WO2004052665A1 - A wheelie-bin hitch - Google Patents

A wheelie-bin hitch Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004052665A1
WO2004052665A1 PCT/AU2003/000768 AU0300768W WO2004052665A1 WO 2004052665 A1 WO2004052665 A1 WO 2004052665A1 AU 0300768 W AU0300768 W AU 0300768W WO 2004052665 A1 WO2004052665 A1 WO 2004052665A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
shaft
hitch
shdmg
wheehe
clamp
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2003/000768
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Kevin John Gannaway
Brenda Ann Gannaway
Original Assignee
Kevin John Gannaway
Brenda Ann Gannaway
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kevin John Gannaway, Brenda Ann Gannaway filed Critical Kevin John Gannaway
Priority to AU2003238539A priority Critical patent/AU2003238539A1/en
Publication of WO2004052665A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004052665A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
    • B60R9/06—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
    • B60R9/065—Enclosure-type carriers, e.g. trunks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
    • B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
    • B60D1/14—Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type
    • B60D1/145—Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type consisting of an elongated single bar or tube
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
    • B60R9/06—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65F—GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE
    • B65F1/00—Refuse receptacles; Accessories therefor
    • B65F1/14—Other constructional features; Accessories
    • B65F1/1468—Means for facilitating the transport of the receptacle, e.g. wheels, rolls

Definitions

  • the mvention relates to apparatus, methods and systems, encompassed m a type of vehicle accessory, bemg a hitch for the transportation of plastic and other garbage bms havmg wheels (commonly named wheehe-bins m Australia and hereafter described as 'wheehe-bins')
  • 'Wheehe-bins' are containers normally havmg an upstanding body for the deposit of refuse, re-cycleable material or such, havmg one pair of wheels located externally on the closed base of the body
  • Most bins have 2 wheels fixed so that when the bm is m an upright position the base of the bm sits firmly on the ground or other flat surface
  • the wheels become its axis and the bm may be rotated and wheeled manually, solely on those wheels This function is performed easily by most householders whose place of pick-up is at no great distance from the place of set-down
  • This mvention is seen as an aid to persons who need to attach and tow or disengage 'wheehe- bins' from one place to another The average sized 'wheehe-bin' will be towed easily when attached to the hitch
  • the mvention provides a method of towing a 'wheehe-bm' by utilizing a conventional vehicle tow-bar attachment or a fitting havmg a keyhole attachment to which a hitch is fitted incorporating a separate towing mechanism designed to tow with ease of mobihty one of a series of standard type 'wheehe-bins' which once attached to the hitch, achieves a safe pomt that clears the ground
  • the components' independent design and form are able to fit and connect and be secured to motor vehicle tow-bar fittings This feature allows flexibility in the size of the bins whilst making no difference to the size of the hitch
  • the lower end of the shaft of the hitch is hooked below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe- bm's wheels
  • the upper end of the shaft has a sliding clamp, which fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe- bm' and is then adjusted by means of a bolt apparatus and secured manually with a spanner The adjustment of the bolt completes a locking of the entire device at both ends
  • the upper end of the shaft is designed to attach easily to a conventional vehicle tow-bar attachment (not shown here) or a fitting havmg a keyhole attachment Where a keyhole attachment is used, the largest part of the aperture should fit over the vehicle's tow ball and the hitch is pulled back so that the narrower part of the aperture receives the post of the tow ball The bin is then secure, attached to the hitch and immobilized for its' journey It may be towed on its own wheels between places of pick-up and set-down
  • the lower end of the shaft of the hitch is hooked below the base of the bm between the wheehe- bm's wheels
  • the upper end of the shaft has a sliding clamp which fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe- bm' and is adjusted by means of a bolt apparatus which shdes up and down m a slot on the shaft of the device to adjust for variation m sizes of bms
