GB2441393A

GB2441393A - A collar for sealing the mouth of a lidded bin

Info

Publication number: GB2441393A
Application number: GB0619774A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ronald John Waldron
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-30
Filing date: 2006-10-06
Publication date: 2008-03-05
Also published as: GB0617060D0; GB0619774D0

Abstract

A waste container collar 16 is adapted to be fitted, in use, to either a body portion 5 (as shown) or a lid 6 of a waste container. The lid is moveable with respect to the body portion between open and closed positions, and the collar forms a seal between the lid and the body portion when the lid is in the closed position. The collar 16 may be of flexible material such as rubber and be fitted on an upper edge region of the body portion 5 such as a flange 22. It may include an inner vertical portion 18 and an outer horizontal portion 24 having a groove 26 in which the lid 6 may sealingly sit. The collar may be formed integrally with a waste container such as a wheelie bin or retro-fitted to a bin.

Description

I

WASTE CONTAINER

The present invention relates to waste containers, and in particular, to waste container seals.

Waste containers, such as so-called 1wheelie bins" are widely used by the majority of households around the world, and especially in the UK. As shown in Figure 1, the wheelie bin 2 consists of a body 4 in which waste or refuse may be contained, which may or may not be contained within a refuse bag (not shown). A flap lid 6 is attached to the body 4, which may be pivoted about a hinge 12 in order to open and close the body 4, and hence, the waste therein. The wheelie bin 2 includes two wheels 8 at the bottom of the base 4 on the same side as the lid hinge 12.

Around the perimeter of the body 4 of the wheelie bin 2, there is provided an upstanding peripheral flange 10, with which the underside of the lid 6 may loosely engage when it is in the closed position.

A significant problem encountered with such wheelie bins is that a secure air tight seal is not provided between the upstanding flange 10 and the lid 6 when the lid 6 is in the closed position. In fact, a large gap is left between the lid and the body even when the lid is "closed". A problem with this arrangement therefore is that insects, such as flies and maggots etc, and even bacteria, are able to enter the wheelie bin 2, even when the lid 6 is closed, and can reach the waste therein.

Such insects are able to feed on the decaying waste, and lay eggs thereon, and can therefore multiply to considerable numbers. Unfortunately, because wheelie bins are often not collected by bin men for up to several weeks in some areas, there is plenty of time for the insects and bacteria to increase in size and in number with devastating effects. The insects are unsightly, and present a significant health problem for both the owners of the bin, and also bin men who empty the bins. Furthermore, the gap produced between the body 4 of the bin 2 and the lid 6 means that the stench produced by decaying waste is able to escape thereby causing offense to passers-by.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the problems of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere, and to provide an improved waste container) or an attachment therefor, which prevents the entrance of insects, such as flies and maggots, and bacteria, therein.

The inventor of the present invention carefully studied the design in wheelie bins, which caused to above-mentioned problems, and noticed that all of the problems are caused by the fact that a gap is left between the body and the bin and the lid, even when it is meant to be "closed". The inventor therefore realised that the problems could be solved by forming a tight seal between the body and the lid, when the lid is closed.

Hence, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waste container collar adapted, in use, to be fitted to either a body portion or a lid of a waste container, which lid is moveable with respect to the body portion between open and closed positions, wherein the collar is adapted to form a seal between the lid and the body portion when the lid is in the closed position.

Preferably, the seal extends all of the way around an opening of the body portion through which waste is inserted therein. Preferably, the seal between the opening and the lid is tight.

Advantageously, the seal that is formed by the collar between the lid and the body ensures that animals, such as insects, and bacteria etc are unable to get into the waste container and reach waste that is contained therein. The collar thereby prevents Infestation, and foul smells from escaping from the waste container. The seal therefore considerably improves the safety of the waste container for both the owners of the bin and also bin men who empty the bin.

The collar may be adapted to be fitted to the closeable lid. However, preferably, the collar is adapted to be attached to the body portion of the waste container, in which waste may be contained, The collar is preferably removeable. Hence, advantageously, the collar may be removed and periodically cleaned.

Preferably, the collar comprises a flexible material such as rubber, which may be obtained from a variety of sources, for example, from car tyres. A substantially flexible material improves the sealed formed between the body portion and the lid.

However, other flexible materials, such as plastic may also be used providing a seal is formed. It is preferred that the collar is adapted to provide a seal, wherein little or preferably no gap is left between the body portion and lid when in the closed position. Preferably, distance between the body portion and the lid when In the closed position is less than 3mm, more preferably, less than 2mm, and most preferably, less than 1mm. Preferably, no gap at all if left between the body portion and lid when in the closed position.

If no gap is left between the body portion and the closed lid, then it is impossible for animals, such as flies and maggots to enter the waste container and get to the waste. Preferably, the seal formed by the collar is substantially airtight, although an air tight seal is especially preferred. An air tight seal would significantly improve the chances of at least aerobic bacteria from multiplying in the waste container.

