GB2251781A - A rubbish bin provided with a deodorising apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A rubbish bin (62) has a lid (60) movable between an open position enabling rubbish to be deposited in the bin and a closed position. A container (106) and an associated dispensing device (101) are both carried by the lid (60). A material to be discharged into the rubbish in the bin (62) is stored in the container (106) The dispensing device (101) is arranged such that, when the lid (60) is moved towards its open position, the dispensing device (101) will be charged with a small amount of the material through the open connection (107). When the lid (60) is moved towards its closed position, the material in the dispensing device (101) will be discharged into the rubbish bin (62) through orifice (108) as shown by arrow (Q), but the position of the open connection (107) prevents any further material being charged into the dispensing device (101) until the lid (60) is returned to its open position. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO RUBBISH BINS The present invention is concerned with various types of lidded rubbish bin including the domestic pedal. bin, the domestic swingtop bin, the domestic dustbin, and large industrial and commercial lidded bins.

By their very nature rubbish bins receive waste products which are either already decaying, or are liable to degenerate before the bin is emptied, particularly when the ambient air temperature is warm, for instance in a kitchen or a centrallyheated room, or during warm weather. Decaying or degenerating rubbish gives off unpleasant and sometimes unhealthy odours and attracts pests such as ants and flies.

It is the object of this invention to reduce the unpleasant effects of decaying or degenerating rubbish and/or its attraction to pests.

According to the invention a rubbish bin includes a lid moveable between an open position enabling rubbish to be deposited in the bin and a closed position, a container and an associated dispensing device both carried by the lid, the container being for storing a material to be discharged into the rubbish in the bin, and the container and the dispenser being arranged such that, when the lid is moved towards one of its positions, the dispenser will be charged with a small amount of the material from the container and that, when the lid is moved towards its other position, the container is unable to discharge any further material into the dispenser, and the dispenser will discharge its contents into the bin.

The container preferably includes a permanently open connection to the dispenser, this connection being positioned so that it is below the level of the material when the lid is open, but above the level of the material when the lid is shut whereby the dispenser will discharge its contents into the bin as the lid moves towards its closed position.

Preferably the container is shaped or positioned to promote the movement of its contents towards the connection as the lid is moved from its closed to its open position. Alternatively the connection may be positioned so that it is above the level of the material when the lid is open, but below the level of the material when the lid is closed whereby the dispenser will discharge its contents into the bin as the lid moves towards its open position. In this event the container is preferably shaped or positioned to promote the movement of its contents towards the connection as the lid is moved from its open to its closed position.

The container may be box-like and have the connection positioned at or adjacent one corner or one edge. Such box-like container may be shaped to define a corner or an edge for the connection. Alternatively the container may be a cylindrical drum the connection being positioned at or adjacent the juncture of its cylindrical wall with an end wall. In either event the container may be arranged in an inclined position to promote the movement of the material towards the connection when the connection is below the level of the material.

Alternatively the container may include an internal baffle to promote the movement of the material towards the connection when the connection is below the level of the material.

The dispenser may be a passageway of which one end communicates with the open connection from the container and the other defines a discharge orifice for the material, such passageway being inclined relative to the container whereby the direction of its inclination will reverse as the lid moves between the open and closed positions. If desired, such dispenser could comprise a plurality of such passageways provided with respective open connections to the container and respective discharge orifices, or a plurality of open connections from the container could communicate with a single passageway.

The container and the dispenser may be in the form of a separate replaceable module for attachment to the lid. In such a case the module would preferably be supplied with the container loaded with the material and with the discharge orifice, or orifices, closed by a removable seal such as a tear strip. The replaceable module preferably comprises a box having an insert, or a partition, defining the open connection, or connections, and the associated passageway or passageways.

In the case where the lid is pivoted about a horizontal axis in between its edges (as in a domestic swingtop bin) and can be opened in either direction from its closed position, there is preferably a second permanently open connection to the dispenser positioned relatively to the first connection whereby one of the connections will be positioned below the level of the material when the lid is opened in one direction, and the other connection will be positioned below the level of the material when the lid is opened in the opposite direction, and both connections will be positioned above the level of the material when the lid is shut. Alternatively both connections may be positioned below the level of the material when the lid is shut whereby, when the lid is opened in either direction, material from one of the connections will be dispensed into the bin.In the case where the container is box-like, the second connection is preferably positioned at or adjacent another corner of the box next to the corner where the first connection is positioned. In the case where the container is a cylindrical drum, the second connection will be angularly spaced from the first connection about the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

The container and the dispensing device may be formed as part of the lid and the container may be refillable through a refill opening formed through the lid. Preferably a sealing closure is provided for the refill opening. The dispensing device is preferably positioned to discharge the material into the centre of the bin.

The dispensing device may alternatively be formed as part of the lid and the container be a separate replaceable or refillable module engaging with the dispensing device.

