GB2501716A

GB2501716A - A wheelie bin wheel protector

Info

Publication number: GB2501716A
Application number: GB201207638A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin O'shea
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-02
Filing date: 2012-05-02
Publication date: 2013-11-06
Also published as: GB201207638D0

Abstract

A soft, non abrasive, elongate strip of material 61 includes fastenings 75 so that it can be secured in a loop. It can be used to cover the circumference of the ground engaging face of a wheelie bin wheel 55 to avoid damage to flooring when being wheeled through a house. The fastening means could be hooks and eyes on opposite sides and ends of the strip, or permanent stitching. The strip may be provided with radially inward extending rims with elasticated edges so secure the covers position. Alternatively a circular sheet could extend over one side of the loop, an annular sheet 63 extending over the other side with the wheels axel passing through the opening 65. These side sheets can be cut along their diameter so that the cover can hinge 69 open during fitting. The cover may have a waterproof layer, a water absorbing pad layer, a carpet material layer, and/or a tread engaging projection. A bag with an elasticated mouth could achieve the same result.

Description

"A wheelie bin wheel cover"

Introduction

This invention relates to a wheelie bin wheel cover.

Wheelie bins are used in many countries around the World to temporarily store household refuse until such time that the refuse can be collected by a collection agency and disposed of in an appropriate manner. In many cases, a household will be provided with two or more wheelie bins for their refuse. For example, at present, in many parts of Dublin, Ireland. each household is provided with three separate wheelie bins for their refuse: A first wheelie bin for their general waste, a second wheelie bin for their recyclable waste, and a third wheelie bin for their garden and biodegradable waste.

Typically, in a given area, the collection agency designates a particular day of the week for the collection of each type of wheelie bin and arranges weekly or fortnightly collections of that type of wheelie bin. In order to have their wheelie bins emptied, the occupants of the households leave their wheelie bins out for the collection agency in an accessible location, such as by the kerbside in front of their house, on the designated day. Once emptied, the occupants of the households retrieve their wheelie bins and place them in a convenient location where the wheelie bins may be accessed easily by the occupants and filled once more.

There are many problems with the existing arrangements, particularly for terraced households. It is often inconvenient or undesirable for occupants of terraced households to permanently leave their wheelie bins outside the front of their terraced house. If the wheelie bin is permanently left at the front of a household, it may, inter alia, be an eyesore, present an obstruction to pedestrians and be prone to vandalism. Furthermore, it may require an occupant to carry rubbish from their kitchen, which is typically located at the rear of a house and where most of the household waste is created, through their house and out to the front of Ihe house where the bin is kept which is inconvenient.

Accordingly, many occupants of terraced households prefer to store their wheelie bins in a back yard or garden between collection days where the bin is readily accessible by them, is Dess of an eyesore and is not prone to interference or likely to cause an obstruction to pedestrians. However, this solution is far from ideal. lii order to do this, the wheelie bin must be transported through the household before and after each collection.

As the wheelie bins are placed outside under the elements, the wheels of the wheelie bin may become wet, dirty or pick up grit. As the wheelie bin is wheeled through the household, the wheels may soil any carpet or floor surface that they come into contact with and can scratch wooden, tiled or laminate floor coverings.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to at least some of the above-mentioned problems that is simple to use and inexpensive to manufacture.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover comprising an elongate strip of material dimensioned to extend around the circumference of the wheel, a first side of which is provided with a soft nonabrasive covering and in which there is provided securing means to maintain the elongate strip of material in an annular configuration, circumferentially surrounding the wheel.

By having such a wheelie bin cover, it will be possible to quickly place a cover around each of the wheels and transport the wheelie bin through the household. The covers will prevent damage being caused to the floor or carpet of the household. Once the wheelie bin has been transported through the house, the wheel cover may be removed once more for future use when required.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which a second side of the elongate strip comprises a water resistant layer. By providing a water resistant layer on the second side of the elongate strip, if the wheels are wet the liquid on the wheels can in some instances be contained inside the wheel cover and in that or other instances can be prevented from saturating the soft non-abrasive covering on the first side of the elongate strip of material.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which the securing means to maintain the elongate strip of material in an annular configuration -3..

comprises a hook and eye fastener arrangement. This is seen as a particularly efficient way of allowing quick assembly and disassembly of the wheel cover about a wheel.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which one part of the hook and eye fastener arrangement is mounted on the first side of the elongate strip of material adjacent one end of the elongate strip of material and the other part of the hook and eye fastener arrangement is mounted on the second side of the elongate strip of material adjacent the other end of the elongate strip of material.

in one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which the securing means to maintain the elongate strip of material in an annular configuration comprises stitching and in which the elongate strip of material is maintained permanently in the annular configuration and is constructed at least partially from a resiiiently deformable material.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which there is provided a pair of wheel retaining rims, one on each longitudinal side of the elongate strip of material and extending substantially orthogonal to the elongate strip of material. By having wheel retaining rims, there will be less tendency for the wheel cover to slip off the wheel to one side as the wheelie bin is wheeled through the household.

