GB2515832A

GB2515832A - Receptacle

Info

Publication number: GB2515832A
Application number: GB1312143.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barry Wilson
Original assignee: BAG IT UP Ltd
Current assignee: BAG IT UP Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-05
Filing date: 2013-07-05
Publication date: 2015-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-05
Also published as: GB2515832B; GB201312143D0

Abstract

A bin 10 having a hopper 12, a storage container 18, a door 14 on the front; a lock 20 selectively securing the door; a signal receiver connected to the lock and electrical contacts 16 on the front of the bin. A portable power source and a coded transmitter energise the receiver and actuate the lock. Ideally the power source and transmitter are separate. Preferably the transmitter is wireless and lithium ion battery powered. The contacts 16 are ideally non-standard being provided in the depths of two spaced apart recesses configured to receive only a plug of the portable power source. There may be a 1m cable between the plug and the portable power source. The lock 20 can include restraints 22 interlocking with projections 27 on the door 14; releasing when the code is received. Unlocking can be caused by receiving a further coded transmission or by projections 27 deflecting restraints 22 during closing of the door. Contacts 16 are preferably close to the locking mechanism 20. Each dimension of the bin is between 0.2m and 5m; the bin could be constructed from galvanised steel, stainless steel, a glass fibre composite or a plastic.

Description

RECEPTACLE

The present invention relates to a receptacle, particularly to an outdoor receptacle for receiving items for disposal or recycling that is situated at a remote location generally accessible to the public for depositing items in the receptacle.

Receptacles for receiving unwanted items are generally known and comprise, for example, bins or banks for receiving items for recycling, reselling or other disposal.

Textile banks, for example, may be located at convenient sites to enable members of the public to deposit their unwanted clothes, shoes, or the like into the banks so that they can subsequently be collected for recycling, reselling or other method of disposal. In order to be convenient for a significant number of people and to thus encourage their use, such receptacles are typically located at outdoor sites remote from the end point recycling centres, etc. Usually the sites will not be provided with any facilities such as power, nor will they be regularly or carefully monitored for security. The remote location of such receptacles renders them a target for thieves between collections and increasingly often entire textile banks are illegitimately emptied and the deposited articles sold on.

Attempts to prevent thefts from outdoor, remotely located receptacles include providing the receptacle with a hopper through which items are deposited and are difficult to retrieve once funnelled or otherwise introduced through the hopper. This one-way mechanism does not enable the receptacle to be emptied easily so another access point to the main receptacle is provided, with a door sealing the access point.

This access point however also provides an opening through which the contents can be stolen and so is typically provided with a lock, such as a padlock or other door lock.

However padlocks or the like can be relatively easily broken or opened by a thief with basic tools. Also a legitimate party attempting to empty the receptacle will require a specific key for each padlock, which means a large number of keys are required if numerous receptacles are to be emptied. Furthermore, should the keys be acquired by a thief for example by stealing them from the person emptying the numerous receptacles, then they can all be emptied illegitimately in a short period of time without even needing to break the padlocks or other locking arrangements.

Electronic locks may mitigate the theft risk associated with physical keys and also reduce the number of keys required by a person authorised to empty the receptacle, but typically no power supply is readily available at the sites where such receptacles are located. A battery can be provided inside the receptacle, but this is not a long term solution as the battery will require recharging regularly and if it runs out of charge whilst the electronic lock is active, the battery will be locked inside the receptacle and thus there will be no access to recharge it. Similarly, if a fault occurs with the battery whilst the lock is active, it will not be possible to access the battery to rectify the fault. If instead the electronic lock is deactivated in the event of battery drain or failure, there would clearly be a risk that the receptacle would be unsecured and therefore vulnerable for a considerable length of time.

Thus there is a need for an improved security mechanism or system to deter or prevent unauthorised emptying of a receptacle located in an outdoor, remote location but that is convenient to operate by any party wishing to legitimately retrieve the contents of the receptacle.

