EP2062835A1

EP2062835A1 - Foldaway rubbish container

Info

Publication number: EP2062835A1
Application number: EP07425360A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alessandro Marzaro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-21
Filing date: 2007-06-07
Publication date: 2009-05-27

Abstract

A rubbish container assumes a flat vertical configuration and takes up minimal space in a closed position but when in the open position has a large holding capacity.

Part of the structure is fixed to the pavement or ground by means of hinges and other, is semi-moveable; fixed to the main structure by means of articulated arms. The semi-moveable structure consists of a superficial base with a handle attached to the front wall and 2 resistant wheels fixed on the lower external part of the structure. Pulling on the handle from a closed position causes the front wall to move forwards and in turn causes the articulated arms, which have fixed sheets connected to them forming the side walls, to extent to the open position.

Description

This innovation is of great interest to the refuse collection sector and also to the employees of such agencies as it will be beneficial in areas where there are no rubbish skips and where rubbish collection needs to be made door-to-door. This is especially evident in Historic town centers, although not limited to them as other areas encounter similar problems. This traditional form of waste disposable causes problems, not only for the residents but also for the refuse collectors who often find that the trash cans become to heavy to move.
There is also the added problem that bin bags left outside the front doors of houses are very often broken into by animals and birds scavenging for food resulting in the garbage being spread all of the pavements. This cause degradation of the city centers and forces the collectors to pick up scattered refuse which normally not sufficient as some of the waste remains. This is a labor intensive work, meaning that large numbers of staff need to be employed which in turn carries a large financial cost to the operating company.
One of the reasons we see these problems, is because there are no rubbish skips in zones of historic value as they are aesthetically undesirable and often impractical from a collection point of view because of transport logistics. In short, in such areas and in other zones (e.g. Mountain areas) where similar problems are experienced, refuse collection becomes very difficult.
It is with this in mind that this new innovation comes into its own. Our proposal is a container that maintains a pleasing decorative aspect and when closed takes up a minimum space but when in the open position the front, back and side walls form an excellent space for the rubbish. The overall look of the city will also be improved and waste will no longer be seen on the streets and pavements and it will help prevent bags been broken by animals.
The use of these containers will also help in the collection of garbage and in waste management. Less people will be needed for the various tasks as the bins will be easily accessible and there will be less additional cleaning due to rubbish being strewn over the pavements.
Another important aspect of this system is that it can facilitate waste separation by the labeling of the outside of the containers or by painting them different colors.
Please refer to the attached diagrams of the prototype:

Fig.01 shows the frontal view of the container.
Fig.02 and Fig.04 shows the system from the side and top views, demonstrating how little space is taken up.
Fig.03 and Fig.05 shows the container when in the open position from the side and the top view.
Fig.06 and Fig.08 shows the articulating arms in the phase between the closed and open positions.
Fig.07 shows the container when fully open and accessible.

The innovation comprises of a structure fixed to the ground by means of 2 or more hinges and a horizontal base which forms the bottom of the container onto which are welded two right angle bars. To these bars are attached, by means of bolts or rivets, the sheets which form the rear wall and finishes with the top part forming a fold which is semi-circular and has a diameter which is the same thickness as the container when closed. On the inside of the right angle bars is welded a number of triangular shaped sheets which are attached to the articulated arms by means of bolts. The other part of the container is formed by a semi-moveable, frontal wall which is fixed internally to the sheets which are connected in turn to the articulated arms. Onto the external base of the frontal wall, are attached two wheels, which also support the weight of the structure, plus the lateral walls which are fixed randomly to the articulating arms, hereby, facilitating the movement from the closed to the open position. Opening the container is done by pulling on the handle which is on the outside of the frontal wall. The movement is transferred to the articulating arms which then extend outwards to maximize capacity.
The difference between the closed position when the container only takes up 6cm, to the open position when the container extends to full capacity, is what makes this product unique.
The container also makes use of the fact of the base also is a support for the rubbish bags but if necessary an integrated bottom can also be attached to the inside walls by means of bolts, that moves from a vertical position when closed to a horizontal position when open.
To facilitate empting, there is a door attached to the front wall by hinges. It also helps to stabilize the structure. It is also possible to modify the container so that only authorize persons may open it.
Obviously the dimensions and materials used may vary depending on the end use.

Claims

CLAIM 1 The foldaway rubbish container has the following characteristics at least 4 articulated arms, 2 frontal walls (one anterior and one posterior), 2 lateral walls articulated with the arms, at least one handle attached to the outside front of the container, a minim of 2 wheels, one door attached by hinges to the front wall of the container, a possible integrated lid and at least one lock.
The foldaway rubbish container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side walls are calculated according to the amount of rubbish it needs to collect, characterized at least 4 articulated arms whose length when extended to the maximum, is not longer than double the width of the container. The arms in the phase of closing, in fact, slide one over the one which is connected to the inner wall, therefore halving their total length and becoming flat. The outer-part of the arm is attached to the frontal wall allowing the arms to extend outwards horizontally in the opening phase (or visa versa in the phase of closing), and maintains the door is always perpendicular to the ground and parallel to the rear wall.
The foldaway rubbish container as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the two lateral walls, joined to the articulated arms are done so in such a manner that in the phase of opening or closing they do not interfere with the movement of the arms.
The foldaway rubbish container as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 has one handle on the outside of the container, that when pulled outwards transfers the movement to the articulated arms and makes them extend and pulls the lateral walls forward.
The foldaway rubbish container as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the container has a minim of 2 wheels attached to the front base of the container. The wheels help support the weight of the container and move it from an open to closed position (and visa versa) all the while ensuring that excess pressure is not put onto the arms. The wheels also can be adapted to move over uneven pavements.
The foldaway rubbish container as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized by a door on the front wall allowing access to the inside of the container what facilitates easy empting. The door is fixed to the outside front wall of the container by means of two hinges.
The foldaway rubbish container as claimed in claim 6, wherein the front door has 2 hinges on the external base of the front wall which helps stabilize the door when in an open position.
The foldaway rubbish container as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3 or 6, wherein there is also the possibility to attach hooks to the inside of the container for rubbish bags.
The foldaway rubbish container as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6, wherein it is also possible to insert an integrated base and cover, attached to the rear or side and front walls by means of hinges which when closed moves into a vertical position.
Container according to the previous claims, made above a lock maybe added to the door so that only authorized people can open the container.
Container according to the previous claims, wherein there is also the possibility to increase the robustness of the entire structure with folds.