AU737186B3 - Device for opening lids - Google Patents

Description

P/00/012 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION PETTY PATENT Invention Title: "DEVICE FOR OPENING LIDS" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2

TITLE

"DEVICE FOR OPENING LIDS" FIELD OF THE INVENTION THIS INVENTION relates to opening devices for hinged lids and, in particular, for hinged lids used with mobile refuse bins.

BACKGROUND ART There are many occasions on which it is desirable to open the hinged lid of a receptacle without an operator using his or her hand.

This is particularly the case in relation to refuse bins where the development of the wheeled rubbish bin (or "wheelie bin") has been a significant advance in convenience of use.

Prior to development of the wheeled rubbish bin, domestic refuse bins had been limited in size due to the need for a householder to transfer the bin and contents to a convenient position for collection. The wheeled bin allows a comparatively much larger and heavier load to be handled safely by a user. Typically, such a bin is composed of a strong plastic with a hinged lid. The lid may be opened by hand. It also automatically opens to discharge its contents when the bin is inverted by a hydraulic lifting device attached to a collection vehicle.

In use, however, such a lid attracts some degree of risk.

Given the range of materials deposited in such a bin, it is easy for a handle or surrounds to become contaminated. In these circumstances, a subsequent user may pick up and transfer noxious substances into environments where they pose a threat. A typical example of such an 3 environment is in the area of food preparation where, in the absence of scrupulous hygiene, infectious agents may contaminate food with a risk of causing food poisoning.

A further problem arises from the fact that the lid is usually a substantial structure with significant weight. A person who is laden with one or more containers of rubbish may have difficulty in simultaneously operating the lid and supporting material for dumping. This can lead to dropping and spillage of material requiring retrieval and possibly cleaning of the local environment. The situation is made worse if the dropped material includes glass or other fragile substances.

While some lid opening devices are known for bins, they usually require alteration of the structure of the bin or dismantling of at least some of its components for installation of the device. Additionally, such devices usually use stiff operating rods running along the body.

These rods can interfere with the action of grabs used in hydraulic lifters for automated emptying.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a lid opening device which overcomes or ameliorates at least one of the deficiencies in the prior art. It is a further object to provide a consumer with an alternative lid opening device which is relatively easy to install.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a lid opening device comprising: 4 a first bracket mountable to a receptacle to support a base of the receptacle above a ground surface; a pedal member mountable to the bracket; a lid lifting member rotatably mountable to the receptacle; and a flexible elongate connecting member having a first end connectable to the pedal member and a second end connectable to the lifting member; wherein, in use, activation of the pedal member causes the lifting member to move the lid to an open position.

Preferably, the bracket is mountable to the base of the receptacle. The bracket may include a channel for receiving a part of the receptacle. Suitably, the channel receives a rim of the base.

Suitably, the bracket may include clamping means for securing the bracket to the base. The clamping means may include a threaded shaft engaged in a bore of the bracket, having a complementary thread, whereby the shaft may be advanced by rotation to thereby clamp the bracket to the receptacle.

The channel section may be substantially in the shape of a U, including two spaced walls. The spaced walls may be upwardly divergent.

One of the spaced walls may include engagement enhancing means for increasing engagement between the bracket and receptacle. The engagement enhancing means may be at least one projection from the wall surface. The at least one projection may be a tooth. Alternatively, the at least one projection may be a ridge. The ridge may be longitudinally disposed on the wall surface. Preferably, the engagement enhancing means is a plurality of longitudinal spaced parallel ridges. The engagement enhancing means may suitably be located on the lower of the two walls.

Preferably, the bracket may include a lower region for engaging a ground surface. The lower region may be adapted to form a skid.

The pedal member may be an elongate member, having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may be adapted to form a foot plate. The distal end may be adapted for rotatable mounting to the bracket. The pedal member may include receiving means for receiving the first end of the connecting member. The receiving means is preferably located intermediate the proximal and distal ends. The receiving means may comprise at least two spaced receiving seats.

