GB2441884A

GB2441884A - Waste collection apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2441884A
Application number: GB0717866A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Alford; David Merrigan; Thomas Kevin Malone
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-13
Filing date: 2007-09-13
Publication date: 2008-03-19
Also published as: GB0717866D0; IES20070646A2

Abstract

Apparatus for supporting a refuse sack 2 for waste comprises a support framework 5 which supports a top support plate 10 having an opening 40 extending therethrough for accommodating and supporting the refuse sack 2. Side panels 20 and a front panel 23 form with the top support plate 10 an interior region for accommodating the refuse sack 2 (or two sacks, with two hinged front doors 23, as in Figure 19). The side panels 20 are secured to the support framework 5, and the front panel 23 is hingedly coupled to the side panel 20. Pivot pins (33, Figure 13) in securing recesses (34) and hinge brackets (35) located at spaced apart intervals along the front panel 23 engage corresponding hinge brackets (35) and pivot pins (33), respectively, in the side panel 20 for hingedly coupling the front panel 23 to the side panel 20. A lid 48 hingedly coupled to the top support plate 10 closes the opening 41 and in turn an open mouth of the refuse sack 2. The apparatus may be provided in kit form.

Description

2441884

"Apparatus for facilitating collection of waste"

The present invention relates to apparatus for facilitating collection of waste and to a kit of parts from which the apparatus is assemblage.

5

Apparatus for facilitating the collection of waste, and in particular, recyclable waste, such as bottles and containers of glass and/or plastics materials, as well as articles of paper and cardboard, are well known. Such apparatus typically comprises one or more bins which are placed in a public place, typically a car park of, for example, a 10 shopping centre or the like, where people can bring their waste and dispose of it in the bins. In general, a plurality of bins are arranged side by side for receiving respective different categories of waste. For example, one bin may be provided for paper and cardboard waste, while a separate bin may be provided for bottles and containers of plastics material, and further bins may be provided for bottles and 15 containers of glass of respective different colours. In general, when such containers have been filled, or when they are due for emptying, it is necessary to physically transport the bins to a recycling plant. This, thus, requires winching the bins onto a truck and replacing the bins with empty bins. Alternatively, where the bins are not physically transported to the recycling plant, the contents thereof must be manually 20 removed item by item and transferred into a waste collection vehicle. This is undesirable, it is a time consuming operation, and where the bins are physically transported to a recycling plant, the bins in many cases may be only partly filled, and in which case, the transportation of such bins is uneconomical.

2

There is therefore a need for apparatus for facilitating collection of waste which addresses at least some of these problems.

The present invention is directed towards providing such apparatus and the 5 invention is also directed towards a kit of parts from which the apparatus is assemblage.

According to the invention there is provided apparatus for facilitating the collection of waste, the apparatus comprising a support framework, a sack support carried on the 10 support framework, the sack support comprising an engagement means for engaging a refuse sack adjacent an open mouth thereof with the open mouth of the refuse sack in an open state, and the refuse sack suspended from the sack support, the sack support defining a communicating opening adjacent the engagement means for accommodating the sack therethrough to the engagement means, or for is accommodating waste through the communicating opening to the refuse sack, a pair of spaced apart side panels secured to the support framework, and a front panel hingedly secured to one of the side panels, the front panel being hingeable from a closed state defining with the side panels and the sack support an interior region for accommodating the refuse sack therein, and an open-state for accommodating 20 access to the interior region for facilitating replacing and removal of the refuse sack, wherein the front panel and the one of the side panels to which the front panel is hingedly secured each comprise a panel member, the panel members of the respective front panel and the side panel being provided with respective ones of at least one pair of interengageable complementary formations for hingedly coupling

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the front panel to the side panel.

In one embodiment of the invention the interengageable complementary formations are interengageable with a snap-fit action.

5

In another embodiment of the invention each panel member comprises a longitudinally extending first side edge and a spaced apart opposite longitudinally extending second side edge, the first and second side edges extending between transversely extending spaced apart opposite end edges, and a plurality of the pairs 10 of interengageable complementary formations being provided spaced apart along the first side edges of the respective panel members.

