EP2307290A1

EP2307290A1 - System for the aided closing/opening of a lid, and waste container provided with such a lid

Info

Publication number: EP2307290A1
Application number: EP08874863A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yves Charles; Daniel Charles
Original assignee: Vygi
Current assignee: Vygi
Priority date: 2008-07-01
Filing date: 2008-07-01
Publication date: 2011-04-13
Also published as: WO2010000951A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for opening/closing a lid (2), that comprises a flap (4) pivotally mounted about an axis (8) and an actuation means including at least one pusher (5a, 5b) mounted on a position-return means (6), a bearing surface, and first and second elastically deformable effectors (7, 7’) each interacting with a stop (11, 11’) formed on the flap (4) so that a first pushing force applied on the pusher (5a, 5b) brings the first effector (7, 7’) in contact with a first stop (11, 11’) and rotates the flap (4) from the closed or open position thereof into the other position, and so that a second pushing force applied on the pusher (5a, 5b) brings the second effector (7, 7’) into contact with the second stop (11, 11’) in order to bring the flap (4) into the initial position thereof, and a return means (15) connecting the lid (2) and the flap (4), which is compressed during the initial rotation phase of the flap (4) and extends almost completely at the end of the pusher (5a, 5b) movement.

Description

OPENING / CLOSING SYSTEM ASSISTED WITH A COVER AND A WASTE CONTAINER HAVING SUCH A COVER

The present invention relates to a system for opening / closing a lid and a waste container, in particular for infectious medical waste pointy or sharp edges, provided with such incubator.

In the field of containers and other containers for the collection of infectious waste, in particular of the sharp and sharp type, a large number of solutions of closure systems of the lid, in order to prevent access to the contaminated material which has been introduced into said container are known.

A first conventional system consists of a lid hinged in a hinge that the user manipulates above the opening of the container to unmask or otherwise leave free access to the orifice.

Moreover, there are known automatic opening systems of the lid, as described in US Patent 2005/218105, wherein the expansion of a compressed spring ensures the opening of the lid as soon as the user releases it from its holding means in closed position. However, this system poses stability problems of the container related to the energy released during the opening of the lid and, in addition, it requires the use of both hands to close the lid.

Other systems use gravity to provide part of the operations of the opening or closing movements. Patent FR 2 494 231 discloses a container whose lid tilts inwards when the user pushes on it. The return to the closed position is ensured by the gravity, one of the sides of the lid being weighted so to orient its rotation in the direction of closing. Such devices cause a significant loss of the useful volume of the container, since the lid tilts inwardly thereof and furthermore have a risk of returning to the outside of the waste introduced by rebound on the lid if the opening of the latter was not completely achieved due to insufficient push of the user.

In addition, none of the known systems fully meet the latest legislative requirements that require that the operation of disposal of sharp or sharp infectious objects used in the medical environment, such as syringe needles or scalpel blades, may be uni-or single-manual type and secure for the operator, so that it does not hurt with the waste it must eliminate.

The present invention therefore aims to provide an original system for opening / closing a lid to meet the legislative requirements, which is easy to use and economically advantageous to produce, given the single-use destination containers waste.

In this regard, the present invention relates to a system for opening / closing a lid comprising a flap pivotally mounted about an axis to close the orifice of said cover and actuating means for rotating the flap from its closed position to its open position and reciprocally, remarkable in that said actuating means comprise at least one pusher mounted on return means in position, said pusher having a bearing surface on which a thrust is exerted and a first and a second elastically deformable effectors each cooperating with an abutment arranged on the shutter so that a first push on the pusher brings the first effector into contact with a first stop and causes the flap in rotation from its closed or open position to its respectively open or closed position and a second thrust exerted on the pusher the second effector is brought into contact with the second abutment in order to drive the flap in rotation towards its initial position, the said actuating means further comprising a means of restoring assistance and stabilization, linking the cover and the flap, which is compressed during the initial phase of rotation of the flap and which relaxes almost completely at the end of travel of the pusher so as to assist the rotational movement of the flap and then to maintain the open or closed position of the flap to prevent opening or closing accidental.

It is understood that by exerting a first pressure on the pusher, it triggers the opening of the flap and by exerting a second pressure on the same pusher, it will cause the closure of the flap. In addition, it is clear the advantage provided by the assistance and stabilization return means that facilitates and secures the opening and closing operations performed in a manual manner.

According to an alternative embodiment, the first and second effector are merged, the single effector alternately coming into contact with the two stops.

The subject of the invention is also a waste container, in particular for pointy or sharp-edged medical or infectious waste, comprising a lid secured to a container, the lid being provided with the opening / closing system according to the invention.

Other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description of an alternative embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings in which: - AT -

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a garbage container having a lid provided with an opening / closing system according to the invention;

- Figures 2A to 2F are schematic cross-sectional views of the lid illustrating the kinematics of the opening / closing system according to the invention.

