GB2251782A

GB2251782A - A rubbish bin provided with a deodorising apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2251782A
Application number: GB9127496A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Michael Mowbray
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-12-28
Filing date: 1991-12-30
Publication date: 1992-07-22
Also published as: GB9127496D0

Abstract

A rubbish container (22) has a lid (20) which is moveable about a horizontal hinge (21) between an open position, enabling rubbish to be deposited, and a closed position as shown. A liquid receptacle (23) is carried by the lid (20) and has emission orifices (24) through which e.g. scent or vapour is slowly emitted into the container (22). The emission orifices (24) are positioned so that the liquid in the receptacle (23) cannot flow into the container (22) when the lid (20) is in either its open or closed position or while the lid is being pivoted between these positions. <IMAGE>

Description

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

By their very nature rubbish containers 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 provide a rubbish container which can reduce the unpleasant effects of decaying or degenerating rubbish and/or its attraction to pests.

According to the invention a rubbish container includes a lid moveable between an open position enabling rubbish to be deposited in the container and a closed positon, a liquid receptacle carried by the lid and having an emission means through which a scent, vapour or other gas is to be slowly emitted into the container, and the emission means is positioned such that the liquid cannot flow into the container when the lid is in either its open or its closed position.

In the case where the lid is pivoted about a horizontal axis at, or adjacent, one of its edges from the container (as in a domestic pedal bin), the emission means may be positioned at the end of the receptacle remote from the horizontal axis, and also be positioned to lie above the level of the fluid when the lid is in its closed position.

Preferably the emission means points generally upwardly when the lid is in its closed position. The liquid receptacle may be formed as part of the lid. In this event a refill opening may be provided through the lid into the receptacle. Preferably the refill opening is positioned adjacent the emission means. Preferably a sealing closure is provided for the refill opening. Alternatively the liquid receptacle may be formed as a separate replaceable or refillable module. In this event the lid may be provided with a releasable coupling device for engaging the module and locating it such that the emission means is correctly positioned. The liquid receptacle may be a container which sealingly engages a boss depending from the underside of the lid, the emission means being defined by the boss.

In the case where the lid is pivoted about a horizontal axis in between its edges (as in a domestic swingtop bin), the emission means may be positioned in the upper surface of the receptacle. The receptacle is preferably symmetrical about a horizontal axis parallel to the pivot axis of the lid. Preferably the emission means is positioned at a level at or near the pivot axis of the lid. The receptacle preferably has an ullage space on either side of the pivot axis to accommodate the liquid when the lid is pivoted to either side. Preferably the underside of the receptacle includes a cylindrical surface about an axis parallel with the pivot axis. Preferably this cylindrical surface is about an axis substantially coincident with the pivot axis. The liquid receptacle may be formed as part of the lid. In this event the refil opening may be provided through the lid into the receptacle.Preferably the refill opening includes a tubular extension to a position corresponding with the maximum permitted level of the liquid. Preferably a sealing closure is provided for the refill opening. Alternatively the liquid receptacle may be formed as a separate replaceable or refillable module. In this event the lid may be provided with a releasable coupling device for engaging the module and locating it such that the emission means is correctly positioned.

In the case where the lid rests on the receptacle (as in a domestic dustbin), the emission means may be positoned in the upper surface of the receptacle adjacent the centre of the lid. The receptacle is preferably symmetrical about a vertical axis through the centre of the lid. The receptacle preferably has an annular ullage space surrounding the emission means to accommodate the liquid when the lid is tipped in any direction.

The liquid receptacle may be formed as part of the lid. In this event the refill opening may be provided through the lid into the receptacle and be provided with a sealing closure. The refill opening is preferably in the centre of the lid and the emission means is arranged between the refill opening and the annular ullage space. Alternatively the liquid receptacle may be formed as a separate replaceable or refillable module. In this event the lid may be provided with a releasable coupling device for engaging the module and locating it such that the emission means is correctly positioned.

The emission means may be an emission orifice or a series of emission orifices, or may be formed from any convenient porous material. In the case where the liquid receptacle is formed as a separate replaceable module, the emission means is preferably sealed by a removal sealing device such as an adhesive strip.