Preferably, the collar is adapted to be fitted to an upper region of the body portion of the waste container, and most preferably, a peripheral flange which extends around at least a portion of the upper region of the body portion of the waste container. In a most preferred embodiment, the collar is adapted to be fitted around the entire peripheral flange on the body portion of the waste container.

Preferably, the collar is substantially ring-shaped, having substantially the same shape and diameter of the perimeter of the body portion of the waste container.

Preferably, the shape and diameter of the collar is substantially the same as the upper region of the body portion, and preferably, the flange thereof.

Preferably, the collar comprises an inner section and an outer section, which sections are mutually spaced apart and define a slot therebetween, in which the flange may be accommodated. Preferably, the slot is suitably sized to accommodate the flange. Preferably, the inner section is operable in use to abut an inner side of the flange, and the outer section is operable in use to abut an outer side of the flange. Preferably, the inner section is adapted in use to extend at least partially into the container, and preferably beyond the base of the flange.

Advantageously, this provides additional support to the collar.

Preferably, the collar has an inverted U"-shaped profile, wherein the outer section is substantially parallel with the inner section. The flange is approximately 3mm wide and about 6m tall, although these may be varied between different manufacturers of the waste container. Hence, the slot defined between the inner and outer sections of the collar according to the invention is preferably adapted to accommodate the flange. Preferably, the slot is approximately 1 to 4mm wide, and preferably about 2 to 3mm wide.

Preferably, the collar comprises a wall which extends substantially transversely away from a lower portion of the outer section thereof, to thereby form a substantially horizontal wall when the collar is in use. Preferably, in use, the horizontal wall abuts and forms a seal with the upper section of the body portion of the waste container. Preferably, the horizontal wall comprises a groove or slot adapted to receive the lid when in the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the outer section of the collar extends into an inner side of the slot.

It will be appreciated that the collar forms a tight seat with both the inner and outer sides of the peripheral flange and the upper section of the body portion, and with the lid when closed. This ensures that the waste container is insect and bacteria proof when the lid is closed, ie. insects are unable to get passed the seal and into the body portion where the waste is stored, and odours are prevented from escaping therefrom. Preferably, when the lid is in the closed position, the lid abuts the uppermost portion(s) of the collar. This improves the seal still further.

Preferably, the collar is adapted to be fitted to a Wheelie Bin. The Figures illustrate the fitting of the collar to such a wheelie bin.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a waste container comprising a waste container collar according to the first aspect of the invention.

The waste container may be either fitted with an integral waste container collar upon manufacture of the container itself. Alternatively, the waste container may be retro-fitted with the collar to provide the seal to a container, which would otherwise suffer the drawbacks inherent with having no tight seal.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a seal between a lid and a body portion of a waste container, when the lid is in the closed position, the method comprising fitting a waste container collar according to the first aspect, to either the body portion or the lid of a waste container, and moving the lid with respect to the body portion from an open position to a closed position, to thereby form a seal between the lid and the body portion.

All of the features described herein (including any accompanying clainis, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a prior art waste container, such as a wheelie bin, with its lid in an open position; Figure 2 shows a side view of an upper portion of the waste container shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of a collar in accordance with the invention; Figure 4 shows a side view of an upper portion of the waste container shown in Figure 2 with the collar in position thereon; and Figure 5 shows an enlarged side view of of upper portion of the waste container shown in Figure 2 with the collar in position thereon and the lid in a closed position.

ExamDles Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a known wheelie bin 2 having a body 4, and an inner section 14 in which waste may be stored. The bin 2 is made of injection moulded high density polythene (HDPE), although larger bins 2 may be made of metal, such as, steel. The bin 2 includes a pivotable lid 6, which is attached to an upper portion 5 of the body 4 about a hinge 12. A pair of rotatable wheels 8 is attached at the base of the body 4 on the same side as the hinge 12.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a detailed view of the upper portion 5 of the body 4 of the bin 2. As shown in the Figure, around the entire peripheral edge of the upper portion 5, there is provided an upstanding flange 10 having an inner side 7 and an outer side 9. The flange is about 3mm wide and about 6mm tall. The flange 10 is intended to provide a surface with which the lid 6 may engage when it is moved into the closed position. However, with current designs of wheelie bins 2, a secure, air tight seal is not provided between the body 4 and closed lid 6.

Therefore, referring to Figures 3 to 5, the invention provides a collar or seal 16, which is made of a flexible material, such as rubber, for example, from car tyres.

However, other flexible materials, such as plastic may also be used. The collar 16 is essentially ring-shaped, having essentially the same diameter as the perimeter of the upper section 5 of the body 4 of the bin 2. For convenience, only two sides (the left and right hand sides) of the collar 16 are shown in the Figures. It should be appreciated that the collar 16 also has a front and a rear side (not shown), which have the same profile as the left and right sides.

