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The present invention relates to a large waste container, which in particular has a capacity of between 400 litres and 1,700 litres.
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Large waste containers are generally known in the state of the art. They initially consist of a container body, which is used to hold and temporarily store the waste. The container body consists of a container bottom and a side wall that projects upwards from the container bottom. The container bottom and the side wall delimit the receiving space of the large waste container. At the upper end of the side wall there is an insertion opening, which is delimited by an upper edge of the container body. To make the large waste container easier to handle, it comprises a drive gear, which usually consists of four wheel devices arranged below the container bottom in the corner areas of the container body. In order to be able to manoeuvre the large waste container, it comprises one or more handle elements, particularly in the area of the upper edge of the container body.
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For emptying, the large waste container is usually moved to an emptying side, gets emptied there and then gets returned to its destination. In addition, large waste containers are often used in commercial and industrial environments, where they also have to be moved to other locations as required. In all these cases, it is not uncommon for the large waste containers to have to overcome obstacles such as uneven surfaces, steps, landings, kerbs, and the like. For this purpose, it is necessary to tilt the large waste containers in front of such obstacles.
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The emptying of the large waste container into a waste collection device, for example a waste collection vehicle, is usually carried out via a lifting device assigned to the waste collection device. In order to bring the large waste container into contact with the lifting device, the large waste container is pushed and pressed against the lifting device by the operator. It is also often necessary to tip the large waste container.
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Due to the dimensions of large waste containers, particularly in terms of their width, depth, and height, this leads to bulky handling. In addition, the large waste containers are very heavy when loaded due to their large capacity. It is therefore a major challenge for the operating personnel to tip the large waste container when required.
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To facilitate the tipping process, it has already become known in the state of the art to provide the container body of the large waste container with a foot tipping device. This is preferably arranged or formed on or in a rear side of the container body. The foot tipping device is preferably a type of foot step that serves as a tipping aid. This ensures easy tipping of the large waste container, especially when full. An example of such a large waste container with a foot tipping device is disclosed in
EP 4 282 781 A1 of the applicant.
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Based on the aforementioned prior art, it is the object of the present invention to further optimising such large waste containers equipped with a foot tipping device as known per se in such a way that a tipping movement can be carried out at any time, in particular without great effort, and that at the same time the risk of injury to the operating personnel, in particular during a lifting operation by means of a lifting device, is reduced.
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According to the invention, this object is solved by the large waste container with the features according to independent claim 1, which represents the first aspect of the invention, and by the large waste container with the features according to independent claim 11, which represents the second aspect of the invention. Further features and details of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the first aspect of the invention also apply in full in connection with the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa.
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The basic idea of the present invention is that the provision of a foot tipping device has been further developed in a special way.
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According to the first aspect of the invention, the foot tipping device is now constructed in several parts and consists of two or more parts, wherein one part extends outwards beyond the lateral boundary of the large waste container in its operating state, in which the large waste container is tipped and/or moved and/or lifted. The foot tipping device according to the invention thus differs significantly from the foot tipping device known from the prior art.
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The foot tipping device according to the invention can be extended or enlarged outwards, if necessary, but can also be reduced in size if required. By extending the foot tipping device outwards for a tipping and/or travelling operation, the force required by the operator can be reduced. The force application point in the form of a pressure force, which is exerted by the operator on the foot tipping device to generate a tipping movement and/or travelling movement, is moved to the outside of the container body, which also makes handling easier. In addition, the risk of injury is reduced because the operator can no longer get their foot caught in the foot tipping device, for example if the large waste container starts to roll unintentionally, for example on a slope. The operator's foot can also no longer get caught in the foot tipping device if the large waste container comes into contact with a lifting device and is lifted by it. In the latter case, the operator's foot could get caught in a known foot tipping device during the lifting process if it is not pulled out of the foot tipping device in time.
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By adapting the foot tipping device, it can be reduced in size if necessary, so that it no longer protrudes outwards beyond the side boundary of the large waste container. This improves, for example, the stackability of the large waste container, or at least of the container body. In the intended use, in which the large waste container stands at its filling location, the foot tipping device can be reduced in size so that no parts of the foot tipping device protrude outwards, over which an operator could stumble.
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According to the second aspect of the invention, the number of foot tipping devices is increased. Whereas in the first aspect of the invention it is sufficient if the large waste container comprises only one single foot tipping device, the large waste container according to the second aspect of the invention comprises at least two foot tipping devices which are provided at different locations on/in the container body. In particular, this improves the manageability, i.e. the manoeuvrability, of the large waste container, in particular also when the latter has to overcome an obstacle and has to get tipped for this purpose.
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The foot tipping devices in the second aspect of the invention can be of the same or different design. According to a further aspect of the invention, the large waste container is designed as a combination of the first and second aspects of the invention. This means that at least one of the foot tipping devices is designed in a manner as in the large waste container according to the first aspect of the invention. At least one further foot tipping device is then designed in the same way or in a different way.
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The present invention makes it possible for the large waste container, for example with its rear side or front side or with at least one of its transverse sides, to be tipped over an obstacle, for example a kerb, or to be tipped for an emptying operation, by the operator, whose hands grip the handle elements at the upper edge of the container body, by simply pushing his arms downwards or pulling them towards him, while the foot tipping device is pushed forwards with little force. And the invention also allows the movement of the large waste container to be maintained in the pushing direction without the operator having to change his position in relation to the large waste container during the pushing and manoeuvring operation.
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The present invention according to its various aspects is directed to a large waste container. In particular, the large waste container has a capacity of between 400 litres and 1,700 litres, for example a capacity of 1,100 litres. One standard for the design of waste containers is DIN EN 840, which specifies and prescribes the dimensions and requirements for the design of mobile waste containers and recycling containers. DIN EN 840 is a standard applicable in Europe and is familiar to all professionals working in the field of manufacturing large waste containers. DIN EN 840 is divided into different parts. Part One concerns two-wheeled waste containers that can have a capacity of up to 400 litres. Parts Two and Three concern large waste containers in the form of four-wheeled containers with a capacity of up to 1,300 litres. Part Four relates to large waste containers in the form of four-wheeled waste containers with a capacity of up to 1,700 litres. The present invention relates in particular to large waste containers with four wheels specified in parts Two to Four of DIN EN 840.
