WO1997034820A1

WO1997034820A1 - Apparatus for waste collection

Info

Publication number: WO1997034820A1
Application number: PCT/AU1997/000172
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edward Jan Meysztowicz
Original assignee: Edward Jan Meysztowicz
Priority date: 1996-03-15
Filing date: 1997-03-14
Publication date: 1997-09-25
Also published as: AUPN873196A0

Abstract

An apparatus for collecting waste including two side frame elements (2 and 3), connection means to connect the side frame elements (4) and engagement means (10) adapted to cooperate in use with a mechanical lifting mechanism for raising, emptying and lowering the apparatus, in which the apparatus is adapted to support a removable waste receptacle (1).

Description

APPARATUS FOR WASTE COLLECTION

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an apparatus for waste collection. In particular, the invention relates to a waste collection bin intended for collection and emptying by a hydraulic lifting mechanism for bulk transport of the waste to another site. The invention is also directed towards facilitating the recycling of recyclable materials.

Background to the Invention

A substantial volume of waste, particularly solid waste, generated is disposed of into large bins. In this specification, the term "waste" is used to include irrecoverable waste materials and materials capable of being recycled. Waste may be categorised into two categories: domestic and industrial/commercial waste.

Domestic waste is generally disposed into "wheelie" bins which are generally made from plastics and have two wheels on one side so as to be readily movable by one person. They typically have a volume of between 80 litres and 240 litres. Industrial/commercial waste may be disposed of into "wheelie bins" but is more commonly disposed of into larger bins. These larger industrial/commercial bins are often supported on four wheels but they are generally not readily moveable by a person, at least when full, due to their overall weight.

Bins for all types of waste are generally emptied into the collection vehicle's body. The mechanisms by which these trucks lift the bins so as to empty the waste into the container on the truck are usually categorised as "rear lift" and "front lift". Rear lift mechanisms are more common for domestic and smaller industrial/commercial bins. They operate in a variety of ways but, in general terms, are located towards the rear of the collection truck and contain a means for the lifting mechanism to lift the bin. An advantage of rear lift mechanisms is that they tend to require less space in which to operate. In some instances, rear lift type containers may be emptied by side lift mechanisms, located on the side of the collection vehicle which operate in a similar manner to rear lift mechanisms

Front lift mechanisms are more commonly used with larger bins. The front lift system was mainly developed in the United States of America and is now used world-wide. One of the most popular systems is known as the Dempster system and is promoted under the trade mark DUMPMASTER® of Dempster Systems Inc. In this system, the collection truck generally has a compactor body and a hydraulically driven arm system which extends over the front of the truck to pick up the larger industrial/commercial bins. Generally, the lifting mechanism is a pair of forks or tines on the arm system of the vehicle which are at a fixed distance apart to correspond with the bins (typically 1.8 metres). The lifting mechanism will typically be adjustable between full width containers (1.8 metres) and half width containers (0.9 metres). At the bottom of its travel, the lifting mechanism is usually at a standard height off the ground which generally corresponds to the height of the headlights of the collection vehicle. The bins may be made from metal or plastics and range in size from 0.6 to 6 cubic metres. These bins are generally 0.9 or 1.8 metres in width and of varying heights and depths depending on the volume. They may weigh up to 3 tonnes when full. The bins are often of a simple welded metal design, or may be made from plastics as outlined above. The bins generally have a slot to receive these forks or tines. Commonly, the slot is provided by a steel channel (of rectangular cross-sectional shape) affixed to both sides of the bin. However, as the outer side of such a tube is not required for the function of lifting or lowering the bin, the two horizontal surfaces which engage the forks or tines may be formed by parallel flanges (so as to form a slot with an open longitudinal side) mounted on each side of the bin, which are appropriately supported.

Front lift collection trucks are relatively large and require sufficient space for the vehicle to be manoeuvred adjacent the waste bin in order to lift and empty the bin. Sufficient overhead clearance is also required when the bin is raised over the front of the truck.

Another form of waste container known in the art, and used particularly for recycling cardboard waste, is the POWERPLUS WOOLPACK® (registered trade mark of Elders Limited). Such a POWERPLUS WOOLPACK container itself is a recycling of a pack or bag used in the wool processing industry for the transport of baled wool. The bags may be made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), nylon or jute. A POWERPLUS WOOLPACK container is generally provided with a tubular steel frame to support it. When full, it is necessary to untie the bag from the frame and to tie the bag up so that it is ready for collection. Further, it is often necessary for such a container to be dragged to the collection vehicle which has the dual disadvantage of being slow and a potential for injury to workers (resulting from moving heavy loads). Collection is usually by means of a hydraulic arm fitted to the rear of a flat-tray truck.