In accordance with the present invention, from a first broad aspect, there is provided a locking system for a receptacle, comprising a locking mechanism for securing a door of a receptacle to prevent opening of the door, a receptacle connector for mounting to the receptacle such that it is accessible from an external face of the receptacle, a portable power source, a receiver for mounting inside the receptacle, the receiver configured for receiving power via the receptacle connector, a power connector for connecting the portable power source to the receptacle connector for providing power to the receiver, and a coded transmitter for transmitting a code to the receiver, wherein the power source provides power to the receiver when the power connector is connected to the power source and to the receptacle connector to enable the receiver to receive the code transmitted by the coded transmitter, and when the receiver receives an authentication code from the coded transmitter, the locking mechanism is deactivated to enable the door of the receptacle to be opened. Thus there is provided a locking system that is suitable for securing a receptacle such as a recycling bin or bank for clothing, textiles, paper, electronic devices, etc. The receptacle has a main access opening so that it can be emptied, which is sealed by a door that the locking mechanism prevents from being opened by an unauthorised person, such as a thief. In order to deactivate (i.e. unlock) the locking mechanism to enable the door to be opened by a legitimate party, a code is transmitted from the coded transmitter and if the code is authentic, e.g. it is the code that the receiver is programmed to recognise and accept, then the locking mechanism is deactivated to release the door. However the receiver is only able to receive the coded transmission when it is being powered and the present invention advantageously comprises a portable power source that when connected to a receptacle connector, provides the necessary power for the receiver. Thus an extra level of security is provided in that the coded transmitter will be ineffectual unless the power source is providing power to the receiver. Furthermore, receptacles located at sites that typically do not have power readily available can still use the locking system of the present invention because the portable power source provides the necessary power in a convenient manner. By portable power source, it is meant that a typical person would be able to carry the power source a reasonable distance without assistance or machinery for example. The invention is further advantageous because a single power source and coded transmitter combination can be configured to enable a plurality of receptacles, be they collocated or located at more than one location, to be accessed by a legitimate person in possession of both unlocking components, by having a receiver for each receptacle that recognises the code or codes transmitted by the coded transmitter.

For convenience, the power source and the coded transmitter may be combined in a single, portable unit. In this manner, the person accessing one or more of the receptacles can simply connect the portable unit to the receptacle connector and subsequently transmit the code from the portable unit, which may be achieved either manually (by pressing a transmission button on the unit or the like) or may automatically occur, for example, a short time after the portable unit is connected to the receptacle connector. The coded transmission may be sent via a wired connection (which may be provided as part of the power connector) or may be sent as a wireless transmission.

For increased security, particularly against receptacles being accessed due to theft of a combined portable unit, the power source and the coded transmitter may be separately provided. Therefore, even if someone manages to acquire the power source, e.g. by taking it either from a receptacle site or the owner's vehicle, etc., when unattended, the thief would still not be able to open any receptacle with just the power source, because the coded transmitter is also required. Advantageously, the coded transmitter can be relatively small as the components of the transmitter need not be complex, and so the legitimate user of the coded transmitter is more like to keep the coded transmitter with them (in a pocket or bag, for example), reducing the opportunity for both units to be stolen and subsequently used before the legitimate owner becomes aware. In any event, a thief who steals one or other of the separately provided power source and coded transmitter may not be aware that the other unit is required for effective operation of receptacle locks. The coded transmitter may be a specifically designed unit that is conveniently sized for portability, being pocket-sized or sized for a key-ring, for example, or may instead be an existing unit that is readily available and can be configured for the present invention, for example a garage door opening remote control, a car unlocking/locking remote control, etc. The coded transmitter, particularly if it operates wirelessly, may include at least a wireless transmission module and a power module, which may comprises a small battery such as a cell battery, e.g. a lithium ion cell battery.

The receptacle connector is mountable to a receptacle to enable the power source to be connected to it via the power connector and thus to the other locking system components inside the receptacle as necessary. The receptacle connector may comprise one of a plug or socket and the power connector may comprise the other of a plug or socket for electrically mating with the receptacle connector. The plug and socket may comprise any suitable arrangement in which one of the power connector and the receptacle connector is at least partially received in the other, e.g. the UK 3 pin arrangement, an alternative two pin arrangement, a 12 volt ("lighter type") arrangement, etc. This provides a secure connection that is easy to connect and unplug. However an unauthorised person wishing to access the receptacle might attempt to connect another power supply to the receptacle connector if the connections are of a standard type.

Therefore the receptacle connector and the power connector may be at least partially non-standard in configuration, particularly with reference to the connector types commonly used for portable or vehicle-based power supplies, etc. The receptacle connector may also or alternatively be located in a recess, the recess having a sufficient depth and/or dimension of its opening such that a standard plug would not easily be insertable into the receptacle connector socket at the end of the recess and/or may be difficult to reach for removal if insertion was achieved. For example, the recess depth may be about 80 mm or greater and/or the opening to the recess may have a width and/or height of about 60 mm or less. Such dimensions alone or combined may make it difficult, particularly for an adult, to push the plug all the way into the recess, to align it with the socket and then to provide sufficient force to push the plug into the socket, as the recess may be sized to prevent an adult hand from reaching very far into the recess.