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The basic structure of the large waste container according to both aspects of the invention is as follows:
The large waste container comprises a container body which comprises a container bottom, a side wall projecting upwards from the container bottom and an insertion opening formed at the upper end of the side wall and being delimited by an upper edge of the container body.
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The side wall thus projects upwards from the container bottom and ends in an upper edge of the container body, which delimits the insertion opening formed at the upper end of the side wall. These components delimit the receiving space of the large waste container in which the waste gets collected and at least temporarily stored.
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The term "waste" basically includes all types of waste, but also recyclable and valuable materials and substances that can be collected in such a large waste container.
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The container body can, for example, have a rectangular or almost rectangular, pot-shaped form when viewed from above. In particular, a pot is a container that is open at the top, in this case for receiving and storing waste.
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In one embodiment, the side wall is formed from four side wall segments, i.e. four side wall parts. The side wall segments abutting each other in corner areas, which are preferably rounded. In one embodiment, a first side wall segment is formed as a rear side, a second side wall segment is formed as a front side and a third and fourth side wall segment are formed as transverse sides extending between the rear side and the front side. In such an embodiment, the container body has in particular a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape.
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The large waste container is manoeuvred via a drive gear. In particular, a drive gear is the entirety of the components by means of which the large waste container gets moved. The drive gear comprises a plurality of wheel devices. According to one embodiment, the drive gear comprises three such wheel devices. According to a preferred embodiment, the drive gear comprises four such wheel devices. The wheel devices are arranged in the area of the container bottom on the side wall or below the container bottom and extend below the container bottom. The wheel devices are each preferably arranged in a corner area of the container body, preferably in the area of the container bottom or below the container bottom. In the case of a waste container comprising four wheel devices, these are preferably provided in the four corner areas of the container body if the latter has a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape. Two or more of these wheel devices, for example all wheel devices, can be designed as steering wheel devices. According to one embodiment, at least one wheel device comprises a braking device. Each wheel device can have its own axle. However, it is also conceivable that two of the wheel devices are coupled to each other via a common axle.
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In one embodiment, the container body has several, in particular three or four, wheel holders, which are provided for receiving and fastening the wheel devices. In particular, a wheel holder is a section of the container body on which the wheel devices of the drive gear are arranged. To increase stability while reducing weight, the wheel holders preferably have a honeycomb structure. For example, the wheel holders are each formed in or under a, preferably rounded, corner area between two neighbouring side wall segments of the container body.
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The open top of the container body, i.e. the filling opening through which the waste is filled, is preferably closed by means of a lid device. For this purpose, the lid device is connected to the container body in an articulated, in particular swivelling, manner. The lid device can consist of one or more parts. According to one embodiment, the lid device consists of one single part. According to a different embodiment, the lid device is a divided lid device which is split-up into at least two parts. For example, the lid device can be a hinged lid, which is usually hinged to one side of the container body, or to two sides of the container body, if the lid device is a divided lid device consisting of two or mor lid elements. In another embodiment, the lid device may be a hinged lid, for example a flat lid, which is hinged to the upper edge of the container body, in particular to the upper rear edge, in particular via hinges. The lid device can also be a round lid, a sliding lid, or the like.
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Such large waste containers are usually made of robust materials such as metal or hard plastic.
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According to both aspects of the invention, the large waste container comprises at least one foot tipping device. In particular, the foot tipping device is a tipping aid. A pressure force is exerted on the foot tipping device by the operator's foot. How this is done is explained in more detail in the further course of the description.
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According to one embodiment, the foot tipping device is arranged or formed below the container bottom. According to another embodiment, the foot tipping device is arranged or formed above the container bottom on or in the side wall of the container body. According to one embodiment, the foot tipping device is an independent component which is connected to the container body, for example at the outer surface of the side wall or at the outer surface of the container bottom. According to another embodiment, the foot tipping device is an integral part of the container body. According to a preferred embodiment, the foot tipping device is an integral part of the container body and is formed above the container bottom in the side wall of the container body. In this embodiment, a first part of the foot tipping device is formed by the side wall of the container body. A second part of the foot tipping device is formed by the container bottom, or it is formed as a recess. This will be described in more detail further below.
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During a tipping process, the operator places a foot in the foot tipping device. For example, it is realised that at least one foot tipping device is arranged or formed on or in the side wall of the container body, preferably on or in a rear side, or on or in at least one transverse side. In one embodiment, the large waste container comprises one single foot tipping device. This foot tipping device is provided, for example, on/at the rear side or on/at a transverse side of the container body. According to another embodiment, the large waste container comprises two or more such foot tipping devices, which are provided at different locations on/in the container body. For example, one foot tipping device may be provided on/at the rear side of the container body, and at least one further foot tipping device may be provided at/on at least one transverse side, for example also on both transverse sides. It is also possible that a foot tipping device is provided at/on the front side of the container body.
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The foot tipping device is preferably a type of foot step that serves as a tipping aid. This ensures easy tipping of the large waste container, especially when full.
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According to one embodiment, the large waste container comprises two spaced-apart handle elements that are arranged or formed on the upper edge of the container body. If the container body is polygonal, for example rectangular, the handle elements can be arranged or formed on the rear side of the container body. The large waste container can be moved and steered by means of the handle elements. According to one embodiment, the large waste container comprises further handle elements, which are arranged or formed, for example, on one or both transverse sides of the container body at the upper edge of the container body. In one embodiment, the handle elements are arranged or formed on the rear side or on the transverse side of the container body in the area of the transition from a transverse side to the rear side. It is advantageous, if the handle elements are arranged as far apart as possible from each other, i.e. offset as far as possible on the side wall of the container body.
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In one embodiment, the handle elements protrude beyond the upper edge of the container body. This means that the handle elements extend beyond the upper edge of the container body and protrude upwards from it. In this case, the handle elements are located above the upper edge of the container body. In another embodiment, however, the handle elements can also protrude laterally outwards from the side wall. In another embodiment, the handle elements project downwards from the upper edge of the container body.