In respect of recyclable waste, glass and paper are often collected in wheelie bins whereas cardboard is often collected in POWERPLUS WOOLPACK type containers.

The invention is directed primarily towards a bin suitable for front lift emptying, although it may vary in size down to similar volumes of domestic bins and is adaptable for rear lift and side lift mechanisms.

One disadvantage of the industrial/commercial metallic bins is the tendency of the metal to degrade, particularly where paint is removed due to the action of the lifting mechanism, generally through rust which lowers the structural integrity of the waste bin. Welded joints of the waste receptacle may also fail as a result of rust causing the bin to spill or leak its contents. Further, the bins have a substantial cost, both to produce, transport, store and maintain. The cost to produce is substantial because of the volume of steel required and the cost of manufacture is substantial because of the size and weight of a partially constructed bin. The traditional bins are expensive to transport because of the space they occupy and their weight, which similarly adds to the cost of storage. Maintenance is expensive because it is difficult, if not impossible to replace only the defective part due to the integral structure and also because of the cost of transporting defective bins.

Traditional metal bins are also noisy to use, particularly when emptied. This is largely because the lifting mechanism of a waste collection vehicle is also metallic and because of the forces required given the weight of the bin. Accordingly, regulatory authorities often place limitations on the hours during which such bins may be emptied, which adds to the overall cost of use of these bins.

A further disadvantage of the metal bins is that they are of substantial weight in themselves when empty (350 to 500 kilograms). Thus, they are difficult to move by one person and may cause injury. Further, the pockets for receiving the lifting arms of a collection vehicle must be of a substantial construction so as to withstand the weight of the bin itself as well as the rubbish contained within it. When the bin is lifted, the upper surface rests on the forks of the lifting mechanism of the truck. The forks then rotate to empty the bin, which is then supported by the lifting mechanism and the lower surface of the pocket. Where the pocket is formed by a length of rectangular steel channel, the outer side of each pocket can obstruct the entry of the arm into the pocket and is accordingly often damaged during the insertion of the arm into the pocket. More importantly, such damage is exacerbated by the repeated "slamming" of the bin during emptying (the rapid raising and lowering of the bin to facilitate its emptying) at the top of the lifting mechanism's travel. Apart from the unsightly appearance which such damage causes (particularly as that damage often subsequently causes rust), the inherent strength of the pocket is weakened. A further significant disadvantage of many of the known industrial/commercial waste bins is that their waste-receiving openings are located at a significant height above the ground. This is known as having a "high loadface". Accordingly, in order to place waste in the bin, a typical user must lift the waste above the user's shoulders, which in many cases is not safe. Further, in order to open the lid of such a bin, it is necessary to lift and twist simultr ^ously which is ergonomically dangerous.

A further disadvantage of the current bins is that the castors connecting the wheels to the bin are often damaged, particularly when the bin is placed back on the ground by the lifting mechanism. In particular, the castors have no shock absorbing capacity and are often bent or otherwise damaged in typical conditions of use and are often difficult to replace. A further disadvantage of the current bins is that they are not easily stored in a space effective manner. The metal bins cannot be readilv disassembled nor stacked inside each other for storage and accordingly occupy a substantial volume of space in storage when not in use.

Another disadvantage of the traditional waste bins is that the lids are often damaged during typical conditions of use. Further, the lid may extend below the bottom of the bin when the bin is being lowered back to the ground after having been emptied and thus take the impact of the weight of the bin being lowered. Further, the lid may also be damaged when the bin is being emptied by coming into contact with waste already in the container on the truck. This may be exacerbated if the operator of the vehicle uses the waste bin being emptied to compact waste already in the truck's container. The applicant believes these disadvantages have not previously been elucidated and appreciated by those skilled in the aπ. Investigations have been carried out to develop a waste collection bin, at least suitable for front lift operation and preferably adaptable for rear-lift operation, to overcome at least one or more of those disadvantages of traditional bins. The receptacle part of a bin has been recognised as a "short use" component and the frame or structural part as a "long use" component and it has been appreciated that the long use component should be optimised for its function in supporting the receptacle, maintaining its integrity during emptying and absorbing impacts on the bin. The receptacle itself should not be overspecified (for example, the solid steel plate of a typical DUMPMASTER bin) which causes increased wear on the long use component. Summary of the Invention

The invention generally provides an apparatus for collecting waste including: two side frame elements; connection means to connect the side frame elements: engagement means adapted to cooperate in use with a mechanical lifting mechanism for raising, emptying and lowering the apparatus, in which the apparatus is adapted to support a removable waste receptacle.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes fastening means mounted on each side frame element to releasably engage each side frame element with connection means.

