GB2364891A

GB2364891A - A waste receptacle for collecting rubbish off the ground

Info

Publication number: GB2364891A
Application number: GB0100003A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Barthram
Original assignee: BLACK HOLE CLEAN SWEEP Ltd
Current assignee: BLACK HOLE CLEAN SWEEP Ltd
Priority date: 2000-07-20
Filing date: 2001-01-02
Publication date: 2002-02-13
Also published as: GB0017827D0; GB0100003D0

Abstract

A waste receptacle comprises a bag 1 having an opening 3, a flap 2 extending from the opening 3 and means to anchor the flap 2 to a support 5,6. When the flap is anchored to a support this prevents movement of the bag and so enables waste, or other material, to be swept along the flap 2, into the bag without manhandling it. The means to anchor may be a rod or tube 6 extending through a sleeve 5 in the flap 2, such a rod or tube may be passed through anchored metal loops. Alternatively the flap 2 could be anchored by ground engaging means. A rubber or like material strip may be provided along the edge of the flap 2. Means 8 may be provided to hold the opening of the bag open. The flap 2, maybe attached to a frame, separate from the bag, so that the bag is releasably fastened to the frame, allowing it to be detached and disposed of when necessary.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> WASTE RECEPTACLE The present invention relates to a waste receptacle particularly but not exclusively for use in cleaning of sports stadia.

Conventionally, the large amount of rubbish which accumulates at terraced sports stadia is cleaned by sweeping it down to the bottom of the terraces from where it is shovelled into plastic bags for disposal. The shovelling and bagging operation is unpleasant, time consuming and unhygienic. In fact, more time is spent on this part of the operation than the sweeping.

The present invention seeks to facilitate the collection of rubbish. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a waste receptacle comprising a bag having an opening, a flap extending from the opening and means to anchor the flap to a support.

When the flap is anchored to a support this prevents movement of the bag and so enables waste, or other material, to be swept along the flap into the bag without manhandling it.

The means to anchor preferably comprises a rod or tube. This preferably extends through and protrudes from opposite ends respectively of a sleeve formed in an edge of the flap. Such a rod or tube may be passed through anchored metal loops in order to anchor the flap. The rod or tube may be semi-rigid and may be formed from plastics material, for example nylon or polypropylene. The rod or tube is preferably resiliently

flexible. Other means could also be provided, for example ground engaging means to anchor the flap to the ground. In one embodiment a rubber or like material strip is provided along an edge of the flap remote from the bag. The strip serves to prevent slipping of the flap along the ground enabling material to be swept over the flap into the bag. The strip may be profiled to aid brushing of material into the bag. In particular the strip may be wedge-shaped in cross-section.

Means are preferably provided to hold the opening of the bag open which means may comprise one or more stiffening members for example rods or tubes. These are preferably resiliently flexible. This enables material to be swept into the bag by one person. The opening of the bag may be generally trapezoidal in shape.

The bag preferably includes one or more handles, this facilitates lifting of the bag when full.

The periphery of the opening of the bag may be reinforced relative to the bag. The periphery of the flap may be reinforced relative to the remainder of the flap, or bag. Fastening means may be provided to secure the flap to the bag to close the bag. For example press studs or other fasteners may be provided along peripheral edges of the opening and flap to enable the respective edges to be fastened together to close the bag.

In another embodiment the flap and bag are provided as separate

components. The flap is joined to a frame around which the opening of a bag may be releasably fastened. This enables the frame and flap to be reused. The bag may be releasably fastened to the frame by means of a resilient cord operative to urge the bag adjacent the frame. The frame serves to hold the bag open.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a waste receptacle comprising a bag having an opening, a flap extending from the opening and means to hold the opening open to enable material to be swept into the bag.

Provision of means to hold the opening open enables material to be swept into the bag without manhandling it.

The means for holding the opening open may comprise one or more stiffening members for example rods or tubes. These are preferably resiliently flexible. The opening of the bag may be generally trapezoidal in shape.

Means to anchor the flap to a support are also preferably provided and may comprise a rod or tube. This preferably extends through and protrudes from opposite ends respectively of a sleeve formed in an edge of the flap. Such a rod or tube may be passed through anchored metal loops in order to anchor the flap. The rod or tube may be semi-rigid, is preferably resiliently flexible and may be formed from plastics material, for example nylon or polypropylene.

Other means could also be provided, for example ground engaging means to anchor the flap to the ground.

In one embodiment a rubber of like material strip is provided along an edge of the flap remote from the bag . The strip serves to prevent slipping of the flap along the ground enabling material to be swept over the flap into the bag. The strip helps prevent slipping by virtue of its mass and frictional engagement with the ground. The strip may be profiled to aid brushing of material into the bag. In particular the strip may be wedge-shaped in cross- section. With this embodiment additional means to anchor the flap to a support are not required, but could of course be included if desired.

The bag preferably includes one or more handles, these facilitate lifting of the bag when full.

