IES87280Y1 - Lid device for a refuse collection container - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refuse collection container and to a lid device for the refuse collection container, wherein the lid device is provided in order to close an insertion opening of the refuse collection container.

Description

Lid device for a refuse collection container The present invention relates first of all to a lid device for a refuse collection container according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention also 5 relates to such a refuse collection container according to the preamble of claim 5.

Refuse collection containers per se have been known for a long time and are often used in the form of mobile containers.

The present invention relates to - in particular two-wheeled and three-wheeled mobile - refuse collection containers. In general, such refuse collection containers comprise a rectangular or approximately rectangular container body consisting of a container bottom and a sidewall protruding upward from the container bottom, the container bottom and the sidewall limiting a receiving space of the refuse collection container.

In order to move the refuse collection container, it comprises, in particular, a driving gear which has two wheels configured as driving wheels and an axle by means of which the driving wheels are arranged on the container body. Three-wheeled refuse collection containers also have another wheel, which is in particular a guide wheel.

At the end of the container body opposite the container bottom, which corresponds to the upper container edge, the container body comprises an insertion opening.

Usually, this insertion opening can be closed or is closed by means of a lid device, the lid device being arranged or hinged, in particular pivotably, on the container body.

For some time now, the development of such refuse collection containers has been such that different fractions of refuse and valuable substances can be collected separately at the same time in the receiving space delimited by the container body. In this case, the refuse collection container comprises a partition wall which is arranged inside the container body in such a way that the receiving space is divided into two separate compartments which are separated from one another. However, both compartments cooperate with the common insertion opening. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 2 In the prior art, solutions for such refuse collection containers are already known, in which the lid device is divided and is formed from two lid elements. These are lid elements which, taken individually, each cover a part of the insertion opening, but together close the entire insertion opening. In this way, when using 5 a partition wall, each individual compartment of the receiving space can be individually opened and closed via a lid element assigned to it. An example of such a divided lid device is described in DE 10 2017 126 821 A1.

A fundamental problem with such divided lids is, that when the lid device is in the closed operating state, the two lid elements have to be so close together that moisture, rain and the like cannot enter the container body in which the refuse is stored. The lid devices must therefore be equipped with suitable sealing devices. In the known solution described above, suitable sealing elements in the form of sealing lips are used for this purpose.

Other known solutions do without such sealing elements. US 4,558,799 B, from which the present invention departs, describes a refuse collection container with a two-part lid device. The lid device has two curved, hood-like lid elements which are pivotably hinged on the container body of the refuse collection container and which each have a first lid element edge. The first lid element edges of both lid elements are configured in such a way that they face one another in the closed operating state of the lid device. In order to achieve a seal between the two lid elements in the closed state of the lid device, the two first lid element edges each define an overlap area. If the insertion opening of the refuse collection container is closed by the two lid elements, the two lid elements overlap with their respective overlapping areas, so that these overlapping areas take on the function of a sealing device. However, the problem with this known solution is that the lid elements, which are opened and closed in opposing pivoting movements, can hook and jam against one another, so that simple opening and closing is not possible. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 3 The present invention is therefore based on the object of further developing a lid device as well as a refuse collection container of the type mentioned above in such a way that the aforementioned disadvantages can be avoided. In particular, it is the aim to ensure that the lid elements cannot collide and tilt or jam when being opened and closed.

According to the present invention, this object is solved by the lid device with the features according to independent claim 1 and by the refuse collection container with the features according to independent claim 5. Further features and details of the invention become apparent from the dependent claims, from the description and from the drawings. Therein, features and details that are disclosed in connection with the lid device according to the invention also apply in their entirety in connection with the refuse collection container according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of one of these two aspects of the invention, reference is always made in full to the disclosure of the other aspect of the invention.

The basic idea of the present invention is first of all that a separate sealing device is no longer required for the lid elements. Instead, the sealing function is taken over by the first lid element edge of at least one of the lid elements, which for this purpose defines an overlap area. Thus, in the closed operating mode of the lid device, one lid element rests on the other, specifically preferably in the area of the first lid element edges. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it does not matter which lid element rests on which one. By means of the fact that the lid elements lie on top of one another, it is particularly realized, that one of the lid elements is slightly raised. In order that the two lid elements of the lid device do not collide on their sides, at least one of the lid elements, preferably on one side, that is in the area of an edge end, comprises some kind of recess that creates a certain gap in the installed state.

According to the invention, this recess is provided by a special configuration of the first lid element edge of the lid element.

According to the first aspect of the invention, a lid device for a refuse collection container, in particular for a refuse collection container with a capacity of up to 1000l, 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 4 is provided, said lid device comprising the features of independent claim 1. This lid device is provided in order to close an insertion opening of the refuse collection container. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a refuse collection container with such a lid device.

The refuse collection container is, in particular, a mobile refuse collection container.

This means that the refuse collection container is equipped with wheels. In a preferred embodiment, the refuse collection container is configured as a refuse collection container which has a capacity of up to 1100l.

In particular, the refuse collection container is used for the temporary storage of refuse and/or valuable materials. Such refuse collection containers per se have been known for a long time and are familiar to the person skilled in the art. Refuse collection containers of the type mentioned are specified, for example, in the European standard EN 840-1.

In the following, a preferred embodiment of such a, in particular mobile two-wheeled or three-wheeled, refuse collection container is described in which the present invention is implemented.

First of all, the refuse collection container consists of the container body. The container body comprises a sidewall, which laterally delimits the container body. In principle, the invention is not restricted to specific shapes of the sidewall. For example, the sidewall could have a round, oval or the like shape. According to another embodiment, the sidewall has a polygonal shape. In a preferred embodiment, the side wall has a rectangular shape or a shape approximated to a rectangle, so that the container body also has such a rectangular shape or a shape approximated to a rectangle. In this case, the sidewall or the container body respectively comprises four wall segments which adjoin one another at their edges.

