NZ598915A

NZ598915A - Decorative textile cover for a "wheelie" refuse bin as a lid cover attached to body cover, where bin lid can be opened with cover in place

Info

Publication number: NZ598915A
Application number: NZ598915A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Jayne Elizabeth Gower
Original assignee: Layne Elizabeth Gower
Priority date: 2012-06-14
Filing date: 2012-06-14
Publication date: 2012-07-27
Also published as: GB201211188D0; GB2503427A; WO2013151444A2; AU2012203672A1

Abstract

The cover has a body cover portion and a lid cover portion to overlie a wheelie bin, such that the bin lid can be opened with the cover in place, typically by having the lid cover portion hinged to the body cover portion. The body cover portion has a peripheral flange to provide support for the cover from a peripheral bin flange surrounding the bin lid.

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 598915 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION 20 March 2012 WHEELIE BIN COVER I, JAYNE ELIZABETH GOWER, a New Zealand citizen of 44 Isobel Road, Greenhithe, North Shore, Auckland 0632, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to covers for providing aesthetically pleasing enhancement to the physical appearance of hinged lid wheelie rubbish bins or similarly hinged lid rubbish bins. BACKGROUND The Wheelie bin has become possibly the most common form of refuse collection bin. The sizes of these bins are typically of standardized dimensions. The capacity of such bins is normally in the order of 80 litre, 120 litre, 140 litre, 240 litre and 360 Litre and they generally tend to have a rectangular shaped box on a pair of wheels and commonly moulded from high-density polyethylene. These bins are designed to be emptied mechanically by hydraulically or pneumatically driven lifting gantry on a refuse truck. By nature these bins are manufactured in standard colours and also feature text, graphics and/or logos identifying the correct materials to be placed in and removed from that bin, the street address of that bin, and the collection company assigned to that bin. In some cases these bins have the addition of large adhesive decals to feature some or all of this information. A major aesthetic problem with these bins is the general appearance when placed in view in a residential or commercial setting. Description of Prior Art GB2482717A and GB 2476047A This invention describes a detachable rail with simulated plants and flower attached to it designed to trail over the lid of the bin. DE 42 26 253 A1 This invention describes a wrap around removable cover that partially covers the barrel wall which can also described as the bin body. It states in claim 6 that it may include elements on the lid although the extent or nature of this is not shown in supporting diagrams. It does not describe covering the entire lid. DE 202005017712 This invention describes a rigid screen container, which surrounds the body and the Lid. It is formed from detachable interlocking rigid plastic profiles pieces, which are not attached to the bin itself. The lid is not permanently attached to the body and is described as a loose cover. EP 1612163 This invention describes a partial removable device that's wraps a portion of the main body. It does not cover the lid. US2004/020084 A1 This invention describes a plantlike enclosure to cover a bin with a removable lid. It is not designed to cover a hinged wheelie bin or similarly hinged lid rubbish bin. The decoration is as 3 dimensional shaped plant and leaf like structures attached to the body cover and the separate lid cover. The lid portion of the cover is not attached to the body portion of the cover. US2003/0226846 This invention describes a tension adjustable elasticized fastening designed to cover the top opening portion of an open bin typically used on a construction site. It is not designed to cover a wheelie bin or similarly hinged lid rubbish bin with a hinged lid. US 20110073599 This invention describes a dust control cover with built in water pipes for use on construction sites to limit and dampen down dust. It is designed to cover an open bin typically used on a construction site. US2008 0264460 and US 7877823 This invention describes a tent like structure designed for concealment of bins or portable toilets on construction sites. It is designed to encompass or encircle these devices by covering 3 sides and the ceiling and by having a front edge-opening door for access. It is free standing of the bin or toilet therefore not attached to these devices. US design patent 329514 This invention describes a decorative trash cover that partially covers the sidewall of the bin only. It describes such decorative treatment as printed stickers adhered to the side of the bin or use of a clear sleeve that can have graphics slid between the sleeves for display purposes. It is not designed to cover a hinged lid wheelie bin or similarly hinged lid rubbish bin. GB 2472971 This invention describes a releasable cover for the lid and top section of the bin only. It does not cover the body of the bin. It is designed to prevent access to flies and to reduce odor escaping from the bin. US patent 9731566 This invention describes a printed decorative cover for cars or other large objects created in one piece without an opening other than the lower open edge. SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved cover for a bin or to at least provide the public with a useful choice. In one aspect, the present invention consists in a cover for a hinged lid wheelie bin or other similar hinged lid bin, which when fitted, covers exterior surfaces of the bin, the cover comprising: A bin body cover portion for covering the surface of a lower main body of the bin, and A lid cover portion for covering the top outside edge surfaces of the lid of the bin, wherein the lid of the bin can be opened and closed without substantial impediment whilst the bin body and lid cover portions are in place on the bin, and Wherein the top of the bin body cover portion includes a peripheral flange for lying over a peripheral flange of the