The liquid receptacle may be made of, or incorporate a piece of, transparent or translucent material whereby the amount of liquid in the receptacle may be assessed.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a vertical section through a domestic pedal bin showing the lid in open and closed positions; Figure 2 is an isometric view of a replaceable liquid module for use in Figure 3; Figure 3 is a vertical section, similar to that of Figure 1, but illustrating the use of the replaceable liquid module shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a vertical section, similar to Figures 1 and 2, but showing an alternative construction; Figure 5 is an isometric view of another replace- able liquid module for use in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 and 7; Figure 6 is a transverse vertical section through the upper part of a domestic swingtop bin carrying the replaceable liquid module illustrated in Figure 5;; Figure 7 illustrates the open position of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a vertical section, similar to Figure 6, but illustrating a liquid receptacle formed as part of the lid; Figure 9 shows the open position of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a vertical section through part of a domestic dustbin lid incorporating a liquid receptacle; Figure 11 illustrates the tipped position of the dustbin lid shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 is similar to Figure 10 but illustrates the use of a replaceable liquid module; Figure 13 is also similar to Figure 10 but illustrates the use of another form of replaceable liquid module;; Figure 14 shows an alternative module for use in Figure 13, and Figures 15, 16, and 17 are vertical sections through the uppermost portion of a domestic pedal bin showing the lid open and supporting different forms of replaceable liquid module.

With reference to Figure 1, a domestic pedal bin comprises a lid 20 connected by a horizontal hinge 21 to the rubbish container of which only a portion is indicated as 22.

A liquid receptacle 23 is made as a separate plastics moulding and defines a series of emission orifices 24 (only one is shown), a refill tube 25, and a foot 26. The receptacle 23 is solvent welded to the underside of the lid in the position shown whereby the refill tube 25 and foot 26 become fused with the material of the lid 20. The refill tube 25 is in alignment with a refill opening formed in the lid 20, the refill opening being threaded to receive a sealing closure plug 27. It will be noted that, in both the open and closed positions of the lid, an ullage space 28 separates the emission orifices 24 and the liquid level 29. Thus the emission orifices 24 are positioned such that the liquid cannot flow into the rubbish container 22 when the lid 20 is in either its open or its closed position. By simply removing the plug 27, it is possible to replenish the liquid in the receptacle 23. Such liquid will be provided to release a scent, vapour or other gas to provide a pleasant odour in the rubbish container 22, or to mask any unpleasant odour within the rubbish container 22, or to sterilize the contents of the rubbish container 22, or to act as an insecticide or othewise discourage the entry of insect pests. It should particularly be noted that, as the lid is moved from its open position towards its closed position, the liquid in the receptacle 23 will surge towards the end of the receptacle in which the emission orifices 24 are formed. This action promotes the release of the scent, vapour, or gas through the emission orifices 24. As the lid is normally in its closed position, the internal surface of the receptacle 23 above the liquid level 29 will be dry if the lid has been left in the closed position for any time.

However, when the lid is raised to the open position, there is a significant alteration of the wetted surfaces within the receptacle 23, the hitherto dry surfaces becoming wetted to a large extent, and hitherto wetted surfaces being exposed to the air above the liquid level 29. This process is reversed when the lid is shut and promotes the evaporation of liquid from the newly wetted surfaces which are then exposed to the air in the ullage 28 when the lid shuts. The effect is furthermore accentuated by the manner in which the air above the liquid is moved by the change in position of the liquid between the open and closed positions of the lid.

Instead of being solvent welded to the lid 20, the receptacle 23 may be supplied as a separate component to be secured in position by clips or other securing means, the refill tube 25 and the plug being located in an aperture in the lid. If desired, the plug may be recessed relative to the surface of the lid.