The edges are preferably provided as rounded edges. In this case, the sidewall of the container body preferably consists of a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls which extend between the front wall and rear wall and connect them to one another. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 The container body is closed off at the bottom by the container bottom, from which the sidewall, in particular the wall segments, protrudes/protrude and extends/extend upwards, that is away from the container bottom.

At the upper end of the sidewall, which is the opposite end of the sidewall compared to the container bottom, that is to say at the upper edge of the container body, which in particular also corresponds to the upper container edge, the container body comprises an insertion opening for refuse and/or valuable substances, the insertion opening being preferably delimited by the sidewall of the container body or by the upper container edge respectively and extending over the entire cross-sectional area of the container body in the area of its upper edge.

To close the insertion opening and thus the container body, the refuse collection container comprises a lid device, the lid device being arranged in particular pivotably on the container body, for example via a hinge connection or a joint connection. The lid device is divided and consists of a number of lid elements. This lid device, which represents the first aspect of the invention, will be described in detail in the further course of the description.

The lid device can be closed using a suitable lock, for example a gravity lock. Here, a single lock for the entire lid device, or a separate lock for each lid element, can be realized.

The sidewall, or the wall segments respectively, and the container bottom delimit an interior space of the container body which is provided for receiving the refuse and/or valuable substance and which forms the receiving space of the refuse collection container. The interior space or the receiving space has a volume of up to 1100l, for example, depending on the type of container. In particular, the volume represents the entire space within the refuse collection container, in particular when the lid device is closed. For example, depending on the type and size of the container, the interior 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 6 space has a volume of up to 120l, preferably up to 140l, preferably up to 190l, preferably up to 240l, preferably up to 390l, preferably up to 700l or 1100l.

In order to be able to collect different fractions of refuse and/or valuable substances in the refuse collection container, at least one partition wall is preferably 5 arranged within the receiving space, which divides/divide the receiving space into two or more compartments. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more additional containers can also be placed in the receiving space, for example by means of a suitable frame construction. In a preferred embodiment, the refuse collection container of the present invention is provided as such a multi-compartment container with two or more compartments for receiving different fractions of refuse and/or valuable substances.

According to a preferred embodiment, the refuse collection container has a height which is greater than its maximum width and/or maximum depth and/or than the maximum expansion distance of the container bottom. If the refuse collection container is, for example, one with a rectangular container body, the width of the container is preferably the distance between the two side walls. In such a case, the depth of the container is preferably the distance between the front wall and the rear wall. In such a case, the maximum expansion distance of the container bottom is preferably the diagonal of the container bottom. If the refuse collection container has, for example, a round container body, the maximum expansion distance of the container bottom is the diagonal. In the case of an oval configuration of the container body, the maximum expansion distance of the container bottom is the maximum distance between two opposite edge points of the container bottom.

The present invention is not limited to certain geometric specifications for the refuse collection container. Rather, these result in particular from the field of application and purpose of the refuse collection container and/or according to its volume. Some preferred exemplary embodiments are described below, these examples being based in particular on the above requirement that the height of the refuse collection container is greater than its maximum width and/or maximum depth and/or than the 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 7 maximum expansion distance of the container bottom. For example, the height of the container body can be between 700 mm and 1300 mm, preferably between 850 mm and 1050 mm. The total height of the refuse collection container, to which in addition to the height of the container body, the height of the closed lid device is also added, is, for example, between 700 mm and 1400 mm, preferably 5 between 900 mm and 1300 mm.

Preferably, the refuse collection container can have a slightly tapered design. This means that the cross-sectional area of the container body, starting from the insertion opening, where the lid device is hinged to the container body, becomes smaller in the direction of the container bottom. This means that the container body tapers from the insertion opening in the direction of the container bottom. At the upper end of the container body there is often also a container edge which can protrude outward beyond the edge of the container body, that is to say beyond its sidewall.

For example, the refuse collection container can have a maximum width between 400 mm and 1300 mm, for example 580 mm, 750 mm or 1255 mm. The maximum depth of the refuse collection container can be between 500 mm and 950 mm, preferably between 520 mm and 900 mm. In the measured depth, the extension of a handle element, if present, is often also added, which is provided for handling purposes of the refuse collection container.

In the bottom area of the refuse collection container, for example below the container bottom, or in the extension of a wall segment of the container body, where the wall segment comes into contact with the container bottom, or attached to the sidewall in its lower area, the driving gear of the refuse collection container is located, if the container is a mobile refuse collection container. The drive gear of the refuse container is composed of at least one axle and the wheels. The wheels are arranged on the at least one axle. The refuse collection container according to the invention is in particular a two-wheeled or three-wheeled refuse collection container. In this case, the driving gear of the refuse container has two wheels, which are the main wheels, which are arranged on the refuse container via at least one axle, and by means of 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 8 which the refuse container is handled, in particular when moving, emptying and filling.

Such a driving gear with two large wheels and a continuous axle, in particular supplemented by a foot step as explained in more detail below, enables 5 the container to be tilted easily and the container to be moved easily in the tilted state. It also makes it easier to overcome curbs and other small obstacles.

If the refuse collection container is a three-wheeled refuse collection container, it also has a third wheel in addition to the wheels described above, which is explained in more detail below in connection with the refuse collection container according to the second aspect of the invention, and which in particular has the function of a guide wheel.

In the upper end area of the refuse collection container, for example on the upper edge of the container body, at least one handle element is preferably arranged or formed, by means of which the refuse collection container can be handled by the user.

Refuse collection containers of this type are generally provided in order to be emptied into a disposal vehicle by means of an emptying device, for example by means of a chute, for example a combed chute. Such chutes per se are already known and familiar to the person skilled in the art. Of course, the invention is not limited to a specific embodiment of the emptying device. The refuse collection container preferably has a device, in particular in its upper edge area, which can interact with the emptying device. If the emptying takes place via a chute as described above, the refuse collection container preferably has a chute receiving device in the upper edge region, for example in the form of a comb and/or a honeycomb structure.