The collar 16 is designed to fit tightly on and around the entire peripheral flange 10. As can be seen in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the innermost section of the collar 16 forms a vertical inner wall 18, which is designed to fit securely against the inner side 7 of the peripheral flange 10 on the bin 2. The length of this inner side 7 is about 25mm, and extends at least partially down the inside of the body 14 to provide support. The profile of the collar 16 is such that it extends outwardly and away from the inner wall 18 forming a "Us-bend section 20, which extends back on itself forming an outer wall 21. The length of the outer wall 21 is about 3-4 mm. In one embodiment of the seal 16 as shown in Figure 4, the outer wall 21 is substantially parallel with the inner wall 18. In another embodiment, an outer face of outer wall 21 extends at an angle from the top of the collar 16. However, in both embodiments, a slot 22, whIch is suitably sized (ie approximately 3mm wide) to accommodate the peripheral flange 10, is defined between the inner and outer walls 18,21 of the collar 16. When in position, the outer vertical wall 21 of the collar 16 abuts snugly against the outer side 9 of the peripheral flange 10 on the bin 2, and the inner wall 18 of the collar 16 abuts snugly against the inner side 7 of the flange 10.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the profile of the collar 16 is such that it extends transversely away from the base of the outer vertical wall 21 to thereby form a substantially horizontal wall 24 when in use, which sits on, and forms a seal with, the upper section 5 of the body 4. The horizontal wall 24 includes a groove or slot 26 in which the lid 6 may sit when it is in the closed position.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a small space, which is provided between the base of outer wall 21 and the slot 26. Referring to Figures 3 and 5, no such space is provided: instead, the base of the outer wall 21 extends straight into the slot 26.

It will be appreciated that the collar 16 forms a tight seal with both sides 7,9 of the peripheral flange 10 and the upper section 5 of the body 4. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, when in the closed position, the lid 6 sits in the slot 26 of the collar 16.

In a preferred embodiment, the Inside of the lid also abuts the upper most portion of the collar 16 where it forms the inverted "U-bend". This ensures that the bin 2 is insect and bacteria proof when the lid is closed, le. insects are unable to get passed the seal 16 and into the body 4 of the bin 2 where the waste is stored.

Advantages of the wheelie bin 2 according to the invention reside in the efficient manner in which the collar 16 forms a tight seal between the body 4 and the lid 6 of the bin 2. The user must ensure that the collar is firmly positioned in place when in use, and that the lid is lowered fully on the body 4 when it contains waste. The collar 16 may be removed before the bin 2 is emptied, and cleaned, if necessary, before replacing back on the bin 2 after waste has been emptied therefrom. The collar 16 prevents insects reaching the waste in the bin, and thereby prevents infestation, and foul smells from the waste escaping from the bin 2.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A waste container collar adapted, in use, to be fitted to either a body portion or a lid of a waste container, which lid is moveable with respect to the body portion between open and closed positions, wherein the collar is adapted to form a seal between the lid and the body portion when the lid is in the closed position.

2. A collar according to claim I, wherein the collar compnses a flexible material such as rubber.

3. A collar according to either claim I or claim 2, wherein the collar is adapted to provide a seal, wherein little or no gap is left between the body portion and lid when in the closed position.

4. A collar according to any preceding claim, wherein the seat formed by the collar when the lid is closed is substantially air tight.

5. A collar according to any preceding claim, wherein the collar is adapted to be fitted to an upper region of the body portion of the waste container.

6. A collar according to claim 5, wherein the collar is adapted to be fitted to a peripheral flange which extends around at least a portion of the upper region of the body portion of the waste container.

7. A collar according to claim 6, wherein the shape and diameter of the collar is substantially the same as the flange.

8. A collar according to any either claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the collar comprises an inner section and an outer section, which sections are mutually spaced apart and define a slot therebetween, in which the flange may be accommodated.

9. A collar according to claim 8, wherein the inner section is adapted in use to extend at least partially into the container.

10. A collar according to either claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the collar has an inverted "U"-shaped profile, wherein the outer section is substantially parallel with the inner section.

11. A collar according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the collar comprises a wall which extends substantially transversely away from a lower portion of the outer section thereof, to thereby form a substantially horizontal wall when the collar is in use.

12. A coliar according to claim 11, wherein the horizontal wall abuts and forms a seal with the upper section of the body portion of the waste container.

13. A collar according to either claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the horizontal wall comprises a groove or slot adapted to receive the lid when in the closed position.

14. A collar according to claim 13, wherein the outer section of the collar extends into an inner side of the slot.

15. A collar according to any preceding claim, wherein when the lid is in the closed position, the lid abuts the uppermost portion(s) of the collar.

16. A collar according to any preceding claim, wherein the collar is adapted to be fitted to a Wheelie Bin.

17. A waste container comprising a waste container collar according to any one of claims ito 16.

18. A waste container according to claim 17, wherein the waste container is fitted with an Integral waste container collar upon manufacture of the container itself.

19. A waste container according to claim 17, wherein the waste container is retro-fitted with the collar to provide the seal to a container, which would otherwise suffer the drawbacks inherent with having no tight seal.

20. A method of providing a seal between a lid and a body portion of a waste container, when the lid is in the closed position, the method comprising fitting a waste container collar according to any one of claims I to 16, to either the body portion or the lid of a waste container, and moving the lid with respect to the body portion from an open position to a closed position, to thereby form a seal between the lid and the body portion.