Furthermore, the wheel rims may assist in preventing egress of any liquid that is on the wheels from the inside of the wheel cover.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which each of the wheel retaining rims is provided with an elasticated insert extending substantially along its length. The elasticated insert will help the wheel rims to grip onto the sides of the wheel forming a close fit with the wheel.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which the elongate strip of material is constructed from a resiliently deformable material. By having a resiliently deformable material, the wheel cover can provide good protection to the floor and also if held in a looped configuration, the elasticity of the material will allow it to be placed around the wheel.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which there is provided an absorbent pad layer on the second side of the elongate strip of material above the water resistant layer. An absorbent pad layer will allow any liquid on the wheels to be absorbed into the pad and prevent the liquid from soiling the floor as the bin is passed through the household.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which there is provided a side portion connected to the elongate strip of material, the side portion and the elongate strip of material thereby forming a substantially hollow cylindrical shape open at one end. By having such a wheelie bin wheel cover, substantially the entire wheel hub will be covered thereby further obviating the transfer of dirt and water from the wheel. Furthermore, the side portion will allow the provision of a handle on the side portion and will cause the wheelie bin wheel cover to maintain its shape, both of which will facilitate placement of the wheelie bin wheel cover on the wheel and removal of the wheelie bin wheel cover from the wheel, Finally, the provision of a side portion will allow for the side portion to be decorated and styled according to the owner's individual tastes and preferences.

in one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which there is provided a second side portion connected to the elongate strip of material substantially closing the open end of the hollow cylinder, the second side portion having a central aperture for throughpassage of a wheelie bin wheel axle therethrough. This is seen as a particularly useful embodiment of the present invention that will substantially encapsulate the entire wheel thereby preventing transfer of dirt and moisture from the wheel.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which there is provided a diametrical cut extending through the hollow cylinder dividing the wheelie bin cover into two parts. This is seen as a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention as the wheelie bin wheel cover can be placed onto a wheel of a bin in a very simple and straightforward manner. The cover can be placed onto the wheel of the bin without the need to lift the bin which is very advantageous.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheeHe bin wheel cover the diametrical cut does not extend across the entire diameter of the cylinder and a portion of the elongate strip of material operates as a hinge joint about which the two parts are hingedly connected.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which the elongate strip of material is constructed from a strip of carpet material. This is seen as useful as the material will be inexpensive to source and will be readily available.

Furthermore, this will aUow reuse of previously used materials.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover in which the second side of the elongate strip of material comprises at east one elongate protuberance extending upwardly therefrom for engagement of a wheel tread. This is also seen as useful as the upstanding protuberances can engage the tread of the wheel thereby forming a strong engagement of the wheel cover with the wheel and preventing sideways movement of the wheel cover on the wheel.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a front view of a wheelie bin wheel cover according to the invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of the wheelie bin wheel cover shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the wheelie bin wheel cover being configured in a looped configuration; Figure 4 is a side view of the wheelie bin wheel cover in a looped configuration; Figure 5 is a side view of a wheelie bin before the wheelie bin wheel cover is put in position on the wheel; Figure 6 is a side view of a wheelie bin after the wheelie bin wheel cover has been put in position on the wheel; Figure 7 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of wheelie bin wheel cover according to the invention; FigureS is an end view of the wheelie bin wheel cover shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is a side view of the wheelie bin wheel cover shown in Figure 7; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a second alternative construction of wheelie bin wheel cover according to the invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view taken from the left side of the wheelie bin wheel cover shown in Figure 10 before being placed on a wheel; Figure 12 is a perspective view taken from the right side of the wheelie bin wheel cover shown in Figure 10 before being placed on a wheel; Figure 13 is a perspective view taken from the right side of the wheelie bin wheel cover shown in Figure 10 mounted on a wheel; Figure 14 is a front view of a third alternative construction of wheelie bin wheel cover according to the invention; Figure iSis rearviewofthewheelie binwheel covershown in Figure 14; Figure 16 is a front perspective view of the wheelie bin wheel cover shown in Figure 14; Figure 17 is a front perspective view of the wheelie bin wheel cover shown in Figure 14 before being mounted on a wheel; Figure 18 is a rear perspective view of the wheelie bin wheel cover shown in Figure 14 being mounted on a wheel; Figure 19 is a front perspective view of the wheelie bin wheel cover shown in Figure 14 being mounted on a wheel; Figure 20 is a front perspective view of the wheelie bin wheel cover shown in Figure 14 being mounted on a wheel after the wheel has been rotated through 900; and Figure 21 is a front perspective view of the wheelie bin wheel cover shown in Figure 14 being mounted on a wheel after the wheel has been rotated through 18C°.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, there is shown a wheelie bin wheel cover, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 comprising an elongate strip of material 3 having a first side 5 provided with a soft, non-abrasive covering and a second side 7. The wheelie bin cover further comprises securing means to maintain the elongate strip of material in an annular configuration (as illustrated in Figure 4), circumferentially surrounding a wheel (not shown). The securing means comprises a hook and eye fastener arrangement, such as that sold under the registered trade mark Velcro®, with one pad 9 of the hook and eye fastener arrangement mounted on the first side 5 of the elongate strip of material adjacent one end 11 thereof and the other part 13 of the hook and eye fastener arrangement mounted on the second side 7 of the elongate strip of material adjacent the other end 15 thereof.