The refuse collection container is preferably made of plastic, in particular a weatherresistant, solid plastic, or of metal. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 9 According to the invention, the lid device is configured in two or more parts, which means that the lid device comprises two or more lid elements or is divided into two or more lid elements. The lid device is thus a divided lid device. In principle, the invention is not limited to a specific number of lid elements per 5 lid device. In a preferred embodiment, the lid device is configured in two parts and consists of two lid elements that are independent of one another. Each lid element serves to close a partial area of the insertion opening, that is to say a partial opening of the insertion opening. The lid elements in their entirety then close the entire insertion opening.

Each lid element comprises a lid element surface which is delimited by two or more lid element edges. In particular, the number of lid element edges results from the shape of the lid element surface. In a preferred embodiment, the lid element surface is delimited by three or four lid element edges.

One of the lid element edges of each lid element is configured as a first lid element edge. This first lid element edge is characterized in that in the closed operating mode of the lid device, when the lid device or the corresponding lid element closes the insertion opening, it faces a first lid element edge of another, adjacent lid element.

The task of the lid device is to close the insertion opening of the refuse collection container. The closed operating mode is therefore the mode in which the lid device, that is to say all of the lid elements, are in a closed position, that is to say they are closed and close the insertion opening. In particular, the closed operating mode of the lid device is characterized by the fact that the first lid element edges of the lid elements are directed towards one another.

The first lid element edge of each lid element comprises two edge ends which terminate and delimit the first lid element edge, preferably at opposite ends of the edge. In this context, an edge is understood in particular to be a delimitation or a border of the lid element surface. Furthermore, the first lid element edge comprises an edge line extending between the edge ends. In particular, the edge line is the 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 spatial course, that is to say the spatial extension of the edge between the two edge ends.

The first lid element edge of at least one of the lid elements defines an overlap area.

This means in particular that the first lid element edge establishes 5 such an overlap area. This can be achieved in a number of ways. According to a preferred embodiment, at least one component of the first lid element edge is designed as such an overlap area. In another embodiment, the overlap area is an initially independent component which is then connected to the first lid element edge, for example by being arranged on the lid ele covering area of a first lid element edge is provided such that it overlaps the first lid element edge of the other lid element when the lid device is in the closed operating mode.

This means in particular that the first lid element edge in its overlap area, which preferably forms a portion of the first lid element edge or is provided in such a portion of the first lid element edge, rests in the circumference of the overlap area on the first lid element edge of the other lid element.

According to the invention, the edge line of that first lid element edge, which defines the overlap area, comprises a first and at least one second edge portion, that is to say one or more second edge portion. An edge portion is understood to mean, in particular, a partial area, in particular a partial section or a partial length, of the first lid element edge. The first lid element edge is configured in such a way that the first edge section and the at least one second edge section are located next to one another when looking at the first lid element edge. In other words, this means that the edge line of the first lid element edge extends in one direction of extension and that the first edge portion and the at least one second edge portion are formed one behind the other in the direction of extension. In total, the first edge portion and the at least one second edge portion in their entirety form the first lid element edge.

According to the invention, the first edge portion defines the overlap area. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 11 In order to achieve the recess described above in connection with the basic concept of the invention, the at least one second edge portion of the first lid element edge, in the direction of view towards the first lid element edge, is offset rearward in comparison to the first edge portion of the first lid element edge in relation to the first edge portion. This means that the second edge portion is offset 5 to the rear when looking onto the first lid element edge. The second edge portion thus jumps back, which means that the edge line of the first lid element edge has an offset in the plane, which is preferably realized in a transition between the first edge portion and the second edge portion. This means in particular that the position or location of the first edge portion in the extension direction of the first lid element edge deviates from the position or the location of the second edge portion. In particular when the first lid element edge has a straight edge line, the first edge portion and the at least one second edge portion are offset parallel to one another. If the edge line of the second edge portion is assumed as a reference plane, this means that the first edge portion, which defines the overlap area, has been widened compared to the second edge portion. Looking at the course of the edge in the first edge portion, the edge line of the first lid element edge makes a jump in the transition area between the first edge portion and the second edge portion and then continues in the direction of extension of the first lid element edge in the second edge portion, preferably offset in parallel, to the first edge portion. The offset according to the invention is thus something different than, for example, a merely rounded edge end.

In principle, it is sufficient if one of the lid elements comprises a first lid element edge which is configured in the manner according to the invention as described above.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first lid element edges of both lid elements each define an overlap area. In this case it is provided that the first lid element edge of each lid element comprises two edge ends as well as an edge line extending between the edge ends, that the edge line of the first lid element edge of each lid element comprises a first and at least one second edge portion, that the first edge portion of the first lid element edge of each lid element defines the overlap area, and that the at least one second edge portion of the first lid element edge of each lid element, in the direction of view towards the first lid element edge, is offset 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 12 rearwardly in comparison to the first edge portion in relation to the first edge portion.

Such a configuration is particularly preferred when the two lid elements of the lid device are identical and that one lid element is rotated through 180 ° in relation to the other lid element. In this case, one has the recess achieved by the courses of the first and second edge portion 5 on both sides.

The first edge portion and the at least one second edge portion preferably have a stepped offset with respect to one another.

Preferably, the second edge portion is formed in the region of one or both edge ends of the first lid element edge of the lid element. In the first-mentioned case, the first lid element edge comprises a first edge portion and only a second edge portion. The second edge portion is located in the area of one of the edge ends of the first lid element edge. The second edge portion preferably represents the edge end, or the edge end is the second end of the second edge portion, whilst the first end of the second edge portion is in the transition to the first edge portion. In the other embodiment, such a second edge portion is located at each edge end of the first lid element edge.