Instead of the receptacle 23 being formed as part of the lid 20, a replaceable liquid module 30, such as that shown in Figures 2 and 3, may be employed. With reference to Figures 2 and 3, a holder 31 is secured to the underside of the lid 20 by a pair of parallely spaced self-adhesive resilient foam pads 32 and 33 in the manner taught in our Patent Application Number (Case B). The holder 31 is a simple injectionmoulding of plastics material and is formed integral with a pair of spring clips 34, 35 which hold the module 30 in position.The upper end of the module is formed with an extension 36 in which the emission orifices 24 are formed, and the lower end is provided with an indentation 37 which engages a detent 38 formed integrally with the holder 31, thereby ensuring that the module 30 can only be assembled in the correct position; that is with the extension 36 projecting into a recess 39 as shown in Figure 3.

In operation, the arrangement shown in Figures 2 and 3 functions in generally the same manner as that shown in Figure 1, the only difference being that there is no provision for refilling the module 30, which therefore must either be replaced with a new module, or possibly removed for refilling.

The embodiment shown in Figure 4 also operates in a similar manner, the liquid receptacle 23 being a small bottle with a screw top 40 which engages a boss 41 secured to the lid 20 by solvent welding. In use, the bottle 23 would be supplied complete with a screw cap which would be removed so that the screw top 40 can be securely fitted into the boss 41. If the threads are tight enough there would be no need for any seal, but otherwise a sealing washer would be provided to prevent any leakage when the lid is in its closed position. The boss 41 defines a bore 42 which communicates with a cross-passage 43 of which the open end defines the emission orifice 24. With this construction, it should be noted that the diameter of the bore 42 is similar to the internal diameter of the bottle 23 whereby the liquid will still flow into the bore 42 even when its level is low.Alternatively, the bore 42 could be smaller, but would preferably still be in alignment with the lowermost portion of the interior of the bottle 23.

With the embodiments of Figures 1, 3 and 4 it will be noted that the emission orifices 24 are positioned at the end of the receptacle 23 remote from the horizontal axis of the hinge 21 and are also positioned to lie above the liquid level 29 when the lid 20 is in its closed position. Also that the emission orifices 24 point generally upwards whenever the lid 20 is in its closed position.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate the application of the invention to a domestic swingtop bin, having a lid 50 formed integral with a pair of aligned pivots in well-known manner, whereby the lid 50 is pivoted about the horizontal axis in between its edges 52, 53. The pivots 51 rest in corresponding sockets formed in a cowl 54 moulded from plastics material and defining a bezel 55 which clips over the top surface of the rubbish container 56. Because the centre of gravity of the lid 50 is below the axis of its pivots 51, the lid naturally assumes the position shown in Figure 6. However, it can readily be displaced to the position shown in Figure 7 to enable rubbish to be pushed into the rubbish container 56.Two pairs of clips 57 (only one pair being visible) are formed integral with the lid 50 to embrace the curved outer edge of a replaceable liquid module 58 having a series of emission orifices 59 positioned in its upper horizontal surface 60. Due to the shape of the module 58, the clips 57 can only retain it in the position shown which leaves an air space 61 between the surface 60 and the underside of the lid 50. This air space 61 communicates downwards past both ends of the module 58 to permit scent, vapour or other gas emitted through the orifices 59 from permeating down- wardly irrespective of the position of the lid. From Figure 5 in particular, it will be noticed that the module 58 is symmetrical about a horizontal axis which would be parallel to the axis of the pivots 51.Also that the module 58 defines a pair of equal, part cylindrical, lobes 62, 63 which provide an ullage space on either side of the axis of the pivot 51 when the lid is in its closed position as viewed in Figure 6. When the lid is moved to the position showed in Figure 7, the liquid flows to fill the ullage space 62 as shown. In this manner, the newly-exposed wetted surface of the module 58 enhances the release of scent, vapour or other gas through the emission orifice 59 whilst the lid 50 is open. When the lid is returned to its closed position, the newly-exposed wetted surface of the lobe 62 causes the release of further scent, vapour or other gas into the closed rubbish container 56. This action is the same irrespective of whether the lid 50 is pivoted to one side or the other. From a careful consideration of the mechanical properties of the lid, it will be appreciated that the transfer of liquid into one or other of the lobes 62, 63 can cause the centre of pressure of the liquid to move towards one of the edges 52, 53. Indeed, the shape of the module 58 may be designed so that this translation of the centre of pressure can be utilized either to increase, or decrease, the moment tending to restore the lid to its closed position. However, with the embodiment shown in Figures 5 to 7, the underside of the module 58 is formed as a cylindrical surface generated about an axis which is parallel to, and substantially coincident with, the axis of the pivot 51. In this way, initial swinging of the lid 50 in either direction merely causes the cylindrical surface to move under the liquid thereby causing no movement of the centre of pressure.However, as the deflection of the lid 50 increases, the centre of pressure of the liquid is transferred progressively away from the opening edge 52 or 53 of the lid 50, thereby progressively increasing the moment restoring the lid towards its closed position. It will be noted that the emission orifices 59 are positioned at a level close to the axis of the pivots 51, whereby the vertical position of the emission orifices 59 is hardly altered as the lid 50 pivots between its open and closed positions. Indeed, if a single row of orifices 59 are provided as shown in Figure 5, and they are coincident with the axis of the pivots 51, the orifices will not move up or down as the lid is tipped between its open and closed positions.Whilst the module 58 may be removed for refilling, it should be noted that the maximum level of liquid in it is critical and it may therefore be better to provide a replaceable pre-filled module containing the correct volume of liquid, an adhesive tear-off strip being placed along the surface 60 to seal the emission orifices 59. This strip may be removed before the replacement module is fitted in the clips 57, or the tear-off strip may be doubled over itself so that it can be pulled off from one end after the module has been securely fitted in the clips 57.