It is preferred that each side frame element includes a closed loop, such as two generally figure-of-eight frame elements, one being disposed on each side of the receptacle, spaced by a floor frame element connected rigidly to both side frame elements. More preferably, the frame further includes a top frame elemeni disposed above the floor frame element and connected to and generally between the side frame elements such that the four frame elements form a quadrilateral frame adapted to accommodate and support a waste receptacle. In one preferred embodiment, the receptacle has means in its upper edges, such as a sleeve, into which the quadrilateral frame member components of the top frame element can be located. More preferably, the receptacle is also connected to one or more parts of the frame.

Preferably, the engagement means includes a front "support means" and a back "support means", each including two vertically-spaced protuberances extending outwardly from a side of the apparatus for collecting waste, the spacing of the protuberances adapted to co¬ operate with a mechanism for lifting the bin (which lifting mechanism may include a pair of forks or tines of a front lift collection vehicle). There is a front support means on both sides of a apparatus adjacent to its front face and a back support means spaced generally horizontally behind the front support means, such that the apparatus may be supported on the upper protuberances of both the front support means a,nd back support means when lifted by a pair of forks or tines. The spacing of the two protuberances on each support means is adapted such that the lower protuberance (as viewed when the bin is in its normal upright position) will support the apparatus when it is turned upside-down for the purpose of being emptied by a collection vehicle. Preferably, the protuberances are circular in cross-section and include a layer of resilient material having shock-absorbing capacity.

Alternatively, the engagement means includes a vertically spaced pair of elongate members extending outwardly from the frame, each member having spaced points of engagement to contact, in use, the forks or tines of a mechanical lifting mechanism. Preferably the members are substantially parallel and formed as a series of waves in shape such that the troughs of the upper member and the peaks of the lower member are the spaced points of engagement.

Preferably the side of the receptacle between the front support means and the back support means is protected with a striker plate having a deflective and/or shock absorbing capacity when a fork or tine of a collection vehicle first contacts a apparatus. The striker plate facilitates the bin being turned upon contact with a fork or tine such that the sides of the apparatus become aligned with the forks or tines.

Preferably, the removable receptacle is made from an assembly of layered material. More preferably, the layered material includes a first layer is substantially impermeable to liquid and a second layer, disposed outside the first layer, having shock-absorbing capacity. More preferably, the layered material also has a third layer outside the second layer to form a sandwich construction, which the third layer may be adapted to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish and be suitable for affixing logos. In one preferred embodiment, the first layer is a sheet of flexible plastics, the third layer is sheet metal, plastic or plasticised cardboard and the second layer is a waterproofed cardboard or plastics spacing material, which may be corrugated. The third layer may also be corrugated. In an alternative form of the invention, the first layer is a relatively rigid plastics material. In a further alternative form, the second layer is corrugated cardboard and the first and third layers are a polymeric or wax film applied to the cardboard.

In another form of the invention, the waste collection apparatus is able to be readily disassembled to enable flat packing, transportation and/or storage of the apparatus for collecting waste. More preferably the apparatus is a tubular structure which is adapted such that the receptacle can be suspended from and supported by the tubular framework. More preferably, the apparatus comprises at least four frame elements, being two side frame elements, a floor frame element and a top frame element.

In a preferred form of the invention, the receptacle takes the form of a generally quadrilateral article, when viewed in plan from above, below or the side. Preferably, the receptacle is of generally rectilinear shape when viewed in plan as aforesaid. In that form of the invention, the frame includes a spaced pair of side frame elements, wherein each of the frame elements forms one of the sides of the receptacle, and wherein the frame elements are arranged on mutually opposed sides of the receptacle. Preferably, each of the side frame elements include an open tubular structure. More preferably, the tubular structure forms at least one closed loop. In one preferred embodiment, the size of the figure-of-eight frame members is adapted such that the "load face" (being the height of the opening of the waste collection bin above the ground) is at an ergonomically desirable height. More preferably, this height is about 0.9 to 1.2 metres. It is further preferred that the waste collection apparatus includes a lid. Preferably, the lid is hinged such that it can partly fold back onto itself in order to protect it from damage and facilitate opening. More preferably, the hinge permits the two portions of the lid to lie flush one against the other when open. This may be achieved by two parallel hinges, one generally in the centre of the lid and one where it attaches to the apparatus. Alternatively, the hinge in the centre of the lid is a "double" hinge with a relatively small central part of the lid between the two hinges forming the double hinge. The central part can preferably rotate towards both the top and bottom of the rear part of the lid. Further, the lid may have a sandwich construction as described above in respect of the receptacle. In a further preferred embodiment of the lid, there is further provided a torsion bar located in the lid adapted such that it both facilitates lifting the lid for opening the bin and also resists over- rotation of the lid..