Alternatively the dispensing device may be a fitting onto the end of a separate replaceable or refillable module of box or cylindrical or other form. In this event the dispensing device may be formed as part of the module, or may be a component to be secured to the module after replacement or refilling. In the latter event, the dispensing device may be arranged to fit into an opening or openings in the module constituting the or each of said connectors.

In the event that the material is a liquid, a flow restrictor, such as a weir, may be provided between the open connection and the dispensing device to prevent part of the liquid in the dispenser from flowing back into the container as the lid is moved towards its liquid discharge position.

In the event where the container is a separate replaceable module, it will be appreciated that this module is an essential feature insofar as it is provided either with an access means to define one or more connections with the dispenser, or is internally shaped to promote the movement of its contents towards such access means, or is provided with a dispenser as taught herein, or incorporates any other feature necessary for the performance of this invention.

In the case where a separate replaceable module is provided, a releasable attachment means is preferably arranged operatively between the module and the lid. Such releasable attachment means may be a holder such as those described in my copending Patent Application Number Alternatively it may take the form of a two-piece spike and loop coupling (such as that sold under the Trademark VELCRO), one piece being secured to the module and the other piece to the lid. If desired the other piece of such coupling may be secured to a holder which in turn may be fastened to the lid. The releasable attachment means may comprise a clip device operative between the lid and the module. Such clip device may include a first part carried by the lid and a second part defined by a holder for the module.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric diagram illustrating the relationship between a box-like container and its associated dispensing device; Figure 2 is a vertical section taken along the line 2-2 in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a transverse vertical section taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 2; Figure 4 illustrates the position of Figure 3 after a clockwise rotation of 90 degrees; Figure 5 is an isometric view of a separate dispensing device showing its relationship to a separate box-shaped container; Figure 6 illustrates an alternative to the arrangement illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 7 is a transverse vertical section through a domestic swingtop bin provided with a box-like receptacle and dispensing device of the type illustrated in Figure 1;; Figure 8 is a plan view taken in the direction of arrow 8 in Figure 7; Figure 9 is an isometric diagram illustrating an alternative form of dispensing device; Figure 10 is another isometric diagram illustrating a form of dispensing device supplied by two connections; Figure 11 illustrates a first modification to Figure 7; Figure 12 illustrates another modification to Figure 7; Figure 13 is a side view taken of the underside of a raised domestic pedal bin lid incorporating a container and dispenser; Figure 14 is a section taken on the line 14-14 of Figure 13, but also including a scrap view of the lid in its closed position; Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating a vertical section through a cylindrical container and associated dispensing device;; Figure 16 comprises three sequential views of a section taken along the line 16-16 in Figure 15, and illustrates the function of the dispensing device; Figure 17 illustrates a modification of Figure 15; Figure 18 comprises three sequential views of a vertical section taken along the line 18-18 in Figure 17 and illustrates the operation of that dispensing device; Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 15 illustrating a further modification; Figure 20 comprises three sequential views of a section along the line 20-20 in Figure 19 illustrating the operation of that form of dispenser; Figure 21 is a side elevation of a cylindrical container and a vertical section through a cap forming the dispensing device; Figure 22 is a sketch illustrating the mounting of a cylindrical container and associated dispensing device from a hinged lid;; Figure 23 illustrates the mounting of a cylindrical container from a hinged lid which also defines an associated dispensing device; Figure 24 is a vertical section through the upper portion of a domestic swingtop bin having a built-in container and dispensing device; Figure 25 is a transverse vertical section along the line 25-25 in Figure 24; Figure 26 is a side view taken of the underside of a raised domestic pedal bin lid incorporating a liquid container and dispenser; Figure 27 is a vertical section taken along the line 27-27 in Figure 26, but also including a scrap view of the lid in its closed position; Figure 28 is an isometric diagram illustrating another form of dispensing device; Figure 29 is a further isometric view taken in the direction of arrow 29 in Figure 28; Figure 30 is a section along the line 30-30 in Figure 28;; Figure 31 is an isometric diagram illustrating a modified form of dispensing device; Figure 32 is a further isometric view taken in the direction of arrow 32 in Figure 31; Figure 33 is a section along the line 33-33 in Figure 31; Figure 34 is a vertical section through a raised domestic pedal bin lid incorporating the dispensing device illustrated in Figures 28 to 30, but also including a scrap view of the lid in its closed position; Figure 35 is a section on the line 35-35 in Figure 34 showing one means of securing the replaceable module to the lid; Figure 36 illustrates a modification of the arrangement shown in Figure 35; Figure 37 is an exploded view illustrating another means of securing a replaceable module to a lid;; Figure 38 is an exploded view illustrating an alternative means of securing a replaceable module to a lid, and Figure 39 illustrates a modification of the upper portion of Figure 38.

