GB2440998A

GB2440998A - A waste receptacle for chewing gum

Info

Publication number: GB2440998A
Application number: GB0615876A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alex Waldron
Original assignee: JANITOR Ltd
Current assignee: JANITOR Ltd
Priority date: 2006-07-13
Filing date: 2006-07-13
Publication date: 2008-02-20
Also published as: GB0615876D0

Abstract

A waste receptacle for chewing gum comprises a shaped sleeve 2 open at both ends and a complementarily shaped insert 3 having an interference portion 24 for location of the insert within the sleeve. The insert has drainage apertures 25 at a base end 26 and an open top end with an edge profile to limit access to a desired size so that larger items than chewing gum, such as crisp packets, cannot readily be inserted. The sleeve may be formed by folding an elongate sheet so that its ends approach one another without meeting, forming an open-backed sleeve. The end portions 4 of the sheet may have keyhole-shaped apertures (30, Figures 3 and 4) for mounting of the sleeve on a wall. The insert may be of disposable material to which chewing gum will stick, and include lines of weakness so that the insert is deformed or weakened by removal from the sleeve.

Description

1 2440998 A Waste Receptacle The present application relates to waste

receptacles and more particularly to waste receptacles suitable for chewing gum.

Provision of waste bibs and waste receptacles is well known in order to avoid littering in public places and generally to provide a convenient way of collecting waste Typically, these waste receptacles are of a large size suitable for collecting crisp packets, drinks cans and relatively large waste. In such circumstances, provision of such waste receptacles may not be convenient in certain locations but those locations may be used by individuals who wish to dispose of chewing gum. Chewing gum in particular is a problematic waste in that if casually disposed of, that is to say dropped, it will become adhered to a surface such as pavement slabs and floor surfacing or pedestrian's shoes etc. Removal of chewing gum from public spaces is a costly and time-consuming exercise.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention there is provided a waste receptacle for chewing gum, the waste receptacle comprising an open shaped sleeve and reciprocally shaped insert having an interference portion for location of the insert within the shaped sleeve and drainage apertures at a base end, the shaped insert having an open end with an edge profile to limit access to a desired size to define a limit to acceptable waste dimensions.

Typically, the edge profile is bowed.

Possibly, the edge profile has a sharp edge to prevent resting of waste material upon it.

Generally, the interference portion is a flange. Typically, the flange comprises end edge flaps extending over or against side portions of the shaped sleeve.

Possibly, the drainage apertures are slots.

Typically, the sleeve is open-backed. Generally, the insert is formed from a disposable material. Possibly, upper parts at the open end of the insert are collapsible to allow closure of the insert upon removal from the shaped sleeve.

Typically, the insert tapers away from the open end.

Generally, the insert is formed from a suitable material to allow chewing gum placed within the insert to stick to that insert to prevent tip removal.

Generally, the insert includes lines of weakness such that upon removal from location within the open shaped sleeve the insert is deformed and/or weakened to prevent re-insert within the open sleeve for robust location.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic front top perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic front perspective view of an insert for use in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic rear view of a sleeve in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of a sleeve in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

As indicated above, previous waste receptacles have been considered too big for utilisation generally as chewing gum receptacles. Furthermore, these receptacles in view of their size have also been relatively costly and typically incorporate some form of locking lid mechanism or other barrier to inhibit simple usage. Ideally with regard to chewing gum waste receptacles there should be a large number of relatively small receptacles distributed widely about premises in order to enable people to easily dispose of their chewing gum. Without convenience there is a likelihood that individuals will simply drop the chewing gum onto the floor of a public space and therefore cause more nuisance. It will be understood that chewing gum is a problematic waste, individuals are unlikely to put it in their pocket or bag for disposal later so if there is nowhere to put the chewing gum it is likely to be dropped.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a simple waste receptacle is provided which incorporates a disposable insert. In such circumstances, emptying these receptacles will be easy and therefore they will not tend to be over-filled and also with the reduced cost it will be possible to provide a large number of such receptacles at convenient locations throughout a public space.