Even if the plug could be forced into the recess and into the socket, removal of the plug would be difficult due to the dimensions. Attempts to retrieve the plug by pulling on its connected cable may damage the unauthorised power source, thus acting as a further deterrent. However an appropriately shaped, e.g. elongate and/or narrow, power connector would be able to be inserted and removed by an authorised user having access to such a specifically designed power connector.

Additionally or alternatively, the recess may be configured to receive only a correspondingly shaped power connector, so that any attempt to insert a standard plug or the like would be prevented. The recess may be smaller than is required to insert a standard plug and/or may have a non-standard shape and the power connector may be smaller than a standard plug and/or may have a corresponding non-standard shape (which may, for example, only be insertable into the recess in a particular orientation).

The socket may comprise openings that are spaced apart by a non-standard distance and the mating protrusions of the plug are likewise spaced apart by the same, non-standard distance. Thus there is provided a receptacle connector that will only receive specifically configured power connectors, which deters or prevents attempts to operate the locking system with an unauthorised power source. In alternatives to the aforesaid arrangements, the receptacle connector may comprise the plug element and the power connector may comprise the receiving connector.

The power connector comprises any suitable configuration. For ease of connection with the receptacle connector, particularly where the receptacle connector comprises a socket, preferably a recessed socket, the power connector comprises a cable. The cable need only be long enough to enable the power source to be connected to the receptacle connector, but the cable may be longer for ease of use. For example, the power source may be heavy, particularly if the power source is a rechargeable battery configured to open a number of locking systems between charges. Therefore the cable may have a length of at least 30 cm, preferably at least 50 cm, preferably at least 1 m. This enables the power source to be placed on the floor whilst it is being connected to the receptacle connector and during its use, which leaves the authorised user's hands free to operate the coded transmitter and to open, empty and reclose the receptacle door.

The locking mechanism is suitable for securing a door of a receptacle to prevent opening of that door. For example, this may be achieved by a latch comprising a restraint that in the locked configuration, restrains a corresponding element on the receptacle door such that the door cannot open. The locking mechanism is deactivated when the power source provides power to the receiver and the receiver receives an authentication code from the coded transmitter. Deactivation may be achieved, for example, by the restraint being movable to a position where the corresponding element on the receptacle door is unrestrained such that the door can open, in response to power being provided to the receptacle connector and the receiver receiving an authentication code from the coded transmitter. An authorised person can therefore use the power source and the coded transmitter to gain access to any receptacle that recognises the authentication code of the transmitter and can legitimately empty the contents of the receptacle. Thereafter it is likely that the receptacle will require relocking so that it is secure for future deposits. Therefore the restraint may be reset into the locked configuration by being deflected by the corresponding element on the receptacle door as the door is closed. Thus the person who has emptied the receptacle can easily reset the locking mechanism by closing the door. Alternatively or additionally, the restraint may be reset in response to a further transmission from the coded transmitter. For example, like with a garage door opener or car key fob, the coded transmitter may comprise an unlock' button that causes the transmitter to transmit an authentication code that the receiver will identify as an instruction to open the locking mechanism, and a lock' button that causes the transmitter to transmit a different code that the receiver will identify as an instruction to close the locking mechanism. Alternatively, the transmitter may only transmit a single code, and the locking mechanism cycles between an open and a locked state each time the transmitter is activated.

Thus a simple and reliable locking system is provided. If any of the locking and/or unlocking components require electrical power to operate, this could be provided by an internal power source mounted in the receptacle or may be provided by the portable power source of the locking system.

To provide a receptacle connector that is easy to access for a person wishing to open the receptacle, the receptacle connector is suitable for mounting such that it is accessible from an external face of the receptacle. Therefore the authorised user simply connects the power connector to the external face and activates the transmitter to gain access to the receptacle. The receptacle connector may be suitable for mounting on the back, side or top face of the receptacle so that it is not readily visible to a passer-by, potentially reducing the likelihood of an attempt to open the receptacle. However at many sites where receptacles are located, it may be difficult to access those faces of the receptacle and furthermore, for ease of installation of the locking system, particularly where the locking system might be retrofitted to an existing receptacle, the receptacle connector may be suitable for mounting on the front face of the receptacle, preferably in the vicinity of the locking mechanism that prevents the door from opening. This enables easy access to the receptacle contents and also improves the reliability of the mechanism as power can be provided close to the locking mechanism and to the receiver.

