown in Figure 4C, while the contents of the composite bin 100 continued to smoulder with little or no visible flame.

[0090] The conventional bin and contents continued to burn for more than one hour until the fire was extinguished, whereas the contents of the composite bin 100 continued to smoulder down to ash and the bin 100 remained intact and structurally stable, with no apparent damage from the fire.

[0091] Referring to Figures 5 A to 5E and 6A to 6C, a rubbish bin 500 and lid 600 are shown according to some embodiments. The rubbish bin 500 may include similar features to rubbish bin 100 described above, and the lid 600 may include similar features to lids 200 and 300 described above. Like features are indicated with like reference numerals and any of the alternative or optional features may be used in any suitable combination in various embodiments.

[0092] Referring to figures 5 A to 5E, the lid 600 may be hingedly coupled to the body 102 of the bin 100 by hinge 110. The hinge 110 comprises one or more body hinge parts or protrusions 112 extending away from one of the side walls 104 near the opening 120 of the bin 500, pivotally coupled to a corresponding one or more lid hinge parts or protrusions 212 extending away from an edge of the lid 600, as described above.

[0093] The lid 600 may comprise two lid hinge parts 212 as shown in figure 6A. The bin 500 may comprise four body hinge parts 112 as shown in figures 5C and 5D. The bin 500 may define one or more handles 116 extending between adjacent pairs of the body hinge parts 112.

[0094] In some embodiments, the lid hinge parts 212 may be pivotally connected to the body hinge parts 112 by hinge pin (not shown). For example, the hinge pin may extend through the one or more handles 116.

[0095] In some embodiments, sidewalls 104 of the bin 100 may define one or more depressions, recesses, or depressed panel portions 504 as shown in figures 5A to 5C, for example. The depressed panel portions 504 may be defined by ridges or edge portions 505, the geometry of which may serve to strengthen or stiffen the sidewalls 104 of the bin 100.

[0096] In some embodiments, the lid 600 may include a lid handle 606. For example, the lid 600 may define a recess which forms the lid handle 606. The lid handle 606 may be located near a front edge of the lid 600 opposite the hinge 110. The lid handle 606 may be defined by a recess in the peripheral lip 236, as shown in figures 6 A to 6C, for example.

[0097] As discussed above in relation to lids 200 and 300, in the event of a fire in the bin 500, the sloped panels 230 may guide smoke and combustion products back towards the centre of the bin 500 thereby restricting the flow of fresh air to the fire.

[0098] The bin 100, 500 and lid 200, 300, 600 may be formed with any suitable dimensions and proportions for various different applications. For example, in some embodiments the bin 100, 500 and lid 200, 300, 600 may define the following dimensions: a bin body height in the range of 860 mm to 1030 mm; a maximum bin and lid width in the range of 470 mm to 580 mm; a maximum bin and lid depth from front to back in the range of 550 mm to 740 mm; and a total combined bin and lid height in the range of 930 mm to 1100 mm. [0099] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the lid 200, 300, 600 may be as follows: a width of the opening 220 in the range of 200 mm to 300 mm (e.g., the length and width of a square or rectangular opening 220); a depth of the flange 234 in the range of 15 mm to 25 mm, or about 20 mm; a ridge height defined between the outer edge plane 248 and the ridge plane 242 in the range of 50 mm to 100 mm; a total height defined between the flange edge plane 245 and the ridge plane 242 in the range of 100 mm to 150 mm; and an angle of the sloped panels 230 defined relative to the ridge plane 242 in the range of 30° to 65°, as shown in figure 6C, for example.

[0100] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A rubbish bin defining a body formed of a fibre reinforced composite material, wherein the composite material comprises unsaturated polyester resin and a mineral hydroxide additive.

2. A rubbish bin according to claim 1, wherein the composite material comprises equal amounts of fibre glass and resin, and 55% to 65% Aluminium Hydroxide

(Al(OH)ri by weight.