  • the bolt apparatus is then adjusted manually and secured with a spanner
  • the adjustment of the bolt completes a locking of the entire device at both ends
  • the upper end of the shaft is designed to attach easily to a conventional vehicle tow-bar attachment (not shown here) or a fitting havmg a keyhole attachment Where a keyhole attachment is used, the largest part of the aperture should fit over the vehicle's tow ball and the hitch is pulled back so that the narrower part of the aperture receives the post of the tow ball The bm is then secure
  • the mvention includes a keyhole attachment havmg an aperture, that is larger at one end and narrower at the other end
  • the device is purpose-bent between both parts of the aperture so that the keyhole attachment sits flat over the tow bar and will remain stable if any undue stress occurs such as that which may occur if the hitch is towed over a bump or some uneven surface on the drive
  • a lunged flap is located at the largest part of the aperture of the keyhole attachment This flap is designed to fit over that part of the aperture and shdes mto position to secure the tow-ball when the tow-ball is moved mto the narrower part of the aperture of the keyhole attachment
  • the mvention includes an optional spring-loaded apparatus located centrally on the shaft This apparatus provides the consumer with a quick and easy means of releasmg the bm at either pomts of set down
  • the hitch is divided mto two parts The lower part of the hitch is narrower which enables it to slide mside the top part of the hitch
  • a sp ⁇ ng-loaded apparatus enables the expansion and contraction of the hitch When the handle is raised the hitch expands to release the bm When the handle is lowered towards the lower part of the hitch, the hitch contracts to secure the bm
  • the handle is sp ⁇ ng-loaded so that the hitch is m a contracted position at all times, whether attached to a bm or not attached to a bm
  • the mvention includes an optional attachment extension hook which may be secured to any forms of the mvention and specifically may be secured to the lower end of the shaft where the hitch is hooked below the base of the bm between the ' wheehe-bm's wheels
  • the attachment is bolted to and fits over the lower part of the hitch and existing hook In this fashion, the length of the hook where the hitch is hooked below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe-bm's wheels is extended This result will enable the hitch to be attached to bms havmg bases of unusual or va ⁇ ant designs Such a bm is then secure, attached to the hitch and immobilized for its' journey It may be towed on its own wheels between places of pick-up and set-down
  • the bolt apparatus and the spring loaded p apparatus may be designed in user-friendly fashion to achieve a design by which the fingers of the user may manipulate these apparatuses easily (such design or designs are not shown here)
  • An embodiment of the present mvention is its compact size, which enables the device to be stored easily
  • This innovation is novel due to the type and design of the device working m conjunction with the predetermined or variable sizes of the load and the vehicle tow bar fixing mechanism It is thought that the device's attractions extend to its manufacture m va ⁇ ous media e g Plastic, Metal or Fibreglass thereby enablmg an mexpensive and extremely useful device
  • Reference is now made to the accompanymg drawmgs which show three examples of the mvention any one or more of which may be preferred by consumers but all providing the convenience of bemg secured easily to a bm on the lower end of the device and at the top of the bm bemg secured by the adjustable or shdmg clamp The combmed bm and hitch is attached to a motor vehicle and then
  • Figure 1 shows the hitch in its' simplest form bemg a shaft at which on the lower end a hook fits beneath the base of the bm between the ' wheehe- bm's wheels
  • a shdmg clamp fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe- bm' and is then adjusted by means of a bolt so that the bm may be secured and immobilized for its' journey between places of pick-up and set-down
  • the adjustment of the bolt completes a locking of the entire device at both ends
  • the upper end of the shaft is designed to attach easily to a conventional vehicle tow-bar attachment (not shown here) or a fitting havmg a keyhole attachment Where a keyhole attachment is used, the largest part of the aperture should fit over the vehicle's tow ball and the hitch is pulled back so that the narrower part of the aperture receives the post of the tow ball