With reference to FIG. 1, the subject of the invention is a container 1 for infectious waste comprising a lid 2 secured to a container 3, this lid 2 being provided with an original opening / closing system the detailed description of which will follow. . In particular, the lid 2 comprises a flap 4 pivotally mounted and two pushers 5a_, 5b for pivoting the flap 4 from its closed position to its open position and vice versa. Preferably, the cover 2 will be provided with two pushbuttons 5a, 5b flanking the flap 4 on either side of its width in order to allow ambidextrous use of the system.

According to a feature not shown in the figures, the waste container comprises a needle-removing plate which is disposed in the hole of the lid, which is covered by the flap.

With reference to FIG. 2A, the schematic structure of a preferred embodiment of the open / close assisted system object of the invention will now be described.

The cover 2 comprises actuating means which comprise at least one pusher 5a, 5b mounted on return means 6 in position, said pusher being provided with a visible face of support. This pusher 5a, 5b comprises in the variant shown two effectors 7, 7 'elastically deformable. Preferably, it will be flexible tongues.

According to another variant of execution, not shown in the figures, the first and second effectors are merged, that is to say that each pusher comprises a single effector 7. The two-effect variant is preferable for the simplification of the kinematics and the reasons for deformation and less stress effectors.

The shutter 4 is pivotally mounted about an axis 8 on the orifice of the cover 2.

According to a particularly preferred variant as shown in the figures, this axis 8 slides along a slideway 9 arranged in the cover 2, so as to reduce the size of the flap which is positioned in a housing 10 designed for this purpose when in the open position. As will be clear from the kinematics which will be detailed below, the flap 4 thus rotates in translation along the slide 9 when it is open or closed.

The flap 4 also comprises two stops 11, 11 'each cooperating respectively with an effector 7, 7' of the pusher 5a, 5b. In the case of the variant with a single effector, the two abutments cooperate alternately with it. Of course, the angular positioning and the shape of the stops will vary according to the configuration of one or two effectors of the pusher. The pushers flanking on either side of the flap 4 in the case shown, these stops 7, 7 'are carried by lateral wings 12 coming from the lower face of the flap 4. In the non-limiting embodiment example shown, the abutments 11, 11 'consist of two semi-tubular grooves which extend outwards towards the side walls of the lid 2. Of course, those skilled in the art are able to implement any form functionally adapted to these needs, depending on the number of effectors used in particular. The push button 5a, 5b is disposed on the upper face of the cover so that the thrust is exerted downwards, and that its projection remains inscribed in the bearing surface of the base of the container on which the cover is mounted. that is, the thrust is exerted in a generally vertical direction when the lid is mounted on a flat-bottomed container placed on a horizontal surface.

This feature advantageously contributes to the stability of the waste container during the waste disposal operation and allows it to be made with one hand, without the need to hold the box with the other hand to prevent it from falling during the opening of the lid, since the thrust is exerted downwards.

In addition, at the end of the side flanges 12, the flap 4 comprises a cam 13 which is in direct contact with a fixed roller 14 of the cover 2 and which allows the guiding of the flap during pivoting.

Finally, according to an essential characteristic of the invention, a means of return 15 assistance and stabilization links the cover 2 to the flap 4, here at the wing 12, so as to accompany and assist the evolution of the component 4 and exert its thrust on the latter by pressing one of the abutments 11, 11 'when the flap 4 is in the closed position as shown in Figure 2D. This return means 15 is almost completely relaxed when the flap 4 is in one of its rest positions and is compressed during the initial phase of rotation of the flap, triggered by the thrust on the pusher 5 which drives the flap 4 in rotation by leverage. At the end of the pusher stroke, the rotation of the shutter reaches a point of equilibrium that the accumulated kinetic energy combined with the restitution of energy provided by the relaxation of the return means 15 allows to pass, hence the assistance function of the latter. This return means 15 also makes it possible to maintain the flap 4 when it is in an open or closed rest position and thus to avoid an unexpected opening or closing when the container is not being handled. open or close it. To this end, the biasing means will be dimensioned (size and stiffness constant) so that it exerts a sufficient thrust being almost completely relaxed to maintain the flap when it is in the rest position.

We will now describe, with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2F, the kinematics of the preferred embodiment variant of the system according to the invention.

The device is in a closed position in FIG. 2A: the pusher 5a., 5b is in the rest position, the first effector 7, called the opening effector, being positioned unconstrained in the first groove 11, while the second effector 7 ', said closing effector, is completely free. The biasing means 15 assistance and stabilization bears on the second groove 11 '. When the user wants to open the lid 2, it exerts a downward pressure (arrow A Figure 2B) on one of the two pushers 5a, 5b, in order to bring it closer to the upper face of the lid 2. The first effector 7 will exert a bearing on the first groove 11 which will cause the flap 4 downwards and initiate its pivoting about its axis 8 which translates into the slide 9. The return means 15 assistance and stabilization, compressed during the first part of the rotation, gradually relaxes, pushing the flap 4 towards its second rest position, in its housing 10. At the end of the stroke, when the flap 4 is completely open, the first effector 7 is no longer in position. contact with the first stop 11 and the return means 15 is almost completely relaxed and exerts a stabilization constraint that keeps the flap 4 in position. The user releases his pressure on the pusher 5a., 5b which returns to its rest position by means of the return means in position 6. Upon return to position of the pusher 5a, 5b, the second effector 7 'is positioned against the second stop 11 '.