The second side 7 of the elongate strip of material preferably comprises a water resistant layer. Advantageously, there may also be provided an absorbent pad (not shown) on the second side 7 of the elongate strip of material to absorb moisture on the wheel (not shown). In order to configure the elongate strip of material into a looped configuration as shown in Figure 4, the end 15 of the elongate strip of material is caused to overlap the other end 11 of the strip of elongate material by drawing the two ends together in the direction of the arrows A in Figure 3 and the two parts 9, 13 of the hook and eye fastener arrangement are brought into engagement with each other.

If the elongate strip of material comprises a resiliently deformable section or indeed is constructed from a resiliently deformable material, the wheelie bin wheel cover in the looped configuration may then be placed over a wheel. Alternatively, the strip of material 1 may be laid out flat (i.e. in a non-looped configuration) and a wheel of a bin may be placed substantially centrally along the length of the strip of material. Once in position, the two ends 11 15 of the elongate strip of material may be drawn upwards together to surround the wheel and the two parts 9, 13 of the hook and eye fastener arrangement are then brought into engagement with each other.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6 inclusive, there is shown a side view of a wheelie bin, indicated general by the reference numeral 21 having a pair of rear wheels 23, only one of which is shown. In Figure 5, the wheelie bin wheel cover 1 is shown separated from the wheel and in Figure 6, the wheelie bin wheel cover I is shown circumferentially surrounding the wheel 23. ln this configuration (Figure 6), the wheelie bin wheel cover will surround the wheel and prevent the wheel from causing damage to a floor on which it moves.

Referring to Figures 7 to 9 inclusive, there is shown an alternative embodiment of wheelie bin wheel cover according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 31, where like parts have been given the same reference numeral as before.

The wheelie bin wheel cover 31 comprises a pair of a pair of wheel retaining rims 33, 35, one on each longitudinal side of the elongate strip of material 3 and extending substantially orthogonal to the elongate strip of material. The wheel retaining rims 33, 35 are each provided with an elasticated insert (not shown) extending substantially along their length. As the wheelie bin wheel cover is placed around a wheel 37, as shown in ghost outline in Figure 9, the wheel retaining rims 33, 35 will extend along the side of the wheel. This will assist in preventing inadvertent dislodgement of the wheelie bin wheel cover 31 from the wheel 37 and further will help to retain any moisture that was on the wheel inside the wheelie bin wheel cover.

It will be understood that various other features could be provided and modifications could be nade without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is envisaged that the elongate strip of material may be constructed from a carpet material or ndeed a durable rubber type material may be put to equally good effect. Furthermore, it is envisaged that a protuberance may be provided on the elongate strip of material intermediate its longitudinal sides. The protuberance would be dimensioned to engage a wheel tread of the wheelie bin to prevent inadvertent dislodgment of the wheelie bin wheel cover. It is envisaged that the wheelie bin wheel cover may be disposable so that once used it may be placed directly in the bin and discarded or more preferably the wheelie bin wheel cover will be washable so that it can be cleaned after use and reused as necessary.

Furthermore, it is envisaged that the wheehe bin wheel cover may be stitched permanently into a looped configuration in which case preferably the elongate strip of material will either be constructed in whole or in part from a resiliently deformable material that may be stretched over the wheel and that will then contract to form a close fit with the wheel. The wheelie bin wheel cover may be provided with a side portion so that it is substantially cylindrical in shape and open at one end so that it "cups" around the wheel by inserting the wheel into the open end of the wheel. The securing means could be provided by a wire or other memory form material that may be temporarily deformed out of shape to allow insertion of a wheel and once released will resume an at-rest, looped configuration.

