GB2457942A

GB2457942A - Rubbish bin insert

Info

Publication number: GB2457942A
Application number: GB0803831A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gillian Aspel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-29
Filing date: 2008-02-29
Publication date: 2009-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 2028-02-29
Also published as: GB0803831D0; EP2257483A1; WO2009106807A1; GB2457942B

Abstract

A rubbish bin insert 1 comprises a first portion arranged to form in an assembled state a hollow section for inserting into a rubbish bin, the hollow section having a first open end 10 and a second open end 11, the first open end being arranged to receive a bin liner in use, the hollow section tapering inwardly from the first open end to the second open end at a predetermined angle selected to inhibit a vacuum forming between a rubbish bin liner in use and one or more of said rubbish bin insert and a rubbish bin. A method of forming a rubbish bin insert 1 arranged to be locatable in a rubbish bin and to retain a rubbish bin liner comprises forming a hollow section for insertion into a rubbish bin, the hollow section having a first open end 10 and a second open end 11, the first open end being arranged to receive a rubbish bin liner in use, and securing the hollow section such that said section tapers inwardly from the first open end to the second open end at a predetermined angle selected to inhibit a vacuum forming between said rubbish bin liner in use and one or more of said rubbish bin insert and said rubbish bin.

Description

A METHOD OF FORMING A RUBBISH BIN INSERT, AND A RUBBISH BIN AND

INSERT THEREFOR

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a method of forming a rubbish bin insert and a rubbish bin and insert therefor.

Background of the invention

Rubbish bin liners in the form of plastic bags are widely used in domestic and commercial premises to keep the inside of a rubbish bin clean and enable easy emptying of the bin. Problems may arise, however, particularly when the bin is filled to capacity and the bin liner is pressed against the inner walls of the bin. In such cases, it may be difficult to remove the conventional bin liner as a vacuum may be created between the liner and the inner walls of the bin restricting removal of the liner and its contents from the bin. Also, as conventional bin liners are typically made in the form of plastic bags, in such circumstances the liner may be susceptible to tearing if pulled hard to break the vacuum, creating a mess inside and/or outside the bin which may require attention and cleaning.

Thus there is a need for an insert for a bin enabling quick and easy removal of contents from the bin.

Summary of the invention

In broad terms, the present invention relates to a method of forming a rubbish bin insert and a rubbish bin and insert therefor, and an insert itself, the insert being formed of a hollow section insertable into a rubbish bin and tapering at an angle selected to inhibit a vacuum forming between the rubbish bin liner in use and one or more of the rubbish bin insert and the rubbish bin.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a rubbish bin insert arranged to be locatable in a rubbish bin and to retain a rubbish bin liner, the method comprising the steps of forming a hollow section for insertion into a rubbish bin, the hollow section having a first open end and a second open end, the first open end being arranged to receive a rubbish bin liner in use; and securing the hollow section such that said section tapers inwardly from the first open end to the second open end at a predetermined angle selected to inhibit a vacuum forming between said rubbish bin liner in use and one or more of said rubbish bin insert and said rubbish bin.

Preferably, the hollow section is a hollow frustro-conical section and has a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and the step of securing the holbw section comprises securing said section such that the predetermined angle is between around 5 to 10 degrees from an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis extending through the hollow section.

In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises forming the rubbish bin insert from a sheet of material and flexing the material to form the hollow section.

Preferably, the step of forming said insert comprises forming said insert of polypropylene material.

In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises: forming said insert from a sheet of flexible material having a plurality of retaining tabs extending therefrom; and the step of securing the hollow section comprises securing the retaining tabs to retain the insert in the assembled state.

Preferably, the retaining tabs comprise an adhesive portion, the step of securing the retaining tabs comprising adhering the tabs to a portion of the hollow section to retain the insert in the assembled state.

Preferably, the retaining tabs extend from the hollow section; and wherein the step of securing the tabs comprises locating the tabs in corresponding apertures in the hollow section.

In a preferred embodiment, the retaining tabs comprise trapezium shaped tabs extending from the hollow section; the step of securing the tabs comprising locating the trapezium shaped tabs in said apertures and retaining the tabs therein.