It is preferably provided, that the first edge portion of the first lid element edge has a length which corresponds to a multiple of the length of the second edge portion of the first lid element edge. The second edge portion preferably has a length which is very short compared to the length of the first edge portion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one second edge portion of the first lid element edge has a length that is less than/equal to 10%, preferably less than/equal to 5%, preferably less than/equal to 3% of the total length of the first lid element edge. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the length of the second edge portion is in a range between 2% and 3% of the total length of the first lid element edge. In particular, the length of the first lid element edge corresponds to the depth of the container body of the refuse collection container. In any case, it is preferred that the second edge portion is very short compared to the first edge portion in order to 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 13 avoid water, moisture or the like from entering. The length of the second edge portion is preferably in a range between a few millimetres and a few centimetres, for example in a range between 8 mm and 30 mm, preferably in the range between 10 mm and 20 mm, preferably in the range of about 15 mm. The length of the second edge portion depends in particular on the size of the lid elements 5 and the lid device as well as on the design of the upper edge of the container. If this edge is designed to be wide, for example, and if the lid elements lie on this wide container edge, the length of the second edge portion can be selected to be somewhat larger.

The size of the offset, which corresponds in particular to the distance between the first and second edge portions, between the first edge portion and the second edge portion is preferably less than/equal to 10%, preferably less than/equal to 7%, preferably less than/equal to 5% of the width of the lid element. The width of the lid element corresponds in particular to the width of the container body of the refuse collection container. The size of the offset is preferably also in a range between a few millimetres and a few centimetres, for example in a range between 8 mm and 30 mm, preferably in the range between 10 mm and 20 mm.

According to a further embodiment, a lid element edge of each lid element is configured as a second lid element edge, the second lid element edge being designed as a fastening edge. At least one fastening device is arranged or formed on the second lid element edge, that is to say on the fastening edge. This fastening device is provided in order to fasten the lid element to the refuse collection container, in particular to a container body of the refuse collection container, preferably in a pivotable manner.

In particular, the second lid element edge, which, like the first lid element edge, delimits the lid element surface, is characterized by the fact that it lies opposite the first lid element edge. This means, in particular, that the second lid element edge is located on the other side, in particular on the opposite side, of the lid element or the lid element surface with respect to the first lid element edge, and that it delimits the lid element surface on the other side, in particular on the opposite side. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 14 In addition, each lid element comprises at least one fastening device which is provided in order to fasten the lid element to the refuse collection container, in particular to a container body of the refuse collection container, preferably in a pivotable manner. The purpose of the fastening device is to enable 5 the lid elements to be fastened to the container body. The invention is not limited to specific configurations of fastening devices. Some preferred exemplary embodiments for this are described in connection with the refuse collection container according to the second aspect of the invention, so that reference is made to these statements further below at this point.

It is preferably provided that when the lid device is installed, each lid element is arranged or articulated independently and independently of other lid elements on the refuse collection container, in particular on the container body, so that each lid element can be moved, i.e. opened and closed, independently of the other lid elements. The fastening devices are preferably designed in such a way that the lid elements are or can be arranged pivotably on the refuse collection container, which means that the lid elements can be opened, that is to say folded up, and closed, that is to say folded down, while executing a pivoting movement.

The second lid element edge is preferably provided as a fastening edge, the at least one fastening device being arranged or designed on the fastening edge. In this case, the lid element surface, which is delimited on the side opposite the fastening edge by the first lid element edge, extends in particular from the fastening edge in the direction of the centre of the lid device, which is formed by the entirety of all lid elements. According to another embodiment, the fastening edge can be such a lid element edge which protrudes at an angle from the first lid element edge and which encloses an interior angle with the first lid element edge. This interior angle can preferably be between 0 and 90 degrees. In such a case, if the lid element surface is also delimited by a third and optionally a fourth lid element edge, the fastening edge is formed by such a third or fourth lid element edge. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 Preferably assigned to each fastening edge is/are at least one, preferably two, fastening device(s), wherein the fastening device(s) are or can be arranged at least partially on the fastening edge, in particular in a detachable manner, or else are formed on the fastening edge. In the first-mentioned case, the at least one fastening device is, for example, an initially independent component which is 5 then attached to the fastening edge, either releasably or non-releasably. In the latter case, the at least one fastening device is formed by a component of the fastening edge or by the lid element in the region of the fastening edge.

In principle, it is sufficient if the lid element surface is delimited by two lid element edges. This can be the case, for example, when the lid element surface has a second lid element edge that is round or oval. The first lid element edge extends between the ends of such a second lid element edge and connects these two ends of the second lid element edge to one another then. According to another preferred embodiment, the lid element surface is delimited by a third lid element edge and optionally by a fourth lid element edge in addition to the first and second lid element edge, the third lid element edge and optionally the fourth lid element edge connecting the first lid element edge and the second lid element edge at their ends and extending between them. With three lid element edges, the lid element surface has, for example, a triangular basic shape. With a total of four lid element edges, the lid element surface has, for example, a square, preferably a rectangular basic shape.

In a preferred embodiment, each lid element has a lid element surface which is delimited by four lid element edges. The third lid element edge and the fourth lid element edge then protrude from the two ends of the first lid element edge, each including an inner angle. These interior angles can be 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees, for example. The third and fourth lid element edges are arranged with their respective first ends at the ends of the first lid element edge and connected to them. At the respective second ends of the third and fourth lid element edges, these are connected to the respective ends of the second lid element edge. The third and fourth lid element edges preferably have the same length compared to one another. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 16 A side wall of the lid element preferably projects from the third lid element edge and optionally from the fourth lid element edge. This means that a side wall of the lid element protrudes from the lid element surface, which is delimited by the first, second, third and optionally fourth lid element edge, in the area of the third and optionally fourth lid element edge. The lid element surface preferably 5 merges into the side wall at the third and fourth lid element edge. The side wall extends from the lid element surface downwards in the direction of the container body of the refuse collection container when the lid device is closed.

