GB2324023A

GB2324023A - Refuse receptacle emitting sound when items deposited

Info

Publication number: GB2324023A
Application number: GB9803938A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cyril Edward Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-04-08
Filing date: 1998-02-26
Publication date: 1998-10-14
Also published as: GB9803938D0

Abstract

A refuse receptacle 10 includes means 30 for replaying an audio recording when an item is deposited in the receptacle, so as to encourage its use. Means 30 may comprise a photodetector activated by light incident on it when a lid 14 of the receptacle 10 is opened, the photodetector being on the underside of the lid. The exterior of the receptacle 10 may be in the shape of a character having a foot portion 18 which is depressible to operate a foot-operated mechanism 20, 22 to open the lid 14.

Description

Refuse Receptacle The present invention relates to a receptacle for refuse.

Although refuse receptacles are commonly provided in public areas etc., they are not generally used to full extent, in that all too many people still discard their litter etc. on the ground.

I have now devised a refuse receptacle which I believe will go some way to alleviating the above problem.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a refuse receptacle which includes audio means for replaying an audio recording when an item is deposited in the receptacle.

Preferably the audio means is activated in response to a lid of the receptacle being opened. Preferably the audio means includes a photodetector which is activated by light incident on it when the lid is opened: conveniently, the photodetector may be positioned on the underside of the lid.

The lid may be arranged to be opened by hand.

Alternatively, a foot-operated mechanism may be provided for opening the lid.

Preferably the exterior of the receptacle is in the shape of a character, to enhance the entertainment value of the receptacle, especially for children. Preferably a foot portion of the character is depressible, under the user's foot, to operate the foot-operated mechanism for opening the lid.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a first embodiment of refuse receptacle in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 2 is a schematic longitudinal section through the refuse receptacle of Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a view, similar to Figure 1, of a second embodiment of refuse receptacle in accordance with the invention; and FIGURE 4 is a schematic longitudinal section through the refuse receptacle of Figure 3.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a refuse receptacle having an exterior shell 10 in the shape of a character having a body, a head with a face, and legs with feet and standing on a flat base 12. The head of the character-shaped receptacle is provided with a lid 14 which is pivotally mounted at its rear. An inner shell or lining 16 is disposed within the receptacle body 10. One of the feet 18 of the character-shaped receptacle is flexibly depressible to correspondingly depress a lever arm 20 pivotally mounted within the bottom of the receptacle, below the inner shell 16, and so raise a push-rod 22 which extends vertically at the rear of the receptacle. The push-rod 22 is coupled to the lid 14 to raise the latter when the foot 18 of the receptacle is depressed.

The receptacle incorporates an audio system 30, positioned in the illustrated embodiment under the lid 14. The audio system 30 includes a photodetector which is activated by the light incident on it when the lid 14 is raised, to cause the audio system to reply its audio recording: this may be a musical recording or a spoken message. The audio system is powered by dry-cell batteries.

Figures 3 and 4 show a similar refuse receptacle, likeparts being given like reference numerals. However, in this embodiment, the lid 14 must be raised manually.

It will be appreciated that the refuse receptacles which have been described are entertaining to use, especially for children. This will encourage the use of the receptacles and, in the long run, help to train children into the habit of using refuse receptacles rather than discarding their refuse on the ground.

Claims

1) A refuse receptacle which includes audio means for replaying an audio recording when an item is deposited in the receptacle.

2) A refuse receptacle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a lid and arranged for actuation of the audio means in response to the opening of said lid.

3) A refuse receptacle as claimed in claim 2, in which the audio means includes a photodetector which is activated by light incident on it when said lid is opened.

4) A refuse receptacle as claimed in claim 3, in which said photodetector is positioned on the underside of said lid.

5) A refuse receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a foot-operated mechanism for opening said lid.

6) A refuse receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim, in which its exterior is in the shape of a character.

7) A refuse receptacle as claimed in claim 6 appended to claim 5, in which said character is formed with a foot portion which is depressible to operate said foot-operated mechanism.

8) A refuse receptacle substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 and 2 or Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.