With reference to Figures 1 to 4, a container 30, in the shape of a rectangular box, is secured to a dispensing device 31 which defines a collecting space 32 and an inclined ramp 33. A permanently open connection, in the form of an orifice 34 inter-connects the bottom left hand corner of the container 30, as seen in Figure 1, with the collecting space 32. The container 30 is designed to enclose a fine granular material for treating rubbish in a rubbish bin. Such material can be formulated to achieve a number of different functions for reducing the unpleasant effects of decaying or degenerating rubbish, for instance by releasing a scent to mask unpleasant smells, or to sterilize the rubbish in any desired manner. Furthermore, the material may also be formulated to include an insecticide or some substance for discouraging the attraction of the rubbish to pests.As will be seen from Figure 2, the surface of the material adopts a natural slump angle 35 and the orifice 34 permits a small amount of the material to flow into the collecting space 32 where it will adopt a similar slump angle. The free-flow qualities of particulate materials vary considerably and it will be necessary either to control the particle size to give the desired effect, or alternatively to vary the size of the orifice 34 and the collecting space 32 to ensure that an appropriate quantity of the material is isolated by the dispensing device. Whilst the container 30 occupies the position shown in Figures 1 to 3, the dispensing device 31 will be loaded with a small amount of the material which cannot escape because the ramp 33 is inclined upwardly away from the orifice 34.However, when the container 30 is rotated to the position shown in Figure 4, the inclination of the ramp 33 is reversed, as shown, whereby the small amount of material held in the dispensing device 31 is free to slip down the ramp 33 as indicated by the arrow. It should also be noted that the position of the orifice 34 has been translated to the top of the box so that it would be positioned next to the air space above the slump angle 35 thereby preventing any more material being discharged.

However, in operation, as the orifice 34 moves upwards, it is quite likely that a small quantity of additional material will flow through the orifice 34 until such time as it becomes positioned above the slump angle 35 within the container 30. A wedge-shaped baffle 36 is located along one side of the box so that this is inclined at an angle A towards the orifice 34, thereby facilitating the feed of residual material towards the orifice 34 when the container 30 is nearly empty.

Whilst the angle A may be equal to, or greater than, the slump angle 35, asmaller angle, such as A, may be used because the rotation of the box to the position shown in Figure 4 also causes the wedge 36 to tip the material towards the orifice 34. The baffle 36 may conveniently be formed from an expanded plastic foam material in which case it can be cut or moulded to the wedge shape illustrated, or it may be moulded to any other convenient or useful shape. Alternatively, the baffle 36 may be provided by a sheet of cardboard fixed within the box, or the wall of the box may be shaped to give the angle A. The ramp 33 can be formed in similar manner, the construction shown in Figures 3 and 4 being a bent sheet of cardboard glued in position as shown.

Whilst the dispensing device 31 may be formed as part of the container 30, as described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, it may be separately formed as shown in Figure 5. Referring to that Figure, the container 30 is provided with an orifice 34 as before and is preferably provided with an internal baffle such as the baffle 36 that has just been described. The dispensing device 31 is formed as a simple injection moulding of plastics material which defines a frame 37 for engaging the end of the container 30, the collecting space 32 and the ramp 33 which will be positioned against the end of the container 30.

If desired, the container 30 and/or the frame 37 and/or the face of the ramp 33 directed towards the container 30, may be provided with any convenient form of indentation or keying means so that the separate dispensing device can only be fitted to the container with the collecting space 32 correctly aligned with the orifice 34.

The construction shown in Figure 5 may be used in a variety of ways. For instance, the separately moulded dispensing device 31 may be a throw-away product which is supplied with the container 30, either as a part to be assembled to the end of the container 30, or as an integral part thereof.

Alternatively, the dispensing device 31 may comprise a holder, or part of a holder, for coupling the container 30 to the lid of a rubbish bin.

Figure 6 illustrates a combined container 30 and dispensing device 31 constructed in the same manner as described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 with the exception that the baffle 36 has been omitted. The purpose of this Figure is to show that the container 30 can be mounted with its bottom surface inclined at the same angle A, whereby the bottom surface of the container 30 acts in exactly the same manner as the ramp 36 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

The container 30 and dispensing device 31 described to this point, or the principle of their operation, can be applied to various types of rubbish bin. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate one such application to a domestic swingtop bin having a lid 40 formed integral with a pair of aligned pivots 41 in well-known manner, whereby the lid 40 is pivoted about a horizontal axis in between its edges 42, 43.

The pivots 41 rest in corresponding sockets formed in a cowl 44 moulded from plastics material and defining a bezel 45 which clips over the top surface of a rubbish bin 46. The container 30 and dispensing device 31 of Figures 1 to 4 is mounted on its side underneath the lid 40 by two pairs of clips 47, 48 which are formed integral with the lid 40. In this manner, a replaceable module comprising the container 30 and dispensing device 31, can be fitted in the lid 40 as illustrated in Figure 8, with the ramp 33 terminating in a position immediately above the centre of the bin 46. In Figure 7, the lid 40 is shown in its closed position and can be moved to an open position either by depressing the edge 42 or the edge 43 in well-known manner.If the edge 42 is depressed towards its open position, the the dispenser 31 will be charged with a small amount of the material from the container 30 such that, when the lid 40 returns towards its closed position, the orifice 34 will be moved above the level of the material in the container 30, and the material in the dispenser 31 will be discharged along the ramp 33 to fall centrally over the contents in the bin 46. However, if the lid 40 is opened by depressing its edge 43, the orifice 34 will remain above the level of the material in the container 30, with the result that no material will be discharged into the bin 46.