The first lid element edges of the lid elements preferably have a mutually corresponding edge line in the closed operating mode of the lid device, and are in particular aligned parallel to one another. In particular, the first lid element edges correspond to one another, when they coincide in their edge line or when they are coordinated with one another or match.

The lid element surfaces of the lid elements can preferably be congruent, that is to say coincident with one another.

According to another preferred embodiment, the lid elements are designed identically. Such an identical configuration has the advantage that the lid elements can be used as desired and arranged in any way on the container body of the refuse collection container. If a partition wall is provided in the container body, the lid elements can of course also have different sizes, depending on where the partition wall is placed inside the container body.

According to a different preferred embodiment, the lid elements are assembled to form a rectangle in the closed operating mode of the lid device. This means that all lid elements together, when they are in the closed operating mode, cover the area of a rectangle. Such a configuration of the lid device is implemented in particular when the container body and in particular the insertion opening in the container body of the refuse collection container also have such a rectangular shape. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 17 In a further embodiment, at least individual lid elements and/or individual fastening devices can be designed differently in terms of colour. The different colours can be used to indicate to the user of the refuse collection container, which is closed with such a lid device, which type of refuse and/or valuable materials should be thrown into the area of the refuse collection container assigned to the respective 5 lid element.

In another embodiment, the lid elements and/or the fastening devices are designed in the same colour. To implement a different colour scheme as described above, in such a case it is preferred, to arrange colour markings, in particular with different colours, for example in the form of clips, labels, tags, plaques or the like, on the lid element or a component of the lid element. The number and colour of the colour markings used can vary depending on the number of receiving compartments provided in the refuse collection container for, in particular different, refuse fractions.

The colouring preferably signals to a user what type of refuse or recyclables should be inserted into the refuse collection container at the correspondingly marked point.

In order to be able to operate the lid elements of the lid device, at least one handle element is preferably arranged or formed on each lid element, in particular on at least one of the lid element edges. For example, colour markings as described above can be arranged on the handle elements, or the handle elements themselves are designed in a corresponding colour. If, as described above, the lid element comprises a first, second, third and optionally fourth lid element edge, and if the lid element is hinged to the container body via its second lid element edge, at least one handle element can be arranged or formed on the first and/or the third and/or optionally fourth lid element edge. The at least one handle element is designed, for example, in the form of a get-through handle.

On the upper surface of the lid elements, that is to say on the upper surface of the lid element surfaces, further configurations and/or lid components can be implemented, for example in the form of beads or surfaces for attaching labels, logos and the like.

Beads serve in particular to stiffen the lid elements. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 18 According to the second aspect of the invention, a refuse collection container is provided which comprises the features of independent patent claim 5.

The refuse collection container, the basic structure of which is described in detail above, is characterized according to the invention in that the lid device 5 is configured in the manner described above according to the first aspect of the invention. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made in full to the statements relating to the first aspect of the invention, in particular with regard to the design, functioning and effect of the lid device and the refuse collection container.

Furthermore, it is realized according to the invention that each lid element of the lid device is arranged or articulated on the container body, in particular on the upper edge of the container body, preferably with mutually opposite pivoting directions. This means that each lid element, taken individually and independently of the other lid elements, is arranged or articulated on the container body, in particular on the upper edge of the container, via appropriate fastening devices. Thus, each lid element can be operated independently of the other lid elements. The arrangement or articulation of the lid elements on the container body can take place in such a way that these lid elements are pivotable. This means that the lid elements can be actuated, that is to say opened and closed, by performing a pivoting movement. Preferred embodiments for suitable fastening devices are explained in more detail in the further course of the description. In particular, the lid elements can be arranged and configured in such a way that they perform a pivoting movement in opposite directions compared to one another. This means that the lid elements are opened or closed in the opposite direction, namely in the opposite pivoting direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the container body comprises a rectangular or approximately rectangular shape, the sidewall consisting of a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls which adjoin one another at their particularly rounded edges. The lid elements are preferably arranged or articulated on the container body, in particular on the upper container edge, in the area of the side walls. In this case, the refuse collection container preferably comprises a two-part lid device with two lid elements 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 19 which are arranged on the side of the container body and can thus be opened to the left or right.

The arrangement of the lid elements on the container body, in particular on the upper edge of the container body, which corresponds to the upper edge of 5 the container or the upper rim of the container, can be implemented in different ways and takes place via appropriately designed fastening devices, which have also been discussed above in connection with the lid device according to the invention. Depending on the configuration, it can be provided that the fastening devices are part of the lid device or the container body, or that individual components of the fastening device are assigned to the lid device and other parts of the fastening device are assigned to the container body. It is preferably provided that the fastening devices are detachably arranged on the container body and/or on the lid device. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening device is designed as a hinge device or joint device. A hinge connection and a joint connection is generally a connection that movably connects two fixed parts, here the lid element and the container body. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge device can be detachably arranged on the container body, which also makes subsequent retrofitting possible. In another embodiment, the fastening device can be designed as a snap device, a latching device or the like. It is only important that the fastening device is provided in such a way that it is capable to set the lid element arranged on the container body in an opening and closing movement, preferably in the form of a pivoting movement. For example, in a specific embodiment it can be provided that the lid element with a projection designed as a fastening device, such as a tongue, snaps into an opening designed as a fastening device in the container body, in particular in the upper container edge. This connection can be held with an additional fastening bolt. Or the fastening device is a hinge or joint connection which is arranged both on the lid element and on the container body, in particular on the upper edge of the container.

At least one, in particular displaceable or adjustable partition wall, preferably detachable, is preferably arranged within the container body, preferably within its receiving space. For example, a single partition wall can be provided. As described 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 above, different compartments can be realized in the receiving space of the container body via the partition wall. A displaceable partition wall has the particular advantage that the displacement can take place continuously, for example along a displacement device, for example in the form of a rail or the like, so that compartments of any size can be formed. In another embodiment, the partition can be adjustable. 5 This means in particular that the partition wall can be adjusted between predetermined positions.