As discussed above, a locking system for a receptacle is provided and such locking systems are particularly suited for use with outdoor receptacles located at remote sites where power may not be readily available and where the opportunity for unauthorised persons to attempt to open the receptacle may be greater as there may be nobody around to witness and prevent the theft. Therefore from a further broad aspect, there is provided a receptacle for use in an outdoor location, the receptacle for receiving items to be recycled or otherwise disposed of and comprising a hopper for receiving items, a storage container for storing items received through the hopper, the container having a front access opening sealed by a door, and a locking mechanism operable to lock and unlock the door so as to prevent and enable access to the storage container respectively, the locking mechanism comprising a receptacle connector mounted to and accessible from an external, front face of the receptacle, a receiver mounted inside the receptacle, the receiver configured for receiving power via the receptacle connector, a portable power source, a power connector for connecting the portable power source to the receptacle connector to provide power to the receiver, and a coded transmitter for transmitting a code to the receiver, wherein the power source provides power to the receiver when the power connector is connected to the power source and is connected to the receptacle connector to enable the receiver to receive the code transmitted by the coded transmitter, and when the receiver receives an authentication code from the coded transmitter, the locking mechanism is deactivated to enable the door of the receptacle to be opened.

Thus there is provided a secure locking system for an outdoor receptacle for receiving items for recycling or other disposal methods that is simple to open when an authorised person has the two-part unlocking mechanism comprising a power source for powering a receiver in the receptacle and a transmitter for transmitting a code to the receiver to signal that the door is to be released for opening. The above features and related description of the various embodiments of the locking mechanism for a receptacle are also applicable to this outdoor receptacle embodiment.

The receptacles of the embodiments disclosed herein are particularly suited for outdoor use in remote locations as previously discussed. The storage container of an outdoor receptacle is suitably sized for the intended purpose and regularity of emptying, for example. The storage container may have a storage capacity in the range of about 0.05m3 to about lOOm3, preferably about 0.1m3 to about 40m3. An outdoor receptacle may have a height of between about O.2m to about lOm, preferably about O.5m to about 5.Om, preferably about O.5m to about 3.Om, preferably about O.5m to about 2.5m, a depth of about O.2m to about lOm, preferably about O.5m to about 5.Om, preferably about 0.5m to about 3.Om, preferably about 0.5m to about 2.5m, and a width of about 0.2m to about lOm, preferably about O.5m to about 5.Om, preferably about O.5m to about 3.Om, preferably about 0.5m to about 2.5m. Such dimensions provide sufficient storage capacity between emptyings but are not too large to make the receptacle unsuitable for use in convenient locations no difficult to reach for members of the public depositing items into receptacle via the hopper. An outdoor receptacle will have a receptacle body comprising at least the hopper and the storage section and the receptacle body may comprise material selected from stainless steel, galvanised steel, glass fibre composite and plastic. This ensures that the outdoor receptacle is suitable for withstanding the environment in which it will be installed for a long period of time.

From a further broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of securing a receptacle, preferably an outdoor receptacle for receiving items for recycling or other disposal methods, the method comprising connecting a power connector of a portable power source to a receptacle connector of the receptacle to provide power to a receiver mounted within the receptacle, transmitting a code from a coded transmitter, receiving the transmitted code at the receiver and determining whether the code is an authentic code, and if the code is determined to be an authentic code, operating a locking mechanism of the receptacle such that an access door of the receptacle is unlocked and openable. From a further broad aspect of the present invention! there is provided a portable power source and a coded transmitter for a locking system for a receptacle, preferably an outdoor receptacle for receiving items for recycling or other disposal methods, the portable power source comprising a power connector for connecting the portable power source to a connector of a receptacle for providing power to a wireless receiver of the receptacle, and the coded transmitter comprising a memory for storing an authentication code, a wireless module for broadcasting the authentication code and an internal power source for providing power to the wireless module, wherein an authentication code broadcast by the wireless module of the coded transmitted is detectable by a wireless receiver of a receptacle when the receiver is powered by the portable power source to determine whether the code is an authentic code and in the event that the code is authentic, to operate a locking mechanism of the receptacle such that an access door of the receptacle is unlocked and openable.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a receptacle in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, which is suitable for fitting with a locking system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates the receptacle of figure 1 with the hopper open for receiving items; Figure 3 illustrates the receptacle of figures 1 and 2 with the hopper closed and an access door open to enable emptying of the receptacle; Figure 4 illustrates a locking system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention installed in a receptacle having a closed hopper and an open access door; Figure 5 illustrates the locking system of figure 4 before it is installed in the receptacle; Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the locking system of figures 4 and 5 and a portable power source for operating the locking system; Figure 7 illustrates a coded transmitter in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and Figure 8 illustrates the portable power supply of figure 7 in situ for connecting to a receptacle.