Alternatively, the lid may be connected to the bin such that it initially slides straight back from a front face of the bin but, after a predetermined distance, the lid then rotates so as to provide greater access to the inside of the bin. Preferably, the floor frame element includes foot plates for mounting castors. Preferably, the castors are mounted on leaf springs connected to the foot plates, the leaf springs being adapted to absorb at least some of the impact of the bin being dropped onto the ground.

In a yet further preferred form of the invention, the waste collection apparatus further includes fire retardant means including:

• a container of fire retardant fluid under pressure, the container having at least one outlet in fluid communication with the inside of the receptacle; and

• a thermo-sensitive means at each outlet adapted to release the fire retardant fluid once the temperature in the receptacle rises above a predetermined temperature. Preferably, the fire retardant fluid is carbon dioxide.

Description of Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a waste collection bin according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the same waste collection bin as shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a front elevation of the same waste collection bin as shown in figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a side elevation of the same waste collection bin as shown in figure 1.

Figure 5 shows a cross section of protuberance 11a of the waste collection bin in figure 1, through its centre.

Figure 6 shows an exploded, disassembled perspective view of the same waste collection bin as shown in figure 1.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 show a side view of the different positions of a lid for a waste collection bin.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a waste collection bin according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 1 shows a perspective view of a waste collection bin according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 12 shows a cut-away rear view of a waste collection bin including fire retardant means. • Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the receptacle shown in figure 3 along the line a - a.

• Figures 14 to 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a three part lid according to a fourth form of the invention. For convenience only, in the drawings illustrating the invention, like numerals refer to like components.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figure 1 shows a waste collection apparatus. It has two side frame elements 2 and 3. These are separated by floor frame element 4 and top frame element 5. Disposed between these frame elements is waste receptacle 1, which comprises four side panels, being front panel 6, rear panel 8 and side panels 7 and 9. As shown in figure 13, front panel 6 and rear panel 8 each extend approximately half way across floor frame element 4 and meet along a common seam. Similarly, side panels 7 and 9 meet along a second common seam, which is peφendicuiar to the first common seam. Accordingly, receptacle 1 effectively has a double thickness across its floor.

The base of receptacle 1 is shorter in width and depth compared with its open top. Among other things, this facilitates retention, emptying and replacement of receptacle 1 within the frame comprised by frame elements 2, 3, A and 5. This shape also protects the castors 15 from damage caused by passing objects as the upper part of the frame extends outwardly of the castors. Further, the height of panel 6 is less than that of panel 8, as seen in figure 4. This lower loadface of the bin facilitates its use.

Floor frame element 4 comprises two frame members, 4a and 4b, which are welded together. The shape of floor frame element 4 is more clearly seen in figure 6. Similarly, top frame element 5 includes five members 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and 5e as shown in figure 1 , which are welded together.