For example, it is conceivable that the partition wall can be adjusted into three different positions, so that, for example, two compartments can be set through the partition wall in a ratio of 50:50 or 60:40 or 40:60. As a result of the simple attachment of the lid elements to the container body, the size of the lid elements can be adapted in a simple manner to the compartments within the container body formed by the partition wall.

In addition, the refuse collection container can comprise other components, some of which are now described by way of example.

The refuse collection container preferably comprises a driving gear which comprises two main wheels configured as driving wheels and an axle, in particular a single continuous axle, via which the wheels are arranged on the container body. The refuse collection container thus has a driving gear which comprises those components of the refuse collection container which are used to connect the refuse collection container, in particular its container body, to the ground, that is to say to the floor. The driving gear comprises two main wheels designed as driving wheels and an axle, in particular a single continuous axle, the driving wheels being arranged over the axle on the container body. Alternatively, two partial axles as described above can also be realized, which are arranged and aligned one behind the other or next to one another, with one wheel being arranged on the container body via a partial axis respectively. However, the use of a single, continuous axis is particularly preferred. The driving wheels are those wheels by means of which the refuse collection container, in particular after being tipped, can be moved, that is to say driven, between different locations. The wheels are the large wheels as described 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 21 above, which in this respect represent the main wheels of the two-wheeled refuse container.

For the attachment of the driving gear to the refuse collection container, at least one first receiving device is provided in a manner known per se, which 5 is arranged or formed on the container body, which is provided for receiving the axle and in which the axle with the wheels is mounted.

If the refuse collection container comprises only two such wheels, it is preferably a two-wheel refuse collection container.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the refuse collection container comprises on the container body, in particular on the end of the container body facing the container bottom, on the side facing away from the receiving space, a receiving area for receiving further container components, this receiving area being designed in particular in the form of a depression. A depression is, in particular, a part of the container body which is located lower than its surroundings. Such a depression can also be referred to as an indentation, notch, sink or hollow, for example. If the refuse collection container is a square container as described above, the receiving area is preferably provided on the front wall. In any case, it is preferred that the receiving area is provided on the opposite side of the container body with respect to the side on which the driving gear is provided.

A further wheel in the form of a guide wheel, in particular in the form of a guide wheel which can be rotated through 360 degrees, can preferably be arranged on a receiving area as described above. In this case, the refuse collection container is a three-wheeled refuse collection container. The guide wheel is preferably a third wheel in comparison to the two main wheels of the refuse collection container, the driving wheels of the driving gear. The guide wheel can preferably have a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the main wheels in the form of the driving wheels of the driving gear. For example, the guide wheel can have a diameter of less than 150 mm, for example a diameter of 125 mm or 80 mm. This additional guide 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 22 wheel is used in particular to ensure that the refuse collection container can be moved in narrow spaces and driveways. In particular, the additional guide wheel enables the refuse container to be turned easily on the spot. Such a third wheel can also have a support function.

According to another preferred embodiment, a locking device, which can also be referred to as a stop device, can be arranged on a receiving area as described above. The present invention is not limited to specific embodiments for the locking device. In a preferred embodiment, such a locking device can be equipped, for example, with a return spring and a low-wear buffer, for example made of hard rubber. A pedal bolt, at the end of which the buffer is located, is pressed down until the buffer is pressed against the ground. This prevents further movement of the refuse collection container. When the pedal bolt is pressed down, the return spring is compressed. To release the locking device, the return spring is relaxed so that the pedal bolt is moved upwards again and the buffer is removed from the ground. If a third guide wheel as described above is used, a locking device can be implemented in the form of a wheel brake integrated in the guide wheel.

In order to ensure easy tilting of the refuse collection container, especially when it is full, it is preferably also provided that a foot tilting device is arranged or formed on or in the sidewall of the container body, for example on or in the rear wall, above the axle of the driving gear. This is preferably a type of footstep which is arranged or designed as a tilting aid in the axle area on the container body.

In addition, at least one handle element can be arranged or formed on the container body, in particular on the upper edge of the container body, on the side of the container body facing away from the receiving space. Such a handle element, which can be configured as a handle tube, for example, has already been described in more detail above. Such a handle element preferably projects from the container body, in particular from the container edge, and protrudes outwardly. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 23 The invention will now be explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Shown is in Figure 1 an embodiment of a refuse collection container according to the invention, which comprises a lid device 5 according to the invention; Figures 2 and 3 different views of a lid element of the lid device according to the invention; Figure 4 different views of the lid device according to the invention in the closed operating mode; and Figure 5 different embodiments with different configurations of the individual lid elements in the area of their first lid element edge.

Figures 1 to 5 show different exemplary embodiments in relation to a refuse collection container, which, in particular, is configured in the form of a mobile, twowheeled or three-wheeled refuse collection container, preferably with a capacity of up to 1.100l. The refuse collection container is used to receive refuse and/or valuable substances. The same components in the different figures are each provided with identical reference numerals.

In Figure 1, an embodiment of a refuse collection container 10 according to the invention is shown, in which a lid device 20 according to the invention, in particular in accordance with the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5, is realized.