The lid lifting member is preferably a fulcrum lever. The fulcrum lever may have a connection end for engagement with the second end of the connecting member and a lifting end with mounting means between the two ends. The mounting means may be a seat removably engageable with a handle of the receptacle, wherein the handle forms a pivot access for the lid. The mounting means may include a removable locking saddle.

The elongate connecting member may be a cable.

Activation of the pedal member may suitably require depression of the pedal member.

The device may include a second bracket for location on the base of the receptacle. The second bracket may be adapted to form a skid. The second bracket may be a dummy bracket. Alternatively, the second bracket may support a rotatable pedal member Suitably, the invention may reside in paired lifting devices locateable on opposite sides of a bin, wherein the lifting devices are substantially as described above. The paired lifting devices may be actionable by a common pedal bar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of a device of the invention when applied to a wheeled receptacle.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the arrangement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the arrangement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the arrangement of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a bracket of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a bracket.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a pedal member of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a pedal member of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of a first cable connection.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of a second cable connection.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a lifting member.

7 FIG. 12 is a side view of a lifting member with a keyed locking member.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of a second embodiment of the invention having bilateral lifting devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a receptacle or bin with an open topped body 11 and base 12. The base 12 has a rim 13 with an upper border 14 (shown in hidden detail). A pair of wheels are attached to the body 11 of which only one wheel 15 is visible in this view.

The bin 10 has a lid 16 which is hingedly mounted to handle 17 of the bin 10 so that the lid 16 may be moved between a closed position (as shown) and an open position. The lid 16 also has an opening handle 18 to facilitate operation.

The lifting device includes a bracket 19 which is mounted to the body 11 by attachment to the rim 13. The bracket has clamping means in the form of bolt 20 which is threaded and engages a complementary threaded bore in the bracket 19 and may be rotated into compressive contact with the rim 13. The bolt 20 also forms a rotation point for mounting of a pedal member 21 which has a proximal end 22 with a foot plate 23. Pedal member 21 is rotatably mounted to the bracket 19 at its distal end 24 so that activation of the pedal member 21 by depression of the foot plate 23 causes the pedal member to rotate towards the ground.

A flexible elongate connecting member in the form of cable 8 is shown with a first end 26 connected at a point of the pedal member 21 intermediate the proximal end 22 and distal end 24 of the pedal member 21. The cable 25 also has a second end 27 connected to a lifting member 28.

The lifting member 28 is rotatably mounted to the handle 17 of the bin 10. The lifting member 28 is mounted as a fulcrum lever having a lifting end 29 and a cable receiving end or connection end Intermediate the two ends, the lifting member 28 is rotatably mounted on the handle 17 and, in this case, is locked in position by retaining bolt 31.

In operation, application of pressure to the foot plate 23 causes rotation of pedal member 21 with subsequent application of tension to the cable 25. That tension is translated into rotation of the lifting member 28 with a consequent elevation of the lid 16 to an open position.

In FIG. 2, a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 is seen in which both wheels 15 are visible. This view highlights the fact that cable hugs the side 32 of bin 10. This is a distinct advantage in the present invention as the combination of flexibility and nestling close to side 32 removes the cable from any clearly obstructing position in relation to mechanical grabs of hydraulic lifters used to empty the bin 10. This view also shows presence of a dummy bracket 33 in corresponding position to bracket 19. A dummy bracket is a bracket without a pedal attachment.