Fig. 1 provides a schematic front top perspective view of a waste receptacle 1 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Thus, as can be seen, the receptacle 1 generally comprises a shaped open sleeve 2 within which an insert 3 is located. The open shaped sleeve 2 is open at both a top end 4 and a bottom end 5 with the insert 3 located through an appropriate interference engagement such as a flange as will be described later. The sleeve 2 in such circumstances simply comprises a folded sheet in order to define the open ended nature as required. Having an open ended nature means that the receptacle 1 is essentially bottomless without an insert 3 so that waste cannot be located within the receptacle 1 without an insert 3 being located in receptacle 1. Waste placed in the receptacle I without an insert 3 would simply fall through the open sleeve 5. In such circumstances the chewing gum would then collect at one location below the receptacle which although not ideal may be more convenient. Nevertheless, the accepted usage of the present invention is with an insert 3 located within the sleeve 2.

At the opening at the top end 4 there is no restriction with regard to access to the receptacle 1. Furthermore, as the receptacle 1 is of a generally small nature it can be mounted on a wall at an appropriately convenient height for a user. It will be appreciated previous receptacles have generally been free-standing bins with a closed top requiring side entry for the waste chewing gum or a relatively large bin secured to a wall with a flap which requires lifting to allow the chewing gum to be placed within the bin. Lifting a flap, particularly with regard to a waste receptacle may not be attractive to a user so providing an open top to the receptacle 1 will be more convenient to a user.

It will be appreciated that the insert 3 and the sleeve 2 are generally reciprocally shaped so that the insert 3 slips within the sleeve 2 and locates appropriately For removal the insert 3 will simply be lifted upwards and out of engagement with the sleeve and a new insert placed within the sleeve for further usage. Alternately, the insert may be pulled through the sleeve for removal and if there is a constriction or tapering to the sleeve this may compress and collapse the insert for partial closure and prevent re-use of the insert, As will be described later, the general shaping as illustrated in Fig. 1, incorporates a front edge with a curve to facilitate placing of chewing gum-sized waste in the receptacle in particular the insert 3. In such circumstances depositing crisp packets and other general forms of wastage in the receptacle will be inconvenient as opposed to small waste such as chewing gum.

Fig. 2 illustrates insert 3 as depicted in Fig. 1. The insert 3 generally has a width 20 in the order of 150mm, a depth 21 in the order of 150mm and a width 22 at the sides of the insert 3 in the order of 25mm. In such circumstances it will be appreciate that the insert 3 is of a relatively small and even at the maximum extent of a curved front edge 23 is of a relatively modest width resisting suitability for depositing more bulky waste such as crisp packets, cigarette packets, tissues and drinks cans.

The insert 3 incorporates flanges in the form of edge flaps 24 which provide an interference engagement with the open sleeve 2 (Fig. 1) in order to locate the insert 3 within the sleeve 2. The flaps 24 will be sized to provide a robust location within the sleeve 2 and may hang over the insert or fold into the sleeve in order to provide through outward bias location of the sleeve 2 within the insert 3.

As indicated above, provision of an open receptacle is important in order to provide convenience with respect to depositing chewing gum. If it were necessary to lift a flap or have a letterbox-type aperture there would be resistance to usage by depositors of chewing gum. Unfortunately, by having an open aspect it will be understood that in public areas subject to rain and other precipitation the insert may become filled with water. In such circumstances the insert 3 in accordance with aspects of the present invention includes drainage apertures 25 in a base surface 26 to allow drainage flow in the direction 27 out of the insert 3. As will be appreciated the sleeve is also open-ended and therefore the water will simply pass out of the receptacle in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Such drainage apertures may also allow washing, disinfecting and treating the insert for gum retention in-situ within the receptacle.

Inserts 3 in accordance with aspects of the present invention will be generally disposable and therefore the insert 3 will be formed appropriately from a disposable material. Conveniently, this disposable material may be cardboard or a plastics material. The insert 3 in accordance with aspects of the present invention may be structurally integral, that is to say, relatively rigid for location within the sleeve or alternatively, the insert 3 may comprise relatively flexible wait surfaces held upon a frame either at all edges and corners of the insert 3 depicted in Fig. 2 or through simply a hoop frame at the top end of the insert 3. In any event, once located within the sleeve in accordance with aspects of the present invention the insert 3 will provide an appropriate depository for chewing gum.

Clearly, one potential problem with respect to any waste receptacle is malicious or mischievous emptying of the receptacle. In such circumstances, in accordance with aspects of the present invention the receptacle 3 may be formed from material which will facilitate bonding between chewing gum and that material to prevent simple tip release of the chewing gum from an insert once taken from a sleeve in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Thus, the insert material such as cardboard may be appropriately treated to create a degree of adhesive bonding between the chewing gum and the insert. It will also be understood that ribbing or shaping within the insert 3 may facilitate such retention of the chewing gum within the insert to prevent topple and tip release. Finally, the insert 3 may also include a surface coating which is adhesive in some way to retain the chewing gum within. This adhesion may be simply through providing a wetted surface which will generally engage with the chewing gum to facilitate adhesion.