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In one embodiment, a handle element is part of a fastening device for a lid device. The fastening device is, for example, a hinge device. Such a fastening device comprises, for example, a first fastening element that is arranged or formed on the container body. In addition, the fastening device comprises a second fastening element, which is arranged or formed on the lid device and co-operates with the first fastening element. In one embodiment, the handle element is a component of a second fastening element and thus a component of the lid device.
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If the container body comprises a front side, a rear side and two transverse sides that connect the front side and the rear side to each other, with the individual side wall parts abutting each other in corner areas of the container body, the foot tipping device is arranged or formed on or in the rear side of the container body according to one embodiment. Handle elements with which the large waste container can be moved and steered are then also located at the rear side. The operator can step into the foot tipping device with his foot, pushing the large waste container away from himself with a pressure force and simultaneously pulling the handle elements towards himself using tensile forces. This tips the container body in the direction of the operator. According to another embodiment, a foot tipping device is arranged or formed in the same way on or in a transverse side of the container body. There are then also handle elements on the transverse side with which the large waste container can be moved and steered. According to a further embodiment, a foot tipping device is arranged or formed on both transverse sides of the container body. Or, according to a further embodiment, a foot tipping device is arranged or formed at or in the rear side of the container body, and additionally a foot tipping device is arranged or formed at or in one or both transverse sides. In principle, it is also conceivable that a foot tipping device is arranged or formed on or in the front side of the container body.
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In one embodiment, the foot tipping device is arranged or formed centrally on or in a wall segment of the side wall of the container body, in particular on or in the rear side and/or on or in at least one transverse side of the container body. In particular, if the two handle elements are provided as far apart as possible on the upper edge of the container body, as described above, the force required for a tipping operation is distributed in such an optimised manner that the large waste container can be easily tipped even when full. At the same time, the stability requirements are always met.
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The forces applied by the operator are distributed between the handle elements arranged on the upper edge of the container body, on which a tensile force then acts, and the foot tipping device, on which a pressure force then acts. The foot tipping device forms a first force application point on which a pressure force is exerted or acts during a tipping movement of the container body. The handle elements, which are provided on the upper edge of the container body, form a second and third force application point, on which a tensile force is exerted or acts during a tipping movement of the container body. On the one hand, this reduces the force required. On the other hand, the tipping process can be carried out gently and in a controlled manner, as the points at which the forces are applied are far apart. This simplifies handling during the tipping process.
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Now, the two aspects of the invention are explained in detail.
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According to the first aspect of the invention, a large waste container is provided which comprises the features of the independent claim 1.
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According to the invention, the foot tipping device according to the first aspect of the invention is constructed in several parts. In other words, the foot tipping device comprises several parts, which then form the foot tipping device as a whole. According to one embodiment, the foot tipping device is constructed in two parts.
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The foot tipping device comprise a first part, which is a base part. This base part is arranged or formed below the container bottom or above the container bottom on or in the side wall of the container body. The base part can, for example, be arranged or formed on the outside of the side wall of the container body or on the outside of the container bottom. However, the base part can also be an integral part of the container body. In this case, according to one embodiment, at least a portion of the base part is formed by the side wall of the container body. If good stackability of the large waste container, in particular its container body, is to be achieved, it is preferable for the base part to extend from the outer surface of the side wall inwards towards the centre of the container body, for example in the form of an indentation, a depression or the like visible from outside the side wall. In this case, the base part, preferably with the exception of an external opening, is delimited and closed off by the side wall, so that the container body has no undesired openings through which waste could penetrate to the outside. According to one embodiment, the opening of the base part is in line with the side wall of the waste container. This means that the opening and the side wall of the container body are provided in the same plane.
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According to one embodiment, the base part is formed on or in the side wall of the container body in or above the container bottom. The base part is formed by a special moulding of the side wall of the container body.
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In addition to the base part, the foot tipping device also comprises another part, which is an extension part. The extension part can be used to enlarge the foot tipping device, in particular the tread surface thereof. The extension part is connected to the base part, in particular in a detachable manner. It extends, at least temporarily, outwards beyond the side wall of the container body. This allows the foot tipping device, in particular the tread surface thereof, to be extended, at least temporarily, beyond the lateral boundary of the large waste container, i.e. beyond the side wall of the container body. The force application point in the form of a pressure force, which is exerted by the operator on the foot tipping device to generate a tipping movement, is thus moved in particular to the outside of the container body, which facilitates handling. In addition, the risk of injury is reduced because the operator can no longer get their foot caught in the foot tipping device, for example if the large waste container starts to roll unintentionally, for example on a slope, or if the large waste container is brought into contact with a lifting device and lifted by the lifting device before the operator has been able to remove their foot from the foot tipping device.
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According to one embodiment, the base part comprises a lower area. This lower area correlates to the container bottom, that is it is in interrelationship with the container bottom
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According to one embodiment, the lower area of the base part is provided as a a bottom element, or the base part comprises a bottom element. In particular, the extension part is then arranged on the bottom element, or it is arranged in the periphery of the bottom element.. In particular the periphery defines the area at the outer edge of the bottom element. In the latter case the extension part can be arranged at the side wall of the container body or at the container bottom, in each case in the periphery, i.e. in the vicinity of the base part. In one embodiment, the bottom element of the base part is a portion of the container bottom of the container body. According to such an embodiment, the base part is provided as a complete pocket-shaped component. The base part comprises an upper area, where the base part is delimited upwards by the side wall of the container body. The base part further comprises a side area, where the base part is delimited sidewards by the side wall and by the opening. The base part further comprises the lower area, where the base part is delimited downwards by the container bottom. These components delimit a space of the base part. Thus, the base part is open to one side only.
