GB2420151A - Cradle hinge system - Google Patents

Abstract

A Cradle hinge system has one half of the hinge integrated into a bin or storage device 6.

Description

Cradle hinge system for bins and storage i'his invention is best described

by showing how it can be applied to a kitchen waste bin.

In a world that must look at saving resources every effort by individuals to save and recycle is growing more important. At home, at work and in public places there is a need for an easy and efficient waste bin. The waste bins that are in use in most homes are either single pedal bins or under worktop plastic boxes with lids. This requires either bending down to or getting under and lifting lids to gain access. At work bigger bins are used with flip lids that can be quite cumbersome and unattractive. In public places little provision is made for the separation of rubbish.

The idea of this proposed system is to free up the hands so as to make dissemination of waste both more eflicient and comfortable. An efficient waste bin encourages people to separate waste more often. By having a bin that flips towards you allows selection at waist level without any strain on the back and with both hands free. As you stand in front of the door you are able push back the bin with your thigh or leg to the required gap, facilitating more accurate disposal. This system also allows many different receptacles to be slotted in as required. There is a selfsealing lid on top that automatically closes when the front is pushed shut. The bin itself is easily removed for both empting and cleaning with easy- access to areas behind the system. The bin can be locked, so removal of the bin is restricted to waste operatives only, if required. As the bin can be controlled from underneath an electric motor can be used to operate the opening of the flip front. For most purposes the bin would be made from a tough moulded plastic and the cradle hinge from metal but the component materials could be reversed when a stronger front is required.

The main advantage of this system is that there are basically only three parts; the bin itself with an integrated hinge and the two cradle support plates on either side of the casing holding the pivot and guides. The system an fit an average fitted kitchen carcass.

This cradle hinge system can be expanded for use in storage where a flip forward' bin is both efficient and strong. The whole bin is removable but can be easily stored and locked (e.g. Lockers, filing receptacles, display boxes and deposit boxes). The components and operation arc identical to the waste bin so cost savings of volume can he an advantage.

The five pages of diagrams will explain how the system works.

Page 1/5 Figure 1 shows the open storage bin under a bench as used in a sports locker situation.

Figure 2 shows the open kitchen waste bin with foot pedal Page 2/5 Figure 1. Side view showing how the bin is extracted from the cradle Figure 2 Side view of two bins one behind the other with their lids shut Figure 3 Side views of the two bins in use Figure 4 Side view of the same system applied to smaller bins one on top of the other Figure 5 Side view of a single bin being used with other storage behind Figure 3 Side view of the bin being used for storage only Page 3/5 Figure 1 Key components of the system before they slot together (1 injected plastic or cast metal shape that can be either attached to or integrated into the bin - see figure 6) (2 = plastic or metal hinge and pivot cradle - see figure 7) (3 = pivot stud) (4 = support stud) (5 = guide stud) (6 = guide stud) Figure 2 the bin entering the cradle at an angle helped by the guide studs Figure 3 the bin tips upright in the cradle Figure 4 the rocking movement of the bin in its cradle Figure 5 an optional locking system.

Figure 6 the integrated plastic bin with handles Figure 7 the hinge and pivot cradle Page 4/5 Figure 1. An exploded drawing of the components.

1. and 2. Self-sealing lids that can hang down from worktops or side of the carcass.

3. Frame with plastic bag attached.

4. Smaller plastic bag placed inside the large for recycling scraps or vegetable waste.

5. handle for removal.

6. Bin with the intergrated hinge shape.

7. extra bin system hindged inderpendanfly but attached by a rod.

8. Is a pivot cradle support 9. Is a foot pedal Figure 2. the linking pedal system Figure 3. an electric motor with connecting rod as an alternative opening system.

Page 5/5 Figure 1 a soft plastic rotating strip (1) that locates between the two pivot studs. When the bin is returned to the cradle the strip aligns to the base of the bin and makes a dirt and waterproof seal.

Figure 2. the system could be used as a simple safe or display box Figure 3. how the system can be used for stacking or filing boxes.

Claims (1)

1. Claims I. A cradle hinge system with half the hinge integrated into a bin

   or storage device