The refuse collection container 10 consists of the container body 11. The container body 11 comprises a sidewall 13 which laterally delimits the container body 11. The sidewall 13 has a rectangular shape, so that the container body 11 also has such a rectangular shape. With such a rectangular shape, the sidewall 13 or the container body 11 respectively comprises four wall segments in the form of a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls which adjoin one another at their container edges. The container body 11 is closed at the bottom by the container bottom 12, from which the sidewall 13 protrudes and extends upwards. The sidewall 13 and the container 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 24 bottom 12 delimit the receiving space of the container body 11, into which the refuse and/or valuable substances can be filled. At the upper end of the sidewall 13, which is the opposite end of the container body 11 compared to the container bottom 12, i.e. at the upper edge of the container body 11, which in particular also corresponds to the upper container edge 14, the container body 11 comprises 5 an insertion opening for refuse and/or the valuable substances, the insertion opening preferably being delimited by the sidewall 13 of the container body 11 and extending over the entire cross-sectional area of the container body 11 in the region of the upper container edge 14. The driving gear 15 of the refuse collection container 10 is located in the bottom area of the refuse collection container 10. This is composed of an axle and the driving wheels 16. The driving wheels 16 are arranged on the axle. Such a driving gear 15 with two large driving wheels 16 and an axle enables the refuse container 10 to be tilted easily and the refuse container 10 to be moved conveniently in the tilted state. It also makes it easier to overcome curbs and other small obstacles. In addition, the refuse container 10 can have a further, third wheel, whereby the maneuvering of the refuse container 10 is made easier. The refuse collection container 10 is preferably made of plastic, in particular a weather-resistant, solid plastic, or of metal.

For closing the insertion opening and thus the container body 11, the refuse collection container 10 comprises a lid device 20, as particularly depicted in Figures 2 to 5 and being described below accordingly. The lid device 20 comprises two lid elements 21, 22, which are each pivotably arranged or articulated via fastening devices 23 on the sidewall 13, preferably on corresponding side walls, of the container body 11 or the upper container edge 14. Both lid elements 21, 22 can be operated separately and independently of one another. In the closed operating mode, that is shown in Figure 1 and in which both lid elements 21, 22 are in the closed operating mode, lid elements 21, 22 cover the entire insertion opening. In the open operating mode of the lid elements 21, 22, in which both lid elements 21, 22 are in the open position, the lid elements 21, 22 release the entire insertion opening. In the intermediate operating modes, one of the lid elements 21 or 22 is open, so that in this case only a partial area of the insertion opening 51 is exposed. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 In Figures 2 and 3, different views of a lid element 22 of the divided lid device 20 are shown, whereas the lid device 20 as a whole is shown in Figure 4. Therefore, Figure 4 is described at first, in which the lid device 20 is shown in the closed operating mode.

The lid device 20 is divided into two parts and comprises two lid elements 21, 22, which each have a lid element surface 21a and 22a. The lid element surfaces 21a, 22a are each delimited by four lid element edges, namely a first lid element edge 24, a second lid element edge 25, which serves as a fastening edge, and two further lid element edges 26 and 27, which connect the first and second lid element edges 24, and which extend between them. The second lid element edges 25 each comprise the fastening devices 23. The first lid element edges 24 of the lid elements 21, 22 face one another in the closed operating mode of the lid device 20. Handle elements 28 are provided on the lid element surfaces 21a, 22a for handling the lid elements 21, 22. As can particularly be seen from Figure 3, the lid elements 21, 22 each comprise two side walls 29 which extend downwards from the third and fourth lid element edges 26, 27, that is to say in the closed operating mode in the direction of the container body 11.

According to the invention, the first lid element edge 24 of at least one of the lid elements 21, 22 is designed in a special way, as now will be explained in connection with Figures 2 and 3. These figures depict different views and details of one of the lid elements 22 in which the embodiment according to the invention is implemented.

As one can derive from the figures, the first lid element edge 24 of the lid element 22 comprises an edge line 32, which extends between a first edge end 30 and a second edge end 31 in an extension direction of the first lid element edge 24. In the example shown, the first lid element edge 24 has a straight course.

As one can derive from Figures 2 and 2a, the first lid element edge 24 comprises two edge portions, namely a first edge portion 33 and a second edge portion 35. The first 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 26 edge portion 33 defines an overlap area 34. Figure 2 shows the basic structure of the lid element 21 with the first lid element edge 24, while Figure 2a shows the area of the second edge end 31 as an enlarged detail D. The overlap area 34 of the first lid element edge 24 of the lid element 22 is provided in such a way that, in the closed operating mode of the lid device 20 as shown in Figure 4, it overlaps 5 the first lid element edge 24 of the other lid element 21 and rests on the first lid element edge 24 of the other lid element 21 in the extent of the overlap area 34.

Coming back to Figures 2 and 2a, the first lid element edge 24 is configured in such a way that, in the viewing direction B towards the first lid element edge 24. the first edge portion 33 and the second edge portion 35 are located next to one another. In other words, this means that the edge line 32 of the first lid element edge 24 extends in one direction of extension and that the first edge portion 33 and the second edge portion 35 are formed one behind the other in the direction of extension. In total, the first edge portion 33 and the second edge portion 35 form the first lid element edge 24 in their entirety.

In order to achieve the recess described above in connection with the basic idea of the invention, which simplifies the opening and closing of the lid device 20, the second edge portion 35 of the first lid element edge 24 is, as compared to the first edge portion 33 of the first lid element edge 24 and in viewing direction B towards the first lid element edge 24, offset rearwards with respect to the first edge portion 33, that is to say moved backwards. This is especially shown in Figure 2a. The second edge portion 35 thus jumps back, which means that the edge line 32 of the first lid element edge 24 has an offset 36 in the plane, which is configured in particular as a stepped offset 36, and which is preferably realized in a transition between the first edge portion 33 and the second edge portion 35. If, as shown in Figure 2, the first lid element edge 24 has a straight edge line 32, the first edge portion 33 and the second edge portion 35 are offset parallel to each other. If, for example, the edge line of the second edge portion 35 is assumed as a reference plane, this means that the first edge portion 33, which defines the overlap area 34, has been widened compared to the second edge portion 35. If one considers the course of the first lid element edge 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 27 24 in the first edge portion 33, the edge line 32 of the first lid element edge 24 makes a jump in the transition area between the first edge portion 33 and the second edge portion 35 and then further runs in the second edge portion 35 parallel offset to the first edge section 33 in the direction of extension of the first lid element edge 24.