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According to a different embodiment, the lower area of the base part comprises a recess, or it is provided as a recess. In particular this recess is a recess in the container bottom of the waste container. The extension part is then arranged on the boundary of the recess or in the periphery of the recess, for example in the side wall of the container body, or at the container bottom. According to such an embodiment, the base part is provided as a partial pocket-shaped component without a bottom element. In this case the base part is delimited in its upper area, i.e. upwards, by the side wall of the container body, in its side area, i.e. sidewards, by the side wall and by the opening, and in its lower area, i.e. downwards, by the recess. Thus, the base part is open to one side as well as open at the bottom. According to one embodiment, the base part can be realized as a bead or corrugation that is provided in the side wall of the container body. In particular, a bead or corrugation is a channel-shaped or groove-like depression or bulge in the side wall of the container body. When looking at the side wall from the outside, the beads or corrugations are preferably oriented towards the inside of the container body. Such beads and corrugations serve in particular to stiffen the container side wall and ultimately the entire container body against deformation and vibrations. At the lower end, i.e. in the area of the container bottom, the beads or corrugations are preferably open. This open end is referred to as an outlet, an area in which the bead or corrugation ends. This open end can represent the recess of the base part.
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According to one embodiment, the base part of the foot tipping device has a pot-shaped design. In particular, a pot is a vessel or container that is open on one side but otherwise closed on all sides. The foot tipping device has an opening on one side, which is in particular in the same plane as the side wall of the container body. According to one embodiment, the foot tipping device has a closed, pot-shaped form which has an opening on one side. The opening in the foot tipping device is dimensioned such that an operator can enter the foot-tipping device with their shoe. According to this embodiment, the closed pot-shaped base part of the foot-tipping device comprises a wall element, a bottom element, and the opening, which delimit a space of the base part. According to a different embodiment, the foot tipping device has a partial open, pot-shaped form which has an opening on one side and a recess at another side. The opening in the foot tipping device is dimensioned such that an operator can enter the foot-tipping device with their shoe. According to this embodiment, the partial open pot-shaped base part of the foot-tipping device comprises a wall element, a recess, and the opening, which delimit a space of the base part.
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According to one embodiment, the foot tipping device thus initially comprises a base part, which is formed, for example, on or in the side wall of the container body in or above the container bottom. The base part is formed, for example, by a special moulding of the side wall of the container body and consists of a bottom element, which can also form part of the bottom element of the container body, or a recess which correlates with the container bottom, a wall element, and an opening. The aforementioned components of the base part delimit a space. The space serves to partially accommodate a foot of the operator and/or to accommodate an extension part of the foot tipping device.
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In one embodiment, the base part of the foot tipping device has a tapered shape when viewed from the opening. In this case, the base part can be a recess in the side wall of the container body, for example. In one embodiment, the base part comprises a wall element, starting from the bottom element, which preferably has a rounded or curved shape. However, the wall element can also have an inclined shape, for example sloping downwards when viewed from the opening of the base part. In this case, the base part tapers when viewed from the opening
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In one embodiment, the bottom element of the base part has an inclined course in relation to the alignment of the container bottom of the container body. The inclined course can, for example, be inclined upwards when viewed from the opening of the base part, in particular in relation to the alignment plane of the container bottom of the container body. According to one embodiment, the inclined course of the bottom element of the base part is at an angle of between 10 degrees and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 degrees and 70 degrees, preferably between 45 degrees and 70 degrees, relative to the alignment plane of the container bottom of the container body. If the extension part of the foot tipping device is arranged on the bottom element of the base part, according to one embodiment the extension part also has an inclined course corresponding to the inclined course of the bottom element of the base part. In this case, the bottom element of the base part and the extension part are aligned with one another and lie in a line, at least during intended use, when the extension part extends outwards over the side wall of the container body. The inclined course of the bottom element of the base part and optionally the extension part makes it easier to "thread in" the operator's shoe into the base part. This also improves power transmission. To tip the large waste container, a pulling force, respectively a tensile force, is exerted on the handle elements located on the upper edge of the container body, while a pushing force, respectively a pressure force, is exerted on the foot tipping device. In contrast to a straight course of the bottom element, the inclined course of the bottom element allows the operator to pull the foot out of the base part much more quickly and lift it off the foot tipping device. This reduces the risk of jamming or catching the foot, and thus the risk of injury, for example if the large waste container starts to roll unintentionally, for example on a sloping surface, or if the large waste container gets lifted with a lifting device. The inclined course of the bottom element of the base part and optionally the extension part also makes it easier for the operator's foot to "unthread" from the base part. By using the extension part, only part of the foot is located within the space provided by the base part anyway.
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Various connection types are now described, which can be used to connect the extension part to the base part.
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According to one embodiment, the extension part of the foot tipping device is pivotably arranged on the base part of the foot tipping device via a pivot connection, in particular by means of a hinge connection. The extension part can be pivotably connected to the bottom element of the base part, in the periphery of the base part, on the boundary of the recess, in the periphery of the recess, or the like.
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According to one embodiment, the extension part can be swivelled in a defined swivel direction between a first swivel position, which is a rest position, and a second swivel position, which is an operating position, with the extension part being accommodated in the first swivel position, in particular within the base part, optionally within the space of the base part. In its operating position, the extension part is swivelled out and protrudes outwards beyond the side wall of the container body. In its rest position, the extension part is folded in and is accommodated within the space of the base part. It therefore does not protrude beyond the side wall of the container body, which simplifies handling of the large waste container, but also enables good stackability.
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According to another embodiment, the extension part of the foot tipping device is arranged on the base part of the foot tipping device via a plug connection. A "plug connection" is in particular a connection in which a plug element of a first component is plugged into a receiving element of another component, whereby the two components are connected to one another. Via such a plug connection, the extension part can be connected to the bottom element of the base part, in the periphery of the base part, on the boundary of the recess, in the periphery of the recess, or the like. Some embodiments of plug connections are described below. However, the connection can also be realised in other ways, for example by a clamp connection, a screw connection, a snap connection, or the like. In principle, any types of connection are possible by means of which a detachable connection can be realised.
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According to one embodiment, the plug connection is designed as a "plug-on" connection. This means in particular that the extension part is plugged onto the base part from above, for example in the base part from above into the bottom element of the base part. Such a plug-on connection has one or more receiving openings, which are formed on or in the base part, in particular on or in the bottom element of the base part, or in the periphery thereof. According to one embodiment, the base part comprises two such receiving openings which are provided at a distance from each other in the base part, for example in the bottom element of the base part, or in the periphery thereof. Furthermore, the plug-on connection comprises one or more plug-on pins corresponding to the receiving openings, which is/are arranged or formed on the extension part. An example of such a plug-on connection is described below. According to a different embodiment, such a plug connection can get realised in a way that the extension part is plugged to the base part from beneath.