In another embodiment the flap and bag are provided as separate

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of collecting waste comprising the steps of: providing a waste receptacle comprising a bag having an opening, a flap extending from the opening and means to anchor the flap to a support; anchoring the flap to a support; and sweeping waste into the bag. The support may comprise two or more metal rings. The method preferably further comprises the step of detaching the flap from the support and disposing of the bag and waste.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in use at a sports stadium; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows the opening of the bag of the apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of apparatus according to the invention; Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the frame of Figure 5 taken along the line VI-VI; Figure 7 shows an alternative frame suitable for use with the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of apparatus according to the invention; and Figure 9 shows the opening of the bag of the apparatus of Figure 8. Referring to Figure 1 the apparatus comprises a bag, generally 1, with a flap 2 extending from its opening. The flap 2 is an extension of the back panel of the bag 1. The bag 1 further comprises side 3 and front 4 panels.

The edge of the flap 2 remote from the bag 1 is formed into a sleeve 5 through which extends a semi-rigid plastic rod 6. The rod 6 protrudes from opposite ends of the sleeve 5.

Rods 7 extend through further sleeves 8 formed along the edges of the side 3 and front 4 panels of the bag 1. The rods 7 are constrained into a curve by the bag 1. The rods 7 are resiliently flexible and preferentially adopt a straight configuration. In attempting to adopt this configuration they urge the front and back panels apart and so serve to hold the bag 1 open. A loop handle 9 is fastened to each corner of the opening.

The bag 1 and flap 2 are formed from a flexible sheet material. Any suitable sheet material can be used, for example a plastics film, which may be biodegradable. The sleeves 5,8 are formed by welding, glueing, stitching or otherwise joining the sheet material to itself. Other forms of construction are, however, possible. For example, the rods could be simply bonded to the sheet material or the sheet material could be otherwise stiffened or reinforced in such a way as to function as the rods of the present embodiment. The rods themselves comprise nylon rods or tubes, but could be formed from any other suitable material.

Referring now to Figure 2, in which the same reference numerals are used as in Figure 1 to identify corresponding components, the apparatus is shown in use in a sports stadium. The figure shows the aisle between steps 10 leading to spectator terraces and the edge of a pitch 11. Conventionally waste is swept from the spectator terraces into the aisle from where it is subsequently shovelled into bags.

At the bottom of the upstand of the bottom step there are secured two metal rings 12 which are spaced apart by a distance greater than the width of the flap 2, but less than the length of the rod 6. The rings 12 are shot fired into the step.

In use, opposite ends respectively of the rod 6 are inserted into each ring, by flexing the rod, in order to secure the rod to the front edge of the step. The flap 2 and bag 1 are then arranged to extend away from the

step, towards the pitch. Rubbish 13 can now be swept down the steps onto the flap 2 and into the bag 1. When the bag is full the rod 6 can be removed from the rings 12, again by flexing it, the flap folded over the bag 1 to close the bag 1 and the bag removed for disposal.

There is no need for the rubbish to be manhandled at any stage as it can be swept directly into the bag. As there is no double-handling a considerable amount of time is saved over conventional methods, leading to a consequent cost saving.

Figures 3 and 4 show an alternative embodiment. This is generally similar to that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 save that the leading edge of the flap 11 has a rubber strip bonded thereto which serves to stabilise the flap 11 and prevent slippage thereof during use. Also, the opening 13 of the bag 14 is substantially trapezoidal in shape, the sides of the bag diverging as they extend away from the lower edge of the bag. This shape helps to keep the opening of the bag open during use. Because the sides of the bag are not vertical there is a tendency for them to fall away from each other. This helps to hold the top edge 15 of the opening 13 taut. The sides 16 of the opening are held taut by stiffening members 17 similar to those employed in the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2. The shape of the flap 11 corresponds to that of the opening 13. Broken lines 18 simply show the path through which the corners of the flap 11 may move in order to close the opening 13. As an alternative this embodiment could be offered with

a rod extending through the leading edge 12 of the flap 11.

Figures 4 and 5 show another embodiment. Referring to the Figures this embodiment comprises a rigid substantially rectangular frame 19 with a flap 20 extending generally at right angles from a side thereof. The flap 20 may comprise a rubberised strip. The flap 20 enables the frame 19 to be supported in an upright configuration during normal use. As an alternative the flap 20 may be pivotally connected to the frame to allow it to be hinged relative to the frame so that it lies within the perimeter of the frame, for example for storage. With this arrangement a locking means, for example a bracket, may be provided to secure the flap generally at right angles to the frame 19 during use. A bag 21 is releasably secured to the frame. The edges of the bag surrounding an opening in the bag are trapped between a resilient elasticated cord 21 and the outside of the frame 19. The frame takes the form of a short open ended cylinder having two outwardly projecting shoulders 23,24 which serve to prevent the cord 22 from slipping off the frame. Shoulder 24 projects substantially perpendicularly from the frame. Shoulder 23 extends towards shoulder 24. The frame is provided with a handle 25 to aid handling of the apparatus. This embodiment allows the frame and flap assembly to be reused rather than be disposed of with the bag. This can reduce costs.

