AU686587B2 - Improvements relating to waste disposal and recyclable material collection and disposal - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 9*

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Name of Applicant MacBAY WASTE LIMITED Actual Inventor(s) Timothy Roger FURNEAUX, Keith Allen OUNSWORTH and Leon Raymund ERASMUSON Address for Service: FISHER ADAMS KELLY Patent Trademark Actorneys Level 13 AMP Place 10 Eagle Street Brisbane 4000 Queensland, Australia Invention Title: "IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO WASTE AND RE-CYCLABLE

MATERIAL

COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL" Details of Associated Provisional Applications Numbers PL7897 The following statement is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing it known to me.

1.

-lA- IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO WASTE AND RE-CYCLABLE MATERIAL COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL Field and Background of Invention This invention relates to the collection and disposal of waste and/or re-cyclable materials, and in one aspect of the invention more particularly relates to (but is not confined to) portable or relocatable bin and container systeme which may be conveniently situated in a vehicular publicly acceusable area (such as for example in a shopping complex car parking area) for the reception and temporary storage of individually deposited quantities of waste or re-cyclable material(s), for subsequent collection in bulk and disposal or trans-shipment by an operator eg in a similar manner that provided with the now common and popular re-cycling bin systems.

In another aspect, the invention relates to waste disposal and/or recyclable material collection systems for large buildings such as apartment buildings; and in a further aspect relates to waste disposal and/or re-cyclable material collection depots and the like.

Many known waste disposal and material recycling bin systems have non-closable entry openings for receiving materials; and others have openings with closable doors, but which are frequently left open by a user. Such arrangements allow rain entry and in some cases ready access for flies and emission of offensive odours.

SRecyling bin systems are usually intended to be restricted to use for selected articles and materials capable of being re-used and/or re-constituted or recycled in the manufacture of new products; and in the absence (as is common) of a readily available depository for waste material(s), un-caring persons will often wrongly place disposable waste materials in bins inte-Ided only for re-cycled materials.

Often too, known bins for receiving waste and/or recyclable materials have a relatively small front or upper opening, and as a result materials placed therethrough accumulate in a pile immediately below the opening and are not readily dispersed within the bins; thus the bins are not used to maximum capacity and can appear full over a short period of time.

Objects of Invention An object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and provide a waste disposal or re-cyclable material bin with an inner receptacle arranged to close the bin entry opening between use by users; and having an arrangement providing for more effective dispersal of materials placed therein, when discharged dr transferred into the main storage area of the bin.

Another object of the invention is to provide a waste disposal or recyclable material bin which is readily adapted for restricted access with appropriate 25 releasable locking means. Such an arrangement is particularly applicable to waste disposal.

With the development of a litter conscious society and a 'user pays' approach to refuse disposal eg with refuse tip fees being payable, there is an increasing requirement by the public for a convenient means of disposing of such as relatively small quantities of commercial and/or household and/or garden rubbish that accumulates and which may not be readily disposed of by way of periodic house to house rubbish collection systems provided by local bodies, or conveniently deposited at such as a 'land fill' or other rubbish tip site.

Accordingly, another object of the present invention is to meet the aforementioned need by the provision at strategic sites throughout populated areas of numbers of similar waste reception and storage bins which can provide that, for a prescribed small fee (as herein defined) paid by a user, they are arranged to receive up to a prescribed amount of rubbish at any one time, each bin being capable of containing a number of the prescribed amounts for subsequent bulk collection and disposal by an operator.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a waste disposal and/or recy7lable material collection system intended for such as apartment buildings or collection depots and the like, and including an enclosed receptacle assembly with restricted access means openable for depositing of waste or re-cyclable Si: 20 materials by a user and closable against unauthorised use.

Other and more particular objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing 25 description.