The figure-of-eight shape of side frame elements 2 and 3 can be seen in figures 1 and 4 in particular. These side frame elements may be made from a continuous tube of mild steel with both ends being at the centre of the figure-of-eight structure. As can be seen in figure 6, frame member 4a comprises two pieces of opposed "M" shapes and there are two frame elements 4b (of an elongated "M" shape) affixed to the front and rear parts of frame element 4a. Top frame element 5 has a generally frame member 5a (comprising the four straight pieces 5a, 5c, 5d and 5e welded together to form a rectilinear quadrilateral), which is connected along pieces 5a and 5e (at its front and rear portions) to two frame members 5b of a generally elongated "W" shape. As can be seen in figures 1. 3 and 6, leaf springs 14 are fixed to floor frame element 4. Figure 6 shows two bolt holes in each leaf spring 14 and corresponding bolt holes are shown in figure 2 in spring mounting plates 18, which are welded to the bottom of floor frame member 4a. In this way, leaf springs 14 can be replaced if damaged without affecting the structure of the bin. Castors 15 are affixed to each leaf spring 14. A resilient sheet of material may be further place between spring mounting plate 18 and leaf spring 14 As shown in figure 1, an engagement means 10 is mounted on side frame elements 2 and 3. Engagement means 10 includes a front support means comprising protuberances 1 1a and l ib and a back support means comprising protuberances 17a and 17b. Protuberances 1 1a and 1 lb are welded to plate 21, which is generally "C" shaped in cross section. The support means structure includes reinforcing plate 24 which is "L" in cross section and is located on the outside and frontside portion of the front part of side frame elements 2 and 3. Plate 21 fits outside reinforcing plate 24. Two bolt holes 25a are shown in plate 21 which align with the two bolt holes in reinforcing plate 24 which is welded to side frame elements 2 and 3, to facilitate easy attachment and replacement of the support means. Buffer 12 is affixed to the central portion of plate 21 such that it is proud of the front of side frame elements 2 and 3 to help absorb the initial shock of contact with a mechanical lifting mechanism. Buffer 12 is preferably of a resilient material having shock absorbing capacity.

The back support means comprising protuberances at 17a and 17b is similarly constructed. Protuberances 17a and 17b are welded to back plate 16a, which abuts back support means reinforcing plate 16b. Plate 16a is affixed to plate 16b by a bolt in hole 25b. A plate 16b is welded to both side frame elements 2 and 3 as shown in figure 6. The back support means and front support means are located in the same general horizontal plane at approximately half the height of the front portion of the side frame elements 2 and 3.

Disposed between the front suppoπ means protuberances 11a and l ib and back support means protuberances 17a and 17b is striker plate 13. This may be affixed by the same bolts used for fixing the plate. As can be most clearly seen from figure 6, its shape accommodates the protuberances. Striker plate 13 protects receptacle 1 from forks or tines of mechanical lifting mechanisms which approach a bin from an angle other than exactly front-on.

Figure 5 shows a cross-section of protuberances Ha, l ib, 17a and 17b. Core 19 is steel pipe w ^■ ed onto plate 21 at its base. Elastomeric layer 20 is placed over core 19 and the outer end of core 19 is then deformed into a bell-shape to retain layer 20 in such a way that it can rotate about core 19. In this way, different wear surfaces on layer 20 are presented to forks or tines of collection vehicles.

One embodiment of lid 30 is shown in figures 7, 8 and 9. In this embodiment, lid 30 comprises only two portions, front portion 36 and rear portion 37. Front portion 36 pivots about hinge 38. As shown in figure 7, both portions are substantially parallel when the lid is closed. Lid 30 may then be opened in two stages as shown in figures 8 and 9. Torsion bar 22 is not shown in figures 7-9 for clarity. Figure 6 shows torsion bar 22. In use, it is fixed to lid 30, which is not shown in figure 6 for clarity. Torsion bar 22 is located inside the end of a frame element 5b at the rear of top frame element 5. as frame members 5a and 5b are tubular steel. . In figure 6, it is shown in the position of tension it forms when lid 30 is closed. The rest position of torsion bar 22 is when portion 22a of torsion bar 22 is vertical, when the bin is resting on horizontal ground. Torsion bar 22 thereby restricts movement of lid 30. It will be apparent that torsion bar 22 would restrict lid 30 from opening any further than the position shown in figure 9.

Figures 14 to 17 illustrate a second form of lid having 3 portions, including a central portion 47 to facilitate opening of the lid. In figure 14, there are two hinges 45 and 46 which need only 90% rotation, compared with 180° required of hinge 38. This allows for greater flexibility in the manufacturing of hinges 45 and 46. Further, front portion 36' is better protected in this embodiment of the lid because lid 30 can fold back onto itself (to form an elongated "Z" in cross section) upon force being applied to the front edge of front portion 36'. For example, when the lid swings open during the emptying operation, its front edge may hit the waste collection vehicle, or waste already in the vehicle, and this form of the lid protects the lid from damage in such a situation.