Referring to Figures 10 to 13 inclusive of the drawings, there is shown a further embodiment of a wheelie bin wheel cover, indicated generally by the reference numeral 51, where like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before. The wheelie bin wheel cover 51 differs from the previous embodiments in that it comprises a 26 side portion 53 attached to the elongate strip of material 3. In the embodiment shown, the side portion 53 is connected to the elongate strip of material substantially along the majority of the length of the elongate strip of material. An elasticated, wheel retaining rim (not shown) may be provided along the other side of the wheel cover. Referring specifically to Figures 11 to 13, there is shown a number of views of the wheel cover 51 being brought into engagement with a wheel 55 which in turn comprises a wheel axle 57.

Once in pcsition around the wheel, the side portion 53 covers the side of the wheel 55 remote from the wheel axle.

Referring to Figures 14 to 21 inclusive, there is shown a further still embodiment of wheelie bin wheel cover, indicated generally by the reference numeral 61, where like parts have been given the same reference numerals as before. The wheelie bin wheel cover 61 comprises a second side portion 63 connected to the elongate strip of material.

The second side portion 63 has a central aperture 65 for throughpassage of a wheelie bin wheel axle 57 therethrough. The wheelie bin wheel cover 61 comprises a diametrical cut 67 which extends practically the entire way across the wheelie bin wheel cover 61 with only a small portion 69 of the elongate strip remaining. Accordingly, the wheelie bin wheel cover 61 is divided into two parts, 71, 73, The small portion 69 acts as a hinge joint about which the two parts 71, 73 are hingedly connected. A small strip 75 of the elongate strip of material is configured to overlap another portion of the elongate strip of material and secure the two parts 71, 73 of the wheelie bin wheel cover together around a wheel.

Referring specifically to Figures 17 to 21 inclusive, there are shown a number of views of the wheelie bin wheel cover 61 being placed on a wheel 55. It can be seen from the drawings that advantageously, the wheelie bin does not have to be lifted up in order to place the wheel cover on the wheel and furthermore the wheel cover will not have to be carefully aligned to the wheel before the wheel is rolled over the wheel cover. Instead, the wheelie bin wheel cover 61 is opened up with the two parts 71, 73 splayed outwards.

A first part 73 of the wheelie bin wheel cover 61 is lowered onto the wheel 55. The wheel is then rotated in a direction away from the other part 71 of the wheelie bin wheel cover 61 by rolling the bin in the normal manner. The wheclie bin wheel cover 61 will rotate about the wheel as the part 73 is in engagement with the wheel 55. After one half revolution of the wheel 55, the part 73 of the wheelie bin wheel cover will be underneath the wheel and the other part 71 of the wheelie bin wheel cover will be above the wheel 55. The second part 71 of the wheelie bin wheel cover can then be folded over about the wheel 55 and the strip 75 of the elongate strip of material may be used to secure the two parts 71, 73 in position relative to each other (as shown in Figure 21).

Instead of providing a diametrical cut, the entire wheelie bin wheel cover 61 may be constructed from a unitary piece or may be a plurality of pieces connected together in effectively a closed, hollow cylinder with an aperture 65 in one side 63 of the cylinder.

The side 63 with the aperture may be constructed from a resiliently deformable material such as rubber so that the side could be stretched to permit insertion of the wheel 55 into the aperture 65. Indeed, the entire side 63 need not be constructed from a resiliently deformable material and instead the side could be constructed from a fabric material but the periphery of the aperture may be elasticated to allow insertion of a wheel into the interior of the cylinder, Finally, in a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a wheelie bin wheel cover comprising a bag constructed from a flexible material having an open mouth and an elasticated portion surrounding the open mouth acting to close the mouth. The open mouth may be stretched open against the elasticated portion and the bag may be placed about the wheel 55 of a wheelie bin. The elasticated portion will act to close the open mouth about the wheel axle 57 thereby securing the wheelie bin wheel cover in position relative to the wheel. It is envisaged that the bag may be constructed from a range of different materials including both disposable and non-disposable materials. The disposable materials will typically be low cost materials, potentially of lower strength than the non-disposable materials and preferably will be constructed from biodegradable materials.

In the embodiment shown, a two wheeled wheelie bin is shown. It will be understood that the present invention may also be used with wheelie bins with more than two wheels, for example, four wheeled wheelie bins, and is not limited to use solely with two wheeled wheelie bins.

In this specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising' and the terms include includes, included and including" are all deemed totally interchangeable and should be afforded the widest possible interpretation, The invention is in no way limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the claims.