GB2255307A

GB2255307A - Container

Info

Publication number: GB2255307A
Application number: GB9205592A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Geoffrey W Pearce
Original assignee: P D PLASTICS Ltd
Current assignee: P D PLASTICS Ltd
Priority date: 1991-03-14
Filing date: 1992-03-13
Publication date: 1992-11-04
Also published as: GB9105370D0; GB9205592D0

Abstract

A method of producing a plastics material container such as a refuse bin comprises blow moulding a body portion of the container having an upper peripheral flange member produced by compression moulding, injection moulding a collar and placing the collar on the upper portion of the body such as it is retained by the flange. Making the container in a two-part construction enables the main body portion to be blow moulded and thus use a plastics material having an inherently greater impact. The collar owing to its thickness and complexity, is preferably injection moulded and fitted to the blow moulded portion. If either the body or the collar is damaged it may be replaced without needing to replace the whole container. <IMAGE>

Description

CONTAINER This invention relates to containers such as refuse bins and in particular relates to a method of making the same.

Traditional dustbins for Council refuse collection are increasingly being replaced by modern plastics material wheeled refuse bins which are capable of being lifted by automatic machinery attached to a refuse wagon for the purpose of emptying the bin. Such bins are generally moulded in one piece by injection moulding and are provided with a lid.

In certain cases injection moulding does not produce bins with satisfactory impact strength, particularly in view of the very demanding specifications in respect of impact strength currently contemplated. Moreover if any part of the bin becomes damaged the whole bin is rendered useless.

The invention seeks to provide a method of producing a container improved in the above respects.

According to the present invention there is provided a method of producing a plastics material container which comprises blow moulding a body portion of the container having an upper peripheral flange member, injection moulding a collar, and placing the collar on the upper portion of the body portion such that it is retained by the flange.

By making the container in two part construction it is possible to blow mould the body portion and thus use a plastics material having an inherently greater impact strength.

The upper peripheral flange is an important feature of the invention. It provides retention for the collar, strength for the upper part of the container, and at the same time should avoid a re-entrant portion wherein material can become trapped.

This may be achieved by forming the flange during the manufacturing process by compression moulding into the shape of an outwardly directed solid section.

The use of blow moulding for the main body of the container has the additional advantage that it allows the co-extrusion of an outer and inner layer of virgin plastics material with a central core of recycled scrap material without loss of strength. This procedure may be used for a lid for the container also.

The collar, owing to its thickness and complexity, is preferably injection moulded and may be fitted to the blow moulded body portion. Preferably, the latter may be in a hot or pliable condition so that the collar may be pulled into place over a lower retaining band. Preferably also, the body portion is moulded with a retaining band to retain the lower part of the collar and trap it between the band and the flange.

Apart from the advantage of the increased impact resistance available with the blow moulded body, if either the body or the collar is damaged it may be replaced without needing to replace the whole of the container. The container may be a refuse bin.

A lid may be supplied as with conventional refuse bins of this type.

The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a refuse bin in accordance with the invention; and Figure 2 is a partial sectional view through the upper wall and collar.

Referring to the drawings, a plastics material refuse bin generally designated 10 comprises a container body portion 12, a collar 14 and a lid 16. The lower portion of the body is moulded to receive an axle and wheels 18 in a manner known per se. A recessed portion or handle 20 to facilitate movement of the bin may also be provided. In addition bosses or recesses may be moulded in to receive replacable feet 22. The latter may be replaced when worn and are positioned at an area where wear is likely to take place if the bin is moved without fully tilting it on to the wheels.

Referring more particularly to Figure 2 it can be seen that the upper peripheral portion of the body 12 is provided with a flange 24 and, moreover, that the body has moulded in retaining band 26.

The collar 14 is retained between the flange 24 and the band 26.

The collar 14, which may otherwise be similar to conventional collars for this sort of refuse bin, is injection moulded and is fitted on to the upper periphery of the body portion 12 while the latter is pliable (for example still hot) when it may be pulled over the band 26 which will therefater the collar 14 between itself and the flange 24. The flange 24 is produced by compression moulding during the manufacturing process and comprises a solid outwardly directed portion giving strength to the top of the lid while avoiding any re-entrant portions which could trap rubbish.

Should either the collar 14 or the body portion 12 be damaged it can be replaced without needing to replace the whole of the refuse bin 10. The lid 16 is hinged to the collar 14 in a manner known per se.

The bin of the invention is superior in impact strength to conventional bins, may be cheaper to produce, and is cheaper to maintain in that damaged portions can be replaced without needing to dispense with the whole article.

Claims

1. A method of producing a plastics material container which comprises blow moulding a body portion of the container having an upper peripheral flange member, injection moulding a collar, and placing the collar on the upper portion of the body such that it is retained by the flange.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 in which the upper peripheral flange is manufactured by compression moulding into the shape of outwardly directed solid section.

3. A method as claimed in any of claims 1 or 2 in which the blow moulded body portion in the form of a co-extrusion with an outer and inner layer of virgin plastics material together with a central core of recycled scrap material.

4. A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 in which the collar is placed on the blow moulded body portion when the latter is in a hot or pliable condition so that the collar may be pulled in place over a lower retaining band.

5. A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 in which the container is a refuse bin

6. A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 in which the lower portion of the body is moulded to receive an axle and wheels.

7. A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 in which a recess portional handle to facilitate movement of the container is also provided.

8. A container as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.