The first edge portion 33 of the first lid element edge 24 has a length which corresponds to a multiple of the length of the second edge portion 35 of the first lid element edge 24. In a preferred embodiment, the second edge portion 35 of the first lid element edge 24 has a length L that is less than/equal to 10%, preferably less than/equal to 5%, preferably less than/equal to 3% of the total length GL of the first lid element edge 24. The size G of the offset 36, which corresponds to the distance between the first edge portion 33 and the second edge portion 35, is preferably less than/equal to 10%, preferably less than/equal to 7%, preferably less than/equal to 5% of the total width GB of the lid element 22. The size G of the offset 36 and the length L of the second edge portion 35 are in the range between a few millimetres and a few centimetres.

Figure 3 depicts the lid element 22 as shown in Figure 2 in a perspective view. In Figure 3 the respective edge ends 30, 31 are configured in a special way and are shown as detail A in Figure 3a as well as detail B in Figure 3b. As one can derive from Figure 3, the first lid element edge 24 comprises a first edge portion 33 and a single second edge portion 35. In the area of the edge end 31 according to detail A, as illustrated in Figure 3a, the lid element edge 24 is formed with the offset 36 between the first edge portion 33 and the second edge portion 35, as this is described in connection with Figure 2. The other edge end 30 comprises, as can be seen in connection with detail B in Figure 3b, no second edge portion 35, so that the first edge portion 33 with the overlap area 34 merges unchanged into the side wall 29 of the lid element 22.

Details A and B as shown in Figures 4a and 4a depict in connection with Figure 4, that the configuration of the first lid element edge 24 according to the invention can also be realized in the other lid element 21. It is preferably provided that both the first 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 28 lid element edge 24 of the one lid element 21 and the first lid element edge 24 of the other lid element 22 are configured in the manner according to the invention, so that the lid elements 21, 22 are identical and can be arranged in any orientation on the container body 11 of the refuse collection container.

Finally, Figure 5 shows in schematic representation different configurations of the lid elements 21, 22 in the area of their first lid element edge 24. To illustrate the relationships according to the invention, the lid elements 21, 22, in particular the sizes of the first and second edge portions 33, 35, as well as the length of the second edge portion 35 and the size of the offset 36 are not shown to scale, but rather enlarged. Figure 5a schematically depicts an embodiment that corresponds to the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3. Figure 5b depicts an embodiment, wherein both lid elements 21, 22 each have a first lid element edge 24 configured according to the invention. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the lid elements 21, 22 are operated, that is to say opened and closed, from different sides of the container body, and when the lid elements are to be used universally in any orientation. The embodiments shown in Figures 5a and 5b provide that the first lid element edges 24 each have a first edge portion 33 and only one second edge portion 35, the second edge portion being provided in the region of an edge end of the first lid element edge. Figure 5c depicts a variant of an embodiment, in which at least one of the lid elements 22 comprises a first lid element edge 24, which comprises a first edge portion 33 and two second edge portions 35, one second edge portion 35 being provided in the area of each edge end 30, 31 of the first lid element edge 24 respectively. 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 29 List of reference numerals Refuse collection container 11 Container body 12 5 Container bottom 13 Sidewall 14 Upper container edge Driving gear 16 Wheel Lid device 21 Lid element 21a Lid element surface 22 Lid element 22a Lid element surface 23 Fastening device 24 First lid element edge Second lid element edge 26 Third lid element edge 27 Fourth Lid element edge 28 Handle element 29 Side wall of the lid element First edge end of the first lid element edge 31 Second edge end of the first lid element edge 32 Edge line of the first lid element edge 33 First edge portion of the first lid element edge 34 Overlap area Second edge portion of the first lid element edge 36 Stepped offset B Direction of view towards the edge line of the first lid element edge L Length of the second edge portion of the first lid element edge 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 G Size of the offset between the first and second edge portion of the first lid element edge GL Total length of the first lid element edge GB Total width of the lid element 29/04/2021 Applicant: ESE World B.V.

Our ref: U6136IE00 31

Claims (3)

Claims

1. A lid device (20) for a refuse collection container (10), which is provided in order to close an insertion opening of the refuse collection container, the 5 lid device (20) being constructed in several parts and comprising two lid elements (21, 22), each lid element (21, 22) comprising a lid element surface (21a, 22a), which is limited by at least two lid element edges, wherein one lid element edge of each lid element (21, 22) is configured as a first lid element edge (24), wherein, in the closed operating 10 mode of the lid device (20), the first lid element edge (24) of the one lid element (21) faces the first lid element edge (24) of the second lid element (22), wherein the first lid element edge (24) comprises two edge ends (30, 31) and an edge line (32) extending between the edge ends (30, 31), wherein the first lid element edge (24) of at least one of the lid elements (21, 22), preferably of both lid elements (21,22), 15 defines an overlap area (34), which is provided in such a way that it overlaps the first lid element edge (21) of the other lid element in the closed operating mode of the lid device (20), wherein the edge line (32) of that first lid element edge (24) which defines the overlap area (34), comprises a first edge portion (33) and at least one second edge portion (35), wherein the first edge portion (33) defines the overlap area 20 (34), and wherein, in the direction of view (B) towards the first lid element edge (24), the at least one second edge portion (35) compared to the first edge portion (33) is offset rearwards in relation to the first edge portion (33), wherein in particular the first edge portion (33) and the at least one second edge portion (35) comprise a stepped offset (36) with respect to one another. 25

2. The lid device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second edge portion (35) is formed in the area of one edge end (30; 31) or both edge ends (30, 31) of the first lid element edge (24) of the lid element (21, 22). 30

3. The lid device according to anyone of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first edge portion (33) of the first lid element edge (24) has a length which corresponds to a multiple of the length of the second edge portion (35) of the first lid element edge