It will be appreciated that these lids have the advantage that only half of the lid need be opened in order to insert waste into the receptacle, which is ergonomically desirable. As shown in figure 6, a stop 23, having a lower protruding portion adapted to form a firm fit within frame member 5b, is included to form a rest for lid 30 in its closed position. Only one stop 23 is shown but there are preferably four, one at each of the corners of the top frame element 5. The stops are preferably of a shock-absorbing material. The stop at the corner at which torsion bar 22 is located has an opening to accommodate the torsion bar. Figure 6 also illustrates how the frame elements are assembled together. For the sake of clarity, this mechanism is only shown on the front right hand corner of the bin, although it will be apparent that a similar mechanism is included at each other corner. Floor frame element 4 has fastening tube 26 welded to it on the outside of frame element 4. Similar fastening tubes 27 are located on side frame element 2 which locate either side of fastening tube 26. Pin 28, which may be a bolt, or other pin with retaining means, is then located through fastening tubes 26 and 27 to affix firmly side frame element 2 to floor frame element 4. Similar fastening means are included at the other three corners of floor frame element 4 and each of the corners of top frame element 5.

Figure 10 illustrates a different form of the invention. In this embodiment, the support means are replaced by open pockets including retaining lip 31, guide 32 and pivot 33. The open pocket includes buffer 12' (which is similar to buffer 12 shown in figure 6) and striker plate 13'. Retaining lip 31 provides a surface to abut the upper surface of a fork or tine of a lifting mechanism. Guide 32 directs the bin to align retaining lips 31 with the forks or tines of a lifting mechanism. Retaining lips 31 support the weight of the bin during the lifting operation. Upon rotation of the forks for emptying the bin. pivot. 33, being a curved protuberance opposing lip 31, prevents over rotation of the bin and possible disengagement with the forks.

The bin of figure 10 has a similar lid structure and castors 15'. The receptacle 1' shown in figure 10 is of a flexible material in which a sleeve 35 is formed around its upper edges, which sleeve is open at each corner. Top frame element 5^* (which is not shown other than its corners) comprises four straight parts which are connected by removable corner pieces. The corner pieces join the straight pans of top frame element 5' by forming a snug fit or by a retaining mechanism, such as a bolt or pin. The bottom of receptacle 1 ' is reinforced by a rigid net 34, internal of receptacle 1 '.

In another form of the invention, receptacle 1 is rigid and floor frame element 4 and top frame element 5 are omitted from the bin. Receptacle 1 is affixed directly to side frame elements 2 and 3. Leaf springs 14 are mounted directly on mounting plates affixed to the bottom corners of side frame elements 2 and 3. Alternatively, a bin as illustrated in figure 6 may be assembled without top frame element 5.

In figure 11, a waste collection bin similar to that shown in figure 10 is illustrated. However, the bin of figure 11 is approximately half the width of the bin of figure 10. An industry standard is for waste collection bins of this type to be 1.8 metres between the support means. This results from the forks or tines on collection vehicles being manufactured at a width of 1.8 metres. However, to accommodate smaller bins, the industry also provides for forks or tines on collection vehicles that are movable to half that width. As shown in figure 11, the invention is adaptable to these smaller bins, using the same components (for example, side frame elements 2 and 3) with half-size frame elements 4 and 5.

Figure 12 illustrates a waste collection bin similar to the one of figure 10 from the rear. It further includes container 41 for fire retardant fluid. The container has an outlet 42 which is opened by thermo-sensitive means (not shown), which may take the form of a simple seal which destructs above a predetermined temperature, thereby releasing the fire retardant fluid (which is stored underpressure in container 41) into receptacle 1.

The frame may be constructed from tubular steel or aluminium or plastic compounds (including carbon fibre) and the flange may also be constructed of steel or aluminium. Preferably, the generally figure-of-eight frame elements 2 and 3 are constructed from mild steel pipe of 76mm OD diameter (65 nominal bore) of 2.3mm wall thickness. The floor and top frame elements 4 and 5 respectively may be made of mild steel pipe of 48.3mm OD diameter (40 nominal bore) also of 2.3mm wall thickness. The footplates are made from 3mm steel plate with 6 to 8mm sprung steel used as the leaf springs for mounting the castors. The wheel of castor 15 is a solid nylon wheel. The support means may also be made from steel pipe welded to steel plate.