Summary of Invention

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According to a first aspect of this invention therefore, there is provided waste or recyclable material collection and transfer apparatus comprising an openable receptacle of substantially cylindrical drum form and mounted with its axis horizontal in juxta-position with an upper entry opening in an accessible outer wall part of a support structure and at an innerside of the wall part so that said receptacle is capable of receiving a prescribed volume of material(s)deposited by a user located at the outer

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side of said support structure outer wall part and when the receptacle is in a first position and open condition with a materials receiving opening in the receptacle cylindrical wall aligned with said entry opening of the support structure outer wall part, said support structure and outer wall part defining or being mounted on a wall part of an enclosure defining or leading to a larger collection and storage area for received waste or recyclable materials; said receptacle being longitudinally divided and at least a part or said receptacle being at least partially rotatable about the receptacle horizontal axis and being movable to a second position to close said receptacle materials receiving opening, and define a discharge opening, with relative positioning of the two parts of the receptacle, directed inwardly and downwardly of the support structure outer wall part *0*fo for discharging the deposited material(s) directly or 00 indirectly into the larger collection and storage i 20 area, a transverse wall part, parallel with said horizontal axis, of the receptacle effecting closing of said entry opening of the support structure outer 000 wall part on movement of the receptacle to said second :position; there being actuating means for effecting and permitting movement of said at least one part of the receptacle about said horizontal axis and between said and second positions and vice versa, and releasable locking mechanism for positively locking and securing the actuating means against operation and/or for positively locking and securing either the receptacle as a whole or said at least one movable part of the receptacle against movement whilst the receptacle is in said second position closing the entry opening of the support structure outer wall part to external access; said locking mechanism being releasable by a user to allow operation of the actuating means and movement of the receptacle or I movable part of the receptacle to said first position b and accessible open condition, and subsequent operation for movement of the receptacle or movable part of the receptacle to said second position for discharging the deposited material(s) therefrom simultaneous with closing of the support structure outer wall part entry opening, and external access to the receptacle, the locking mechanism holding the receptacle in the position restricting access to the receptacle materials receiving opening until release by a user.

The apparatus according to the preceding paragraph can be adapted for a variety of applications and can for example be mounted on a wall of a large collection and storage depot, yard or building which is enclosed and not otherwise normally accessible to a user wishing to deposit waste or re-cyclable materials; or in another S.application can form part of a was*- and/or recyclable material collection system for such as an 20 apartment building, and be mounted on an appropriate wall having such as a chute or conveyor means leading to a larger remote collection area of the building.

9** According to a second aspect of this invention, there is provided a bin defining a relatively large waste or re-cyclable material collection and storage area and containing at least one smaller openable receptacle of substantially cylindrical drum form and mounted with its axis horizontal within an upper part of the bin and in juxtaposition with an upper entry opening in an accessible outer wall part of the bin, and at an inner side of the bin outer wall part, so that said receptacle is capable of receiving a prescribed volume of material(s) deposited by a user located at the outer side of said bin outer wall part and when the receptacle is in a first position and open condition with a materials receiving opening in the receptacle 0 cylindrical wall aligned with said entry opening of the bin outer wall part; said receptacle being longitudinally divided and at least one part of said receptacle being at least partially rotatable about the receptacle horizontal axis and being movable to a second position to close said materials receiving opening and define a discharge opening, with relative positioning of the two parts of the receptacle, directed inwardly and downwardly of the bin outer wall part for discharging the deposited material(s) directly or indirectly into the larger collection and storage area of the bin, a transverse wall part, parallel with said horizontal axis, of the receptacle effecting closing of said entry opening of the bin outer wall part on movement of the receptacle to said second position; there being actuating means for effecting and permitting movement of said at least one part of the receptacle about said horizontal axis and between the first and second positions and vice versa, and releasable locking mechanism for positively 20 locking and securing the actuating means against operation and/or for positively locking and securing either the receptacle as a whole or said at least one movable part of the receptacle against movement whilst the receptacle is in said second position closing the entry opening of the bin outer wall part to external access; said locking mechanism being releasable by a S"user to allow operation of the actuating means and movement of the receptacle or movable part of the receptacle to said first position and accessible open condition, and subsequent operation for movement of said receptacle or movable part of the receptacle to its second position for discharging the deposited material from the receptacle into the large collection and storage area of the bin with simultaneous closing of the bin outer wall part entry opening and external access to the receptacle, the locking mechanism AAholding the receptacle in the position restricting access to the receptacle materials receiving opening

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until release by a user; and there being means for an authorised operator to gain access to said large material(s) collection and storage area for emptying of the bin contents.

According to another aspect of this invention, said releasable locking mechanism for the actuating means and receptacle is releasable by fee actuated means, as herein defined, on supply thereto by a user of a prescribed fee to allow movement of the receptacle or part thereof and access to the receptacle materials receiving opening, and subsequently operation for discharge in the bin of waste material placed in the receptacle.