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The base part of the foot tipping device, which is assigned to the container body of the large waste container, comprises, according to one embodiment a bottom element in the area of the container bottom of the container body, or it comprises, according to a different embodiment, a recess. There are two receiving openings in the bottom element of the base part, or in the periphery of the base part, in the container bottom or in the side wall of the waste container for example. On the extension part of the foot tipping device there are two corresponding plug-on pins which project downwards from the extension part, preferably at an angle, in particular vertically. To attach the extension part to the base part, and thus to extend the foot tipping device beyond the lateral boundary of the container body of the large waste container, the plug-on pins are inserted into the receiving openings from above. If the foot tipping device is not required, the extension part is pulled upwards and removed from the bottom element of the base part.
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According to another embodiment, the plug connection is designed as a "plug-in" connection. In particular, this means that the extension part is inserted laterally into the base part, or into the periphery of the base part. Such a plug-in connection has at least one receiving space in the base part or in the periphery of the base part, with at least one receiving opening, which is designed to receive the extension part. According to one embodiment, the receiving space is located in the bottom element of the base part. In particular, the receiving opening is orientated laterally. According to another embodiment, the receiving space, preferably two such receiving spaces, is/are located in the periphery of the base part, in the sidewall of the waste container or in the container bottom for example. The extension part is inserted laterally into this receiving opening.
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According to one embodiment, the extension part comprises a base body and an adjoining step body. The receiving space assigned to the base part is designed to receive the base body. The base body of the extension part is inserted, in particular laterally, via the receiving opening into the receiving space of the base part. At least the step body then protrudes laterally beyond the lateral boundary of the container body and serves as a step surface for the operator's foot. According to another embodiment, the base body consists of one or more, for example two, plug-in pins that project horizontally from the step body. The receiving space in the base part then consists of a number of receiving openings, for example two, corresponding to the number of plug-in pins, which are aligned laterally and into which the plug-in pins are inserted laterally. If the foot tipping device is not required, the extension part is laterally removed from the bottom element of the base part.
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According to one embodiment, a fixing device is provided which is designed to fix the extension part in the receiving space of the base part, in particular in a releasable manner. The fixing device serves to prevent unintentional detachment of the extension part from the base part. The fixing device can be designed in different ways, for example to create a clamp connection, a snap-in connection, a screw connection, or the like. According to a preferred embodiment, the fixing device is designed to create a snap-in connection. According to one embodiment, the extension part comprises a fixing device in the form of a latching lug on the base body. The base part has a corresponding fixing device in the form of a latching opening. If the extension part is inserted via its base body into the receiving space of the base part, the latching lug engages with the latching opening. The connection can be released again, if necessary, by pressing the latching lug.
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According to one embodiment, a holding device for the extension part is provided on the container body of the large waste container or on its lid device, for example in the form of a clamp connection, a pocket, a holding box, or the like. This is particularly advantageous if the extension part is detachably connected to the base part via a plug-in or plug-on connection. If the extension part is not required, it can be stored at/in the holding device and does not get lost. In addition, the extension part does not protrude over the side wall of the container body when it is not needed. This improves stackability and reduces the risk of injury, as nobody can trip over an outwardly protruding extension part, for example when the large waste container is in its filling state, in which it does not need to get moved or tipped.
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According to the second aspect of the invention, there is provided a large waste container comprising the features of independent claim 11.
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In accordance with the invention, the foot tipping device is also designed in a special way here.
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According to the invention, the large waste container comprises at least two foot tipping devices, namely at least one first foot tipping device and at least one second foot tipping device, which are provided at different locations on or in the container body. The first and second foot tipping devices are arranged or formed below the container bottom or above the container bottom on or in the side wall. The provision can be carried out in the manner disclosed above in the context of the general description of the invention and in the context of the first aspect of the invention, so that at this point reference is also made in full to the corresponding description above.
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According to one embodiment, the side wall of the container body is formed from four side wall segments, wherein a first side wall segment is formed as a front side, a second side wall segment is formed as a rear side and a third and fourth side wall segment are formed as transverse sides. In such a case, the container body comprises at least one first foot tipping device, which is provided on/in the rear side and/or on/in the front side, or which is provided on the container bottom below the rear side and/or front side. In addition, the container body has at least one second foot tipping device, which is provided on/in at least one of the transverse sides, or which is provided on the container bottom below at least one transverse side.
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According to one embodiment, the first and second foot tipping devices are of the same design. According to another embodiment, the first and second foot tipping device are designed differently. For example, the first foot tipping device may have an inclined course of its bottom element, while the second foot tipping device does not have an inclined course of its bottom element or doesn't even have a bottom element, but a recess. The first and second foot tipping devices can also differ functionally. For example, the second foot tipping device can be used to tip the large waste container when it needs to be manoeuvred over an obstacle. In addition, the first foot tipping device can also be used, for example, to reduce the risk of injury to the operator when the large waste container is brought into contact with a lifting device and gets lifted by the lifting device.
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According to one embodiment, the first and/or second foot tipping device has a pot-shaped configuration, comprising an opening on one side, which in particular lies in a plane with the side wall of the container body, a wall element, and a bottom element, which delimit a space of the foot tipping device. According to one embodiment, the first and/or second foot tipping device comprises a closed, pot-shaped configuration which has an opening on one side. The opening in the foot tipping device is dimensioned such that an operator can enter the foot tipping device with their foot. According to one embodiment, the first and/or second foot tipping device is formed on or in the side wall of the container body in or above its container bottom. The first and/or second foot tipping device is formed, for example, by a special shaping of the side wall of the container body and comprises a bottom element, which may also form part of the container bottom of the container body, a wall element, and an opening. The aforementioned components define a space. The space serves to accommodate a foot of the operator. In one embodiment, the first and/or second foot tipping device has a tapered shape when viewed from the opening. In one embodiment, the bottom element of the first and/or second foot tipping device is a component of the container bottom of the container body.