With this arrangement the operator of the bin has a choice of whether or not to discharge material from the container 30 into the rubbish. However, if such choice is not required, the dispenser 31 can be modified in the manner which will shortly be described with reference to Figure 10. Instead of locating the container 30 in the horizontal position shown in Figures 7 and 8, the clips 47, 48 may be arranged to hold the container 30 in the same horizontal plane but with its sides skewed at the angle A relative to the axis of the pivots 41.

Alternatively, the clips 47, 48 may be arranged so that the container 30 is downwardly inclined towards the dispensing device 31 at the angle A from the horizontal.

Figure 9 illustrates a simplification of the dispensing device 31 which comprises an injection moulding of plastics material defining the collecting space 32 and a chute 50 of which one surface defines the ramp 33. In the event that the container 30 is a replaceable module with an access means to define the orifice 34, the dispensing device 31 may be provided either as a separate attachment, or as a mounting secured to or formed as part of the lid to the rubbish bin.

In either event, the dispensing device 31 would be provided with an integral spiggot which would be a push-fit into the orifice 34, the chute 50 being located in the correct position in any convenient manner, for instance, by the engagement of a pin formed integral with the chute 50 into a location in the end of the container 30, or by means of one or more integral projections to engage other walls of the container 30, for instance the two walls immediately adjacent the orifice 34.

Figure 10 illustrates another form of dispensing device 131 which can be secured to the container 30 in any of the manners that have just been described with reference to Figure 9. The main point of difference in Figure 10 is that the dispensing device defines the ramD 33 and a second opposed ramp 133 which extend from respective collecting spaces 32, 132 to a common discharge orifice 51, the container 30 being provided with two permanently open connections in the form of orifices 34 and 134 respectively supplying the collecting spaces 32 and 132.When this construction of container 30 and dispensing device 131 is used with the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, one of the orifices 34 and 134 will be positioned below the level of the material in the container 30 when the lid 40 is opened in one direction, and the other connection 134 or 34 will be positioned below the level of the material when the lid is opened in the opposite direction, and both connections 34 and 134 will be positioned above the level of the material when the lid 40 is shut. In this maner the dispensing device 31 of Figure 10 will cause a small amount of the material to be discharged into the bin 46 of Figures 7 and 8, irrespective of whether the edge 42 or the edge 43 is depressed to its open position.

Figures 11 and 12 show modifications of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 7 and identical or equivalent components have been given the same reference numerals, only the points of difference being now described. In both Figures 11 and 12, access to the container 30 is through a push-fit access panel 54 in the lid 40. This access panel preferably includes some indentation or handle to facilitate its removal. In Figure 11, the container 30 is supported on a frame 55 formed integral with the lid 40, the container 30 being provided as a replaceable module having the dispensing device 131 described with reference to Figure 10.Alternatively, the dispensing device, complete with its twin ramps 33, 133, could be formed as part of the lid 40, the frame 55 being arranged merely to locate the container 30 with its orifices 34 and 134 correctly aligned with the respective parts of the double dispensing device 131.

Figure 12 is further modified insofar as the bottom of the container 30 is defined as part of the lid and its top by the access panel 54, the double dispensing device 131 being formed at, or secured to, one end of the container 30. In this manner, the features of the invention are integrated with the construction of the lid 40 and the operator merely has to remove the access panel 54 and fill the space underneath it to the required level with material from any convenient bulk source. With this arrangement, the access panel 54 may be formed of transparent or translucent material so that the presence of an adequate amount of material can be readily noticed from outsdie the rubbish bin 46.Also with this embodiment, the portions of the lid 40 defining the side walls, or the bottom, of the container 30 may be inclined towards the orifices 34, 134 to promote the feed of residual material as previously described.

With reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14, a domestic pedal bin comprises a lid 60 connected by a horizontal hinge 61 to a rubbish bin of which only portions are indicated at 62. A one-piece moulding 63 of plastics material has an integral flange 64 which is secured to the undersurface of the lid 60, as shown, to define the material container 30, the dispensing device 31, the collecting space 32, the inclined ramp 33 and the permanently open orifice 34. In this manner, the features of the invention are integrated into the construction of the lid 60. The moulding 63 is conveniently formed with mutually sloping walls 65 and 66 to facilitate the material feeding to the orifice 34 when the lid 60 is in its raised position. A removeable filler cap 67 is positioned in the lid 60 whereby the container 30 can be replenished with material whenever it is requuired.It will be noted that the dispensing device 31 is arranged so that the material will be discharged into the rubbish bin 62 as indicated by the arrow in Figure 14, thereby ensuring that the material is introduced into the centre of the rubbish bin 62. The arrangement just described with reference to Figures 13 and 14 is just one example of the manner in which a re-usable container 30 can be integrated with the lid 60. Another convenient way of achieving this, without the need to secure the moulding 63 to the underside of the lid 60, would be to form the container 30 and dispensing device 31 as a separate unit to be assembled to the lid 60 by the purchaser.This can conveniently be done by forming the lid 60 with a downwardly extending cylindrical boss onto which the separate container and dispensing unit would clip, the boss also serving as a refill opening for the container and as a location for the filler cap.