In a further preferred embodiment, the retaining tabs may comprise a flap section, and wherein the step of securing the tabs comprises flexing said flap sections to retain a portion of the hollow section adjacent the corresponding apertures thereby retaining the insert in the assembled state.

In one preferred embodiment, the method may comprises forming the rubbish bin insert using injection moulding.

Preferably, the step of forming said insert comprises forming said insert from a material having anti-odour properties.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a rubbish bin and insert therefor comprising: a rubbish bin having an outer shell; and an insert comprising a first portion having a hollow section arranged to be inserted into the outer shell of the rubbish bin, the hollow section having a first open end and a second open end, the hollow section tapering inwardly from the first open end to the second open end at a predetermined angle, the first open end being arranged to receive a bin liner in use, the predetermined angle being such as to inhibit a vacuum forming between said rubbish bin liner and one or more of said rubbish bin insert and said rubbish bin.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a rubbish bin insert comprising a first portion arranged to form in an assembled state a hollow section for inserting into a rubbish bin, the hollow section having a first open end and a second open end, the first open end being arranged to receive a bin liner in use; the hollow section tapering inwardly from the first open end to the second open end at a predetermined angle selected to inhibit a vacuum forming between a rubbish bin liner in use and one or more of said rubbish bin insert and a rubbish bin, and a pack with instructions for use of said insert as a rubbish bin insert.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a rubbish bin insert comprising a first portion arranged to form in an assembled state a hollow section for inserting into a rubbish bin, the hollow section having a first open end and a second open end, the first open end being arranged to receive a bin liner in use; the hollow section tapering inwardly from the first open end to the second open end at a predetermined angle selected to inhibit a vacuum forming between a rubbish bin liner in use and one or more of said rubbish bin insert and a rubbish bin.

Preferably, the hollow section comprises a frustro-conical section and preferably has a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and wherein the predetermined angle is between around 5 to 10 degrees from an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis extending through the hollow section.

Preferably, the rubbish bin insert is formed from a sheet of material flexed the material to form the hollow section.

In a preferred embodiment, the insert is formed of polypropylene material.

Preferably, the insert further comprises a plurality of retaining tabs extending from said hollow section to retain the insert in the assembled state.

In a preferred embodiment, the retaining tabs comprise an adhesive portion to adhere the tabs to a portion of the hollow section to retain the insert in the assembled state.

Preferably, the retaining tabs extend from the hollow section; the tabs being locatable in corresponding apertures in the hollow section.

In a preferred embodiment, the retaining tabs comprise trapezium shaped tabs.

Preferably, the retaining tabs comprise a flap section, said flap section being flexible to retain a portion of the hollow section adjacent the corresponding apertures thereby retaining the insert in the assembled state.

Preferably, the insert is formed of polypropylene material.

In a preferred embodiment. the rubbish bin insert is injection moulded.

Preferably, the insert is formed from a material having anti-odour properties.

Brief Description of the drawings

The present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure Ia is a perspective view of an insert for a bin according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure lb is a further perspective view of the insert of Figure la; Figure lc is a plan view of the insert of Figure Ia prior to assembFy Figure Id is a side elevation of the insert of Figure Ia; Figure le isa plan view of the assembled insert of Figure Ia; Figure If is a view of a section of the inside of the assembled insert of Figure Ia showing the retaining tabs for retaining the insert in the assembled state; Figure Ig is a view of a section of the outside of the assembled insert of Figure la showing the retaining tabs for retaining the insert in the assembled state; Figure 2a is a perspective view of an insert for a bin according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2b is a further perspective view of the insert of Figure 2a; Figure 2c is a plan view of the insert of Figure 2a prior to assembly; Figure 2d is a side elevation of the insert of Figure 2a; Figure 2e is a plan view of the assembled insert of Figure 2a; Figure 2f is a view of a section of the inside of the assembled insert of Figure 2a showing the retaining tabs for retaining the insert in the assembled state; Figure 2g is a view of a section of the outside of the assembled insert of Figure Ia showing the retaining tabs for retaining the insert in the assembled state; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the insert according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a preferred taper angle of the sides of the insert with the horizontal axis; and Figure 4 is a sectional elevation through a rubbish bin into which an insert according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been inserted.