Preferably, one interengageable complementary formation of each pair of interengageable complementary formations comprises a pivot pin extending into a 15 securing recess formed in the corresponding panel member, and the other interengageable complementary formation comprises at least one hinge bracket formed on the other panel member for pivotally engaging the corresponding pivot pin. Advantageously, the hinge bracket of each pair of interengageable complementary formations is provided with an engagement slot formed therein open 20 at one end for pivotally engaging the corresponding pivot pin. Ideally, the hinge bracket of each pair of interengageable complementary formations extends into the corresponding securing recess for pivotally engaging the pivot pin therein.

In one embodiment of the invention each panel member comprises at least one pivot

4

pin of one of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations, and at least one of the hinge bracket of another one of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations.

5 In another embodiment of the invention each pivot pin of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations is located on the corresponding panel member between an intermediate location intermediate the respective end edges of the panel member and one of the end edges thereof, and each hinge bracket of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations is located between the 10 intermediate location and the other end edge of the panel member.

In another embodiment of the invention each panel member is provided with two pivot pins of two of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations, and two hinge brackets of two others of the pairs of interengageable complementary 15 formations.

Preferably, the securing recess of each pair of interengageable complementary formations is recessed inwardly into the corresponding panel member from the first side edge thereof. Advantageously, the pivot pin of each pair of interengageable 20 complementary formations extends across the corresponding securing recess from one side thereof to the other.

In one embodiment of the invention each hinge bracket of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations extends outwardly of the corresponding

5

panel member from the first side edge thereof. Preferably, each hinge bracket of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations comprises a pair of spaced apart plate members. Advantageously, an engagement slot is provided in each plate member for pivotally engaging the corresponding pivot pin.

5

In another embodiment of the invention the second side edge of each panel member is a plain side edge.

In one embodiment of the invention a securing means is provided for releasably 10 securing the front panel in the closed state. Preferably, the securing means comprises a resilient latch element extending from the front panel for releasably engaging the sack support.

In another embodiment of the invention each side panel is releasably securable to 15 the support framework. Preferably, each side panel is releasably securable to the support framework with a snap-fit action.

In another embodiment of the invention the sack support comprises a top panel. Preferably, the top panel of the sack support is securable to the support framework. 20 Advantageously, the top panel of the sack support is releasably securable to the support framework.

In one embodiment of the invention the engagement means of the sack support comprises an engagement lip extending upwardly from the support panel around at

6

least a portion of the communicating opening for releasably engaging the refuse sack adjacent the open mouth. Preferably, the engagement lip of the sack support is shaped to receive a portion of the sack adjacent the open mouth folded back over the engagement lip, and to receive a ligature extending around the engagement lip 5 and the folded back portion of the sack for releasably securing the sack thereto. Advantageously, the engagement lip is provided in a plurality of segments located at spaced apart intervals around the communicating opening of the sack support.

In one embodiment of the invention the support framework is operable between a 10 collapsed state and an erected state. Preferably, the support framework comprises a pair of frames pivotally coupled together and pivotal between the collapsed state and the erected state. Advantageously, each frame of the support framework comprising a top member and an opposite spaced apart bottom member extending between and connected to respective opposite spaced apart side members, each 15 top member being engageable with the sack support, and each bottom member being engageable with the ground.

In one embodiment of the invention adjacent ones of the side members of the respective frames of the support framework are pivotally coupled to each other for 20 pivoting the respective frames between the collapsed state and the erected state. Preferably, the side members of the frames of the support framework are securable to the side panels. Advantageously, the side members of the frames of the support framework are releasably securable to the side panels.

7

In one embodiment of the invention a retaining means is provided for retaining and securing the support framework in the erected state.

In another embodiment of the invention each side panel comprises a panel member 5 and at least one interengageable complementary formation of a corresponding one of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations, and a pair of front panels are provided, one of the front panels being hingedly coupled to one of the side panels, and the other front panel being hingedly coupled to the other of the side panels. Preferably, a pair of sack supports are provided.

10

Advantageously, the apparatus is of modular construction for facilitating securing a plurality of apparatus together. Preferably, the plurality of apparatus are releasably securable together.

is The invention also provides a kit of parts for forming apparatus according to the invention, the kit of parts comprising a support framework, a sack support, a pair of side panels and a front panel.