Instead of being in the form of a separate module, the liquid receptacle may be formed as part of the lid as shown in Figures 8 and 9 in which the same reference numerals have been used to indicate identical or equivalent components. The lid 50 is formed with a downwardly-directed tubular extension 64, providing a refill opening which extends downwardly to a position corresponding with the maximum permitted level 65 of the liquid, which is retained in a receptacle defined by part of the lid 50 and by a moulding 66 of plastics material which is solvent welded to the lid 50 as shown.

A series of vertically-directed tubes 67 are formed integral with the moulding 66 and extend from its lowermost surface to a point slightly above the axis of the pivots 51, at which point each tube 67 is provided with a porous plug 68 which serves as a large number of emission orifices. In this manner, scent, vapour or other gas released from the liquid is able to pass through the porous plugs 68, down the tubes 67 and into the rubbish container 56. Because the tubes 67 are spaced apart along the axis of the pivots 51, the liquid is free to move from one side of the tubes to the other, thereby enabling the fluid level to move to the position shown in Figure 9 when the lid 50 is open fully.

However, the tubes 67 may alternatively be replaced by a pair of parallel walls extending between the pivots 51. In this event, it would be necessary either to provide two refill openings 64 or, better still, to provide some internal communication between the two sides of the liquid receptacle to allow the levels of either side to balance. As the porous plugs 68 would only allow slow emission, the tubular extension 64 tends to act as a level control device whilst the receptacle is being filled, the tubular extension then being closed by a push-in plug 69. If desired, the porous plugs 68 may be replaced with other forms of emission orifices.As with the previous embodiment, the lower surface of the moulding 66 is struck as a cylinder about the axis of the pivots 51 thereby minimizing the translation of the centre of pressure during the initial opening of the lid 50, followed by an increasing restoring moment.

Figures 10 to 13 illustrate the application of the invention to a dustbin lid 75 having a central handle 76.

With reference to Figures 10 and 11, the lid 75 is formed with an integral tubular extension 77 co-axial about the vertical axis of the lid. This tubular extension is normally filled by a plug 78 which is a close fit underneath the handle 76 to prevent accidental removal. If desired, the central handle 76 may be formed as part of the plug 78 which must be then be securely fastened to the lid 75, for instance, by a screw or a bayonet fitting. A refillable toroidal receptacle 79 spiggots onto the tubular extension 77 and is secured to it by solvent welding but may alternatively be a push fit, or be secured by a threaded, or a bayonet, or any other form of coupling whereby final assembly can be left to the purchaser. The upper surface 80 of the receptacle 79 is an annulus around the tubular extension 77 and contains a series of emission orifices 81.