In versions of the invention adapted for fee actuation, the fee actuated means for release of the locking mechanism can be in the form of mechanical or electromechanical coin or token actuated means requiring one or more coins of prescribed denomination S: 20 or value, or it is envisaged that such a ticket or card fee payment system can be employed and appropriate electronic identification means incorporated in the fee actuated means. The term "fee ee actuated" as used herein means actuable in any way by such as a coin, token, ticket card or other means having a monetary or other value the term "fee" e I S" similarly including any article or device of the o required 'value' necessary to operate the fee actuated means controlling the locking mechanism of the bin of this invention.

The Drawinqs Some preferred aspects of the invention applied to a bin system will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: I II,

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FIGURE 1 is a first diagrammatic perspective view of one form of the bin as viewed from the bin user side, showing the inner receptacle in its second position closing the entry opening of the bin, FIGURE 2 is an opposite side perspective view, being the side to be approached by an operator for discharge of the bin contents, FIGURE 3 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the bin more particularly showing the interior and general form of the inner receptacle, and with the inner receptacle shown in the first position and open condition for receiving waste or recyclable material(s) deposited by a user, FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating the receptacle in the second position for discharge of its contents, .4 S: FIGURE 5 is an isometric view from above illustrating a preferred form of the receptacle in accordance with i the invention, FIGURE 6 is an isometric underside view of the receptacle of figure FIGURE 7 is an isometric exploded view more particularly illustrating the construction of the receptacle according to figures 5 and 6, and FIGURE 8 is a diagrammatic and part cross-section view of the assembled receptacle of figures 5-7 illustrating the arrangement and operation shown in full line in the accessible materials receiving open position, and in broken line in the non-accessible position, -9- Description of Invention One preferred aspect of the invention provides for simple mechanical coin or disc token operation/release of mechanical locking mechanism so that electric power supply connection for the bin is unnecessary and the bin can be sited in any convenient location and readily transported without any requirement for connecting to or disconnecting from a power supply source; and for convenience this preferred aspect will be described, but it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such an arrangement.

Referring firstly to figures 1,2 and 3 of the drawings, the bin, (generally indicated by the arrow 1) is of generally rectangular form in plan view with four upstanding wall parts 2,3,4 and 5 conjoined by a flat base 6 and an upper roof section, generally indicated by the arrow 7. For convenience of description wall part 2 may be referred to as the rear wall and is the bin side to be approached by a user for depositing rubbish or other materials therein, and the opposite too wall part 3 may be referred to as the bin front wall :and is the bin side to be approached by an operator for discharge of the bin contents as hereinafter described. Wall parts 4 and 5 being opposite side 000 walls of the bin 1.

a.' The bin 1 may be of any suitable and allowable size 30 subject to local body regulations relating to bins or containers locatable in public areas, and subject to transport regulations governing the maximum sizes of objects transportable on public roads; and in one preferred and allowable form the bin 1 is dimensioned so as to be capable of accommodating up to about six cubic metres of material, although smaller capacity II~III i bins 1 can be provided where preferred or required.

The inner receptacle 8 is of horizontal cylindrical drum-like form longitudinally divided into two complementary parts and with at least one of the parts being movable relative to the other about a horizontal axis 8a so that in one position the receptacle has a longitudinal opening 9 in its horizontal side wall or wall part(s) 10 dimensioned to allow convenient depositing in the receptacle 8 of, for example in a waste disposal application, a single typical filled large household rubbish bag 11 or two partly filled or small rubbish bags the receptacle 8 can be generally dimensioned to comfortably accommodate up to the equivalent in loose rubbish of say l filled larger rubbish bags 11i The receptacle 8 is located in the upper rear part of the bin 1 with its horizontal axis 8a parallel with the rear wall 2 of the bin 1. The roof section 7 of the bin 1 is preferably of gable end form with an *e *6 age# 6 inclined rear part 12 conjoining and extending inwardly S• and upwardly from the rear wall 2, and an oppositely 0* inclined and longer front part 13 extending downwardly 25 from a medial transverse apex support member 14 to the front wall 3. Thus the entry opening 15 8 for a user to deposit material(s) into the receptacle 8 *0* is located in or at the roof rear part between the goapex support member 14 and a rear transverse member moose 16 provides strength to the bin 1 at the rear wall 2; and in the ready to use position the opening 9 of

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the receptacle 8 is upwardly directed and aligned with the entry opening 15, the receptacle being lockable in this position by locking mechanism.