The advantages of the apparatus according to the invention are many. By virtue of 20 the fact that the apparatus comprises a sack support for supporting a refuse sack for the waste material, when the sack has been filled or when it is time for its collection, all that is required is to remove the refuse sack from the apparatus and transfer the refuse sack from the apparatus to a suitable collection vehicle. This, thus, avoids the need of having to transfer the entire apparatus physically from the site to a

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recycling plant, and furthermore, it avoids the need to physically transfer the waste material item by item into a collection vehicle. Additionally, the side and front panels as well as the sack support conceal the sack, so that the apparatus is not unsightly. Further, by providing the front panel and the one of the side panel to which the front 5 panel is hingedly coupled in the form of panel members coupled together by interengageable complementary formations which facilitate hinging of the front panel relative to the side panel, the apparatus can be provided in kit form which can readily easily be assembled on site. Additionally, by providing the front and side panel to which the front panel is hingedly coupled to be coupleable together with a snap-fit 10 action, the apparatus according to the invention is ideally suitable for quick assembly on site. The provision of the support framework to be operable between a collapsed and an erected state has the advantage that the apparatus can be delivered to site in a completely knocked down form as a kit of parts ready for assembly.

15 A further advantage of the apparatus according to the invention is achieved when it is provided in modular form, in that any number of units may be coupled together to accommodate a corresponding number of refuse sacks. This is a particularly important advantage where one wishes to segregate waste into different categories, for example, glass waste, which may be sub segregated into glass of different 20 colours, plastics waste, paper waste, cardboard waste, clothing and textile waste, and the like.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, with

reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention for facilitating the collection of waste,

Fig. 2 is a front end elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view from one side of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view from the other side to that of Fig. 3 of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 5 is a rear end elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 7 is a transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 8 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 9 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of another detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

10

Fig. 10 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional side elevational view of another detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 12 is another perspective view of the portion of Fig. 11 of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrated in a different state,

Fig. 13 is another perspective view of the portion of Fig. 11 of the apparatus of Fig. 1 being assembled,

Fig. 14 is an end elevational view of the portion of Fig. 11 of the apparatus of Fig. 1 also being assembled,

Figs. 15 (a) to (c) are a perspective views of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Figs. 16 (a) to (c) are a perspective views of another detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 18 is a front perspective view of apparatus according to another

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embodiment of the invention also for facilitating the collection of waste,

Fig. 19 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 18,

5 Fig. 20 is an underneath perspective view from the rear of the apparatus of

Fig. 18,

Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 18,

10 Fig. 22 is a perspective view of apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention for facilitating the collection of waste,

Fig. 23 is an underneath perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 22,

is Fig. 24 is a perspective view of apparatus according to a still further embodiment of the invention for facilitating the collection of waste, and

Fig. 25 is an underneath perspective view from the rear of the apparatus of Fig. 24.

20

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figs. 1 to 17 there is illustrated apparatus according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for supporting a refuse sack 2 for the reception and collection of waste materials therein. The apparatus 1 is of modular construction and is formed from a kit of parts

12

as will be described below. The apparatus 1 comprises a support framework 5 comprising a pair of support frames 6 of tubular steel, which are pivotally coupled together by a pair of pivot screws 7, which pivotally couple adjacent side members 9 of the support frames 6 together. A support framework 5 of apparatus according to 5 another embodiment of the invention, which is described below with reference to Figs. 18 to 21, is clearly illustrated in Fig. 21, and the support framework 5 of the apparatus 1 is similar to the support framework 5 of Fig. 21, with the exception that the support framework 5 of the apparatus 1 is smaller than that of Fig. 21. The support framework 5 is pivotal between a collapsed state with the support frames 6 10 extending parallel to each other, and with one of the support frames 6 located within the other support frame 6 for facilitating transporting of the apparatus to a site prior to being assembled, and an erected state illustrated in Fig. 7 for supporting a sack support, namely, a top support plate 10 of plastics material, for in turn supporting the refuse sack 2 as will be described below.

15

Each support frame 6 comprises a pair of ground engaging transverse members 12 extending between the corresponding pairs of side members 9 for engaging the ground. A retaining means comprising a pair of retaining members 14 of steel engage the respective ground engaging members 12 with a snap-fit action for 20 retaining and securing the support frames 6 of the support framework 5 in the erected state, see Figs. 7, 9 and 10. Top members 15 extend transversely between the corresponding pair of side members 9 of the respective support frames 6 and releasably engage slots 16 formed in internal side plates 18 which are integrally formed with and extend downwardly from the top support plate 10 for releasably

13

securing the top support plate 10 to the support framework 5 when the support framework 5 is in the erected state, see Fig. 8. The top members 15 engage the slots 16 in the internal side plates 18 with a snap-fit action.