Detailed description of preferred embodimenis

Figures Ia to Ig show schematically a first preferred embodiment of the present invention and Figures 2a to 2g show schematically a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals have been used in each of these figures to denote identical components.

As shown in Figures la and Ib, according to a first preferred embodiment, an insert I for a bin embodying the present invention comprises, in the assembled state, a tapered cylindrical device 2 which is retained in the assembled state by a number of retaining tabs 4. As shown in Figure ic which illustrates the insert I in the unassembled condition, the retaining tabs 4 extend from and are spaced along a first side edge 6 of the insert 1. The retaining tabs 4 are retainable in corresponding apertures 7 spaced adjacent a second side edge 8 of the insert I when the device is assembled by bending the insert I to insert the tabs 4 in the corresponding apertures 7.

As shown in Figure Ic, in the unassembled state, the insert I may be in the form of a flat sheet of material shaped such that when in the assembled state, as shown in Figures la and lb. a hollow and substantially frustro-conical shaped device is formed having an opening at each end 10, II. In a further preferred embodiment (not shown), the insert I may be formed as a hollow section having a different tapered shape other than frustro-conical, such as any polygonal shape.

Figures Id to Ig show a preferred form of the retaining tabs 4 for use in the first preferred embodiment. Preferably, each retaining tab 4 is integrally formed with the insert I and has a substantially trapezium shaped cross-section extending from the first side edge 6 of the insert I and tapering outwardly therefrom such that the free edge 12 of the tab 4 has a greater length than the edge adjacent the first side edge 6 of the insert 1. The apertures 7 are preferably defined by a square or rectangular cut-out in the insert 2 adjacent the second side edge 8 of the insert 1. To enable the tabs 4 to be retained in the apertures 7 in the assembled state, as shown Figures Ig and 1 f, the apertures 7 have a width less than the length of the free edge 12 of the tabs 4 enabling the tapered portions of the tabs 4 to be retained in the apertures 8 and to be inhibited from removal from the apertures 7 by the free edge 12 of the tabs 4 extending beyond the edges of the apertures 7.

Figures 2a to 2g show a second preferred embodiment of the present invention which differs from that shown in Figures la to Ig solely in the shape of the retaining tabs 4 and corresponding apertures 7. In the second preferred embodiment, the apertures 17 are defined preferably by substantially rectangular shaped cut-outs adjacent the second side edge 8 of the insert. The retaining tabs 18 are preferably formed of a protruding section 19 extending from the first side edge 6 of the insert I which is inserted into a corresponding aperture 17 and has a flap portion 20 which, in the assembled state, is flexed away from the outer surface of the protruding section 19 and, as shown in Figure 2g, retains the portion of the insert 1 extending between an edge of the aperture 17 and the second side edge 8 of the insert between the outer surface of the protruding section 19 and the inner surface of the flap portion 20.

In the second embodiment, the flap portions 20 are preferably substantially semicircular and are formed by making a semicircular cut in the protruding section 19 of the tab 18. It will be appreciated that whilst a substantially semicircular shape is preferred, alternative shaped tabs and flaps could be used in the present invention.

As shown in Figure 3, for either the first or second embodiments of the present invention, it is preferable that the taper angle of the sides of the insert I in the assembled state is between around 5 to 10 degrees from an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis extending through the insert 1, that is, between around 80 to 85 degrees from the horizontal axis shown in Figure 3.

In use, the insert I according to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention may be supplied in the fiat configuration as shown in Figures Ic and 2c and assembled prior to use. Assembly of the insert I requires the side edges 6, 8 of the insert 1 to be brought together and the tabs 4, 18 to be inserted into corresponding apertures 7, 17 to retain the insert 1 in the assembled state. Once assembled, as shown in Figure 4, the insert 1 may be inserted into a conventional bin 30 with the smaller end of the insert 1 being placed into the bin first, and a conventional bin liner 32, in the form of a plastic bag, may then be inserted into the frustro-conically shaped insert 1.

The insert 1 preferably fits just under the rim of the conventional bin 30 and different sizes of insert may be made to suit different sizes of bin.