bin surrounding a top opening of the bin to support the body cover portion on the lower main body of the bin. Preferably the lid cover portion is permanently attached to the bin body cover portion so that both the bin body cover portion and lid cover portion can be placed over the bin as one complete unit. Preferably the cover is removably attached to the bin by means of complementary hook and loop fasteners stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts to the bin and the cover. Alternatively or additionally the cover is removably attached to the bin by at least one or more of magnets, domes, studs, buckles, straps, clips, zips and elastic. Alternatively the lid cover portion is removably attachable to the bin body cover portion so that both the bin body cover portion and lid cover portion can be assembled together and placed over the bin as one complete unit. Alternatively the lid cover portion is removably attachable to the bin body cover portion using at least one or more of magnets, domes, studs, buckles, straps, clips, zips and hook and loop fasteners. Preferably the cover is constructed of any substrate, media or material that is flexible or semi flexible. The cover construction may be woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise manufactured. Preferably the cover has a surface printed image or design, which may include text. Preferably the peripheral flange of the bin body cover portion includes at least one set of complementary hook and loop fasteners stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts directly to the peripheral flange and to the surface of the bin. More preferably the peripheral flange of the bin body cover portion comprises two sets of complementary hook and loop fasteners stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts directly to the peripheral flange and to the surface of the bin. In the most preferred embodiment the peripheral flange of the bin body cover portion comprises three sets of complementary hook and loop fasteners stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts directly to the peripheral flange and to the surface of the bin. Preferably the lid cover portion includes at least one set of complementary hook and loop fastener strips stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts directly to the lid cover and to surface of the bin lid. More preferably the lid cover portion comprises two sets of complementary hook and loop fasteners stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts directly to the Lid cover and to the surface of the bin lid. In the most preferred embodiment the lid cover portion comprises three sets of complementary hook and loop fasteners stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts directly to the Lid cover and to the surface of the bin lid. Preferably the cover comprises a pair of straps provided to a rear of the cover for pulling sides of the cover towards the back to ensure a firm fit over the bin. The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification (and claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures. Figure 1 shows a Front Elevation of the cover whilst fitted to the bin. Figure 2 shows a Back Elevation of the cover whilst the back straps are fastened and the cover is fitted to the bin. Figure 3 shows a Plan view from above of the Cover whilst fitted to the bin and shown with the lid cover portion raised up away from the bin body portion. Figure 4 shows a Plan view from above of the Cover whilst fitted to the bin and showing the top of the lid cover portion. Figure 5 shows a View of the lid cover portion underside. Figure 6 shows a Side elevation of the cover whilst the back straps are fastened and the cover is fitted to the bin. OVERVIEW o A cover printed with a design or image or with a surface decoration designed to disguise, conceal or enhance the entire exterior visible appearance of various sized hinged lid wheelie rubbish bins or similarly hinged lid rubbish bin. The sizes are typically standardized. The most commonly used sizes are 80 litre, 120 litre, 140 litre and 240 litre. o Designed to be removed and replaced on Rubbish Collection day to limit damage to the cover and also to allow the Rubbish Collection Company staff to recognize the correct bin for emptying. o Formed of shaped sections joined together to form one complete unit to fit over all visible exterior horizontal and vertical surfaces most specifically with an opening/closing hinged lid portion. o Designed with removable function to be attached and fitted to and removed from various size Wheelie bins or other similar hinged lid rubbish or waste bins. COMPONENTS o Body Cover Portion Comprising of 4 main body sections: Front, Back and 2 side panels. Length. These are of sufficient length to sit almost to the ground therefore covering but not grazing on the ground when being moved around. Width. This is sufficient to ensure a snug fit but also to allow easy removal and replacement. Peripheral Flange. This is joined to the front, side and back panels of the body cover portion and fits around the top opening edge of the bin. This provides a peripheral flange for lying over a peripheral flange of the bin surrounding a top opening of the bin to support the body cover portion on the lower main body of the bin. This is removably attached from the bin by means of complementary Hook and Loop fasteners. o Lid Cover Portion comprises of a hinged opening /closing Lid cover comprising a top surface and a peripheral flange. This is removably attached from the bin lid by means of complementary Hook and Loop fasteners. o Back Straps These are stitched into the side back seams and face the Centre Back. These fasten together with complementary Hook and Loop tape fastening. This provides a firm fit around the bin when fastened. FEATURES o All seam edges are encased with a folded binding to aid in water resistance, o The Lid has a handle for lifting. o The Lid handle has reinforced stitching in each corner. This is backed with an extra folded layer of fabric, which is stitched in at the same time for added strength. </div>