5 Side panels 20 and 21 of plastics material are secured to the support framework 5, and a front panel 23 also of plastics material is hingedly coupled to the side panel 20, and is hingeable between a closed state illustrated in Figs. 1 and 11 defining with the side panels 20 and 21 and the top support plate 10 an interior region 24 for accommodating the refuse sack 2 extending downwardly from the top support plate 10 10, and an open state illustrated in Fig. 12 for providing access to the interior region 24 for removing and replacing a full refuse sack 2. Brackets 25 which are integrally formed with the side panels 20 and 21 are provided with respective slots 26 for releasably engaging the side members 9 of the support frames 6 with a snap-fit action for releasably securing the side panels 20 and 21 to the support framework 5 15 when the support framework 5 is in the erected state. Additionally, to secure the side panels 20 and 21 to the support framework 5, the pivot screws 7 are passed through corresponding bores 27 which extend through the side panels 20 and 21 and spacers 28 which are integrally formed with the side panels 20 and 21, see Fig. 13, so that the pivot screws 7 secure the side panels 20 and 21 to the support 20 framework 5 with the support frames 6 secured to each other and to the side panels 20 and 21.

Referring now to Figs. 11 to 16, the side panel 20 to which the front panel 23 is hingedly coupled and the front panel 23 are identical to each other. Each of the side

14

panel 20 and front panel 23 comprises a panel member 29 defining opposite first and second side edges 30 and 31 respectively, extending between opposite end edges 32. The second side edge 31 of the panel members 29 is formed by a plain edge. The front panel 23 is hingedly coupled to the side panel 20 by a plurality of 5 interengageable complementary formations located at spaced apart intervals along the first side edges 30 of the panel members 29 thereof. Each pair of interengageable complementary formations comprises a pivot pin 33 integrally formed with the corresponding panel member 29 and extending across a corresponding securing recess 34 recessed into the panel member 29, and a hinge 10 bracket 35 extending from the corresponding panel member 29. Each hinge bracket 35 comprises a pair of plate members 36 joined by a web 37, and engagement slots 38, which are open at one end are formed in the plate members 36 for releasably and pivotally engaging a corresponding one of the pivot pins 33 with a snap-fit action, for in turn facilitating hinging of the front panel 23 relative to the side panel 15 20.

Additionally, in this embodiment of the invention, so that the side panel 20 and the front panel 23 are interchangeable, each panel member 29 is provided with two of the pivot pins 33 in the corresponding securing recesses 34, and two of the hinge 20 brackets 35. The two hinge brackets 35 extend outwardly from the corresponding panel member 29, and are spaced apart along the first side edge 30 thereof between one end edge 32 and an intermediate location 39, which is midway between the end edges 32, while the two securing recesses 34 within which the corresponding pivot pins 33 are located are recessed into the panel member 29 and are spaced apart

15

along the first side edge 30 between the intermediate location 39 and the other end edge 32. The two pivot pins 33 in the corresponding securing recesses 34 are provided in the top half of the front panel 23 for engaging the corresponding pairs of hinge brackets 35 in the top half of the side panel 20, and the pair of hinge brackets 5 35 are provided in the bottom half of the front panel 23 for engaging the corresponding pivot pins 33 in the securing recesses 34 in the bottom half of the side panel 20. Assembly of the front panel 23 to the side panel 20 is illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14. As can be seen by offering the panel members 29 of the front panel 23 and the side panel 20 up to each other in planes at respective angles thereto which 10 intersect adjacent the intermediate location 39 of the panel members 29, and then pivoting the two panel members 29 until the respective planes coincide the pivot pins 33 engage the corresponding hinge brackets 35.

A securing means comprising top and bottom latches 41 of resilient plastics material 15 integrally formed with the panel members 29 are used on the front panel 23 for releasably securing the front panel 23 in the closed state. The top and bottom latches 41 releasably engage the adjacent top member 15 and the adjacent ground engaging member 12 of the support frames 6 of the support framework 5 for securing the front panel 23 in the closed state.