When it is desired to remove the bin liner 32 and empty the contents of the bin 30, the conventional bin liner 32 may be quickly and easily removed form the insert I as the conical shape and predetermined tapering angle of the insert 1 according to the present invention inhibits a vacuum being formed between the bin liner 32 and the bin 30 and/or the insert 1. A taper angle of around between 5 to 10 degrees from the longitudinal axis, as shown in Figure 3, is considered to be particularly preferable to inhibit a vacuum being formed.

In a preferred embodiment the insert 1 may be formed of polypropylene material and/or may be formed of a material treated to have anti-odour properties.

In summary, the present invention provides a quick and easy system for removing conventional bin liners from conventional bins without the need for adaptation of either a conventional bin or liner therefore. Also, the insert may be used in differently shaped conventional bins, including, for example, oval, cylindrical, square or rectangular shaped bins.

Various modifications to the embodiments of the present invention described above may be made. For example, other components and method steps can be added or substituted for those above. In particular, although the invention has been described as having shaped retaining tabs which are retained in apertures, in further alternative preferred embodiments, retaining tabs could comprise an adhesive portion which adheres to a portion of the insert to retain the insert in the assembled state. Thus, although the invention has been described above using particular embodiments, many variations are possible within the scope of the claims, as will be clear to the skilled reader, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of forming a rubbish bin insert arranged to be locatable in a rubbish bin and to retain a rubbish bin liner, the method comprising the steps of forming a hollow section for insertion into a rubbish bin, the hollow section having a first open end and a second open end, the first open end being arranged to receive a rubbish bin liner in use; and securing the hollow section such that said section tapers inwardly from the first open end to the second open end at a predetermined angle selected to inhibit a vacuum forming between said rubbish bin liner in use and one or more of said rubbish bin insert and said rubbish bin.
2. The method according to daim 1, wherein the hollow section has a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and wherein the step of securing the hollow section comprises secunng said section such that the predetermined angle is between around to 10 degrees from an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis extending through the hollow section.
3. The method according to any one of daims the preceding daims, wherein the method comprises forming the rubbish bin insert from a sheet of material and flexing the material to form the hollow section.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step of forming said insert comprises forming said insert of polypropylene material.
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: forming said insert from a sheet of flexible material having a plurality of retaining tabs extending therefrom; and the step of securing the securing the hollow section comprises securing the retaining tabs to retain the insert in the assembled state.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the retaining tabs comprise an adhesive portion, the step of securing the retaining tabs comprising adhering the tabs to a portion of the hollow section to retain the insert in the assembled state.
7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the retaining tabs extend from the hollow section; and wherein the step of securing the tabs comprises locating the tabs in corresponding apertures in the hollow section.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the retaining tabs comprise trapezium shaped tabs extending from the hollow section; the step of securing the tabs comprising locating the trapezium shaped tabs in said apertures and retaining the tabs therein.
9. The method according to claim 5, wherein the retaining tabs comprise a flap section, and wherein the step of securing the tabs comprises flexing said flap sections to retain a portion of the hollow section adjacent the corresponding apertures thereby retaining the insert in the assembled state.
10. The method according to any one of claims I or 2, wherein the method comprises forming the rubbish bin insert using injection moulding.
11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of forming said insert comprises forming said insert from a material having anti-odour properties.
12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of forming a hollow section comprises forming a hollow fiustro-conical section.
13. A rubbish bin and insert therefor comprising: a rubbish bin having an outer shell; and an insert comprising a first portion having a hollow section arranged to be inserted into the outer shell of the rubbish bin, the hollow section having a first open end and a second open end, the hollow section tapenng inwardly from the first open end to the second open end at a predetermined angle, the first open end being arranged to receive a bin liner in use, the predetermined angle being such as to inhibit a vacuum forming between said rubbish bin liner and one or more of said rubbish bin insert and said rubbish bin.
14. The rubbish bin and insert therefor according to claim 13, wherein the hollow section has a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and wherein the predetermined angle is between around 5 to 10 degrees from an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis extending through the hollowsection.
15. The rubbish bin and insert therefor according to claim 14, wherein the rubbish bin insert is formed from a sheet of material flexed the material to form the hollow section.