  • FIG. 2 shows an optional sp ⁇ ng-loaded apparatus located centrally on the shaft This apparatus provides the consumer with a quick and easy means of releasmg the bin at either pomts of set down
  • the hitch is divided mto two parts
  • the lower part of the hitch is narrower than the top part so that it will shde mside the top part of the hitch
  • a handle is lunged at either side of the bottom part of the hitch
  • two arms pivot and are then lunged to the upper part of the hitch
  • the hitch When the handle is raised the hitch expands to release the bm
  • the hitch contracts to secure the bm
  • the handle is sp ⁇ ng-loaded so that the hitch is m a contracted position at all tunes whether attached to a b or not attached to a bm
  • Figure 3(a ⁇ b) and (c) shows the lower end of the shaft of the hitch, which hooks below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe-bm's wheels
  • Figure 4(a) shows the upper end of the shaft, which has a shdmg clamp that fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe-bm' and is then adjusted manually by means of a bolt apparatus and secured manually with a spanner The adjustment of the bolt completes a locking of the entire device at both ends
  • Figure 4(b) shows the upper end of the shaft which has a shdmg clamp that fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe-bm' and is adjusted by means of a bolt apparatus which slides up and down m a slot on the shaft of the device to adjust for variation in sizes of bins A nut mside the shaft secures the bolt apparatus Once the exact place that fits the bm is found the bolt apparatus is then adjusted manually and secured with a spanner The adjustment of the bolt completes a locking of the entire device at both ends
  • Figure 4(c) shows the upper end of the shaft which has a shdmg clamp that fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe-bm' and is then adjusted manually by means of a sp ⁇ ng-loaded pm which may be inserted m one or a se ⁇ es of holes bemg set at predetermined spaces along the shaft to adjust for va ⁇ ation m sizes of bins Once the spnng-loaded p is inserted m a hole this action completes a locking of the entire device at both ends 22.
  • Figure 5 shows a keyhole attachment that is purpose-bent between both parts of the aperture so that the keyhole attachment sits flat over the tow bar and will remain stable if any undue stress occurs such as that which may occur if the hitch is towed over a bump or some uneven surface on the drive.
  • a hinged flap designed to fit over that part of the aperture and secures the whole keyhole attachment as the narrower part of the aperture receives the post of the tow ball. This flap is designed to fit over that part of the aperture and shdes into position to secure the tow-ball when the tow-ball is moved into the narrower part of the aperture of the keyhole attachment.
  • Figure 6 shows the optional attachment extension hook which may be secured to any forms of the invention and specifically may be secured to the lower end of the shaft where the hitch is hooked below the base of the bin between the ' wheehe-bin' s wheels.
  • the attachment is bolted to and fits over the lower part of the hitch and existing hook. In this fashion, the length of the hook where the hitch is hooked below the base of the bin between the 'wheelie-bin's wheels, is extended. This result will enable the hitch to be attached to bins having bases of unusual or variant designs. Such a bin is then secure, attached to the hitch and immobilized for its' journey. It may be towed on its own wheels between places of pick-up and set-down.
  • the 'wheelie-bin' hitch offers a number of choices for the Consumer in that there are:
  • the hitch may be the simple form which secures the 'wheehe-bin' with a bolt apparatus or a 'quick release' form which provides the consumer with a quick and easy means of releasing the bin at either points of set down.
  • the first sliding clamp enables the hitch to be secured with either a bolt apparatus, easy to use, secured manually with a spanner, or
  • a spring -loaded pin with holes set at pre-determined intervals Once the spring loaded pin is inserted in a hole this action completes a locking of the entire device at both ends; or
  • a vehicle connected to a 'wheehe-bin' by method of the 'wheehe-bin' hitch should not be reversed and should not travel in excess of 1 Okm/h.
  • the size of loads should not exceed those recommended by the 'wheelie-bin' manufacturers.
  • An elasticized strap such as an 'Octopus' strap (not shown here) is recommended and may be used to secure the lid of the 'wheehe-bin' when the bin attached to the hitch, is in transit from the points of pick-up and set- down.