20

In this embodiment of the invention the side panel 21 comprises a panel member similar to the panel member 29, but with the exception that the first side edge 30 of the panel member 29 is also formed by a plain side edge, similar to the second side edge 31 of the panel members 29 of the side panel 20 and the first panel 23.

Returning now to the top support plate 10, a communicating opening 40 extends through the top plate 10 for accommodating the refuse sack 2 therethrough. A sack engagement means for engaging and securing the refuse sack 2 to the top support 5 plate 10 comprises an engagement lip which is formed by four arcuate lip segments 42 extending upwardly from the top support plate 10 spaced apart around the communicating opening 40 for engaging the refuse sack 2. Thus, by passing the refuse sack 2 upwardly or downwardly through the communicating opening 40, and by folding a portion of the refuse sack 2 adjacent an open mouth 43 thereof 10 downwardly over the lip segments 42, the refuse sack 2 is engaged on the lip segments 42. The lip segments 42 are each provided with an undercut 44 for receiving corresponding portions of the refuse sack 2 adjacent the open mouth 40 secured thereto by a ligature 45 provided by a shock chord. A lid 48 of plastics material is hingedly coupled to the top support plate 10 by a hinge 49 and is 15 hingeable from a closed state illustrated in Fig. 1 closing the open mouth of the refuse sack 2 and an open state illustrated in Fig. 17 for providing access to the refuse sack 2 for depositing waste materials therein.

In use, the apparatus typically is delivered to the site in a collapsed state in kit form, 20 which comprises the support framework 5, the top support plate 10, the side panels 20 and 21 and the front panel, as well as a pair of the retaining members 14.

Initially, the support framework 5 is erected and the retaining members 14 are engaged with the ground engaging members 12 of the support frames 6 of the support framework 5. The side panels 20 and 21 are secured to the erected support

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framework 5 by engaging the brackets 25 with the side members 9 of the support framework 5 and by securing the side panels 20 and 21 to the support framework 5 by the pivot screws 7. The front panel 23 is then secured to the side panel 20 by interengaging the hinge brackets 35 with the pivot pins 33 as already described with 5 reference to Figs. 13 and 14. The top support plate 10 is then secured to the support framework 5 by engaging the inner side plates 18 with the top members 15 of the support framework 5.

The apparatus is now ready for use, and with the lid 48 and the front panel 23 10 pivoted into the open state, a refuse sack 2 is placed in the interior region 24 and a portion of the refuse sack 2 adjacent the open mouth 43 is passed through the communicating opening 40 of the top support plate 10. The portion of the refuse sack 2 adjacent to the open mouth 43 is folded downwardly over the lip segments 42, and the refuse sack 2 is then secured with the ligature 45 to the lip segments 42. is The front panel 23 is then pivoted into the closed state and the top and bottom latches 41 engage the adjacent top member 15 and the adjacent ground engaging member 12 of the support frames 6 for retaining the front panel 23 in the closed state, and the lid 48 is pivoted downwardly to the close state.

20 To place waste in the refuse sack 2 the lid 48 is pivoted into the open state, the waste is then placed in the sack 2 through the open mouth 43 and the lid 48 is pivoted downwardly into the closed state.

When the refuse sack 2 is full, the portion of the refuse sack 2 adjacent the open

18

mouth 43 is released from the lip segments 42 by releasing the ligature 45, and with the front panel 23 in the open state the refuse sack 2 is removed from the interior region 24, and replaced with a new refuse sack 2.

5 Referring now to Figs. 18 to 21, there is illustrated apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 60. The apparatus 60 is substantially similar to the apparatus 1, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment of the invention the apparatus 60 is of a modular construction and comprises a pair of top support plates 10 10 for supporting two refuse sacks 2. In order to accommodate the two top support plates 10, the support framework 5 is larger than the support framework 5 of the apparatus 1, and the top members 15 and the ground engaging members 12 of the support frames 6 thereof span the two top support plates 10. Additionally, two front panels 23 are provided, and are hingedly coupled to the corresponding side panels, 15 which are both identical to the side panel 20 of the apparatus 1.