With the constructions shown in Figures 1 to 14, the container 30 has been of box-like form with the orifice 34 positioned at or adjacent one corner. It should be noted that such corners exist at the juncture of three walls of the container 30 and that the orifice 34 may be positioned in any of those three walls provided that the dispensing device 31 is appropriately positioned whereby the material can flow through the orifice 34 into the collecting space 32.

In the constructions shown in Figures 1 to 14, the container 30 has been positioned relative to the lid 40 and 60 such that the orifice 34 is positioned below the level of the material when the lid is open to recharge the collecting space 32, but is moved above the level of the material when the lid is shut, whereby the dispensing device 31 will discharge its contents into the bin 46, 62 as the lid moves towards its closed position. It should also be noted that the function of the dispensing device may be inverted, to discharge its contents as the lid moves towards its open position, by positioning the container 30 relative to the lid 40 or 60 such that the orfice 34 is positioned above the level of the material when the lid is open but is moved below the level of the material when the lid is shut to recharge the collecting space 32.

Figures 15 to 23 illustrate the use of a cylindrical container 30 and the same reference numerals are again used to indicate features having the same or equivalent functions, only the points of difference being described.

In Figures 15 and 16 a cylindrical container 30 has a single orifice 34 communicating with the dispensing device 31 which defines a cylindrical chamber having a discharge outlet 70 diametrically opposite the orifice 34. As shown in Figure 15, and in the left hand view of Figure 16, the orifice 34 is above the slump angle 35 of the material in the container 30 when the outlet 70 is positioned to discharge material into the rubbish bin. Rotation of the cylindrical container 30 about its longitudinal axis, through 180 degrees in either direction, results in the relative positions of the orifice 34 and outlet 70 being reversed as shown in the central view of Figure 16. In this position the material is free to flow through the orifice 34 into the collecting space 32.Subsequent rotation of the cylindrical container 30 to its original position, as shown in the right hand view of Figure 16, restores the orifice 34 to its original position and allows the material in the collecting space 32 to slide along the curved ramp 33, defined by the interior of the dispensing device 31, until it is discharged through the outlet 70 as indicated by the arrow.

The arrangement illustrated in Figures 17 and 18 is generally similar to that described with reference to Figures 15 and 16, the primary difference being that a second orifice 134 is provided, the two orifices 34, 134 being positioned diametrically opposite each other and at right angles to the single outlet 70. When the latter is directed vertically downwards, as shown in Figure 17, the outlets 34, 134 are at the same level as each other but significantly lower than the position shown in Figure 15. For this reason, the container 30 essentially holds slightly less material when full, as indicated by the position of the slump angle 35 in Figure 17. The operation of the dispensing device 31 is generally the same as before with the exception that the cylindrical container 30 ony needs to be moved 90 degrees in either direction as illustrated in Figure 18.

Figure 19 and 20 illustrate a further modification of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 15 to 18. The permanently open connection is now in the form of a narrow arcuate slot 234 of which the shape can best be seen in Figure 20.

Because this slot extends even lower in the cylindrical container 30, the position of the slump angle 35 when the container is full essentially moves further to the left as shown in Figure 19. However, as illustrated in Figure 20, this arrangement permits the dispensing device 31 to operate with a rotation of 45 degrees in either direction.

In Figures 15, 17 and 19 the cylindrical container 30 has been shown with a wedge-shaped baffle 36 which may be formed of cardboard or as an insert of rigid foam material moulded to the shape shown, or alternatively specially formed to feed the material towards the orifice 34, 134 or the slot 234. However, the baffle 36 can be of other forms, for instance the frustoconical baffle 136 illustrated in Figure 21. In that figure the cylindrical container 30 is shown as a replaceable module comprising a cylindrical cardboard outer shell to which are crimped two metal end plates 71 and 72. The end plate 72 is provided with an unshown access means to define the orifice 34, or the orifices 34 and 134 or the slot 234 as required. Such access means would be provided with a tear-off strip or other closure means.The dispensing device 31 is in the form of a simple moulding of plastics material having a bead 73 for clipping over the end plate 72 whilst leaving a space 74 to definethe.collecting space 32, 132 and the single outlet 70.