  • the use of such a strap would prevent any damage to vehicle or any other object or surface, which might result from, refuses spilling out from the bin in transit.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)

Abstract

A hitch to which a “wheelie-bin” is being secured and immobilised for transport between points of pick-up and set-down, the hitch comprising a shaft in one piece and a hook so that the lower end of the shaft is hooked below the base of the bin between the “wheelie-bin” wheels, the upper end of the shaft has a sliding clamp which fits neatly over the handle system of the bin and is adjusted by means of the sliding clamp.

Description

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
INTERNATIONAL PATENT
A WHEELIE-BIN HITCH
The mvention relates to apparatus, methods and systems, encompassed m a type of vehicle accessory, bemg a hitch for the transportation of plastic and other garbage bms havmg wheels (commonly named wheehe-bins m Australia and hereafter described as 'wheehe-bins')
'Wheehe-bins' are containers normally havmg an upstanding body for the deposit of refuse, re-cycleable material or such, havmg one pair of wheels located externally on the closed base of the body Most bins have 2 wheels fixed so that when the bm is m an upright position the base of the bm sits firmly on the ground or other flat surface However, when the bm is tilted by the use of its handle, the wheels become its axis and the bm may be rotated and wheeled manually, solely on those wheels This function is performed easily by most householders whose place of pick-up is at no great distance from the place of set-down
However, many householders have long or difficult dπves These condihons may apply where householders live m the country or low-density areas In these circumstances, the bins are by necessity located at some distance from Councils' pick-up pomt for the removal of refuse
This mvention is seen as an aid to persons who need to attach and tow or disengage 'wheehe- bins' from one place to another The average sized 'wheehe-bin' will be towed easily when attached to the hitch
The mvention provides a method of towing a 'wheehe-bm' by utilizing a conventional vehicle tow-bar attachment or a fitting havmg a keyhole attachment to which a hitch is fitted incorporating a separate towing mechanism designed to tow with ease of mobihty one of a series of standard type 'wheehe-bins' which once attached to the hitch, achieves a safe pomt that clears the ground The components' independent design and form are able to fit and connect and be secured to motor vehicle tow-bar fittings This feature allows flexibility in the size of the bins whilst making no difference to the size of the hitch
In one form of the mvention, the lower end of the shaft of the hitch is hooked below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe- bm's wheels The upper end of the shaft has a sliding clamp, which fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe- bm' and is then adjusted by means of a bolt apparatus and secured manually with a spanner The adjustment of the bolt completes a locking of the entire device at both ends The upper end of the shaft is designed to attach easily to a conventional vehicle tow-bar attachment (not shown here) or a fitting havmg a keyhole attachment Where a keyhole attachment is used, the largest part of the aperture should fit over the vehicle's tow ball and the hitch is pulled back so that the narrower part of the aperture receives the post of the tow ball The bin is then secure, attached to the hitch and immobilized for its' journey It may be towed on its own wheels between places of pick-up and set-down In another form of the mvention, the lower end of the shaft of the hitch is hooked below the base of the bm between the wheehe- bin's wheels The upper end of the shaft has a sliding clamp which fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe- bm' and is then adjusted manually by means of a spring-loaded pm which may be inserted m one or a series of holes bemg set at predetermined spaces along the shaft to adjust for variation m sizes of bms Once the spπng-loaded pm is inserted m a hole this action completes a locking of the entire device at both ends The upper end of the shaft is designed to attach easily to a conventional vehicle tow-bar attachment (not shown here) or a fitting havmg a keyhole attachment Where a keyhole attachment is used, the largest part of the aperture should fit over the vehicle's tow ball and the hitch is pulled back so that the narrower part of the aperture receives the post of the tow ball The bm is then secure, attached to the hitch and immobilized for its' journey It may be towed on its own wheels between places of pick-up and set- down