A receptacle 10 is shown in figure 1 and in this embodiment, the receptacle 10 is a textiles recycling bin into which members of the public can deposit unwanted textiles, including clothes, shoes, etc., so that they can be collected by the owner of the receptacle 10 or another authorised party and taken away for recycling, reselling or other disposal. Such bins are well known and may be used for collecting a wide variety of other materials, items and the like.

The receptacle 10 comprises an opening 11 through which items can be deposited into the large storage section 18 (see figure 3) beneath the opening 11. In order to prevent items that have been deposited into the receptacle 10 from being removed from the receptacle 10 afterwards, the opening 11 comprises a hopper 12 that enables deposited items to be tipped into the storage section 18 so that they cannot afterwards be retrieved. The hopper 12 has a generally curved shape so that when opened (as illustrated in figure 2) deposited items sit in the curved inner cup of the hopper 12, which can then be tilted back to a closed position (as illustrated in figure 1) and the deposited items will drop or roll off the curved inner cup which will be generally upright. Operation of the hopper 12 is aided by a conveniently placed handle 13 that can be used to pull down or rotate up the hopper 12. In the closed position, the hopper 12 prevents anyone from reaching into the receptacle 10 and even in the open position, it is very difficult for a person to reach in and around the edges of the hopper 12 and not possible for them to then bend their arm into a position to reach into the storage section 18, so the items cannot be removed in this manner.

As best shown in figure 3, an access door 14 for emptying the receptacle 10 is provided. The door 14 is usually closed so as to seal the large access opening 15 to the storage section 18, but is openable for emptying. Therefore anyone wishing to remove items from the receptacle 10 can simply open the door 14 to be given easy access to empty the items from the storage section 18. Ease of access is clearly desirable because, as is typically the case for such receptacles 10, many of them will need emptying over a period of time and quick, easy access is therefore important. However this easy access is also a weak point for security of the receptacle 10, as anyone wishing to steal the items in the receptacle 10 is likely to attempt to open the door 14.

Conventional methods of securing doors 14 in such receptacles 10 employ mechanical locks such as padlocks or a key rotated locking bar attached to the door, which are vulnerable to breakage or other illegitimate opening, particularly for a person equipped with even fairly basic tools.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a secure and easy to use locking system 20 is provided for securing the receptacle 10 of figures 1 to 5. The locking system 20 comprises a locking mechanism 22 (as illustrated in figure 5), a receptacle connector 24 that is configured for mating with a power connector 34 of cable 32 of a portable power supply 30 (as illustrated in figure 6), and a receiver 50 (as illustrated in figure 6) for receiving transmissions from a coded transmitter 40 (as illustrated in figure 7). The receiver 50 is connected to the receptacle connector 24 so as to receive power from the power source 30 when the cable 32 is connected via the connectors 24 and 34 as discussed further below.

Figure 4 illustrates the receptacle 10 with the locking mechanism 22 fitted inside, ready for use. An opening 16 on the front face 19 of the receptacle 10 provides easy access to the locking mechanism 22. The opening 16 opens into a recess 17 that is sufficiently deep to act as a hindrance for anyone attempting to tamper with the locking mechanism 22 but is still convenient to use with an appropriately shaped connector 34 and cable 32 of the portable power supply 30. The recess 17 may also be configured to deter or prevent conventional power supplies being introduced in an attempt to provide power to the locking system 22, for example by being too small for convenient access and/or removal of an inserted conventional plug.

The receptacle connector 24 is secured at the innermost end of the recess 17 so that the cable 32 can be introduced into the recess 17 and the power connector 34 mated with the receptacle connector 24 to provide power from the portable power source 30. Having the electrical connection inside the recess 17 also provides a reasonable degree of protection from the ingress of damaging particles from the environment, particularly from moisture, dust and the like (both during connection and when the receptacle connector 24 is not connected to anything and thus the component is somewhat exposed). The remaining parts of the locking system 20 are housed inside the receptacle 10 and are therefore reasonably well protected from the elements.

