GB2476240A

GB2476240A - Device for securing a refuse bin

Info

Publication number: GB2476240A
Application number: GB0921866A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Colin Hill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-12-15
Filing date: 2009-12-15
Publication date: 2011-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-15
Also published as: WO2011073651A1; GB2476240B; GB0921866D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for securing and locking a wheelie bin (100) in a fixed position, such as to a wall or a fixed frame (40, fig 4). The device comprises a support member (12) having at each end (12a; 12b) a rotating arm locator (14a; 14b) such as elongate slots (24). A rotating arm (16) is retained in said locators in a manner allowing both rotation and a degree of vertical movement at each end. The rotating arm has means to retain the bin handle (110) shaped so as to securely retain the bin to the support member of the device, such as hooks (18). The rotating arm further comprises a handle or lever (20) allowing the device to be locked when the rotating arm has been rotated to secure the bin against the support member of the device, preferably by a padlock or locking mechanism. The device may also comprise a bin lid restrictor (30) to prevent unauthorised access; this may take the form of a pad or bar (36) that projects over the lid of the bin.

Description

DEVICE FOR SECURING A BIN

[0001] This invention relates to a device for securing a bin in a fixed location to prevent it from being removed. More particularly it related to a device for securing one or more wheelie bins in a fixed location and additionally, in a preferred embodiment, it may prevent access to the bin's contents.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The prior art shows the existence of devices designed to secure a bin to a surface or structure, e.g. a wall, and I or clamp shut a bin lid preventing access.

[0003] By way of example, GB2337788 discloses a mounting bracket with a retaining member that is rotatably attached to the bracket and is rotatable between a locked state, where the bin is captive in the lock, and an unlocked state, where the bin is free from the lock.

A lock plate and pad lock is provided to secure the device in it's locked state.

[0004] Such a device has a number of limitations, including: i) unease of locking (it requires the lock plate to be threaded through apertures in the bracket), ii) the inability of the device to operate effectively on uneven ground, iii) a requirement for a structure against which it can be fitted, iv) it's specificity to a single bin type and handle design, and v) difficulty of use for the disabled and visually impaired.

One or more of these problems are addressed by the present invention

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a device, intended to be fixed against a surface, for securing a bin thereto, comprising: a. A support member having at each end a rotating arm locator; b. A rotating arm which is retained in said locators in a manner allowing both rotation and a degree of vertical movement at each end; c. Said rotating arm having, associated therewith, one or a plurality of bin handle retaining means shaped so as to securely retain the bin to the device; d. Said rotating arm further comprising a handle supporting part of a mechanism allowing the device to be "locked" when the rotating arm has been rotated to secure the bin against the device.

[0006] Preferably each locator comprises an elongate slot thereby allowing the rotating arm a degree of movement vertically at each end.

[0007] Preferably the rotating arm is retained in the elongate slot by a splayed cap.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment the device further comprising a bin lid restrictor. Preferably the bin lid restrictor comprises a plate member which projects over at least part of the bin lid and is constructed to be connected to the rotating arm on assembly by a user.

[0009] In one embodiment the support member is adapted for wall mounting.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment the device further comprises a frame to raise it to an operational height. The frame may be height adjustable to allow it to be adapted for use with different sized bins. Generally the frame comprises ground anchors.

[0011] In another embodiment the frame supports a plurality of devices allowing a plurality of bins to be secured thereto. This is particular useful for use in tenement blocks etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device of the invention, adapted for wall mounting, with a bin locked thereto; Fig 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device of the invention, adapted for wall mounting, with a bin in an unlocked position; Fig 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device of the invention with a bin lid restrictor; Fig 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment in which a plurality of devices are mounted on a frame; Fig 5 is a perspective view of a device of a forth embodiment, illustrating a different locking mechanism, and Fig 6 is a perspective view of yet a further embodiment, illustrating an alternative design of the bin lid restrictor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Figs 1 and 2 illustrate a device (10) according to a first embodiment of the invention.

In Fig 1, the device is shown with a bin (100) in a "securely retained" and "locked" position whereas in Fig 2 the bin is neither "securely retained" nor "locked".

[0014] The device (10), which in this embodiment is a wall mounted device, comprises an elongate support member (12) having at each end (12a; 12b) rotating arm locators (14a, 14b) in the form of elongate slots (24) which allows a rotating arm (16) which is retained therein in a manner allowing it to both rotate and be vertically adjusted (to a degree) such that the device can compensate for the bin being secured on uneven ground. The rotating arm (16) is retained in the elongate slots (24) by way of splayed caps (26). The rotating arm (16) has associated therewith and mounted thereon, two suitably "C-shaped" hooks (18) which are shaped to securely retain the bin (100) against the support member (12) by securely engaging the bins handle (110). The rotating arm is operated by a handle or lever (20), disposed at one end of the rotating arm (16), which in this embodiment takes the form of a plate with an aperture (22a) which serves as one element of a lock mechanism (22) which further comprises a lug (22b) which passes through the aperture (22a) and a padlock (22c) which can lock the handle or lever in a position whereby the bib is securely retained. The way the device operates is best seen by comparing Fig 1 (Bin secured and locked) with Fig 2 (Bin positioned, but neither secured nor locked.) The device may be made of any suitable tough and durable material, such as mild steel, which may be coated to provide a suitable finish. The device may be fixed to a wall by means of screws which pass through apertures (28) provided in the support member (12), but which are not shown in this embodiment.