To facilitate lifting of rubbish up to the entry opening the rear wall 2 of the bin 1 is preferably provided RA4/I T 0".

-11with a horizontal step or platform 21 for placement of rubbish thereon and on which a user can stand; and whilst such step or platform 21 can be fixed and permanently projecting, preferably it is hingeably connected to the rear wall 2 and provided with at least one flexible support 22 so (eg a steel cable or link chain) that it can be moved to a non-projecting position for transport and discharge of the bin contents. The illustrated form shows a single link chain support 22 at one end of the platform 21 and a hinged dependinG ground support 22a at the opposite end.

To assist lateral dispersal of rubbish discharged from the receptacle 8 into the main storage area of the bin it is envisaged that a deflector member (such as a deflector bar) 44 can be fitted to extend for example inwardly of the bin rear wall 2 (or be supported above the base 6) and be strategically positioned medially of and below the receptacle 8; rubbish discharged from 20 the receptacle being deflected either side of the deflector member 44 to more effectively utilise the full storage area of the bin 1.

A preferred and most effective/efficient means for transporting and manoeuvring the bin 1 as required, and for emptying the bin 1 of its contents, is with the employment of a suitable vehicle with lifting arms; and preferably one such as a front end loader tractor with spaced arms or forks which are engageable with 30 the bin 1 and operable to lift the bin 1 up and over rearwardly to an inverted position for discharge or the bin contents either directly into a nearby refuse disposal area or into an open truck (or into a larger transpotable receptacle) for transport to a refuse disposal area or site remote from the bin site.

Accordingly, the opposite side walls 4 and 5 of the bin 1 are preferably provided with external support Fr -12and gripping means in I:he form of substantially horizontal open ended tubular or like hollow sleeve supports 45 (one on each side wall and in alignment transversely medially thereof) arranged and positioned to receive lifting fork arms of the vehicle; and the remaining forward side part 13 of the roof section 7 can be or comprise the discharge door 20 (either a single door or a pair of doors) by which the bin contents can be discharged when the bin is inverted.

The door(s) 20 may be hingeably connected to the apex frame member 14 to open about a horizontal transvere axis, and be lockable against unauthorised opening by any suitable means. One arrangement as illustrated in figures 2 and 3 in particular provides for a pivoted squared U-shape arm 46 to extend over the front lower end part(s) of the door(s) 20 and be locked in position for opening only by an authorised operator.

It is envisaged also that the front wall 3 of the bin 20 can be or comprise one or more large lockable doors for access to the bin interior for servicing and/or cleaning; or, as an alternative to upending and front roof area discharge, for access to the bin 1 for removal of its contents in some instances where a suitable front end loader with inverting hoist arms or other mechanism is not available or not conveniently usable "e in the area concerned. In the latter case alternative hoist support and gripping means can be provided on the side walls 3 and 4, and/or it is further envisaged that a suitably dimensioned low base wheeled open topped trolley 47 (as indicated in broken outline in figure 3) or an open topped container on skids may be locatable within the bin 1 for receipt of rubbish discharged from the receptacle 8 the trolley 47 (or container) being wheeled or slid in and out through the front wall door.

I E I -13- The receptacle 8 is mounted for pivoting or partial rotation of at least one of its parts about a horizontal axis 8a; and can be supported by two similar spaced end support brackets 24 fixed to and projecting inwardly from the rear wall 2 of the bin i, with the pivot connection in the form of stub axles 8b extending from the end walls 23 of the receptacle and supported in bearings 8c mounted on the inner end parts of the support brackets 24. The bin entry opening 15 is arranged to be closable by part of the longitudinal wall 10 of the receptacle 8 when the receptacle 8 is in a position other than the first position with its opening 9 aligned with the bin entry opening Figures 1 and 4 diagrammatically illustrate a coin or token receiving slot 53 opening to the bin roof part 12 and communicating via a duct or guide means 53 with an inner coin receptacle 54 which is associated with suitable locking mechanism (not shown) for coir' token operated release.