As more clearly seen in figures 5 and 6, the locking mechanism 22 comprises a pair of retaining members 25 that close the entrances to respective notches 26. The notches 26 are configured to each receive a respective protruding bolt 27, the bolts 27 being securely fixed to the closing edge 14a of the door 14 (i.e. the edge of the door 14 opposite to the hinged edge 14b of the door 14). When the bolts 27 are received in the notches 26, the retaining members 25 hold the bolts 27 in place and thus prevent the door 14 from being opened. However the retaining members 25 can be released to pivot outwardly (i.e. away from the recesses 26) which allows the bolts 27 to escape the -12-notches 26 and the door 14 to be opened. Releasing of the members 25 is achieved by providing power to the receiver 50 from the power source 30 (connected via the connectors 24, 34 and cable 32) and thereafter operating the locking mechanism 22 by wirelessly transmitting an authentication code from the coded transmitter 40 to the receiver 50, thus causing the locking mechanism to release the retaining members 25.

Power for this function can also be drawn from the portable power source 30.

As illustrated in figure 7, the coded transmitter 40 of this embodiment has two buttons 42, 44 for different operations of the locking mechanism 22. Pressing the unlock' button 42 wirelessly transmits an authentication code to the receiver 50 in the receptacle 10, and (assuming the code is recognised as being authentic by the receiver 50) the retaining members 25 are released and the bolts 27 can leave the recesses 26 as the door 14 is opened. Pressing the clocki button 44 wirelessly transmits another signal to the receiver 50 (which may be the same authentication code or may be different so that the receiver 50 recognises the signal as a locking command). The locking system 22 returns the retaining members 25 to the position in which the notches 26 are enclosed. If the door 14 is still open, it can still be closed by firmly pushing the door 14 into the closed position at which stage the bolts 27 will push against a sloped edge of the retaining members 25, deflecting them inwardly (i.e. into the notches 26) until the bolts 27 pass entirely over the retaining members 25 which then deflect back into their rest (locked) position. Thus the door 14 can be closed and automatically locked if the retaining members 25 are in the locked position.

Figure 8 illustrates the portable power source 30 about to be deployed to open the door 14 of the receptacle 10. The cable 32 is conveniently sized so that the portable power source 30 can be placed on the ground near to the receptacle 10 and the connector 34 easily slotted through the opening 16 into the recess 17 to connect with the receptacle connector 24. This is particularly advantageous for a rechargeable power source 30 that is designed for opening multiple receptacles 10 between charges because such a device will be quite heavy. Furthermore, being able to rest the power source 30 on the ground leaves the user's hands free for operating the coded transmitter 40 and for opening the door 14 and emptying the contents of the receptacle 10 from the storage section 18.

Thus there is provided a secure mechanism for preventing or deterring unauthorised access to a receptacle such as an outdoor recycling or other storage bin that is convenient to use but requires a two part system for opening the receptacle. -14-