Figures 22 and 23 illustrate the mounting of a cylindrical container 30 at an angle A to the horizontal, thereby providing feed towards the orifice 34 without any need for internal baffles such as 36. In both of these Figures the container 30 is shown supported by a backet 75 forming part of a swingbin lid pivoted about the axis X-X. In Figure 22 the cylindrical container 30 is provided as a disposable module incorporating the dipensing device 31, the upper end of the container 30 being accommodated in a cylindrical socket 76, and its lower end being located by a clip 77 having a pin 78 engaging an aperture in the end wall of the dispensing device 31 to ensure that the module will be mounted with the outlet 70 pointing downwards.

The arrangement in Figure 23 is different insofar as the lower end of the cylindrical container 30 is received in a cylindrical socket 79 which also defines the dispensing device 31 and the outlet 70. With this construction it is necessary to provide some means for ensuring that the disposable cylindrical container 30 is mounted in the socket 79 with its orifice 34, or orifices 34, 134 or slot 234 in the correct position, and this can readily be achieved by providing appropriate keying surfaces between the container 30 and the bracket 79.

Figures 24 and 25 illustrate another embodiment applied to a domestic swingtop bin and, as some of the features are similar to the construction described with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the same reference numerals have been utilized to identify equivalent components.

The container 30 has been formed as part of the swingbin lid 40 by means of a one-piece moulding 80 having an integral flange 81 permanently secured to the underside of the lid 40. The material is introduced into the container 30 by removing a filler cap 82 in the lid 40. The material then feeds under its own weight to a narrow slot 334 as illustrated. A shroud 83 is secured to the moulding 80 to leave a narrow horizontal space underneath the slot 334 whereby material can build up on the shroud 83 to the point where it ceases to flow through the slot 334 whilst the lid 40 is closed. A further moulding 84 is also secured to the moulding 80 and has opposed lips 85 to define the discharge outlet 70 through which the material is to flow into the bin 46.

In operation, the material flows through the slot 334 to build up on the shroud 83 as shown. When the lid 40 is opened in either direction, the accummulation of material on the shroud 83 falls onto one of the lips 85. Whilst the material is falling from the shroud 83 onto the appropriate lip 85, further material is able to feed through the slot 334, but this is limited by the build-up of material on the lip 85. As the lid 40 returns to its closed position, the material on the lip 85 is then released into the centre of the bin 46.

Figures 26 and 27 illustrate how a small quantity of liquid material can be dispensed from a container 30 in the form of a bottle having a screw top. Insofar as these Figures relate to a pedal type bin, they incorporate features already described with reference to Figures 13 and 14 which have accordingly been given the same reference numerals. The pedal bin lid 60 is provided with a central aperture which defines a pair of parallel flanges 90 and receives an access panel 91. A boss 92 has opposed flanges 93 which are trapped between the access panel 91 and the lid flanges 90, as shown in Figure 27. The boss 92 will be removed from the pedal bin lid 60 so that the container 30 can be kept vertical whilst the boss is screwed onto its end.The container 30 is then inserted between the flanges 90 until the boss flanges 93 are engaged, whereupon the access panel 92 is clipped into position to hold the boss 92 and container 30 in the position shown.

An 0-ring is used to prevent any leakage between the container 30 and the boss 92 and a transverse bore 94 connects the interior of container 30 to a single discharge orifice 170 via a flow-restrictor in the form of a weir 95.

From Figure 27 it will be noted that, whilst the lid 60 is in its raised position, the outlet 170 is above the level of the liquid in the bottle 30, thereby preventing its contents from draining into the rubbish bin 62. As the pedal bin lid 60 is moved towards its closed position, some of the liquid in the outlet 170 will tend to drain back through the transverse bore 94 into the bottle 30. However, the weir 95 ensures that a small quantity of the liquid is unable to return into the transverse bore 94 and accordingly drains through the outlet 170 into the centre of the rubbish bin.

Figures 28 to 30 illustrate a separate replaceable module 100 (shown in chain-dotted lines) in which the dispenser is a semi-cylindrical passageway 101 defined by a rigid cardboard insert 102 fastened inside the module 100 by a pair of wings 103 stuck to the inside walls of a box defining the outer walls of the module 100. As shown, the insert 102 is folded centrally to define the semi-cylindrical wall of the passageway 101, the diametrical wall being formed by a cardboard strip 104 which is stuck to the insert 102 and has an integral flap 105 stuck to the bottom wall of the box defining the module 100.If desired, further flaps, such as those shown in Figure 30 may be formed integral with the insert 102 to ensure that its inclined wall is rigidly supported against the weight of the particulate material stored in the left-hand end of the module which constitutes the container 106. The upper end of the strip 104 deliberately terminates before the end of the passageway 101 to define an open connection 107 between the container 106 and the passageway 101, of which the lower end communicates with a discharge orifice 108 in the lower wall of the container 106. This orifice 108 is kept closed by a tear strip 109 until the module has been mounted for use, the tear strip 109 being removed, in the direction of the arrow in Figure 30, towards the open side of the rubbish container whereby the person installing the module should not run any risk of banging a hand against the lid.It will be noted that the passageway 101 is inclined relative to the container 106 whereby the direction of inclination will reverse as the lid moves between open and closed positions as illustrated in Figure 34 which corresponds generally with the arrangement already described with reference to Figure 14, the same reference numerals being used to denote equivalent components. When the lid 60 is in its raised position, the particulate material flows through the open connection 107 into the passageway 101, the amount of material charged into the passageway being dependent on the size of the connection 107, the cross-section of the passageway 101 and the flow characteristics of the material. Angle S is the slump angle of the material.When the lid 60 is moved to its closed position, the charge of material inside the passageway 101 is discharged through the orifice 108 as indicated by arrow Q. It will be noted that, as the lid 60 is moved towards its open position, the inclination of the insert 102 acts to funnel the material towards the edge of the container 106 in which the open connection 107 is positioned.