eo Referring also now to figures 5,6,7 and 8 of the drawings, the receptacle 8 is of longitudinally split i drum construction and comprises first and second complementary part cylindrical and overlapping sections 81 and 811'' which are both mounted for partial rotation about the common horizontal axis 8a, but in opposite or counter directions relative to each other, so that in a first accessible and ready for use position (as 30 shown in full line in figures 5,3 and 8) an upper 00%0 materials entry opening 9' extending the full length of the receptacle 8 is defined between upper peripheral edges of the two sections 8' and 8' 1 and the lower side of the receptacle is closed by overlapping longitudinal wall parts 10'a, 10''a and opposite end wall parts 23'a,23''a. Alternatively, it is envisaged that lower and end peripheral edges of the two sections 1-4/ -a Q -14- 8' and can be arranged and dimensioned to abut in closing, but this construction may have disadvantages in forming a weaker construction and providing risk of incomplete closure and trapping of loose material therebetween; and thus the aforementioned and illustrated overlapping construction is preferred for added strength and minimising the possibility of material entrapment and incomplete closure at the lower side and ends.

The sections 8' and can be substantially similar in shape and size, or one (eg section can define a larger drum segment than the other (as illustrated) and be rotatably slidably located as a close fit therein; and one of said sections (eg the smaller section can be provided with a longitudinally extending external handle 55 between projecting supports extending outwardly of the end wall parts 23''a, for effecting the required rotational movement of the 20 two sections 8' and between the first and second operating positions.

Simultaneous counter-rotational movement of the two drum sections 8' and can be arranged to be effected by various means; but one convenient and effective means involves the employment of a ring gear arrangement comprising an inner toothed gear wheel 56 fixedly .i mounted co-axially of the receptacle rotational axis 8a on each end wall part 23''a of the second outer section to project inwardly thereof, an outer ring gear 57 fixedly mounted co-axially on each end wall part 23'a of the first inner section 8' to project outwardly thereof and locate in alignment about the respective inner gear wheels 56, and a plurality of similar concentrically positioned and equally spaced -omplementary toothed planetary gear wheels 58 located between and in engagement with the respective inner gear wheels 56 and outer ring gear 57. In operation for discharge of the receptacle content, movement in the direction of arrow A in figure 8 to partially rotate the second drum section and (by virtue of the described ring gear arrangement) effect simultaneous counter rotation of the first drum section 8' in the direction of arrow B; both sections 8' and are moved to the receptacle second position closing the upper opening 9' and forming a lower downwardly directed materials discharge opening (at position C) between the inner peripheral longitudinal edges 10'b and for discharge of materials from the receptacle 8 into the main body of the bin i.

Whilst shown to operate in the directions D indicated by a user pulling the handle 55 down and towards the user to open the receptacle 8; the arrangement can of course be reversed with the handle 55 initially in the lower position with the receptacle closed to 20 external access, and the handle 55 being pushed upwardly S.and away from the user to open. Also, it will be appreciated that the disposition of the respective inner gear wheel 56 and outer ring gear 57 can be a: reversed with the gear wheel 56 directed outwardly and the ring gear 57 inwardly between the respective mating end wall parts 23'a and 23''a of the receptacle.

06 iOn movement of the receptacle 8 to the second position for discharge of the receptacle contents and closure of the upper opening the two sections 8' and 8'11 are arranged to be automatically locked in that position by any suitable coin operated (or other "fee" actuated) locking mechanism (not shown) so that it is necessary for the same or a next user to insert another coin (or otherwise effect a "fee" payment) to release such mechanism and enable or permit movement of the receptacle sections 8' and to the first position 'A! C -16with the upper opening 9' formed and accessible for depositing a next quantity or bag of materials into the receptacle 8. Time delay means or mechanism can be provided to hold the receptacle or drum sections 8' and in the first open or accessible position for a prescribed period sufficient to allow a user reasonable time to deposit a materials load therein; and if not manually moved by the or a next user to the second closed and discharge position within such period, the receptacle sections 8' and are arranged to be automatically moved to such second closed and discharge position. Spring or counterweight bias means can be employed to return (or to assist return of) the receptacle sections 8' and to the closed and discharge second positions; or if an electric power source is readily available for connection to the bin i, an electric motor and appropriate transmission means can be employed to rotate the receptacle sections 8' and to the second position. Similarly, spring or counterweight or like bias means can be employed :for operation of the locking mechanism; or if an S...electric power source is readily available and connected such locking mechanism can comprise or be actuable by such as an electric solenoid or small electric motor.