In this embodiment of the invention interengageable complementary connecting members, which were provided on the top support plates 10, and which were not required in the apparatus 1, are used in this case for coupling the two top support 20 plates 10 together. One of the interengageable complementary connecting members comprises a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending brackets 61 extending from one side member 62 of the top support plates 10 which engage corresponding spaced apart U-shaped brackets 64 extending from an opposite side member 65 of the top support plates 10. Each U-shaped bracket 64 defines a

19

corresponding slot 66 for engaging the corresponding bracket 61 of the other top support plate 10.

Otherwise the apparatus 60 is similar to the apparatus 1 and its use is likewise 5 similar.

Referring now to Figs. 20 and 21 apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 70 is illustrated. The apparatus 70 is substantially similar to the apparatus 1, and similar components are 10 identified by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment of the invention the apparatus 70 is suitable for supporting three refuse sacks 2, and as can be seen is constructed from two modules, one comprising the apparatus 1 and the other comprising the apparatus 60. The apparatus 1 and the apparatus 60 are secured by securing the adjacent top support plates 10 of the apparatus 1 and the apparatus 60 15 together by interengaging the corresponding upstanding brackets 61 with the corresponding U-shaped brackets 64.

Otherwise, the apparatus 70 is similar to the apparatus 1 and 60 and its use is likewise similar.

20

Referring now to Figs. 22 and 23 apparatus 80 according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The apparatus 80 is substantially similar to the apparatus 1, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. In fact, the apparatus 80 is formed from a pair of apparatus 60, which are coupled together

20

by coupling the adjacent top support plates 10 of the apparatus 60 together by engaging the upstanding brackets 61 with the corresponding U-shaped brackets 64 of the adjacent top support plates 10.

s Otherwise, the apparatus 80 and its use is similar to that already described with reference to Fig. 1.

It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modular waste storing devices according to the invention can be produced with any desired number of units 10 for accommodating any corresponding number of refuse sacks.

While the support frames 6 of the support framework 5 have been described as being formed of tubular steel, the support frames 5 may be of any other suitable material, for example, they may be formed of solid steel bar material, plastics tubular is material or bars of solid plastics material, or indeed any other suitable material. Similarly, while the retaining members 14 have been described as being of steel,

they likewise may be of any other suitable material, for example, plastics material or the like.

21

Claims

Claims

1. Apparatus for facilitating the collection of waste, the apparatus comprising a support framework, a sack support carried on the support framework, the sack support comprising an engagement means for engaging a refuse sack adjacent an 5 open mouth thereof with the open mouth of the refuse sack in an open state, and the refuse sack suspended from the sack support, the sack support defining a communicating opening adjacent the engagement means for accommodating the . sack therethrough to the engagement means, or for accommodating waste through the communicating opening to the refuse sack, a pair of spaced apart side panels 10 secured to the support framework, and a front panel hingedly secured to one of the side panels, the front panel being hingeable from a closed state defining with the side panels and the sack support an interior region for accommodating the refuse sack therein, and an open-state for accommodating access to the interior region for facilitating replacing and removal of the refuse sack, wherein the front panel and the 15 one of the side panels to which the front panel is hingedly secured each comprise a panel member, the panel members of the respective front panel and the side panel being provided with respective ones of at least one pair of interengageable complementary formations for hingedly coupling the front panel to the side panel.

20 2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which the interengageable complementary formations are interengageable with a snap-fit action.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which each panel member comprises a longitudinally extending first side edge and a spaced apart opposite longitudinally

22

extending second side edge, the first and second side edges extending between transversely extending spaced apart opposite end edges, and a plurality of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations being provided spaced apart along the first side edges of the respective panel members.

5

4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which one interengageable complementary formation of each pair of interengageable complementary formations comprises a pivot pin extending into a securing recess formed in the corresponding panel member, and the other interengageable complementary formation comprises

10 at least one hinge bracket formed on the other panel member for pivotally engaging the corresponding pivot pin.

5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 in which the hinge bracket of each pair of interengageable complementary formations is provided with an engagement slot

15 formed therein open at one end for pivotally engaging the corresponding pivot pin.

6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which the hinge bracket of each pair of interengageable complementary formations extends into the corresponding securing recess for pivotally engaging the pivot pin therein.

20

7. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 6 in which each panel member comprises at least one pivot pin of one of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations, and at least one of the hinge bracket of another one of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations.

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8. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 in which each pivot pin of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations is located on the corresponding panel member between an intermediate location intermediate the respective end edges of

5 the panel member and one of the end edges thereof, and each hinge bracket of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations is located between the intermediate location and the other end edge of the panel member.

9. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 or 8 in which each panel member is

10 provided with two pivot pins of two of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations, and two hinge brackets of two others of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 9 in which the securing recess of 15 each pair of interengageable complementary formations is recessed inwardly into the corresponding panel member from the first side edge thereof.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 10 in which the pivot pin of each pair of interengageable complementary formations extends across the

20 corresponding securing recess from one side thereof to the other.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 11 in which each hinge bracket of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations extends outwardly of the corresponding panel member from the first side edge thereof.

24

13. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 4 to 12 in which each hinge bracket of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations comprises a pair of spaced apart plate members.

5

14. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 13 in which an engagement slot is provided in each plate member for pivotally engaging the corresponding pivot pin.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 14 in which the second side edge 10 of each panel member is a plain side edge.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a securing means is provided for releasably securing the front panel in the closed state.

is 17. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 in which the securing means comprises a resilient latch element extending from the front panel for releasably engaging the sack support.

18. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each side panel is 20 releasably securable to the support framework.

19. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each side panel is releasably securable to the support framework With a snap-fit action.

25

20. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the sack support comprises a top panel.

21. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 20 in which the top panel of the sack support 5 is securable to the support framework.

22. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 20 or 21 in which the top panel of the sack support is releasably securable to the support framework.

10 23. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the engagement means of the sack support comprises an engagement lip extending upwardly from the support panel around at least a portion of the communicating opening for releasably engaging the refuse sack adjacent the open mouth.

15 24. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 23 in which the engagement lip of the sack support is shaped to receive a portion of the sack adjacent the open mouth folded back over the engagement lip, and to receive a ligature extending around the engagement lip and the folded back portion of the sack for releasably securing the sack thereto.

20

25. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 20 or 21 in which the engagement lip is provided in a plurality of segments located at spaced apart intervals around the communicating opening of the sack support.

26

26. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the support framework is operable between a collapsed state and an erected state.

27. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 26 in which the support framework comprises 5 a pair of frames pivotally coupled together and pivotal between the collapsed state and the erected state.

28. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 27 in which each frame of the support framework comprising a top member and an opposite spaced apart bottom member

10 extending between and connected to respective opposite spaced apart side members, each top member being engageable with the sack support, and each bottom member being engageable with the ground.

29. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 28 in which adjacent ones of the side

15 members of the respective frames of the support framework are pivotally coupled to each other for pivoting the respective frames between the collapsed state and the erected state.

30. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 28 or 29 in which the side members of the 20 frames of the support framework are securable to the side panels.

31. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 28 to 30 in which the side members of the frames of the support framework are releasably securable to the side panels.

27

32. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 26 to 31 in which a retaining means is provided for retaining and securing the support framework in the erected state.

33. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each side panel 5 comprises a panel member and at least one interengageable complementary formation of a corresponding one of the pairs of interengageable complementary formations, and a pair of front panels are provided, one of the front panels being hingedly coupled to one of the side panels, and the other front panel being hingedly coupled to the other of the side panels.

10

34. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 33 in which a pair of sack supports are provided.

35. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the apparatus is of 15 modular construction for facilitating securing a plurality of apparatus together.

36. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 35 in which the plurality of apparatus are releasably securable together.

20 37. Apparatus for facilitating the collection of waste, the apparatus being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 17 of the accompanying drawings.

38.

Apparatus for facilitating the collection of waste, the apparatus being

28

substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 18 to 21 of the accompanying drawings.

39. Apparatus for facilitating the collection of waste, the apparatus being

5 substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 22 and 23 of the accompanying drawings.

40. Apparatus for facilitating the collection of waste, the apparatus being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 24 and

10 25 of the accompanying drawings.

41. A kit of parts for forming apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the kit of parts comprises a support framework, a sack support, a pair of side panels and a front panel.

15

42. A kit of parts for forming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 40, the kit of parts being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 17 of the accompanying drawings.

20 43. A kit of parts for forming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 40, the kit of parts being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 18 to 21 of the accompanying drawings.

44. A kit of parts for forming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 40, the

29

kit of parts being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 22 and 23 of the accompanying drawings.

45. A kit of parts for forming apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 14, the s kit of parts being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25 of the accompanying drawings.