GB2483230A

GB2483230A - Stacking bins accessible without protrusions

Info

Publication number: GB2483230A
Application number: GB201014399A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leigh Pearson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-31
Filing date: 2010-08-31
Publication date: 2012-03-07
Also published as: GB201014399D0

Abstract

A set of bins 1-3 are stacked vertically so that each bin receives a particular kind of waste to be separately recycled. Each bin 2 includes a recess 5 near its base to give access to the bin below 1. Thus the bins need not have protruding access hatches resulting in improved appearance. The bins engage via pushfit, screwing, clips, or other means. There is preferably a skirt 9 around the base of the lowest bin to add weight and stability. Different bins within one tower can have different depths depending on the volume required for different types of waste. The set of bins can be provided in various diameters to receive more waste altogether. The stack is ideally cylindrical but may be a prism with the cross section of any regular polygon. Each bin can include handles 7. There may be a locking lid 8 provided on the top bin only or on each bin. Each bin can receive an inner bin. The bins are preferably colour coded and may be formed from recyclable material.

Description

Tubin Stacking Recycling Bins This invention relates to the convenience and encouragement of recycling within the home through aesthetically pleasing, stacking bins.

The majority of homes in the UK still have a relatively small single bin underneath the sink, but three comparatively large recycling bins outside. This means that conveniently, efficiently and effectively separating waste is less likely. There are already bins on the market that either: a) compartmentalize an already small existing bin space under the sink into three even smaller separate spaces for recycling, or b) create a tower of decent-sized recycling bins that is both unattractive and liable to toppling over.

This invention encourages recycling within the home by joining multiple cylindrical bins, oriented and stacked vertically, into a smooth overall cylinder, with recessed rather than protruding access hatches for waste disposal. The stacked bins are held together via a snug LEGO' type fit or a screw or other locking mechanism to make the tower more stable and less likely to be knocked over. The access holes into which waste is disposed of are accessed via a recessed dint' in the bin above, rather than having protruding hatches on the relevant bin itself that would otherwise ruin the overall smoothed' appearance of the vertical cylindrical tower.

Having an attractive, inspiring and convenient means of separating waste that provides a decent amount of storage space and won't look out of place or detract from the general decor of a room will result in much more waste being effectively separated and recycled, rather than the majority being sent to land fill, especially if the black bin is the bottom one.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows an assembled vertical system of stacking, interlocking, secure and stable recycling bins.

Figure 2 shows the same system but separated into its individual components, including the upper-most bin's lid and the optional base skirt to provide additional stability.

The tower of bins is built off base unit (1), which provides the stability of the entire stacked unit. The base unit's stability is provided by either a firm, flared skirt around the base (9) and/or a weighted bottom to the base unit.

Also, the recess (4) that further up the tower (5 and 6) allows access to the bin below, in the base unit is filled in' to provide a position in which a foot can be placed to anchor the tower when bins need to be separated and emptied.

Towards the top of each bin, on either side, is a pair of (optional) handles (7) for better purchase when separating the bins.

Each additional unit attached to the unit below is essentially the same but for the subtle colour coding on each bin signifying the differing waste materials.

However, the top-most unit is the only one to have a full lid (8) and is therefore designed for food waste. The smaller access holes further down the tower can be designed to have lids if necessary.

Using this stacking system, the differing recycling laws of individual countries or the differing desire of individuals to further separate waste can easily be incorporated into the design by adding any number of units to the stacked system (figure 3).

The possibility of increasing the degree to which waste can be separated and recycled can be further enhanced by offering different-depth bins depending on how much of each category of waste a family feels it produces (figure 4).

In addition, complete systems could be offered with different diameters to allow for the size of room and/or overall amount of waste produced (figures 5 and 6).

Customers will also have the option of buying accompanying bin liners.

Claims

Claims 1. A tower of stacked, interlocking bins, with recessed rather than protruding access hatches, the recesses being in the bottom of the bin above, providing access to the bin below.
2. A tower of stacked bins according to claim 1, in which extra stability is provided by the addition of a skirt' around the base unit.
3. A tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which extra stability is provided by adding extra weight to the base unit.
4. A tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which the separate bins are locked together by the upper bin fitting snugly over the bin below, LEGO' style.
5. A tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which the separate bins are locked together by the upper bin screwing onto the bin below.
6. A tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which the separate bins are locked together with protruding nodes in the upper bin that lock into slots in the bin below or any other form of locking mechanism.
7. A tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which individual bins come in differing depths to allow for households that produce more of one particular waste than another.
8. A complete tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which the overall system comes in different diameters to allow for more waste.
9. A tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which the cross section, rather than being the circle of a cylinder, is a square or hexagon or any other regular shape.
10. A tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which handles are or are not provided for greater purchase.
11. A tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which the upper-most lid contains some form of locking/opening mechanism.
12. A tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which all the access holes, apart from the top one, either have or don't have their own lids.
13. A tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which each bin contains an inner bin.
14. A tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which each bin is colour coded to signify the waste it is designed to hold.
15. A tower of stacked bins according to any of the preceding claims, in which the entire or the majority of the assembly is made from recycled materials.