The locking mechanism can comprise a simple movable bolt or latch member engagable with either of the o..

receptacle segments 8' or or connected parts thereof.

The coin (or token) box 54 would be normally locked and tamper proof and detachable/openable only by an authorised operator/collector; and preferably receiving mechanism associated with the 'coin' slot 53 and guide 53a would include coin (or token) monitoring and counting mechanism by which an operator/collector can gau the extent of use of the bin 1 and whether or not it requires emptying, without opening the discharge

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-17or main access door 20 of the bin i.

The coin or token operated/freed mechanism of any suitable known kind may be adapted for use with the bin 1 of this invention, or specifically designed as may be required. As first mentioned a modification envisages employment of alternative fee actuated mechanism operable by such as a special ticket or plastics credit card capable of being scanned and identified by electronic scanner means (battery or mains power operated) and where electric power is available electro-mechanically operated locking and release mechanism can be employed for the receptacle 8, if so required.

The invention has been particularly described by way of example and with reference to a waste or re-cyclable material collection bin; but as earlier indicated the invention may have similar applications for 20 waste/re-cyclable material collection yards, depots or buildings with the receptacle 8 and the mounting and actuating means and locking mechanism provided with a support structure having the entry part as a unitary assembly which is mountable at an opening in a wall of the yard, depot or building for external access by a user. Similarly, and as previously indicated, the unitary receptacle and support structure can be fitted to a wall (and likewise other assemblies can be provided on other walls at different floor 30 levels) in a large apartment building or the like so that tenants may conveniently dispose of their waste and/or re-cyclable material the respective fitted assemblies being arranged to discharge the received material into or onto such as a chute leading to a basement or lower floor collection and storage area.

Some preferred aspects of the invention have been -18described and illustrated by way of example but it will be appreciated that other variations of and modifications to the invention can take place without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

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Claims (22)

1. Waste or re-cycl-ble material collection and transfer apparatus comprising an openable receptacle of substantially cylindrical drum form and mounted with its axis horizontal in juxta-position with an upper entry opening in an accessible outer wall part of a support structure, and at an inner side of the wall part, so that said receptacle is capable of receiving a prescribed volume of material(s) deposited by a user located at the outer side of said support structure outer wall part and when the receptacle is in a first position and open condition with a materials receiving opening in the receptacle 15 cylindrical wall aligned with said entry opening of the support structure outer wall part, said support structure and outer wall part defining or being mounted on a wall part of an enclosure defining or leading to a larger collection and storage area for received waste or re-cyclable materials; said receptacle being longitudinally divided and at least a part of said receptacle being at least partially rotatable about the receptacle horizontal axis and being movable to a second position to close said 7oeeo 25 receptacle materials receiving opening and define a "discharge opening, with relative positioning of the two parts of the receptacles, directed inwardly and downwardly of the support structure outer wall part for discharging the deposited material(s) directly or indirectly into the larger collection and storage area, a transverse wall part, parallel with said horizontal axis, of the receptacle effecting closing of said entry opening of the support structure outer wall part on movement of the receptacle to said second position; there being actuating means for effecting and permitting movement of said at least one part of I 1 the receptacle about said horizontal axis and between said first and second positions and vice versa, and releasable locking mechanism for positively locking and securing the actuating means against operation and/or for positively locking and securing either the receptacle as a whole or said at least one movable part of the receptacle against movement whilst the receptacle is in said second position closing the entry opening of the support structure outer wall part to external access; said locking mechanism being releasable by a user to allow operation of the actuating means and movement of the receptacle or movable part of the receptacle to said first position and accessible open condition, and subsequent 15 operation for movement of the receptacle or movable part of the receptacle to said second position for 9* discharging the deposited material(s) therefrom simultaneous with closing of the support structure *4o 0 outer wall part entry opening, and external access to 20 the receptacle, the locking mechanism holding the receptacle in the position restricting access to the receptacle materials receiving opening until release by a user. 4~i

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the S"support structure is arranged and adapted for fitment 4494o. at an opening in a wall of a larger enclosure structure or container defining said larger collection and storage area.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure is arranged and adapted for fitment at an opening of a wall of a larger structure, and said receptacle is arranged to discharge its contents into or onto a chute or conveyor means arranged to direct or transfer the discharged receptacle contents RA4, (Y) to said larger collection and storage area.