Claims

CLAIMS1. A receptacle system for use in an outdoor location comprising: a receptacle for receiving items to be recycled or otherwise disposed of, the receptacle comprising a hopper for receiving items and a storage container for storing items received through the hopper, the container having a front access opening sealed by a door; and a locking mechanism operable to lock and unlock the door so as to prevent and enable access to the storage container respectively, the locking mechanism comprising: a receptacle connector mounted to and accessible from an external, front face of the receptacle; a receiver mounted inside the receptacle, the receiver configured for receiving power via the receptacle connector; a portable power source; a power connector for connecting the portable power source to the receptacle connector to provide power to the receiver; and a coded transmitter for transmitting a code to the receiver; wherein: the power source provides power to the receiver when the power connector is connected to the power source and is connected to the receptacle connector to enable the receiver to receive the code transmitted by the coded transmitter; and when the receiver receives an authentication code from the coded transmitter, the locking mechanism is deactivated to enable the door of the receptacle to be opened.
2. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power source and the coded transmitter are separately provided units.
3. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the coded transmitter transmits the code wirelessly and the receiver comprises a wireless receiver.
4. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the coded transmitter comprises at least a wireless transmission module and a power module, preferably comprising a lithium ion cell battery.
5. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle connector and the power connector have at least partially a non-standard configuration such that standard power connectors cannot connect with the receptacle connector.
6. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a recess in the front face of the receptacle, the receptacle connector being located at the end of the recess furthest from the front face.
7. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the recess has a depth and an opening dimension each configured to prevent or deter manual insertion of a standard plug into the receptacle connector at the end of the recess.
8. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the recess has an inner shape and size configured for receiving the power connector, and the power connector has an outer shape and size that closely corresponds with the inner shape and size of the recess.
9. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the power connector has a shape and/or size different to the shape and/or size of a standard 3 pin plug and to the shape and/or size of a 12 volt plug.
10. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle connector comprises a socket, the socket comprising a plurality of openings that are spaced apart by a non-standard distance and/or arrangement, and the power connector comprises a plug comprising a plurality of mating protrusions for insertion into the socket openings, the protrusions being spaced apart by the same, non-standard distance and/or arrangement.
11. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power connector comprises a cable, the cable preferably having a length of at least 30 cm, preferably at least 50 cm, preferably at least 1 m. -16-
12. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a latch comprising a restraint that in the locked configuration, restrains a corresponding element on a receptacle door such that the door cannot open.
13. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the restraint is movable to a position where the corresponding element on the receptacle door is unrestrained such that the door can open, in response to power being provided to the receptacle connector and the receiver receiving an authentication code from the coded transmitter.
14. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the restraint is reset into the locked configuration by being deflected by the corresponding element on the receptacle door as the door is closed.
15. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the restraint is reset in response to a further transmission from the coded transmitter.
16. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle connector is mounted in close proximity to the locking mechanism.
17. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage container has a storage capacity in the range of about 0.1 m3 to about 40m3.
18. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle has a height in the range of about 0.2m to about 5m, a depth in the range of about O.2m to about 5m and a width in the range of about 0.2m to about 5m.
19. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle has a receptacle body comprising at least the hopper and the storage section, the receptacle body comprising material selected from stainless steel, galvanised steel, glass fibre composite and plastic.
20. An outdoor receptacle for use with the receptacle system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outdoor receptacle is configured to receive power from the portable power source of the receptacle system and to receive an authentication code from the coded transmitter of the receptacle system so as to deactivate a locking mechanism to enable a door of the receptacle to be opened.
21. A method of securing a receptacle for use in an outdoor location, the receptacle for receiving items to be recycled or otherwise disposed of, the method comprising: connecting a power connector of a portable power source to a receptacle connector of the receptacle to provide power to a receiver mounted within the receptacle; transmitting a code from a coded transmitter; receiving the transmitted code at the receiver and determining whether the code is an authentic code; and if the code is determined to be an authentic code, operating a locking mechanism of the receptacle such that an access door of the receptacle is unlocked and openable.
22. A portable power source and a coded transmitterfor operating a locking mechanism of an outdoor receptacle for receiving items for recycling or other disposal methods, the portable power source comprising a power connector for connecting the portable power source to a connector of an outdoor receptacle for providing power to a wireless receiver of the receptacle, and the coded transmitter comprising a memory for storing an authentication code, a wireless module for broadcasting the authentication code and an internal power source for providing power to the wireless module, wherein an authentication code broadcast by the wireless module of the coded transmitted is detectable by the wireless receiver of the outdoor receptacle when the receiver is powered by the portable power source to determine whether the code is an authentic code and in the event that the code is authentic, to operate a locking mechanism of the outdoor receptacle such that an access door of the receptacle is unlocked and openable.