AU738196B3

AU738196B3 - Collapsible bin

Info

Publication number: AU738196B3
Application number: AU71783/00A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Phillip Solomon
Original assignee: SOLOMON MARYANNE
Current assignee: Solomon Maryanne
Priority date: 1999-11-26
Filing date: 2000-11-23
Publication date: 2001-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 2006-11-23

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION PETTY PATENT COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER The following statement is a full description of this invention.

COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER This invention relates to the development of a new device that can be used as a freestanding container that can be collapsed flat when not required and open automatically when being filled.

The device was created as a result of problems experienced by' properties in the Inner City where access to the rear and or side of these properties was difficult with the traditional 'Wheely Bin'.

This situation required the existing 'wheely bin' to be wheeled through the house to the rear of the property or alternatively left at the front of the property and filled by manually carrying material to that container.

SPrior to this invention the only other method of dealing with this problem was to use hessian or plastic bags or cardboard boxes. The problem with this was that the bags often became entangled in the machinery of the truck. When it rained two of these methods became impractical as they absorbed water and became heavy.

Additional to this, the existing bins had to be stored at the front of many homes. This often meant that between 2-3 wheely bins were stored at the front of properties that frequently did not have the space to allow this.

Summary of the Invention: The present invention provides a collapsible container adapted for configuring in a use configuration with an increased interior volume or a storage configuration with a reduced interior volume, said container including: an open end; a closed end; at least one pair of opposed side walls between the ends; a pair of base wall portions within said container, each one of the base wall portions being hinged to one of said opposed side walls and the other of said base wall portions, said base wall portions together defining said closed end, wherein, when in the% use. configuration, forcing-said. side walls together. causes.....

the base wall portions to pivot towards an adjacent and parallel position within said S3 ta aier and the container to collapse said storage configuration, and, R:\LIBD02352.doc:RDC:TCW when in the storage configuration, the weight of material filling said container incident on said base wall portions forces said base wall portions to pivot towards a substantially inline position within said container thereby forcing said side walls apart to expand the container to said use configuration.

Preferably, the container includes two planar opposed side walls and two angled opposed side walls interposed therebetween.

Technical Features that characterise the invention: SThe device overcomes this problem of storage space because of its ability to collapse flat when dropped to the ground. This means that the device can be stored away when not required e.g. behind a door or under a bench. (Appendix 2, figures 1, 2 3 show the container from three perspectives in the open and closed positions.) SThe issue of accessibility is solved not only because the device collapses flat so easily but also because it is extremely lightweight and durable. This means that it can be easily carried in one hand.

0 Another key element of the device is that, as well as collapsing flat when pushed over it can be free standing in the upright position (fig 2) and automatically opens when filled (fig There is no need to fold or unfold the device.

R:\LIBD]02352.doc:RDC:TCW When opening, two sides of the device extend in an outward direction (fig 4 5 part 5) while the opposing sides move toward each other (fig 4 5 part 4) The reverse occurs when closing.

Creasing in the lower section of the device at part 7 and the location of vents and handles at parts 2 and 3 allow for the device to collapse and open when pushed over or filled. Parts 2, 3 7 are essential element of the device in that they allow for and support the action of opening and closing.

The handles have been strategically placed in order to allow for an 'easy lift' of the device. This means that minimal bending is required when lifting.( fig 4 5 at 1) Additional handles have been placed near the base of the bin to allow for a firm grip when emptying. (fig 4 5 at 2) Vents and drainage holes have been provided to allow for drainage of moisture and to reduce the build up of heat and condensation.

(fig 4 5 parts 2 3) Sonic weld technology has been used to add strength to the joins and prevent separation when under stress. This extends the length of the join. This does not exclude the use of other forms of adhesion (fig 2 part 8).

Integral hinges have been used at the seams to lengthen their lifespan and add strength.

Occasionally the device may 'lock' in the open position. The base has been designed to allow for a release of this locking by depressing the centre of the base.

Unlike the existing container collection system, this device can be made in a great variety of capacities. This allows the product to cater to a broad range of residential and industrial needs.

A further key element of this device is that it is made from polyethylene which is a recycled material and is also recyclable no2 on the recycle triangle This material is resistant to splitting or tearing. This however, does not exclude the use of other materials.

Some advantageous aspects of the present invention are set out in the following numbered paragraphs.

1. A freestanding container that collapses flat when pushed over and opens automatically when placed in the standing position and filled.

2. The freestanding container that collapses flat of paragraph 1 wherein creasing in the lower section of the device at part 7 and the location of vents and handles at parts 2 3 allow for the device to collapse and open when pushed over or filled.

3. The freestanding container that collapses flat of paragraph 1 wherein one side of the device extends in an outward direction when opening (part 5) while the opposing sides move toward each other (parts This process is reversed when closing.

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Claims

1. A collapsible container adapted for configuring in a use configuration with an increased interior volume or a storage configuration with a reduced interior volume, said container including: an open end; a closed end; at least one pair of opposed side walls between the open and closed ends; a pair of base wall portions within said container, each one of the base wall portions being hinged to one of said opposed side walls and the other of said base wall portions, said base wall portions together defining said closed end, wherein, when in the use configuration, forcing said side walls together causes the base wall portions to pivot towards an adjacent and parallel position within said container and the container to collapse towards said storage configuration, and, when in the storage configuration, the weight of material filling said container incident on said base wall portions forces said base wall portions to pivot towards a substantially inline position within said container thereby forcing said side walls apart to expand the container towards said use configuration.

2. The container claimed in claim 1, including two planar opposed side walls and two angled opposed side walls interposed therebetween.

3. The container claimed in claim 1 or 2, and substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated 23 July, 2001 Phillip Solomon Maryanne Solomon Patent Attorneys for the Applicants/Nominated Persons SPRUSON FERGUSON R:\LIBD]02352.doc:RDC