Both brackets have lower regions which are adapted to form skids to keep the base 12 of the bin 10 clear of the ground. The skids may slide over 9 the ground surface when the bin 10 is moved across the ground in substantially vertical position. This form of movement is a relatively common occurrence and, particularly on rough surfaces, leads to an abrasion and wearing down of the rim 13 of the bin 10. With persistent wear, the plastic might be eroded until a penetration into the actual inner chamber of the bin 10 occurs with a subsequent risk of leakage of any liquid material in the bin. Imperviousness to liquid discharge and spillages is one of the strengths of the bins with the result that any penetration is a clear breach of the integrity of the device.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. This view clearly shows the handle 17 as a structural member supporting an axle (not shown) which in turn is connected to the lid via flanges 34. The opening handles 18 are paired on both sides of the lid 16. Cable 25 connects cable receiving end 30 of the lifting member 28 to pedal member 21. Bracket 19 and dummy bracket 33 are also clearly visible. The dummy bracket may simply consist of the same device used for bracket 19 but without the addition of the rotatable pedal member 21. Wheels 15 are shown in phantom.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in which the foot plate 23 is shown as projecting beyond the front wall 35 of the bin to provide ready access during use of the device of the invention.

Lifting member 28 is also seen with its lifting end 29 shown in hidden detail located under the lid 16. Mounting means for the lifting member 28 in the form of a curved seat 36 is seen in both FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. The curved seat 36 is held in operative position in relation to handle 17 by retaining bolt 31.

FIG. 5 shows a bracket 38 suitable for use in the present invention. The bracket 38 has a channel section 39 for receiving the rim 13 of the base 12 of a bin 10. The bracket 38 receives a bolt 40 with a threaded shaft 41 located in a complementary threaded bore 42 (shown in hidden detail). The bracket 38 has a first upright wall 43 and a second upright wall 44. In this embodiment, the first upright wall 43 is higher than the second upright wall 44 which allows a snug nestling of the upper surface 45 of the second upright wall against base 12 in use. The bracket 38 has a lower region 46 adapted to form a skid for supporting the base 12 above a ground surface by way of a broadening of the base.

Adaptation of the based may be performed by simply choosing a material which is suitable for the purpose. No specific structural features are required and a skilled addressee would be aware of many effective alternatives.

In operation, hexagonal head 47 of bolt 40 may be rotated to advance the bolt 40 through bore 42 into compressive contact with rim 13, thereby squeezing rim 13 against the inner surface 48 of second upright wall 44. The inner surface may have a recess 49 into which rim 13 may be distorted by the compressive effect of bolt 40, thereby maximising the retention contact between rim 13 and inner wall 44 and minimising the chance of unintentional removal.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a 11 bracket 50. The bracket 50 includes a channel section 51 formed by a floor 52, first upright wall 53 and second upright wall 54. The inner surfaces 55, 56 of the first upright wall 53 and second upright 54, respectively, are upwardly divergent. The inner wall 56 of second upright wall 54 features a series of parallel longitudinal ridges 57 intended to enhance grip between the rim of a base (not shown) and bracket 50. The ridges bite into the rim on rotation of bolt 58 and advancement of the bolt into compressive contact with the rim when in use. This bracket is of particular use when a rim is worn in that there may be minimal residual material for supporting the bracket. The engagement between bracket and rim is thereby enhanced.

FIG. 7 shows a pedal member 59 in top view. The pedal member has a first end with a foot plate 60 which may have fine foot grip slots exemplified at 61 to cover as much as possible of the foot pad area, particularly if the foot pad is curved and thereby enhance grip between a users foot or boot and the- plate 60. The plate 60 is continuous or may be integral with an elongate section 62 terminating in a second end. 63. A through bore 64 (shown in hidden detail) may be located in the vicinity of the second end 63. In use, a compressive bolt (20 in FIG. 1 or 58 in FIG.

6) may be located in the bore 64 to provide rotatable mounting of the pedal member 59 to a bracket. The elongate section 62 has a slot 65 for receiving a first end of a connecting member or cable.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a bottom view of the pedal member of FIG. 7. The slot 65 is visible and located above a first 12 receiving seat 66 for receiving an end piece, such as a barrel connector on the end of a flexible cable. The receiving seat 66 is also seen in hidden detail in FIG. 7. The barrel connector is slid through slot rotated 900 and located in first receiving seat 66.