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLOWS:CLAIMS1. A receptacle system for use in an outdoor location comprising: a receptacle for receiving items to be recycled or otherwise disposed of, the receptacle comprising a hopper for receiving items and a storage container for storing items received through the hopper, the container having a front access opening sealed by a door; and a locking mechanism operable to lock and unlock the door so as to prevent and enable access to the storage container respectively, the locking mechanism comprising: a receptacle connector mounted to and accessible from an external, front face of the receptacle; a receiver mounted inside the receptacle, the receiver configured for receiving power via the receptacle connector; a portable power source; a power connector for connecting the portable power source to the receptacle o connector to provide power to the receiver; and a coded transmitter for transmitting a code to the receiver; wherein: o the power source provides power to the receiver when the power connector is connected to the power source and is connected to the receptacle connector to enable the receiver to receive the code transmitted by the coded transmitter; when the receiver receives an authentication code from the coded transmitter, the locking mechanism is deactivated to enable the door of the receptacle to be opened; and the power source and the coded transmitter are separately provided units.2. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coded transmitter transmits the code wirelessly and the receiver comprises a wireless receiver.3. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the coded transmitter comprises at least a wireless transmission module and a power module.4. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the power module comprises a lithium ion cell battery.5. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle connector and the power connector have at least partially a non-standard configuration such that standard power connectors cannot connect with the receptacle connector.6. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a recess in the front face of the receptacle, the receptacle connector being located at the end of the recess furthest from the front face.7. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the recess has a depth and an opening dimension each configured to prevent or deter manual insertion of a standard plug into the receptacle connector at the end of the recess.8. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the recess has an inner shape and size configured for receiving the power connector, and the power connector o has an outer shape and size that closely corresponds with the inner shape and size of the recess.9. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the power connector has a shape and/or size different to the shape and/or size of a standard 3 pin plug and to the shape and/or size of a 12 volt plug.10. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle connector comprises a socket, the socket comprising a plurality of openings that are spaced apart by a non-standard distance and/or arrangement, and the power connector comprises a plug comprising a plurality of mating protrusions for insertion into the socket openings, the protrusions being spaced apart by the same, non-standard distance and/or arrangement.11. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power connector comprises a cable.12. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the cable has a length of at least 30 cm.13. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the cable has a length of at least 50 cm.14. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the cable has a length of at least 1 m.15. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a latch comprising a restraint that in the locked configuration, restrains a corresponding element on a receptacle door such that the door cannot open.16. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the restraint is movable to a position where the corresponding element on the receptacle door is unrestrained such o that the door can open, in response to power being provided to the receptacle connector and the receiver receiving an authentication code from the coded transmitter.17. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the restraint is reset into the locked configuration by being deflected by the corresponding element on the receptacle door as the door is closed.18. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the restraint is reset in response to a further transmission from the coded transmitter.19. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle connector is mounted in close proximity to the locking mechanism.20. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage container has a storage capacity in the range of 0.1 m3 to 40m3.21. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle has a height in the range of 0.2m to Sm, a depth in the range of 0.2m to Sm and a width in the range of 0.2m to 5m.22. A receptacle system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle has a receptacle body comprising at least the hopper and the storage section.
23. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the receptacle body comprises stainless steel.
24. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the receptacle body comprises galvanised steel.
25. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the receptacle body comprises glass fibre composite.
26. A receptacle system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the receptacle body o comprises plastic. (Si0
27. An outdoor receptacle for receiving items to be recycled or otherwise disposed of for use with the receptacle system of any one of the preceding claims comprising: a hopper for receiving items and a storage container for storing items received through the hopper, the container having a front access opening sealed by a door; and a locking mechanism operable to lock and unlock the door so as to prevent and enable access to the storage container respectively, the locking mechanism comprising: a receptacle connector mounted to and accessible from an external, front face of the receptacle; a receiver mounted inside the receptacle, the receiver configured for receiving power via the receptacle connector; wherein the outdoor receptacle is configured to receive power from the portable power source of the receptacle system and to receive an authentication code from the coded transmitter of the receptacle system so as to deactivate a locking mechanism to enable a door of the receptacle to be opened.
28. A method of securing a receptacle for use in an outdoor location, the receptacle for receiving items to be recycled or otherwise disposed of, the method comprising: connecting a power connector of a portable power source to a receptacle connector of the receptacle to provide power to a receiver mounted within the receptacle; transmitting a code from a coded transmitter being separately provided from said portable power source; receiving the transmitted code at the receiver and determining whether the code is an authentic code; and if the code is determined to be an authentic code, operating a locking mechanism of the receptacle such that an access door of the receptacle is unlocked and openable.
29. A portable power source and a coded transmitter for operating a locking mechanism of an outdoor receptacle for receiving items for recycling or other disposal methods, said coded transmitter being separately provided from said portable power source, the portable power source comprising a power connector for connecting the portable power source to a connector of an outdoor receptacle for providing power to a o wireless receiver of the receptacle, and the coded transmitter comprising a memory for storing an authentication code, a wireless module for broadcasting the authentication o code and an internal power source for providing power to the wireless module, wherein an authentication code broadcast by the wireless module of the coded transmitted is detectable by the wireless receiver of the outdoor receptacle when the receiver is powered by the portable power source to determine whether the code is an authentic code and in the event that the code is authentic, to operate a locking mechanism ot the outdoor receptacle such that an access door of the receptacle is unlocked and openable.