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In one embodiment, the bottom element of the first and/or second foot tipping device has an inclined course in relation to the orientation of the container bottom of the container body. The inclined course may, for example, be inclined upwards when viewed from the opening of the foot tipping device. In one embodiment, the first and/or second foot tipping device comprises, starting from the bottom element, a wall element which preferably has a rounded or curved shape. However, the wall element can also have an inclined profile, for example sloping downwards when viewed from the opening. In this case, the first and/or second foot tilting device tapers when viewed from the opening. According to one embodiment, the inclined course of the bottom element is at an angle of between 10 degrees and 70 degrees, preferably between 30 degrees and 70 degrees, preferably between 45 degrees and 70 degrees, relative to the alignment plane of the container bottom of the container body. The inclined course of the bottom element makes it easier to "thread in" the operator's shoe into the foot tipping device. In contrast to a straight course of the bottom element, the inclined course allows the operator to pull the foot out of the foot tipping device much more quickly. This reduces the risk of the foot jamming or getting caught and the associated risk of injury, for example if the large waste container starts to roll unintentionally, for example on a sloping surface, or if the large waste container is lifted using a lifting device. The inclined course of the bottom element thus also makes it easier for the operator's shoe to "unthread" from the foot tipping device. According to one embodiment, the first foot tipping device has a first inclined bottom element. The second foot tipping device has a second inclined bottom. In this embodiment, the inclined course, i.e. the corresponding angle, of the first foot tipping device is greater than the inclined course of the second foot tipping device. In other words, the inclination of the bottom element of the second foot tipping device is less than the inclination of the bottom element of the first foot tipping device.
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According to one embodiment, at least one first foot tipping device and/or at least one second foot tipping device is designed as a foot tipping device with features according to the first aspect of the invention. Such a foot tipping device is constructed in several parts, with a base part which is arranged or formed below the container bottom or above the container bottom on or in the side wall, and with an extension part which is connected to the base part, in particular detachably, and which extends, at least temporarily, outwards beyond the side wall of the container body. At this point, full reference is also made to the corresponding disclosure of the first aspect of the invention above.
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According to one embodiment, the container body comprises a first foot tipping device, which is located at/in the rear side of the container body in the manner described above. In addition, the container body comprises one or two second foot tipping devices, which are located, in the manner described above, on/in one or both transverse sides of the container body. The first and second foot tipping device(s) can each have a pot-shaped design as described above. The first foot tipping device can have an inclined course of its bottom element. The second foot tipping device can also have an inclined bottom element. However, this is not absolutely necessary. It is also conceivable, for example, that the second foot tipping device does not have an inclined but a straight or horizontal course of its bottom element, or a less inclination as compared to the first foot tilting device. According to another embodiment, the first foot tipping device can be formed in several parts in a manner according to the first aspect of the invention. According to a further embodiment, the at least one second foot tipping device may also be formed in several parts in a manner according to the first aspect of the invention.
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According to one embodiment, the second foot tipping device located in the transverse sides serves to manoeuvre the large waste container and to tip it in front of obstacles. The first foot tipping device also serves to manoeuvre the large waste container in this way, but additionally has a further function. In addition, the first foot tipping device also has the function of reducing the risk of injury to an operator during an emptying process via a lifting device. The operator pushes the large waste container towards the lifting device, whereby the operator is usually located behind the large waste container, i.e. behind the rear side as seen from the direction of the lifting device. This means that the operator cannot come into direct contact with the lifting device. In order to bring the large waste container into contact with the lifting device, the large waste container is pressed against the lifting device via the first foot tipping device and, if necessary, also tilted. Pressing the large waste container against the lifting device may be necessary, for example, if the large waste container is very full and the side wall of the container body is bulging outwards, or if the corresponding sensors required for the emptying process are dirty. At the same time, the lifting device gets already actuated and the large waste container is lifted. To ensure that the operator's foot does not get jammed and can be pulled out of the foot tipping device quickly and safely, the first foot tipping device has either a bottom element with an inclined course or a multi-part design consisting of a base part and an extension part.
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The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Shown is in
- Figure 1
- a large waste container with a foot tipping device, which is already known in principle from the state of the art;
- Figures 2 to 5
- various schematic views of a first embodiment of a foot tipping device according to the invention;
- Figures 6 to 9
- various schematic views of a second embodiment of a foot tipping device according to the invention;
- Figure 10
- a large waste container with a third embodiment of a foot tipping device according to the invention; and
- Figure 11
- a large waste container with a further embodiment of a foot tipping solution according to the present invention.
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Figure 1 depicts a large waste container 10 with a capacity of 1,100 litres, which is generally known in the state of the art.
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The large waste container 10 comprises a container body 11, which is used to hold and store waste. In plan view, the container body 11 has a rectangular, pot-shaped contour. The container body 11 comprises a container bottom 18 and a side wall 12. The side wall 12 in turn comprises a front side 13, a rear side 14 and two transverse sides 15, 16, wherein the individual components of the side wall 12 abut each other in corner regions 17, which are formed in particular as rounded corners.
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For better handling of the large waste container 10, four wheel devices 21 are provided projecting downwards from the container bottom 18, which are located below the corner areas 17. The open upper side of the container body 11 forms an insertion opening delimited by the upper edge 19 of the container body 11, through which the waste is filled and which is closed by means of a lid device 20. For this purpose, the lid device 20, which is designed as a hinged lid, is hinged to the container body 11, for example to its rear side 14, via fastening devices 22 designed as hinge devices. Side wall 12, container bottom 18 and the filling opening 20 delimit the receiving space of the container body 11. The lid device 20 is folded open to fill the container body 11. For better handling of the large waste container 10, two first handle elements 23 are arranged or formed on its rear side 14, namely at the greatest possible distance from one another in a transition region between a transverse side 15, 16 and the rear side 14 of the side wall 12. Further, second and third handle elements 24, 25 for a better handling of the large waste container 10 are located on the transverse sides 15, 16 in the region of the upper edge 19 of the container body 11.
