AU2021105581A4

AU2021105581A4 - Waste disposal bin

Info

Publication number: AU2021105581A4
Application number: AU2021105581A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Brad Skinner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-08-16
Filing date: 2021-08-16
Publication date: 2021-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-16

Abstract

The present invention relates to a waste disposal bin. The bin includes a receptacle for receiving a bag, and a lid for closing the receptacle. Further, the bin includes a vacuum port for coupling with a bag in the receptacle and for creating a vacuum in the bag. Advantageously, the vacuum in the bag reduces its size to occupy less space in a collection bin. The bag may include a seal, and preferably a slider seal, for securing sealing waste in the bag to impede maggots and stench in a collection bin. 1/3 100 ~108 104 -Vilcvvm hoscolstc-ta)~ 106 S~(. 200 102 Figure 1

Description

1/3

100 ~108

104

-Vilcvvm hoscolstc-ta)~ 106

S~(. 200

102

Figure 1

AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT WASTE DISPOSAL BIN

The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me:

WASTE DISPOSAL BIN TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a waste disposal bin. The present invention has particular, although not exclusive application to domestic waste disposal bins such as kitchen bins.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0003] Kitchen bins are used to dispose of household waste including food scraps. A liner bag in the kitchen bin is replaced when full. In practice, the full bag is tied and disposed of in a larger collection bin (e.g. wheelie bin) for collection.

[0004] However, in practice, the full bag takes up much space in the collection bin which can cause it to fill quickly, and waste can even spill out of the collection bin.

[0005] Further, flies can often enter a loosely tied bag resulting in maggots and stench in the collection bin, particularly in warmer climates.

[0006] The preferred embodiment provides an improved means of saving space, and impeding maggots and stench, in the collection bin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waste disposal bin including: a receptacle for receiving a bag; a lid for closing the receptacle; and a vacuum port for coupling with a bag in the receptacle and for creating a vacuum in the bag.

[0008] Advantageously, the vacuum in the bag reduces its size to occupy less space in the collection bin. The bag may include a seal, and preferably a slider seal, for securing sealing waste in the bag to impede maggots and stench in the collection bin.

[0009] The bin may further include an exhaust fan for drawing air from the interior of the bin and expelling it outside the bin. The exhaust fan may be borne by the lid. The vacuum port may pass through the exhaust fan. The vacuum port and exhaust fan may be concentrically arranged.

[00010] The vacuum port may be located in the lid or the receptacle. The lid may be pivotally mounted to the receptacle.

[00011] The bin may be a smaller domestic bin, and preferably a kitchen bin, for emptying into a larger collection bin (e.g. wheelie bin). The slider seal may include one or more sealing rails, and a slider for sliding along the rails to form an air tight seal.

[00012] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waste disposal bin assembly including: the bin; and the bag in the receptacle.

[00013] The bag may include an opening for coupling to the port. The opening may be at an upper end of the bag. The opening may form a snug fit with the port. The bag may include a cap for closing the opening. The assembly may further include a vacuum hose for coupling to the vacuum port.

[00014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of waste disposal using a bin, the bin including a receptacle for receiving a bag and a lid for closing the receptacle, the method involving: coupling a vacuum port with a bag in the receptacle for creating a vacuum in the bag.

[00015] The method may further involve sealing the bag. The method may involve closing the port.

[00016] 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00017] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[00018] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a domestic waste disposal bin in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00019] Figure 2 shows a liner bag for the bin of Figure 1; and

[00020] Figure 3 is upper perspective view of a bin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a domestic waste disposal bin 100 as shown in Figure 1. The bin 100 is a smaller kitchen bin, suitable for storing under a countertop and for emptying into a larger collection bin (e.g. wheelie bin).

[00022] The bin 100 includes a base receptacle 102 for receiving a liner bag 200 (see Figure 2). A hinged lid 104 is provided for pivoting shut to close the receptacle 102. The bin 100 also includes a vacuum port 106 for coupling with a bag 200 in the receptacle 102 to create a vacuum in the bag 200. A vacuum hose from a portable vacuum cleaner is releasably coupled to the circular vacuum port 106.