The arrangement illustrated in Figures 31 to 33 is generally similar to that just described and only the points of difference will be elaborated on, similar reference numerals being utilised to denote equivalent features. The main point of difference is that the insert 102 is formed as a moulding of foamed polystyrene which is lightly secured in one end of the module100 and defines the passageway 101. A light strip of cardboard 120, or a length of plastics extrusion, is adhered to the insert 102 as before to define its diametral wall. The other important point of difference is the inclined surface of the insert is split into two mutually inclined surfaces 121 and 122 whereby, as the module is tipped towards its open connection 107, the inclined surfaces 121 and 122 feed the material specifically into the open connection.This arrangement is superior to tlat described with reference to Figures 28 to 30 insofar as it provides improved material feed when the module is nearly empty.

The embodiments just described with reference to Figures 28 to 34 teach the positioning of the passageway in the central region of the module whereby the orifice 108 will be positioned over the centre of the rubbish bin. If there is a need to discharge the material into any other portion of the rubbish bin, or if the discharge point is not important, the insert may be modified accordingly.

Instead of proviOnga single passageway 101, the insert 102 could define a plurality of passageways provided with respective open connections 107 from the container 106, or there could be a plurality of open connections communicating with a single passageway 101 extending across the container 106.

With reference to Figures 34 and 35, the module comprises a cardboard box defining the container 106 but has two strips of cardboard 130, 131 stuck to its upper surface to define a pair of grooves 132 and 133 for receiving respective clips 134, 135 formed integral with the lid 60. In this manner the module can be readily secured to the lid 60, and subsequently detached, and moreover the position of the module is a snug fit under the lid 60 so that it will not unecessarily intrude into the path of rubbish inserted into, or emptied from, the rubbish container.

Figure 36 shows a module construction similar to Figure 37 except that the grooves 132 and 133 are replaced by a single slot 140 defined between the container 106 and a single piece of cardboard 141 of which the opposite ends are turned down and stuck to the ends of the container 1 06.

Figure 37 illustrates a clip 150 stuck to the inside of the lid 60 for receiving a holder 151 into which the module 106 is retained. With this arrangement the module 1u6 does not need any special fittings as in Figures 35 and 36, the holder 151 being re-used.

In Figure 38 the releasable attachment means for the module 106 comprises a strip of spiked material 160 stuck permanently to the lid 60, and a strip of looped material 161 supplied prestuck to the module 106. Such materials are available under the Trademark VELCRO.

Figure 39 illustrates how one of the strips of the spiked/looped material 162 (in this case the spiked material) may be provided on a separate holder plate 163 to be stuck to the underside of the lid 60.

Claims (32)

1. A rubbish bin including a lid moveable between an open position enabling rubbish to be deposited in the bin and a closed position,a container and an associated dispensing device both carried by the lid, the container being for storing a material to be discharged into the rubbish in the bin,and the container and the dispenser being arranged such that,when the lid is moved towards one of its positions,the disp -enser will be charged with a small amount of the material fron the container and that,when the lid is moved towards its other position the container is unable to discharge any further material into the dispenser,and the dispenser will discharge its contents into the bin.

2. A rubbish bin according to claim 1,including a permanently open conn ection to the dispenser,this connection being positioned so that it is below the level of the material when the lid is open,but above the lev -el of the material when the bin is shut,whereby the dispenser will discharge its contents into the bin as the lid moves towards its closed position.

3. A rubbish bin,accordig to claim2,in which the container is positioned or shaped to promote the movement of its contents towards the connection as the lid is moved from its closed to its open position.

4. A rubbish bin,according to claim 2,in which thi connection is positioned so tht it is above the level of the material when the lid is open,but below the level of the material when the lid is closed whereby the disp -enser will discharge its contents into the bin as the lid moves towards its open position.

5. A rubbish bin,according to claim 4,in which the container is positioned or shaped to promote the movement of its contents towards the connection as the lid is moved from its open to its closed position.

6. A rubbish bin,according to any preceding claim,in which the container is box like and has the connection positioned at or adjacent one edge or corner.

7. A rubbish bin ,according to claim 6,in which the container is shaped to define a corner or an edge for the connection.

8. A rubbish bin,according to claim6,in which the container is a cylind -rical drum the connection being positioned at or adjacent the juno- -ture of its cylindrical wall with an end wall.