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In order to be able to tip the large waste container 10, a foot tipping device 26 is provided in the area of the container bottom 18, in the side wall 12, for example in the rear side 14. In the example shown, the foot tipping device 26 is arranged in the centre of the rear side 14 and comprises a bottom element 26d, which is part of the container bottom 18, a curved wall element 26c, which is part of the rear side 14, and an opening 26b. These components define a space 26b into which the operator inserts his foot to actuate the foot tipping device 26.
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The foot tipping device 26 is located substantially above the wheel devices 21 and centred on the rear side 14 between the transverse sides 15 and 16. The first handle elements 23 are arranged in the region of the upper edge 19 of the container body 11 and as far apart from one another as possible, so that they are each located in the transition region between the transverse sides 15, 16 and the rear side 14 of the container body 11, i.e. close to the corner regions 17.
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The first handle elements 23 extend to above the upper edge 19 of the container body 11 and project upwards from the upper edge 19. Each handle element 23 is part of the fastening device 22 for the lid device 20.
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In Figure 1, both the foot tipping device 26 and the first handle elements 23 are arranged on the rear side 14 of the container body 11 in a common plane.
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The forces exerted to generate a tipping movement of the large waste container 10 are distributed between the first handle elements 23 and the foot tipping device 26. The foot tipping device 26 forms a first force application point, on which a pressure force is exerted or acts during a tipping movement of the container body 11. The first handle elements 23 form second and third force application points, on which a pulling force is exerted or acts during a tipping movement of the container body 11. In order to be able to carry out a tipping process safely and smoothly, the foot-tipping device 26 and the handle elements 23 form the corner points of an imaginary triangle.
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In order to further improve the handling of the large waste container 10, the foot tipping device 26 is designed in a special way according to the invention. To this end, a number of embodiments are described below with reference to Figures 2 to 10. A common feature of all these embodiments is that the foot-tipping device 26, which is specified in Figures 2 to 10 with the reference sign 30, is constructed in several parts, for example in two parts.
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The foot-tipping device 30 comprises a base part 30a, which is arranged or formed on or in the container body 11, for example on or in the rear wall 14, and an extension part 30b, which is arranged on the base part 30a, in particular detachably. This allows the foot tipping device 30, in particular the tread face thereof, to be extended at least temporarily beyond the lateral boundary of the large waste container 10, i.e. beyond the side wall 12 of the container body 11. The force application point in the form of a pressure force, which is exerted by the operator on the foot tipping device 30 to generate a tipping movement, is thereby moved to the outside of the container body 11, which facilitates handling. In addition, the risk of injury is reduced because the operator can no longer get his foot caught in the foot tipping device 30, for example if the large waste container 10 starts to roll unintentionally on sloping terrain, or if the large waste container 10 gets lifted by means of a lifting device for an emptying process.
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In the embodiment depicted in Figures 2 to 5, the connection between the base part 30a and the extension part 30b of the foot tipping device 30 is realised by means of a swivel or pivot connection.
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The foot tipping device 30 firstly comprises a base part 30a, which is formed on or in the side wall, for example the rear wall 14, of the container body in or above the container bottom 18 thereof. The base part 30a is formed by a special shaping or moulding of the side wall of the container body and comprises a bottom element 34, which also forms part of the container bottom 18 of the container body 11, a wall element 32 and an opening 31. The aforementioned components of the base part 30a delimit a space 32. The space 32 can serve to partially accommodate a foot of the operator, or only to accommodate an extension part 30b of the foot tipping device 30. The extension part 30b is arranged on the bottom element 34 of the base part 30a by means of a swivel or pivot connection 36 in the form of a hinge device 36a. In order to increase the operability and stability of the foot, the extension part 30b has a raised edge 35 at its free end.
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As can be seen from Figures 4 and 5, the extension part 30b can be swivelled from a first swivel position 36c, which is a rest position, via a defined swivel direction 36b into a second swivel position 36d, which is an operating position. In Figure 5, the extension part 30b is in its operating position, i.e. it is folded out and protrudes outwards over the side wall of the container body. In Figure 4, the extension part 30b is in its first swivel position 36c, i.e. in the rest position. The extension part 30b is folded in and is accommodated within the space 32 of the base part 30a. It therefore does not protrude beyond the side wall of the container body, which simplifies the handling of the large waste container 10, but also enables good stackability.
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The bottom element 34 of the base part 30a has an inclined course 34a in relation to the orientation 18a of the container bottom 18 of the container body 11, which in particular lies at an angle 34b of between 10 degrees and 70 degrees. This is illustrated in Figure 4. The second swivel position 36d, which is shown in Figure 5, can also be selected such that the extension part 30b and the bottom element 34 of the base part 30a are aligned one behind the other, i.e. in a line, in this second swivel position 36d. In this case, the extension part 30d has the same inclined course as the inclined path 34a of the bottom element 34 of the base part 30a.
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In the embodiment depicted in Figures 6 to 9, the connection between the base part 30a and the extension part 30b of the foot tipping device 30 is realised by means of a plug-in connection 37. The base part 30a has a bottom element 34, which defines a receiving space 37d with a lateral receiving opening 37c. The extension part 30b is inserted laterally into this receiving opening 37c. For this purpose, the extension part 30b has a base body 37a, which is adjoined by a step body 37b. The base body 37a is inserted laterally into the receiving opening 37c and the receiving space 37d in the direction of insertion 37g. The extension part 30b has a fixing device 37e in the form of a latching lug on the base body 37a for fixing and thus preventing unintentional release. The base part 30a has a fixing device 37f in the form of a latching opening. If the extension part 30b is inserted into the receiving space 37d of the base part 30a via its base body 37a, the latching lug 37e engages with the latching opening 37f. The connection can be released again, if necessary, by pressing the latching lug 37e.
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In Figure 10, a large waste container is depicted, which comprises a different embodiment of the foot tipping device 30. The general configuration of the large waste container is similar to the large waste container shown in Figure 1. Therefore, full reference is also made to Figure 1 and the description thereof. At this point, only a few general features of the large waste container 10 are mentioned, namely the container body 11, the lid device 20, the container bottom 18 and the wheel devices 21. The foot tipping device 30 is provided in the rear side 14 of the container body 11.