As the receptacle 79 is symmetrical about its vertical axis through the centre of the lid 75, an annular ullage space 82 surrounds the emission orifices 81 so that the liquid will be accommodated irrespective of the direction in which the lid 75 is tipped. Whilst Figure 11 shows the maximum angle of inclination of the lid before any liquid can escape through any of the emission orifices 81, it should be noted that, whilst an increased angle will promote the flow of some of the liquid through the orifices 81, the recessed area on the top of th the receptacle would prevent spillage into the dustbin up to the chain-dotted line 83. The extent to which the lid 75 is tipped is in the control of the operator and, in normal use it is not likely that the lid will be tipped more than shown in Figure 11.However, in some circumstances, it may be desirable to release some of the liquid into the bin and this can be achieved by maintaining an adequate fluid level in the receptacle and by deliberately over-tipping the lid 75.

Figure 12 shows a variation of the arrangement illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the lid 75 being provided with a circular array of at least three integral spring clips 83 of which only two are shown. In this manner a replaceable toroidal module 84 can be clipped to the underside of the lid 75 as shown.

Figure 13 shows a further variation of the arrangement illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the tubular extension 77 terminating in an annular array of resilient clips 85 which grip a groove 86 formed in the replaceable toroidal module 184. It will be noted that the emission orifices 81 are positioned around a cylindrical part of the module 184 which is received inside the clips 85, and that the orifices 81 are inclined slots to ensure emission through the gaps between clips 85. Figure 14 illustrates an alternative module 284 having a cylindrical part to be received inside the clips 85 of Figure 13, the orifices being two rows of staggered holes to ensure emission through the gaps between clips 85. The modules 184 and 284 of Figures 13 and 14 provide several advantages over the module 84 of Figure 12, the higher position of their emission orifices 81 reducing the risk of unintentional spillage of the liquid, and their fitting into the clips being simpler and requiring less material.

In Figures 15, 16 and 17 features similar to those already described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 have been given the same reference numbers. In Figure 15 a replaceable module 328 has a cylindrical part received inside the clips 85 in the same manner as described with reference to Figure 13, the lid 20 being additionally formed with a crutch 87 to locate the module 328 in its correct alignment relative to the lid 20. In Figure 16 the tubular extension 77 extends completely through the lid 20 and is internally threaded to receive complementary threads of a refillable module 428 at its inner end, and a refill plug 178 at its outer end. In Figure 17 an access panel 90 clips into the lid 20 and has a recessed handle 91 to facilitate its removal. A module 128, of the type already described with reference to Figures 2 and 3, is carried by a surface 92 formed integral with the lid 20, and is held in position by abutments 93, 94 formed integral with the access panel 90. It will be noted that the position of the emission orifices 81 in Figures 15, 16 and 17 is such that they will remain above the level of the liquid when the lid 20 is in the closed position.

Any of the liquid receptacles may be made of transparent or translucent material whereby the amount of liquid in the receptacle may readily be assessed. Alternatively, a piece of transparent or translucent material may be incorporated in the receptacle or the lid for the same purpose.

Claims

CTAAiMS

1. A rubbish container including a lid moveable between an open punition enabling rubbish to be deposited in the container and a closed position,and a liquid receptacle carried by the lid and having an emmission means through which a scent,vapour or other gas is to be slowly emitted into the container, the emission means being positioned such that the liquid cannot flow into the container when the lid is in either its open or its closed position.

2. A rubbish container,according to claim 1 and in the cas where the lid is pivoted about a horizontal axis at,or adjacent,one of its edges from the container,in which the emission means is positioned at the end of the receipt -acle remote from the horizontal axis,and also be positioned to lie above the level of the fluid when the lid is in its closed position.

3 A rubbish container according to claim 2,in which the emission means points generally upwardly when the lid is in its closed position.

4 A rubbish container,according to claim 2 or 3,in which the liquid receptacle is formed as part of the lid.

5 A rubbish container;according to claim 4,in which a refill opening is provid -ed through the lid into the receptacle.

6 A rubbish container,according to claim 5,in which a refill opening is p?sitio -ned adjacent the-emirsion means.

7 A rubbish container,according to claim 5 or 6,in which a sealing closure is provided for the refill opening.

8 A rubbish container,according to claim 2 or3,in which the liquid receptacle, is formed as a separate replaceable or refillable module.