In -mother form of the mvention, the lower end of the shaft of the hitch is hooked below the base of the bm between the wheehe- bm's wheels The upper end of the shaft has a sliding clamp which fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe- bm' and is adjusted by means of a bolt apparatus which shdes up and down m a slot on the shaft of the device to adjust for variation m sizes of bms Once the exact place that fits the bm is found the bolt apparatus is then adjusted manually and secured with a spanner The adjustment of the bolt completes a locking of the entire device at both ends The upper end of the shaft is designed to attach easily to a conventional vehicle tow-bar attachment (not shown here) or a fitting havmg a keyhole attachment Where a keyhole attachment is used, the largest part of the aperture should fit over the vehicle's tow ball and the hitch is pulled back so that the narrower part of the aperture receives the post of the tow ball The bm is then secure, attached to the hitch and immobilized for its' journey It may be towed on its own wheels between places of pick-up and set-down
The mvention includes a keyhole attachment havmg an aperture, that is larger at one end and narrower at the other end The device is purpose-bent between both parts of the aperture so that the keyhole attachment sits flat over the tow bar and will remain stable if any undue stress occurs such as that which may occur if the hitch is towed over a bump or some uneven surface on the drive A lunged flap is located at the largest part of the aperture of the keyhole attachment This flap is designed to fit over that part of the aperture and shdes mto position to secure the tow-ball when the tow-ball is moved mto the narrower part of the aperture of the keyhole attachment
The mvention includes an optional spring-loaded apparatus located centrally on the shaft This apparatus provides the consumer with a quick and easy means of releasmg the bm at either pomts of set down The hitch is divided mto two parts The lower part of the hitch is narrower which enables it to slide mside the top part of the hitch A spπng-loaded apparatus enables the expansion and contraction of the hitch When the handle is raised the hitch expands to release the bm When the handle is lowered towards the lower part of the hitch, the hitch contracts to secure the bm The handle is spπng-loaded so that the hitch is m a contracted position at all times, whether attached to a bm or not attached to a bm
The mvention includes an optional attachment extension hook which may be secured to any forms of the mvention and specifically may be secured to the lower end of the shaft where the hitch is hooked below the base of the bm between the ' wheehe-bm's wheels The attachment is bolted to and fits over the lower part of the hitch and existing hook In this fashion, the length of the hook where the hitch is hooked below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe-bm's wheels is extended This result will enable the hitch to be attached to bms havmg bases of unusual or vaπant designs Such a bm is then secure, attached to the hitch and immobilized for its' journey It may be towed on its own wheels between places of pick-up and set-down
The bolt apparatus and the spring loaded p apparatus may be designed in user-friendly fashion to achieve a design by which the fingers of the user may manipulate these apparatuses easily (such design or designs are not shown here) An embodiment of the present mvention is its compact size, which enables the device to be stored easily This innovation is novel due to the type and design of the device working m conjunction with the predetermined or variable sizes of the load and the vehicle tow bar fixing mechanism It is thought that the device's attractions extend to its manufacture m vaπous media e g Plastic, Metal or Fibreglass thereby enablmg an mexpensive and extremely useful device Reference is now made to the accompanymg drawmgs which show three examples of the mvention any one or more of which may be preferred by consumers but all providing the convenience of bemg secured easily to a bm on the lower end of the device and at the top of the bm bemg secured by the adjustable or shdmg clamp The combmed bm and hitch is attached to a motor vehicle and then towed from one place to another
Figure 1 shows the hitch in its' simplest form bemg a shaft at which on the lower end a hook fits beneath the base of the bm between the ' wheehe- bm's wheels At the upper end of the shaft a shdmg clamp fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe- bm' and is then adjusted by means of a bolt so that the bm may be secured and immobilized for its' journey between places of pick-up and set-down The adjustment of the bolt completes a locking of the entire device at both ends The upper end of the shaft is designed to attach easily to a conventional vehicle tow-bar attachment (not shown here) or a fitting havmg a keyhole attachment Where a keyhole attachment is used, the largest part of the aperture should fit over the vehicle's tow ball and the hitch is pulled back so that the narrower part of the aperture receives the post of the tow ball