3. A rubbish bin according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a lid hingedly coupled to the body.

4. A rubbish bin according to claim 3, wherein the lid is also formed of the fibre reinforced composite material.

5. A rubbish bin according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the lid defines one or more sloped panels extending from a peripheral rim or ridge of the lid to an inner flange of the lid,

wherein the one or more sloped panels are configured to extend towards an interior of the body, when the lid is in a closed configuration, at an acute angle relative to a plane of the peripheral rim or ridge.

6. A rubbish bin according to claim 5, wherein the inner flange is configured to extend from the one or more sloped panels towards the interior of the body, when the lid is in a closed configuration, substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the peripheral rim or ridge, and wherein the inner flange defines an opening in the lid.

7. A rubbish bin according to claims 5 or 6, wherein the one or more sloped panels are configured to cover a proportion of an area of an opening of the body in the range of 80% to 90%.

8. A rubbish bin according to claim 6 or 7, when dependent on claim 6, wherein a ratio between a minimum diameter of the opening in the lid and a minimum diameter of the peripheral ridge is in the range of 35% to 60%.

9. A rubbish bin according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the angle of the one or more sloped panels relative to the plane of the peripheral ridge is in the range of 35° to 40°.

10. A rubbish bin according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the rubbish bin comprises a wheeled bin.

11. A wheeled bin comprising a body and a lid hingedly coupled to the body, the lid defining one or more sloped panels extending from a peripheral rim or ridge of the lid to an inner flange of the lid,

wherein the inner flange defines an opening in the lid.

12. A wheeled bin according to claim 11, wherein the angle of the one or more sloped panels relative to the plane of the peripheral ridge is in the range of 30° to 65°.

13. A wheeled bin according to claim 11, wherein the angle of the one or more sloped panels relative to the plane of the peripheral ridge is in the range of 30° to 45°.

14. A wheeled bin according to claim 11, wherein the angle of the one or more sloped panels relative to the plane of the peripheral ridge is in the range of 35° to 40°.

15. A wheeled bin according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the inner flange extends away from the one or more sloped panels by a distance of at least l Omm .

16. A wheeled bin according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the inner flange extends away from the one or more sloped panels by a distance of at least 20mm.

17. A wheeled bin according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the one or more sloped panels are configured to cover a proportion of an area of an opening of the body in the range of 80% to 90%.

18. A wheeled bin according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein a ratio between a minimum diameter of the opening in the lid and a minimum diameter of the peripheral ridge is in the range of 35% to 60%.

19. A wheeled bin according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein a minimum diameter of the opening in the lid is in the range of 200mm to 300mm.

20. A wheeled bin according to any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein a distance between the plane of the peripheral ridge and a plane of an edge of the inner flange distal to the peripheral ridge is in the range of lOOmm to l50mm.

21. A wheeled bin according to any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the body is formed of a fibre reinforced composite material.

22. A wheeled bin according to claim 21, wherein the lid is also formed of the fibre reinforced composite material.

23. A wheeled bin according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the composite material comprises a thermosetting resin.

24. A wheeled bin according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the composite material comprises unsaturated polyester resin and a mineral hydroxide additive.

25. A wheeled bin according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the composite material comprises equal amounts of fibre glass and resin, and 55% to 65% Aluminium Hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) by weight.

26. A lid for a bin, comprising the lid of any one of claims 11 to 25 free from attachment to a bin body.

27. A lid for a bin, the lid defining one or more sloped panels extending from a peripheral ridge of the lid to an inner flange of the lid at an acute angle relative to a plane of the peripheral ridge,

wherein the inner flange extends from the one or more sloped panels away from and perpendicular to the plane of the peripheral ridge, and

wherein the inner flange defines an opening in the lid.

28. A lid according to claim 27, wherein the angle of the one or more sloped panels relative to the plane of the peripheral ridge is in the range of 30° to 45°.

29. A lid according to claim 27 or 28, wherein a minimum diameter of the opening in the lid is in the range of 200mm to 300mm.

30. A lid according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the lid is formed of a fibre reinforced composite material comprising unsaturated polyester resin and a mineral hydroxide additive.

31. The steps, features, integers, structures, components, compositions and/or compounds disclosed herein or indicated in the specification of this application individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of two or more of said steps, features, integers, structures, components, compositions and/or compounds.