The receptacle may be made singularly from, or a combination of, sheetmetal, wire mesh, fabric or a rigid plastics material, such as HDPE. The receptacle and/or the lid may also be made from water-proofed cardboard, including cardboard with corrugated panels and multi-layered cardboard. One suitable cardboard comprises a layer or layers of cardboard, reinforced with a polymeric coating on the outside. The receptacle could also be a tank for liquid waste. It will be apparent that a waste collection bin constructed according to the invention will be much lighter than a traditional steel bin in use. It will also require less welding in manufacture and will therefore be cheaper. An apparatus for collecting waste made in accordance with the invention can be more easily moved than conventional bins and would be substantially lighter for the lifting operation. It can therefore be more easily moved by a single person. Further, a bin constructed according to one form of the invention is capable of being disassembled and packed flat, or at least stacked one inside the other for better storage. The bins of the present invention can thus be stored in a much more space efficient manner which also enables them to be transported more cheaply than conventional bins, particularly over large distances such as occurs in shipping containers. Another advantage of the bins being able to be disassembled is that a component can be replaced on site if it is worn or broken rather than creating a need to replace the entire bin, as is the case with a traditional steel bin. Further, the interchangeability of components between different sizes of bins enables the cost of maintenance to be contained. Further, ease of transportability obviates the need for bins to be manufactured in each city for cost-efficient supply of bins. It will also be apparent that a bin according to the invention is able to be used more safely in respect of lifting its lid and lifting waste into the bin, than in the case of a conventional bin.

A bin according to the invention can, due to its construction, also have internal corners which are rounded rather than angular. This facilitates cleaning of the bin and lessens the build up of waste in internal corners of bins, which can cause a hygiene and/or smell problems. Receptacles can also be replaced without losing the significant cost of the bin frame in a straightforward manner. Further, the one frame structure can be used with receptacles made of different materials for different types of waste.

Bins according to the invention are also constructed from a material purpose designed. Thus, these bins are less susceptible to the disadvantages of steel which may rust, or woolpack bags, which are not designed for repeated use. Further, it will be appreciated that a waste collection bin with castors mounted according to the invention will be able to absorb bumps and uneven ground more easily. Thus there is less likelihood of damage to the castors and the bins will be easier to move than conventional bins with damaged castors. The ease with which a bin can be moved further lessens the likelihood of damage to the bin upon collection, because the bin will readily rotate so as to align itself with the forks or tines of the lifting mechanism.

It will therefore be apparent that there are substantial advantages in a waste collection bin constructed in accordance with the invention. In particular, such a waste collection bin can be used with the existing infrastructure as a result of construction according to particular standardised dimensions but has the advantage of being easier to manufacture, transport, store, use and clean. These advantages result in part from common sizes and components used in construction of a bin according to the invention.

Other advantages and modifications to the basic invention and its construction as described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and all such modifications and adaptations are included in the scope of the invention.

Claims

ClaimsThe invention is defined by the following claims:

1. An apparatus for collecting waste including: two side frame elements; connection means to connect the side frame elements: engagement means adapted to cooperate in use with a mechanical lifting mechanism for raising, emptying and lowering the apparatus, in which the apparatus is adapted to support a removable waste receptacle.

2. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 1 in which the connection means includes a floor frame element disposed between the side frame elements.

3. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 2 further including a top frame element disposed generally above the floor frame element and between the side frame elements.

4. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 3 in which the height of the front of the top frame element is at an ergonomically desirable height.

5. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 4 in which the height of the front of the top frame element is between 0.9 and 1.2 metres from the floor frame element.

6. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of the preceding claims further including fastening means mounted on each side frame element to releasably engage each side frame element with connection means.

7. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 6 in which the fastening means include releasable engagable parts mounted on the side frame elements, floor frame element and top frame element to permit the apparatus to be readily disassembled to enable substantially flat packing of a disassembled apparatus.

8. An apparatus for collecting wasted according to claim 7 in which each fastening means includes two tube members mounted on a first frame element and a tube member mounted on an adjacent frame element, such that the tube members are co¬ axial when the bin is assembled and engaged by a pin located within the tube members.

9. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of the preceding claims in which at least one frame element has a tubular structure.

10. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 9 in which at ieast one frame element includes a closed loop.

1 1. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of the preceding claims in which each side frame element is of generally figure-of-eight configuration.

12. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 11 in which each of the loops of the figure-of-eights are triangulated with rounded corners.

13. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 12 in which one of the loops is taller than the other, when disposed in its position in use.

14. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of the preceding claims further including a receptacle for waste disposed between the side frame elements, the receptacle being supported by the side frame elements.

15. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of claims 3 to 1 1 further including a receptacle for waste disposed between the side frame elements, the receptacle further including suspension means to co-operate with the top frame element for suspending the receptacle from the top frame element in use.

16. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 15 in which the suspension means includes a sleeve.

17. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of claims 3 to 1 1 further including a receptacle for waste disposed between the side frame elements, above the floor frame element and below the top frame element.

18. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 17 in which the floor frame element supports the receptacle.

19. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of claims 14 to 18 in which the receptacle is made from an assembly of layered material.

20. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 19 in which the layered material includes a first layer being substantially impermeable to liquid.

21. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 20 in which the first layer is a sheet of flexible plastics.

22. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of claims 19 to 21 having a second layer disposed outside the first layer, the second layer having shock- absorbing capacity.

23. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 22 in which the second layer comprises corrugated waterproofed cardboard or a plastics spacing material.

24. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of claims 19 to 23 having a third layer comprising the external surface of the receptacle, the third layer being adapted to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish and being suitable for decoration or printing.

25. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any claim 19 in which the second layer is substantially cardboard and the first layer and third layer are a polymeric film.

26. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 1 in which the connection means includes a receptacle for waste, the receptacle including a layer of a rigid material and means to affix the receptacle to the side frame elements.

27. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of claims 1 to 26 in which each of the frame elements are constructed from a tubular material and include at least one closed loop.

28. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of claims 14 to 26 in which the receptacle takes the form of a generally quadrilateral article when viewed from above, below or the side.

29. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of the preceding claims having two engagement means on opposed sides of the apparatus.

30. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 29 in which each engagement means includes a front support means having a generally vertically spaced pair of protuberances and a rear support means having a generally vertically spaced pair of protuberances, each protuberance extending outwardly from the side of the bin, wherein the rear support means is located to the rear of the front support means and both support means are adapted to engage between them, in use, a fork or tine of a mechanical lifting mechanism.

31. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 30 in which the protuberances are of generally circular cross-section and include an outer layer of resilient material having shock- absorbing capacity, the outer layer being rotatable around the protuberance.

32. An apparatus for collecting waste according to either claim 30 or 31 further including a striker plate located adjacent to and extending rear of each front support means and adapted to facilitate in use, upon contact with a mechanical lifting mechanism, the bin being turned into alignment with the lifting mechanism.

33. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 29 in which each engagement means includes a vertically spaced pair of elongate members mounted on and extending outwardly from the side frame elements, each member having generally horizontally spaced points of engagement to contact, in use, the forks or tines of a mechanical lifting mechanism.

34. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 33 in which the elongate members are substantially parallel and are corrugated along their length such that the troughs of the upper member and the peaks of the lower member form the spaced points of engagement

35. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of claims 29 to 34 in which the engagement means are releasably affixed to the apparatus.

36. An apparatus for collecting waste according claim 14 to 26, or to any one of the preceding claims when dependent from claim 14 to 26, further including a lid for the receptacle.

37. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 36 in which the lid is hingedly connected to the apparatus and has a hinge across its width defining a front portion of the lid and a rear portion of the lid, the hinge permitting the front portion, in use, to fold back on to the rear portion.

38. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 37 in which the hinge is located such that the front portion is smaller than the rear portion and to provide adequate access for the insertion, in use, of waste into the receptacle with only the front portion open.

39. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claims 37 or 38 in which the hinge located between the front portion and rear portion includes two parallel hinges spaced by a relatively narrow central portion of the lid.

40. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of claims 36 to 39 in which the lid comprises a layer of material having shock-absorbing capacity.

41. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of claims 36 to 40 further including a torsion bar located in the lid and adapted such that it facilitates the lifting of the lid for the insertion, in use, of waste into the bin.

42. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 41 in which the torsion bar also resists, in use, rotation of the lid beyond the vertical.

43. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 36 in which the lid includes a groove and is mounted on the rear of the bin by mounting means adapted to cooperate with the groove such that the lid initially slides straight back from a front face of the apparatus and. after a predetermined distance, the lid then rotates with the mounting means at one end of the groove to provide greater access to the inside of the bin.

44. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of the previous claims further including castors detachably mounted on the apparatus.

45. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 44 further including springs detachably mounted on the floor frame element or side frame element on which the castors are detachably mounted.

46. An apparatus for collecting waste according to any one of the previous claims further including fire-retardant means including: a container of fire-retardant fluid; means to convey the fire-retardant fluid from the container to the inside of the receptacle; means to urge the fire-retardant fluid into the receptacle; and a thermo-sensitive means located in the bin and adapted to release the fire-retardant fluid from the container when temperature in the receptacle rises above a pre¬ determined level.

47. An apparatus for collecting waste according to claim 46 in which the fire-retardant fluid is carbon dioxide.