To trigger the closure, the user exerts a downward pressure (arrow A 'Figure 2E) on the pusher, which is transmitted by the second effector 7' on the second groove 11 'and causes at this time the flap 4 pivoting to its closed position. Finally, the release allows the pusher 5a_, 5b to return to its initial position, again thanks to the return means in position 6, and the first effector 7 is positioned against the first stop 11 to be able to start an opening cycle / closing. Again, the means of return 15 assistance and stabilization accompanies the movement of the flap 4 and ensures its maintenance in the closed position, after being compressed during the push.

It is clear that the system according to the invention allows an operator to open and close the lid with one hand and without any contact with the lid, which presents a risk of contamination by contact with infectious waste disposed.

Preferably, all the parts constituting the opening system is made by injection molding of plastics (synthetic polymers). All return means will therefore advantageously consist of flexible tongues. It is easy to understand the considerable advantage provided by this assisted opening / closing system, in which on the one hand the effectors making it possible to transmit the power of the thrust exerted are not subjected to stress that during the opening phase for one and closing for the other, and secondly the return means in the position of the pusher and assistance movement are compressed only during the phase of thrust, all the means undergoing no stress, or very low, when the flap is in one of its rest positions, open or closed: the elastic memory of the materials is little solicited, which greatly reduces their wear.

This design advantageously makes it possible to produce a system with a minimum number of mechanical parts, when the system is produced according to the injection molding technique: the cover 2, the shutter shutter 4 and at least one pusher 5a, 5b.

It goes without saying of course that the length of the effectors 7, the, the dimensioning and the positioning of the abutments 11, 11 'will be easily adapted by those skilled in the art as a function of the desired stroke of the flap 4, the dimensioning and shape given to the latter as well as elastic characteristics of the material used for the effectors.

According to a complementary feature, not shown in the figures, the system may comprise an intermediate travel stop of the translation of the pusher 5a., 5b or friction means for partially opening the flap 4 in a position between that shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the biasing means 15 assistance and stabilization then exerting a thrust to bring the flap 4 to its initial closed position.

Finally, it goes without saying that if the opening / closing system according to the invention finds a preferred application for containers for the collection of infectious waste, this is only an example. particular, in no way limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1 - System for opening / closing assisted by a cover (2) comprising a flap (4) pivotally mounted about an axis (8) for closing the orifice of said cover (2) and actuating means for pivoting the flap (4) from its closed position to its open position and vice versa, characterized in that said actuating means comprise at least one pusher (5a, 5b) mounted on return means in position (6), said pusher (5a, 5b) having a bearing surface on which a thrust is exerted and a first and a second resiliently deformable effectors (7, 7 ') each cooperating with an abutment (11, 11') provided on the flap (4 ) so that a first push on the pusher (5a, 5b) brings the first effector (7, 7 ') into contact with a first stop (11, 11') and causes the flap (4) to rotate from its position closing or opening towards its respectively opening or closing position and that a second thrust e placed on the pusher (5a, 5b) brings the second effector (7, 7 ') into contact with the second stop (11, 11'), in order to drive the flap (4) in rotation towards its initial position, said actuating means further comprising an assisting and stabilizing return means (15), linking the cover (2) and the flap (4), which is compressed during the initial phase of rotation of the flap (4) and which relaxes almost completely at the end of travel of the pusher (5a_, 5b) so as to assist the rotational movement of the flap (4) and then to maintain the open or closed position of the flap (4) to prevent accidental opening or closing .

2 - Opening / closing system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the two effectors (7, 7 ') are tabs. 3 - Opening / closing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the second effector (7,7 ') are merged, the single effector entering alternately in contact with the first and the second stop (11,11 ').

4 - Opening / closing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stops (11, 11 ') are grooves of semi-tubular section.

5 - Opening / closing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis (8) of the flap (4) slides in a slide (9) and a housing (10) is arranged in the cover (2) so as to allow a rotation in translation of the cover (2) and limit the overall size of the assembly when the flap (4) is in the open position.

6 - Opening / closing system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap (4) is supported on the cover (2) by cam type contact (13) and roller (14).

7 - Opening / closing system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the device comprises means for stopping the stroke of the flap (4) in an intermediate position between its closed position and its position open to obtain a partial opening of the lid (2) followed by an automatic closure of the flap (4) by means of return means (15) for assistance and stabilization. 8 - Container (1) for waste, in particular for medical waste, pointed or with sharp edges, comprising a lid (2) secured to a container (3), characterized in that the lid (2) is provided with a opening / closing system according to any one of the preceding claims.

9 - Container (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the push button (5a., 5b) is located on the upper face of the lid (2) so that the thrust is exerted downwards and its projection is inscribed in the bearing surface of the base of the container (3).

10 - Container (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a needle removal plate is disposed in the hole of the lid (2).