Claims

<div class="application article clearfix printTableText" id="claims"> CLAIMS

1. A cover for a hinged lid wheelie bin or other similar hinged lid bin, which when fitted, covers exterior surfaces of the bin, the cover comprising: A bin body cover portion for covering the surface of a lower main body of the bin, and A lid cover portion for covering the top outside edge surfaces of the lid of the bin, wherein the lid of the bin can be opened and closed without substantial impediment whilst the bin body and lid cover portions are in place on the bin, and Wherein the top of the bin body cover portion includes a peripheral flange for lying over a peripheral flange of the bin surrounding a top opening of the bin to support the body cover portion on the lower main body of the bin.

2. A cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover is removably attached to the bin by means of complementary hook and loop fasteners stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts to the bin and the cover.

3. A cover as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the cover is removably attached to the bin by one or more of magnets, domes, studs, buckles, straps, clips, zips and elastic.

4. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lid cover portion is removably attachable to the bin body cover portion so that both the bin body cover portion and lid cover portion can be assembled together and placed over the bin as one complete unit.

5. A cover as claimed in claim 4 wherein the lid cover portion is removably attachable to the bin body cover portion using one or more of magnets, domes, studs, buckles, straps, clips, zips and hook and loop fasteners.

6. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lid cover portion is permanently attached to the bin body cover portion so that both the bin body cover portion and lid cover portion can be placed over the bin as one complete unit.

7. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is constructed of any substrate, media or material that is flexible or semi flexible.

8. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover construction is woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise manufactured.

9. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover has a surface printed image or design, which may include text.

10. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lid cover portion Comprises at least one set of complementary hook and loop fastener strips stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts to the lid cover and to the bin.

11. A cover as claimed in claim 10 wherein the lid cover portion comprises two sets of complementary hook and loop fasteners stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts to the Lid cover and to the bin.

12. A cover as claimed in claim 10 wherein the lid cover portion comprises three sets of complementary hook and loop fasteners stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts to the Lid cover and to the bin.

13. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the peripheral flange Comprises at least one set of complementary hook and loop fastener strips stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts to the peripheral flange of the cover and to the peripheral flange of the bin.

14. A cover as claimed in claim 13 wherein the peripheral flange comprises two sets of complementary hook and loop fasteners stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts to the peripheral flange of the cover and to the peripheral flange of the bin.

15. A cover as claimed in claim 13 wherein the peripheral flange comprises three sets of complementary hook and loop fasteners stitched or adhered or otherwise attached as complementary parts to the peripheral flange of the cover and to the peripheral flange of the bin.

16. A cover as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cover comprises a pair of straps provided to a rear of the cover for pulling sides of the cover towards the back to ensure a firm fit over the bin.

17. A cover for a bin substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by any one or more of the accompanying Figures. </div>