9. A rubbish bin,according to claim 7 or 8,in which the conainer is arranged in an inclined position to promote the movement of the mater- -ial towards the connection when the connection is below the level of the material.

10. A rubbish bin,according to claim 7 or8,in which the container includes an internal baffle to promote the movement of the material towards the connection when the connection is below the level of the material

11. A rubbish bin,according to any preceding claim in which the dispenser is a passageway of which one end communicates with the open connection from the container and the other defines a discharge orifice for mater -ial,such passageway being inclined relative to the container whereby the direction of its inclination will reverse as the lid moves between the open and closed positions.

12. A rubbish bin,according to claim 11,in which the dispenser comprises a plurality of such passageways provided with respective open connections to the container and respective discharge orifices.

13. A rubbish bin,according to claim 11,in which the dispenser comprises a plurity of open connections from the container communicating with a single passageway.

14. A rubbish bin,according to any preceding claim,in which the container and the dispenser are in the form of a separate replaceable module for attachment to the lid.

15. Arubbish bin according to claim 14,in which the module is supplied with the container loaded with the material and with the discharge orifice,or orifices,closed by a removable seal such as a tear strip.

16. A rubbish bin,according to claim 14 or 15,in which the replaceable module comprises a box having an insert,or a partition,defining the or open connection connections,and the associated passageway or passageways.

17. A rubbish bin,according to any preceding claim and in the case where the lid is pivoted about a horizontel axis in between its edges and can be opened in either direction from its closed position,in which a second permanently open connection to the dispenser is positioned relatively to the first connection whereby one of the connections will be positioned below the level of the material when the lid is opened in one direction,and the other connection will be positioned below the level of the material when the lid is opened in the opposite direction,andboth connections will be positioned above the level of the material when the lid is shut.

18 A rubbish bin,according to any of claims 1 to 16 and in the case where the lid is pivoted about a horizontal axis in between its edges and can be opened in either direction from itz closed position,in which a second permanently open connection to the dispenser is posit -ioned relatively to the first connection whereby one of the connect -ions will be positioned below the level of the material when the lid is opened in one direction,and the other connection will be posit -ioned below the level of the material when the lid is opened in the 18 (continued) opposite direction,and both connections are positioned below the level of the material when the lid is shut whereby,when the lid is opened in either direction,material from one of the connections will be dispensed into the bin.

19 A rubbish bin,according to claim 17 or 18 and in the case where the co -ntainer is box likesin which the second connection is positioned at or adjacent another corner of the box next to the corner where the first connection is positioned.

20 A rubbish bin,according to claim 17 or 18 and in the case where the container is a cylindrival drum,ir which the second connection is angularly spaced from the first connection about the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

21 A rubbish bin,according to any preceding claim,in which the dispensing device is formed as part of the lid and the container is refillable through a refill opening formed through the lid.

22 A rubbish bin,according to claim 21,in which a sealing closure is prov -ided for the refill opening.

23 A rubbish bin,according to claim 21 or 22,in which the dispensing dev -ice is positioned to discharge the material into the centre of the bin.

24 A rubbish bin,according to any of claims 1 to 20,in which the dispensing device is formed as part of the lid and the container is separate replaceable or refillable module engaging with the dispensing device

25 A rubbish bin,according to any of claims 1 to 20,in which the dispen -eing device is a fitting onto the end of a separate replaceable or refillable module of box or cylindrical or other form.

26 A rubbish bin,according to claim 25,in which the dispensing device is formed as part of the module.

27 A rubbish bin,according to claim 25,in which the dispensing device is formed as a component to be secured to the module after replacement or refilling.

28 A rubbish bin, according to claim 27,in which the dispensing device is arranged to fit into an opening or openings in the module constituting the or each of said connectors.

29 A rubbish bin,according to any preceding clain and in the case where the material is a liquid,in which a flow restrictor is provided bet ween the open connection and the dispensing device to prevent part of the liquid in the dispenser from flowing back into the container as the lid is moved towards its liquid discharge position.

30 A rubbish bin,according to any preceding claim, in which the container is a separate replaceable module,in which a releasable attachment means is arranged operatively between the module and the lid.

31 A rubbish bin,according to claim 30,in which the releasable attachment means is a two-piece coupling, one piece being secured to the module and - the other piece to the lid.

32. A rubbish bin,according to claim 30,in which the releasable attachment means is a two-piece coupling, one piece being secured to the module,and the other piece being secured to a holder which is fastened to the lid 33 A rubbish bin,according to claim 30,in which the releasable attachment means is a clip device operative between the lid and the module.

34 A rubbish bin,according to claim 33,in which the clip device includes a first part carried by the lid and a second part defined by a holder for the module.

35 A rubish bin substantially as described herein with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

36 A container,for a rubbish bin according to any preceding claim, substantially as described. herein with reference to any of figures 1 to 10 ,15 to 23,or 28 to 39 of the accompanying drawings.