9 A rubbish container,according to claim 8,in which the lid is provided with a releasable coupling device for engaging the module and locating it such that the emission means is correctly positioned.

10 A rubbish container,according to claim 8 or 9,in which the liquid receptacle is a container which sealingly engages a boss depending from the underside of the lid,the emission means being defined by the boss.

11. A rubbish container,according to claim 1 and in the case where the lid is pivoted about a horizontal axis in between its edges,in which the emission meens is positioned in the upper surface of the receptacle.

12. A rubbish container,according to claim ll,in which the receptacle is symmetrical about a horizontal axis parallel to the pivot axis of the lid.

13. A rubbish container ,according to claim 11 or 12,in which the emission means is positioned at a level at or near the pivot axis of the lid.

14. A rubbish container,according to any of claims 11 to 13, in which the receptacle has an ullage space on either side of the pivot axis to acc omodate the liquid when the lid is pivoted to either side.

15. A rubbish container according to any of the claims 11 to 14, in which the underside of the receptacle includes 9 cyllndrical surface about an axis parallel with the pivot axis.

16. A rubbish container,according to claim 15,in which the cylindrical surface is formed about an axis substantially coincident with the pivot axis.

17. A rubbish container,according to any of claims 11 to 16,in which the liquid receptacle is formed as part of the lid.

18. A rubbish coltainer,according to claim 17,in which a refill opening i9 provided through the lid into the receptacle.

19. A rubbish container,according to claim 18,in which the refil opcning in cludes a tubular extension to a position corresponding with the maximum permitted level of the liquid.

20. A rubbish container,accordsing to claim 17 or 1q,ip which sealing closure is provided for the refill opening.

21 A rubbish container,according to any of claims 11 to 16,in which the liq uid receptacle is formed as a separate replaceablo or refillable module.

22. A rubbish container according to claim 21,in which the lid is provided with a releasable coupling device for engaging the module and locating it such that the emission means is correctly positioned.

23. A rubbish container,according to claim 1 and in the case where the lid rssts on the receEtacle,in which the emission means is positioned in the upper surface of the receptacle adjacent the centre of the lid.

24. A rubbish cont2iner,according to claim 23,in which the receptacle is symmetrical about a vertical axis through the centre of the lid.

25.A rubbish container,according to claim 23 or 24,in which the receptacle preferably has an annular ullage space surrounding the emission means to accommodate the liquid when the lid is tipped in any direction.

26. A rubbish container ,according to any of the claims 23 to 25,in which the liquid receptacle is formed as part of the lid.

27. A rubbish contniner,according to claim 26,in which the refill opening is provided through the lid into the receptacle and is provided with a sealing closure.

28. A rubbish container,according to claim 27,in which the refill opening is in the centre of the lid and the emission means I arranged between the refill opening and the annular ullage space.

29. A rubbish container,according to any of claims 23 to 25,in which the liquid receptacle is formed as a separate replaceable or refillable module,

30. A rubbish container,according to claim 29,in which the lid is provided with a releasable coupling device for engaging the ovule and locating it such that the emission means is correctly positioned.

31. A rubbish container,according to any preceding claim,in which the emission is an emission orifice or a series of emmission orifices.

32. A rubbish container,according to any of claims 1 to 30,in which the emission means is formed from a porous material.

33. A rubbish container,according to any preceeding claim and in the case where the liquid receptacle is formed as a separate replaceable module, in which the emission means is sealed by a removeable device.

34 A rubbish container,according to ly preceding claim,in which the liquid receptacle is made of,or incorporates,a piece of transparent or translucent material whereby the amount of liquid in the receptacle may be assessed.

35. A rubbish container substantially as described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings,

36. A liquid container,for a rubbish container according to any preceding claim ,aubstantially as described with reference to any of figures 2,3,5,6,7, or 12 to 17 of the accompariying drawings.