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Similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 9, the foot tipping device 30 according to Figure 10 comprises a base part 30a and an extension part 30b. According to this embodiment, the lower area of the base part 30a comprises a recess 38. The extension part 30b is then arranged on the boundary 38a of the recess 38 or in the periphery of the recess 38, for example in the rear wall 14 of the container body 11, or at the container bottom 18. For this reason, the extension part can get connected to the base part 30a via a pivot connection 36 or via a plug connection 37. According to this embodiment, the base part 30a is provided as a partial pocket-shaped component without a bottom element. In this case the base part 30a is delimited in its upper area, i.e. upwards, by the rear wall 14 of the container body 11, in its side area, i.e. sidewards, by the rear wall 14 and by the opening 31, and in its lower area, i.e. downwards, by the recess 38. Thus, the base part 30a is open to one side as well as open at the bottom. The recess 38 is formed by a cut or clearance in the container bottom 18 of the container body 11.
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Figure 11 depicts a further example of a large waste container 10. In terms of its basic structure, the large waste container 10 corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, whereby identical components are provided with identical reference numerals. In order to avoid repetition, full reference is made to the description in Figure 1 for the configuration and general function of the large waste container 10.
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In contrast to Figure 1, the large waste container 10 shown in Figure 11 provides a different foot tipping solution. Here, two foot tipping devices 40, 50 are provided, which are provided at different locations on/in the container body 11.
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In order to be able to tip the large waste container 10, a first foot tipping device 40 is provided in the region of the container bottom 18, in the side wall 12, in this case in the rear side 14. In the example shown, the first foot tipping device 40 is arranged in the centre of the rear side 14 and comprises a bottom element 44, which for example has an inclined course and is part of the container bottom 18, a curved wall element 43 which is part of the rear side 14, and an opening 41. These components delimit a space 42 into which the operator inserts his shoe to actuate the foot tipping device 40.
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The first foot tipping device 40 is located substantially above the wheel devices 21 and centred on the rear side 14 between the transverse sides 15 and 16. The first handle elements 23 are arranged in the region of the upper edge 19 of the container body 11 and as far apart as possible from each other, so that they are each located in the transition region between the transverse sides 15, 16 and the rear side 14 of the container body 11, i.e. close to the corner regions 17.
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The first handle elements 23 extend to above the upper edge 19 of the container body 11 and project upwards from the upper edge 19. Each handle element 23 is part of the fastening device 22 for the lid device 20. Both the first foot tipping device 40 and the first handle elements 23 are arranged in a common plane.
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With respect to the orientation 18a of the container bottom 18 of the container body 11, the bottom element 44 of the first foot tipping device 40 has an inclined course 44a, which in particular lies at an angle 44b of between 10 degrees and 70 degrees.
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In addition, the large waste container 10 comprises a further, second foot tipping device 50. With regard to its design, the second foot tipping device 50 may correspond to or be different from the first foot tipping device 40. The first and/or second foot tipping device 40, 50 can also be designed, for example, in a manner as shown in Figures 2 to 10.
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The second foot tipping device 50 is provided in the side wall 12, in this case in a transverse side 15. In the embodiment shown, the second foot tipping device 50 is arranged in the centre of the transverse side 15 and comprises a bottom element 54, which for example has a straight or inclined course and is part of the container bottom 18, a curved wall element 53 which is part of the transverse side 15, and an opening 51. These components delimit a space 52 into which the operator inserts his foot to actuate the foot tipping device 50.
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The second foot tipping device 50 is located substantially above the wheel devices 21 and is centred on the transverse side 15 between the front side 13 and the rear side 14. The second handle elements 24 are arranged in the region of the upper edge 19 of the container body 11 and as far apart as possible from each other, so that they are each located in the transition region between the front and rear sides 13, 14 and the transverse side 15 of the container body 11, i.e. close to the corner regions 17.
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The second handle elements 24 extend to above the upper edge 19 of the container body 11.
List of reference symbols
-
- 10
- Large waste container
- 11
- Container body
- 12
- Side wall
- 13
- Front side
- 14
- Back side
- 15
- Transverse side
- 16
- Transverse side
- 17
- Corner region
- 18
- Container bottom
- 18a
- Orientation of the container bottom
- 19
- Upper edge of the container body
- 20
- Lid device
- 21
- Wheel device
- 22
- Fastening device
- 23
- First handle element
- 24
- Second handle element
- 25
- Third handle element
- 26
- Foot tipping device
- 26a
- Opening of the foot tipping device
- 26b
- Space of the foot tipping device
- 26c
- Wall element of the foot tipping device
- 26d
- Bottom element of the foot tipping device
- 30
- Foot tipping device
- 30a
- Base part of the foot tipping device
- 30b
- Extension part of the foot tipping device
- 31
- Opening the base part
- 32
- Space of the base part
- 33
- Wall element of the base part
- 34
- Bottom element of the base part
- 34a
- Inclined course of the base part
- 34b
- Angle
- 35
- Edge of the extension part
- 36
- Pivot connection
- 36a
- Hinge device
- 36b
- Swivelling direction
- 36c
- First swivel position (rest position)
- 36d
- Second swivel position (operating position)
- 37
- Plug connection (plug-in connection)
- 37a
- Base body of the extension part
- 37b
- Step body of the extension part
- 37c
- Receiving opening
- 37d
- Receiving space
- 37e
- Fixing device (locking lug)
- 37f
- Fixing device (locking opening)
- 37g
- Insertion direction
- 38
- Recess
- 38a
- Boundary of the recess
- 40
- Foot tipping device (first foot tipping device)
- 41
- Opening the foot tipping device
- 42
- Space of the foot tipping device
- 43
- Wall element of the foot tipping device
- 44
- Bottom element of the foot tipping device
- 44a
- Inclined course of the bottom element
- 44b
- Angle
- 50
- Foot tipping device (second foot tipping device)
- 51
- Opening the foot tipping device
- 52
- Space of the foot tipping device
- 53
- Wall element of the foot tipping device
- 54
- Bottom element of the foot tipping device