4 Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support structure is defined by or mounted on an upper wall part of a relatively large waste or re-cyclable material collection and storage bin, with the receptacle major part and the locking mechanism located within said bin.

5. A bin defining a relatively large waste or re- cyclable material collection and storage are& and containing at least one smaller openable receptacle of substantially cylindrical drum form and mounted with its axis horizontal within an upper part of the bin 15 and in juxta-position with an upper entry openir.: in P. an accessible outer wall part of the bin, and at an C, inner side of the bin outer wall part, so that said receptacle is capable of receiving a prescribed volume i "of material(s) deposited by a user located at the outer side of said bin outer wall part and when the receptacle is in a first position and open condition with a materials receiving opening in the receptacle •cylindrical wall aligned with said entry opening of the bin outer wall part; said receptacle being 980•0 25 longitudinally divided and at least one part of said omoo• S" receptacle being at least partially rotatable about S• the receptacle horizontal axis and being movable to a second position to close said materials receiving opening and define a discharge opening, with relative positioning of the two parts of the receptacle, directed inwardly and downwardly of the bin outer wall part for discharging the deposited material(s) directly or indirectly into the larger collection and storage area of the bin, a transverse wall part, parallel with said horizontal axis, of the receptacle Seffecting closing of said entry opening of the bin outer wall part on movement of the receptacle to said second position; there being actuating means for effecting and permitting movement of said at least one part of the receptacle about said horizontal axis and between said first and second positions and vice versa, and releasable locking mechanism for positively locking and securing the actuating means against operation and/or for positively locking and securing either the receptacle as a whole or said at least one movable part of the receptacle against movement whilst the receptacle is in said second position closing the entry opening of the bin outer wall part to external access; said locking mechanism being releasable by a user to allow operation of the actuating means and movement of the receptacle or movable part of the receptacle to said first position and accessible open condition, and subsequent operation for movement of said receptacle or movable part of the receptacle to its second position for discharging the deposited S: 20 material from the receptacle into the large collection and storage area of the bin with simultaneous closing of the bin outer wall part entry opening and external co, access to the receptacle, the locking mechanism holding the receptacle in the position restricting 25 access to the receptacle materials receiving opening 0 until release by a user; and there being means for an authorised operator to gain access to said large .oeee: material(s) collection and storage area for emptying of the bin contents.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 inclusive, or the bin as claimed in claim 5, wherein said releasable locking mechanism is releasable by fee actuated means, as hereinbefore defined, on supply thereto by a user of a prescribed fee, to allow L operation of the actuating means and access to the I I 23 receptacle materials receiving opening and depositing therethrough of waste or recyclable material(s) by a user; the locking mechanism preventing unauthorised access to the receptacle materials receiving opening until supply of a next fee to the fee actuated means.

7. Apparatus or the bin as claimed in claim 6, wherein said fee actuated means includes coin or token operated release mechanism.

8. Apparatus or the bin as claimed in claim 6, wherein said fee actuating means includes a ticket or card capable of being scanned and identified by electronic scanner means, and electromechanically operated release mechanism.

9. A bin as claimed in claim 5, wherein said bin is of substantially rectangular form in plan view with upstanding outer wall parts conjoined by a flat 20 base and an upper roof section defining a further outer wall part; said entry opening being provided in the roof section in close proximity to one upstanding outer wall part, or in the upper part of said one upstanding outer wall part.

S: A bin as claimed in claim 9, wherein a deflector member extends medially and inwardly from said one upstanding outer wall part and below said receptacle, for deflecting the fall of waste or re-cyclable material discharged from the receptacle into said waste collection and storage area of the bin.

11. A bin as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein said one upstanding outer wall part is provided with at least one external step facilitating a users access to the receptacle and materials receiving opening for I l--r loading and operation.

12. A bin as claimed in claim 9, claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the upstanding outer wall part opposite said one upstanding outer wall part defines or incorporates a large lockable door which can be opened by an operator for access to the bin interior and removal of waste or re-cyclable materials container therein.