It will be understood that convenience of use both by a depositor of chewing gum as well as a cleaner or other maintenance operative is important. In such circumstances provision of simple flaps 24 as flanges on which the insert 3 rests for interference retention will allow easy removal of the insert from the sleeve, It will also be understood, particularly with insert 3 which is at least semi-rigid and having an open-bottomed sleeve, simple upward pushing will expose the flaps to allow the insert to be removed.

Generally, insert 3 in accordance with aspects of the present invention will be arranged to enable the top, open end of the insert 3 to be closed by simple over-folding or otherwise in order to create a packet which can then be disposed of in a larger waste receptacle and a new insert located within the sleeve.

The drainage apertures 25 will be of typically a slot nature and have dimensions such that chewing gum will not pass through them but which will allow adequate drainage.

Repeated use of the same insert may not be convenient so that the inserts in accordance with aspects of the present invention may be designed to incorporate lines of weakness or otherwise such that upon removal from the sleeve in accordance with aspects of the present invention the insert is distorted or weakened such that it cannot be reinserted within the sleeve for continued use. These lines of weakness may also facilitate the closure functions as described above.

Fig. 3 illustrates a material sheet prior to forming an open-ended sleeve in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Thus, locating apertures 30 are provided at appropriate locations within a sheet 31 which is then folded along fold lines 32, 33 to create an open-backed sleeve in accordance with the present invention. The locating apertures may be key-hole shaped. As described previously, the sheet 31 is folded and shaped to a desired configuration for acceptance of a reciprocally shaped insert 3 (Fig. 2) in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Being a folded sheet it will be understood that the shaped sleeve in accordance with aspects of the present invention will be easy to form and cheap to manufacture.

Furthermore, through use of key-hole apertures 30 it will be understood that location of the sleeve upon a wall will be relatively easy. In short, all that will be necessary is to provide at least two appropriately spaced screw-head or other mounting latches in a wall or other surface and then through the flexibility of the sheet locating that head over the bulbous part 30a of each aperture 30 then by manipulation of the sleeve locating the head to retain the sleeve in place with a stem part of the locating screw or latch secured in a stem part 30b of the aperture 30. Thus, the sleeve in accordance with aspects of the present invention is simply a folded sheet located upon screw-heads or otherwise in a wall and therefore large numbers of receptacles in accordance with the present invention may be located at convenient positions in a public place. The greater number of receptacles in accordance with the present invention available will increase the propensity of individuals to put their chewing gum within the receptacle rather than inappropriately dispose of that chewing gum.

It will also be understood that a backing plate for pre-installation could be provided. This backing plate will include appropriate fixings to secure the backing plate to a wall or possibly ribbon ties to allow the backing plate to be 1 5 secured to a post for additional versatility. In such circumstances, the backing plate would remain in position and a receptacle in accordance with aspects of the present invention in terms of a sleeve located upon the backing plate when required through association between the keyhole apertures and mounting bolt heads or otherwise. Once the sleeve has then been secured upon the backing plate it will then be understood that an insert in accordance with aspects of the present invention will be located within the open ended sleeve in order to create a receptacle for use.

Fig. 4 provides a schematic cross-section of the shaped sleeve 2 in accordance with aspects of the present invention formed from a flat sheet 31 (Fig. 3). Thus, as described previously, the sleeve 2 has an open back with a gap 41 between ends of the sleeve 2. Thus, as indicated above, apertures 30 are provided to allow mounting of the sleeve appropriately upon mounting heads shown by broken line 42. The flexibility of the sleeve 2 will allow easy location over the heads 41. In such circumstances, the sleeve 2 is easily located and due to the flexibility of the material from which the sleeve is made which will typically be a metal or robust plastics material the flexibility will provide a bias in the direction of arrow-heads B for retention of the sleeve 2 on the locating heads 41. Furthermore, the slight distortion against the bias of the material from which the sleeve 2 is made may also create a slight inward compression upon a reciprocally shaped insert 3 (Figs. 1 and 2) to also facilitate interference retention of that insert 3 within the receptacle in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