16. The rubbish bin and insert therefor according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the insert is formed of polypropylene material.
17. The rubbish bin and insert therefor according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the insert further compnses a plurality of retaining tabs extending from said hollow section to retain the insert in the assembled state.
18. The rubbish bin and insert therefor according to claim 17, wherein the retaining tabs comprise an adhesive portion to adhere the tabs to a portion of the hollow section to retain the insert in the assembled state.
19. The rubbish bin and insert therefor according to claim 17, wherein the retaining tabs extend from the hollow section; the tabs being locatable in corresponding apertures in the hollow section.
20. The rubbish bin and insert therefor according to daim 19, wherein the retaining tabs comprise tiapezium shaped tabs.
21. The rubbish bin and insert therefor according to claim 17, wherein the retaining tabs compnse a flap section, said flap section being flexible to retain a portion of the hollow section adjacent the corresponding apertures thereby retaining the insert in the assembled state.
22. The rubbish bin and insert therefor according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the rubbish bin insert is injection moulded.
23. The rubbish bin and insert therefor according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the insert is formed from a material having anti-odour properties.
24. The rubbish bin and insert therefore according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the hollow section comprises a hollow frustro-conical section.
25. A rubbish bin insert comprising a first portion arranged to form in an assembled state a hollow section for inserting into a rubbish bin, the hollow section having a first open end and a second open end, the first open end being arranged to receive a bin liner in use; the hollow section tapering inwardly from the first open end to the second open end at a predetermined angle selected to inhibit a vacuum forming between a rubbish bin liner in use and one or more of said rubbish bin insert and a rubbish bin, and a pack with instructions for use of said insert as a rubbish bin insert.
26. A rubbish bin insert comprising a first portion arranged to form in an assembled state a hollow section for inserting into a rubbish bin, the holbw section having a first open end and a second open end, the first open end being arranged to receive a bin liner in use; the hollow section tapering inwardly from the first open end to the second open end at a predetermined angle selected to inhibit a vacuum forming between a rubbish bin liner in use and one or more of said rubbish bin insert and a rubbish bin.
27. The rubbish bin insert according to any one of daims 25 or 26, wherein the first and second open ends thereof each have an associated diameter, the diameter of the second open end being less than the diameter of the first open end.S
28. The rubbish bin insert according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the hollow section has a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and wherein the step of securing the hollow section comprises securing said section such that the predetermined angle is between around 5 to 10 degrees from an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis extending through the hollow section.
29. The rubbish bin insert according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein said insert is formed from a sheet of material flexed to form the hollow section.
30. The rubbish bin insert according to any one of daims 25 to 29, wherein the insert is formed of polypropylene material.
31. The rubbish bin insert according to any one of claims 25 to 30, wherein the insert further comprises a plurality of retaining tabs to retain the insert in the assembled state.
32. The rubbish bin insert according to claim 31, wherein the retaining tabs extends from said hollow section along a first side edge thereof.
33. The rubbish bin insert according to any one of claims 31 or 32, wherein the retaining tabs comprise an adhesive portion to adhere the tabs to a portion of the hollow section to retain the insert in the assembled state.
35. The rubbish bin insert according to any one of claims 31 or 32, wherein the retaining tabs extend from the hollow section: the tabs being locatable in corresponding apertures in the hollow section.
35. The rubbish bin insert according to claim 34, wherein the retaining tabs comprise trapezium shaped tabs.
36. The rubbish bin insert according to daim 34, wherein the retaining tabs comprise a flap section, said flap section being flexible to retain a portion of the hollow section adjacent the corresponding apertures thereby retaining the insert in the assembled state.
37. The rubbish bin insert according to any one of daims 25 to 28, wherein the rubbish bin insert is injection moulded.
38. The rubbish bin insert according to any one of claims 25 to 37, wherein the insert is formed from a material having anti-odour properties.
39. The rubbish bin insert according to any one of claims 25 to 38, wherein the insert comprises a hollow frustro-conical section.
40. A method of forming an insert for a rubbish bin substantially as hereinbefore descnbed with reference to any one embodiment as that embodiment is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
41. A rubbish bin and insert therefor substantially as hereinbefore descnbed with reference to any one embodiment as that embodiment is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
42. A rubbish bin insert substantially as hereinbefore desctibed with reference to any one embodiment as that embodiment is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.