13. A bin as claimed in claim 12, wherein an open topped trolley or container of complementary dimensions to the bin interior is removably located therein for the receipt of waste or re-cyclable 15 material from said receptacle. fl

14. A bin as claimed in claim 9, claim 10 or claim 11, wherein a large part of the roof section extending from the upstanding outer wall part opposite said one S 20 upstanding outer wall part defines or incorporates a discharge opening with a large lockable door which can be opened by an authorised operator for access to the bin interior and removal of waste or re-cyclable materials contained therein; the two remaining 25 opposite upstanding outer wall parts defining side walls and being provided with external support and gripping means with which mechanical hoist means is engageable for lifting and transport and/or for up- ending of the bin for discharge of its contents through the bin discharge opening.

A bin as claimed in claim 14, wherein said external support and gripping means comprise a substantially horizontal open ended tubular support on each of said remaining opposite upstanding outer wall parts arranged and positioned to receive lifting fork I _F I arms of mechanical hoist mechanism on a vehile.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 ii., Lusive, or a bin as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 15 inclusive, wherein said receptacle comprises first and second complementary part cylindrical sections which are mounted for rotation about said horizontal axis but in opposite or counter directions relative to each other; the arrangement and form of said sections providing that in the first position accessible for use, said materials entry opening extends the length of the receptacle and is defined between upper peripheral edges of the two sections whilst the lower inner peripheral parts of 15 the two sections are located in juxta-position closing go the lower inner side of the receptacle, and on movement of the two sections to the second position by a counter rotation said upper peripheral edges close together in closing the upper materials entry opening 20 simultaneous with the forming of a lower inner materials discharge opening between said lower inner peripheral parts of the two sections.

17. Apparatus or a bin as claimed in claim 16, 25 wherein one of said sections is at least partially located within the other section as a relatively close fit and with said lower inner peripheral parts in close overlapping relationship when in said first position.

18. Apparatus or a bin as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17, wherein opposite end wall parts of the two sections lie in parallel juxta-position at said horizontal axis, and simultaneous counter rotation movement of the two sections is arranged to be effected by way of a ring gear arrangement at at least 4 1 26 one end part of the receptacle; an inner toothed gear being co-axially mounted on one section end wall part to project towards the respective adjacent end wall part of the other sect--ion, a complementary toothed outer ring gear mounted cn said respective adjacent end wall to locate co-axially about said inner toothed gear, and a plurality of complementary toothed planetary gears located in concentric spaced relationship between said inner toothed gear and said outer ring gear and in engagement therewith.

19. Apparatus or a bin as claimed in claim 16, claim 17 or claim 18, wherein one of said sections is provided lith an externally located handle movable by 15 a user to effect the simultaneous counter rotation of .4 the two sections from the second position with the upper materials entry opening closed to the first 444* accessible position with the upper materials entry :se opening open.

Apparatus or a bin as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19 inclusive, wherein said two sections are normally biassed or are arranged to be moved by power driven means to said second position to prevent 25 external access to said receptacle, the releasable 4 locking means holding said sections in the second 4 position until released by a user. 4ri

21. Apparatus or a bin as claimed in claim 16 and wherein said receptacle is arranged, constructed and operable substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 5,6,7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings.

22. A waste or re-cyclable materials collection and storage bin as claimed in claim 5, arranged, I V 27 constructedI and operable substantially as hereinbefore described with refemence to figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings. DATED this Tenth day of November 1997. MACBAY WASTE LIMITED By its Patent Attorneys FISHER ADAMS KELLY 0 1 4 t ABSTRACT OF DISCLOSURE A means for collection and temporary storage of waste or re-cyclable materials, comprising an open or openable receptacle mounted in a support structure in juxta-position with an entry part thereof so as to be capable of receiving a prescribed relatively small quantity (eg typically a full domestic rubbish bag) of material deposited in the receptacle by a user; the receptacle or at least a part thereof being movable about a horizontal axis between first and second positions, the first of which exposes a materials receiving opening of the receptacle to access by a user and the second of which prevents access to the o 15 materials receiving opening and provides for discharge of the receptacle contents for directions to an enclosed larger collection and storage area for the materials, the receptacle being normally held in the second position preventing user access by means of releasable locking mechanism which is preferably fee actuated; the assembly may be fitted to or form part of a large .portable enclosed waste or re-cyclable material bin, or may be fitted to such as a wall of a collection depot or in an apartment building to form part of a 25 waste or re-cyclable material collection system. 0 o ir