[00023] Advantageously, the vacuum in the liner bag 200 reduces its size to ultimately occupy less space in the collection bin.

[00024] The bin 100 further includes an exhaust fan 108 for drawing air from the interior of the bin 100 and expelling it outside the bin 100. The exhaust fan 108 is borne by the lid 104, and the vacuum port 106 passes through the exhaust fan 108. Accordingly, the vacuum port 106 and exhaust fan 108 are concentrically arranged.

[00025] An overall bin assembly includes the bin 100, and the replaceable bag 200 in the receptacle 102.

[00026] Turning to Figure 2, the bag 200 includes a round opening 202 (i.e. another port) for coupling, with a snug axial force-fit, to the vacuum port 106. The opening 202 is at an upper end of the bag 200. The bag 200 includes a screw cap 204 for closing the opening 202.

[00027] The bag 200 also includes a slider seal 206 for securely sealing waste in the bag 200 to impede maggots and stench in the collection bin. The slider seal 206 includes a pair of sealing rails 208, and a slider 210 for sliding along the rails 208 to form an airtight seal.

[00028] A method of waste disposal using the bin 100 is now described.

[00029] Initially, a replacement liner bag 200 is placed in the receptable 102 with its open mouth draped over the top of the receptable 102. The bag 200 is then filled with household waste.

[00030] Once the bag 200 is full, the mouth of the bag 200 is sealed with the slider seal 206.

[00031] The cap 204 is then removed from the bag 200, and the lid vacuum port 106 is coupled with the round opening 202 of the sealed bag 200 sitting in the bin receptacle 102.

[00032] The vacuum cleaner hose is connected to the vacuum port 106 to create a vacuum in the sealed bag 200, thereby reducing its size. The bin lid 104 can be closed, and the exhaust fan 108 operated to expel any leaked stench from the bag 200 when applying the vacuum.

[00033] Once the bag 200 is condensed, the round opening 202 of the sealed bag 200 is decoupled from the vacuum port 106, and the cap 204 is replaced to securely close the opening 202.

[00034] The condensed bag 200 can then be emptied from the bin 100 and into the collection bin.

[00035] The exhaust fan 108 can be run to expel any lingering stench, until a replacement bag 200 is loaded in the bin receptacle 102 once more.

[00036] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments and variations can be made without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

[00037] In one embodiment shown in Figure 3, the vacuum port 106 may be located in a skirt, rather than roof, of the lid 104. In yet another embodiment, the port 106 may be located in the receptacle 102.

[00038] In one embodiment, the bag opening 202 includes a non-return valve so that air can pass out of the bag 200 through the valve when the vacuum is applied, but not in through the valve when the vacuum is removed.

[00039] 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.

[00040] 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.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A waste disposal bin, preferably being a smaller domestic bin for emptying into a larger collection bin, the bin including: a receptacle for receiving a bag; a lid for closing the receptacle; and a vacuum port for coupling with a bag in the receptacle and for creating a vacuum in the bag which preferably reduces its size to occupy less space in the collection bin.

2. A waste disposal bin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bin further includes an exhaust fan for drawing air from the interior of the bin and expelling it outside the bin, optionally the exhaust fan borne by the lid with the vacuum port passing through the exhaust fan.

3. A waste disposal bin assembly including: a bin as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2; and the bag for being received in the receptacle, the bag including a seal, and preferably a slider seal, for securely sealing waste in the bag to impede maggots and stench in the collection bin.

4. A waste disposal bin assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bag includes another port for coupling to the vacuum port, and a cap for closing the other port.

5. A method of waste disposal using a bin, the bin including a receptacle for receiving a bag and a lid for closing the receptacle, the method involving: coupling a vacuum port with a bag in the receptacle for creating a vacuum in the bag.