Figure 7 shows an alternative frame for use with the embodiment of Figure 5. The frame comprises a rigid substantially rectangular portion 70,

with a flap 71 extending generally at right angles from a side thereof. The opposite parallel side of the rectangular portion 70 includes a loop handle 72. The other two parallel sides 73 of the rectangular portion 70, which are intended to be upright during use of the frame each support a receptacle 74. The receptacles comprise generally cylindrical tubes with one end closed and may be used for storage, for example of tools.

Two legs 75 are pivotally connected to opposite ends respectively of the side of the rectangular portion 70 including the loop handle 72. The legs 75 may be used to support the rectangular portion. 70 in an upright manner.

Stays 76 are pivotally connected to each side 73 of the rectangular portion 70 respectively. The end of each stay 76 remote from the rectangular portion 70 is releasably fastened onto a respective leg 75. The stays 76 are operative to retain the legs 75 at a predetermined angle relative to the rectangular portion 70.

By unfastening the stays 76 from the legs 75 it is possible to fold both the legs 75 and stays 76 so that they lie substantially within the plane of the rectangular portion 70. The flap 71 may also be pivotally connected to the frame so that it may be folded towards the remainder of the frame.

The rectangular portion 70 of the frame has a similar cross-section to that shown in Figure 6.

Figures 8 and 9 show yet another embodiment. With this

embodiment the periphery of the opening 27 of the bag 28 is reinforced with a plastics extrusion 29 which extends around the periphery of the flap 30 at the point 31 at which the flap extends from the periphery of the opening 27 the plastics reinforcement is thinned to provide a hinge. This enables the flap 30 to be folded towards the opening 27 to close the opening. Fasteners 31 are provided on the plastic reinforcement 29 surrounding both the opening 27 and flap 30. The fasteners are operative to fasten the flap to the opening to close the bag. Any suitable fasteners may be used, for example press studs.

The above embodiment is described by way of example only, many variations are possible without departing from the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A waste receptacle comprising a bag having an opening, a flap extending from the opening and means to anchor the flap to a support.
2. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means to anchor comprises a rod or tube.
3. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rod or tube extends through and protrudes from opposite ends respectively of a sleeve formed in an edge of the flap.
4. A waste receptacle as claimed in either claim 2 or 3, wherein the rod or tube is semi-rigid and formed from plastics material.
5. A waste receptacle as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the rod or tube is resiliently flexible.
6. A waste receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim comprising ground engaging means to anchor the flap to the ground.
7. A waste receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a rubber or like material strip is provided along an edge of the flap remote from the bag.
8. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the strip is wedge- shaped in cross-section.
9. A waste receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim comprising means to hold the opening of the bag open.

<Desc/Clms Page number 13>
10. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the means for holding the bag open comprises one or more resiliently flexible stiffening members.
11. A waste receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the opening of the bag is generally trapezoidal in shape.
12. A waste receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bag includes one or more handles.
13. A waste receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a periphery of the opening of the bag and/or flap is reinforced.
14. A waste receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim comprising fastening means to secure the flap to the bag to close the bag.
15. A waste receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bag and flap are provided as separate components and the flap is joined to a frame around which the opening of a bag may be releasably fastened.
16. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the bag is releasably fastened to the frame by means of a resilient cord operative to urge the bag adjacent the frame.
17. A waste receptacle comprising a bag having an opening, a flap extending from the opening and means to hold the opening open to enable material to be swept into the bag.
18. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the means for

<Desc/Clms Page number 14>

holding the opening open comprises one or more stiffening members.
19. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 18, wherein the one or more stiffening members are resiliently flexible.
20. A waste receptacle as claimed in any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the opening of the bag is generally trapezoidal in shape.
21. A waste receptacle as claimed in any of claims 17 to 20, wherein rubber or like material strip is provided along an edge of the flap remote from the bag.
22. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 21, wherein the strip is wedge-shaped in cross-section.
23. A waste receptacle as claimed in any of claims 17 to 22, wherein the bag includes one or more handles.
24. A waste receptacle as claimed in any of claims 17 to 23, wherein a periphery of the opening of the bag and/or flap is reinforced.
25. A waste receptacle as claimed in any of claims 17 to 24 comprising fastening means to secure the flap to the bag to close the bag.
26. A waste receptacle as claimed in any of claims 17 to 25, wherein the bag and flap are provided as separate components and the flap is joined to a frame around which the opening of a bag may be releasably fastened.
27. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 26, wherein the bag is releasably fastened to the frame by means of a resilient cord

<Desc/Clms Page number 15>

operative to urge the bag adjacent the frame.
28. A method of collecting waste comprising the steps of providing a waste receptacle comprising a bag having an opening, a flap extending from the opening and means to anchor the flap to a support; anchoring the flap to a support; and sweeping waste into the bag.
29. A method as claimed in claim 28 further comprising detaching the flap from the support and disposing of the bag and waste.
30. A waste receptacle substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 or 5 and 6 or 5 and 6 as modified as described with reference to Figure 7, or Figures 8 and 9 of the accompanying drawings.
31. A method of collecting waste substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.