Alternatively, the barrel end may be pulled through the slot with attached cable and located in second receiving seat 67, thereby shortening the effective length of the cable between the foot pedal 59 and a lid lifting member. When the barrel end is located in the second receiving seat 67, the cable may be routed through slots 68.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a foot pedal 59 in side section view with a cable 69 having a barrel connector or end 70 located in first receiving seat 66. In this position, the length of cable between the pedal member 59 and lifting member is maximised.

Referring to FIG. 10, the cable 69 is shown with barrel end 70 located in second receiving seat 67. The result is that the effective length of the cable 69 between pedal member 59 and lifting member is shortened. This gives considerable versatility to the device in that it may be applied to different size bins without requiring separate components.

Alternatively, if the cable stretches, it may be re-tensioned by movement of the side of the barrel end. Clearly, more available receiving seats may be created in the pedal member.

A further embodiment of a lid lifting member 71 is shown in side view in FIG. 11. The lid lifting member 71 is a fulcrum lever having a lifting end 72 for location under the lid of receptacle to which the member 13 71 is attached. It also has a connection end 73 to which a cable 69 is attached by a barrel end 70. Between the lifting end 72 and connection end 73 is a mounting means in the form of a substantially circular recess 74 which may be located over the cylindrical handle member of the bin.

The handle member is usually aligned along the pivot access of the lid.

The recess 74 may be dimensioned to the "sprung" over the handle.

Preferably, the lifting member 71 is made from a material such as plastic having some degree of resilience so that the recess 74 may be snap fitted to the handle. This provides the easiest means of installation of the lifting member 71.

In use, cable 69 is tensioned and tractioned towards a ground surface by pressure on the foot pedal seen in previous figures.

The application of this force causes rotation of the lifting member around recess 74 with subsequent lift of the lifting end 72 and movement of lid to an open position.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a lid lifting member similar to that of FIG. 11. However, this embodiment includes a removable locking saddle 76 having recesses 77 which may be slid into locking engagement with complementary projections 78 on the lifting member Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a further embodiment in which a bracket and pedal member 79 has a matching bracket and pedal member 80 in corresponding position on an opposite side of the bin 81.

Each bracket and pedal member 79, 80 has a corresponding cable 84, 14 respectively, connecting them to their respective lifting members 82, 83. The pedal members are in turn connected to each other by a common pedal bar 86 (seen in hidden detail) which may be operated by a user so that the pedals are depressed simultaneously. Clearly, the bar may be formed as an integral member or, alternatively, may be connected to individual pedal members by any suitable form of connection.

This invention provides a device that is easily installed on a bin without the need for any significant skill or tools. It is a device that is ideally suited for use by someone who is infirm and which can also be easily installed by the same person. Unlike prior art devices, it does not require alteration of a bin or removal and repositioning of components of the bin during installation.

It is readily transferred from bin to bin and may be retained when changing address. Provision of skids also leads to protection of the bin base.

The simplicity of the device also results in low manufacturing costs leading to a reliable, durable product which is marketable at a modest cost.

Throughout the specification, the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described and illustrated without departing from the present invention.

Claims (3)

1. A lid opening device comprising: a first bracket mountable to a bin to support a base of the bin above a ground surface; a pedal member rotatably mountable to the bracket; a lid lifting member rotatably mountable to the bin; and a flexible connecting member having a first end connectable to the pedal member and a second end connectable to the lifting member; wherein, in use, activation of the pedal member causes the lifting member to move the lid to an open position.

2. The lid lifting device of Claim 1 further comprises a second bracket mountable to the bin such that the first and second brackets support the base of the bin above a ground surface.

3. The lid lifting device of either of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the pedal member has at least two spaced receiving seats for receiving the first end of the connecting member. DATED this twenty-fourth day of April 2001. BINMATE PTY LTD By its Patent Attorneys FISHER ADAMS KELLY