[0015] In use the device of the described embodiment is fixed to a wall at an appropriate height such that the elongate support member (12) abuts the wall. A bin (100) is then placed up against the support member (12), such that the handle (110) of the bin faces the support member. The handle or lever (20) of the device is lifted (shown part lifted in Fig 2) as required and then lowered such that the "C-shaped" hooks (18) mounted on the rotating floating arm (16) swing over the handle (110) of the bin (100) retaining it against the support member (12).

In the event that the bin is located on uneven ground, the rotating arm can "float" in elongate slots (24) allowing it to move up or down a little at either end (12a, 12b) thus compensating for any ground unevenness or mounting inaccuracy (when the device is wall mounted). The lever (20), in the "secure retained" position lies flush with a member (28) which extends from the support member (12) and carries a lug (22b) which forms part of the lock means (22) together with an aperture (22a) in the handle (20) and a padlock (22c). Thus, the secured bin can be "locked" in the secured position.

[0016] Fig 3 describes a modification in which the rotating arm (16) carries a restrictor (30) which engages a bin lid (120) preventing the bin lid being opened when the device is in it's securely retained and locked position. The restrictor (30) in Fig 3 is an elongate plate member of a length which projects far enough across the bin lid (preferably at least a third and more preferably at least half way across) to prevent it from being opened. It comprises an arm (32), an end (34) via which it is connected to the rotating arm (16) and a pad (36) remote from the end which connects it to the arm (16).

[0017] Fig 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the device, rather than being wall mounted, is supported on a frame (40) which raises itto an operational height. In the embodiment illustrated the frame comprises two legs (42a, 42b) and a cross piece (44) which may constitute an elongate support member (12) or which can carry an elongate support member (12). The frame may carry or incorporate one or more devices (10) for securing a bin. The frame may further comprise feet (46) with apertures (48) allowing ground anchors (not shown) to fix it in a given location. It will be apparent that frame mounted devices could take various forms allowing the securing and locking of multiple bins.

[0018] Fig 5 illustrates an alternative device for wall mounting. It is substantially the same as that of the device illustrated in Figs 1 and 2, but is shown without a bin, and carries a different lock means (22) (which can equally well be used on a frame held device). In this embodiment the handle (20) carries a key operated lock (22d) which operates a lever (22e) which engages a retainer (22f) which is carried on an extension from the support member (12). Also illustrated are apertures (28) for facilitating wall mounting.

[0019] Fig 6 illustrates a further modification to the Fig 5 embodiment. It carries a bin lid restrictor (30). This restrictor (Compare to the Fig 3 embodiment) is designed for assembly in situ, making it's transportation and packaging simpler. It, like the Fig 3 embodiment, comprises an arm (32), an end (34) via which it is connected to the rotating arm (16) and a pad (36) remote from the end which connects it to the arm (16). The end (34) is welded or otherwise permanently secured to the rotating arm (16). However, the end (34) incorporates a box section (38) into which the arm (32) can be fitted (after transportation) and secured by way of, for example, screws or lugs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device (10), intended to be fixed against a surface, for securing a bin (100) thereto, corn prisi ng: a. A support rnernber (12), having at each end (12a; 12b) a rotating arrn locator (14a; 14b); b. A rotating arrn (16) which is retained in said locators in a rnanner allowing both rotation and a degree of vertical rnovernent at each end; c. Said rotating arm having, associated therewith, one or a plurality of bin handle (110) retaining means (18) shaped so as to securely retain the bin to the device; d. Said rotating arm further cornprising a handle (20) supporting part of a mechanisrn (22) allowing the device to be "locked" when the rotating arrn has been rotated to secure the bin against the device.
2. A device as clairned in any of the preceding clairns wherein each locator cornprises an elongate slot (24) thereby allowing the rotating arrn a degree of rnovernent vertically at each end.
3. A device as clairned in clairn 2 wherein the rotating arm (16) is retained in the elongate slot (24) by a splayed cap (26).
4. A device as clairned in any of the preceding clairns further cornprising a bin lid (120) restrictor (30).
5. A device as clairned in clairn 4 wherein the bin lid restrictor cornprises is a pad which projects over at least part of the bin lid.
6. A device as clairned in clairn 4 or 5 wherein part of the bin lid restrictor is constructed to be connected to the rotating arrn on assernbly by a user.
7. A device as clairned in any of the preceding wherein the support rnember (12) is adapted (28) for wall rnounting.
8. A device as clairned in any of clairns 1 to 6 further comprising a frarne (40) to raise it to an operational height.
9. A device as clairned in clairn 8 in which the frarne comprises ground anchors.
10. A device as clairned in clairn 8 or 9 wherein the frarne supports a plurality of devices (10) allowing a plurality of bins (100) to be secured thereto.