As will be noted, the front edge 23 is curved or bowed such that there will be a width 42 in the order of 50mm at the widest point. Clearly, this will be reduced by the insert located within the sleeve 2 but nevertheless it will be appreciated that a relatively narrow gap will be provided to enable relatively small chewing gum-sized waste lumps to be located within a receptacle in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

1 5 It will also be noted that the edge 2 will generally be of a narrow relatively thin/sharp nature to prevent cigarettes being left on the edge 23 in use. Clearly, with inserts formed from cardboard or plastics materials, presentation of a cigarette into the insert could be dangerous in creating a flammable situation or a hot cigarette butt could melt through the insert in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In any event, as described above, it is possible that the insert could be wetted to facilitate engagement with chewing gum and the chewing gum itself may provide some fire extinguishing protection from cigarette end problems within a receptacle in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Inserts in accordance with aspects of the present invention will generally taper from an open end towards the base surface 26 incorporating the drainage apertures 25. This will aid location of the insert within the sleeve as well as removal and for packing/stacking of a number of inserts prior to installation in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

As indicated above, sleeves in accordance with aspects of the present invention will generally be formed from a metal or plastics material appropriately foldable to create the desired shaping. As illustrated in Fig. 4 fold lines 32, 33 will be arranged to create the bowed shape desired for location of an insert in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The inserts in accordance with aspects of the present invention may be recyclable or incinerateable but as indicated above, care must be taken with respect of potential dangers of cigarette butts being located within the receptacle in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In any event, the inserts will be sized and formed from a material which will ensure an operational life typically in order of two to four weeks but this will depend upon location and usage of a receptacle. It will be understood that certain locations are more likely to attract people who use chewing gum than others. The insert will typically be formed from a plastics or water-proofed cardboard or similar material and be considered a consumable for insertion in a base sleeve in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Alternatively, the insert could be formed from a metal or a ceramic or plastic for long term use.

By providing an open nature to the sleeve at both ends as well as an open back as indicated flexibility is provided to enable mounting with a bias retention. In such circumstances the sleeve could be fitted to a flat wall or around a signpost or attached to stakes driven into the ground for temporary events such as Music Concerts or within marquees.

Where desirable a sleeve 2 in accordance with aspects of the present invention may be compressible in a direction of arrowhead C as depicted in Fig. 4 pushing chewing gum into engagement with a wall surface of an insert so that the chewing gum becomes adhered to that wall surface to prevent removal.

Modifications and alterations to the embodiments of the present invention as described above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Thus, for example, the shape of the sleeve and reciprocally shaped insert may be adjusted in accordance with requirements and material availability. It will also be understood that the sleeve as indicated will be open-ended but could be shaped for bespoke requirements. Thus, in order to emphasise the nature of the receptacle it may be shaped in the form of a mouth or artistic theme to attract users to its location to deposit their chewing gum. In such circumstances, either the sleeve or the insert may be arranged to facilitate adhesion of labelling or an outer coating with regard to such styling for location.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A waste receptacle for chewing gum, the waste receptacle comprising an open shaped sleeve and reciprocally shaped insert having an interference portion for location of the insert within the shaped sleeve and drainage apertures at a base end, the shaped insert having an open end with an edge profile to limit access to a desired size to define a limit to acceptable waste dimensions.

2 A receptacle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the edge profile is bowed.

3. A receptacle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the edge profile has a sharp edge to prevent resting of waste material upon it.

4 An arrangement as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the interference portion is a flange. * *

*..S** * 5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 4 wherein the flange comprises ** : end edge flaps extending over or against side portions of the shaped sleeve *** 6. A receptacle as claimed in preceding claim wherein the drainage apertures are slots. **** *** *

7. A receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sleeve is open-backed.

8. A receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the insert is formed from a disposable material.

9. A receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein upper parts at the open end of the insert are collapsible to allow closure of the insert upon removal from the shaped sleeve.

10. A receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the insert tapers away from the open end.

11. A receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the insert is formed from a suitable material to allow chewing gum placed within the insert to stick to that insert to prevent tip removal.

12. A receptacle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the insert 1 0 includes lines of weakness such that upon removal from location within the open shaped sleeve the insert is deformed and/or weakened to prevent re-insert within the open sleeve for robust location.

13 A waste receptacle substantially as hereinbefore described with 1 5 reference to the accompanying drawings.

14. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same *: invention as any of the preceding claims.

20..:. * _** * * **** *** * * * **