Figure 2 shows an optional spπng-loaded apparatus located centrally on the shaft This apparatus provides the consumer with a quick and easy means of releasmg the bin at either pomts of set down The hitch is divided mto two parts The lower part of the hitch is narrower than the top part so that it will shde mside the top part of the hitch A handle is lunged at either side of the bottom part of the hitch On either side of the handle, two arms pivot and are then lunged to the upper part of the hitch When the handle is raised the hitch expands to release the bm When the handle is lowered towards the lower part of the hitch, the hitch contracts to secure the bm The handle is spπng-loaded so that the hitch is m a contracted position at all tunes whether attached to a b or not attached to a bm
Figure 3(aχb) and (c) shows the lower end of the shaft of the hitch, which hooks below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe-bm's wheels Figure 4(a) shows the upper end of the shaft, which has a shdmg clamp that fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe-bm' and is then adjusted manually by means of a bolt apparatus and secured manually with a spanner The adjustment of the bolt completes a locking of the entire device at both ends
Figure 4(b) shows the upper end of the shaft which has a shdmg clamp that fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe-bm' and is adjusted by means of a bolt apparatus which slides up and down m a slot on the shaft of the device to adjust for variation in sizes of bins A nut mside the shaft secures the bolt apparatus Once the exact place that fits the bm is found the bolt apparatus is then adjusted manually and secured with a spanner The adjustment of the bolt completes a locking of the entire device at both ends
Figure 4(c) shows the upper end of the shaft which has a shdmg clamp that fits neatly over the handle system of a 'wheehe-bm' and is then adjusted manually by means of a spπng-loaded pm which may be inserted m one or a seπes of holes bemg set at predetermined spaces along the shaft to adjust for vaπation m sizes of bins Once the spnng-loaded p is inserted m a hole this action completes a locking of the entire device at both ends 22. Figure 5 shows a keyhole attachment that is purpose-bent between both parts of the aperture so that the keyhole attachment sits flat over the tow bar and will remain stable if any undue stress occurs such as that which may occur if the hitch is towed over a bump or some uneven surface on the drive. At the largest part of the aperture of the keyhole attachment is a hinged flap designed to fit over that part of the aperture and secures the whole keyhole attachment as the narrower part of the aperture receives the post of the tow ball. This flap is designed to fit over that part of the aperture and shdes into position to secure the tow-ball when the tow-ball is moved into the narrower part of the aperture of the keyhole attachment.
23. Figure 6 shows the optional attachment extension hook which may be secured to any forms of the invention and specifically may be secured to the lower end of the shaft where the hitch is hooked below the base of the bin between the ' wheehe-bin' s wheels. The attachment is bolted to and fits over the lower part of the hitch and existing hook. In this fashion, the length of the hook where the hitch is hooked below the base of the bin between the 'wheelie-bin's wheels, is extended. This result will enable the hitch to be attached to bins having bases of unusual or variant designs. Such a bin is then secure, attached to the hitch and immobilized for its' journey. It may be towed on its own wheels between places of pick-up and set-down.
24. The 'wheelie-bin' hitch offers a number of choices for the Consumer in that there are:
• Two forms of the hitch from which a choice may be drawn. The hitch may be the simple form which secures the 'wheehe-bin' with a bolt apparatus or a 'quick release' form which provides the consumer with a quick and easy means of releasing the bin at either points of set down.
• Three forms of sliding clamp each of which has its own attraction. The sliding clamp apparatus appears in these ways:
The first sliding clamp enables the hitch to be secured with either a bolt apparatus, easy to use, secured manually with a spanner, or
A spring -loaded pin with holes set at pre-determined intervals. Once the spring loaded pin is inserted in a hole this action completes a locking of the entire device at both ends; or
A slot in the shaft, which once the exact place that fits the bin is found, the bolt apparatus is adjusted manually and secured with a spanner.
• A purpose-bent keyhole attachment which is used in lieu of a conventional vehicle tow-bar attachment.
25. So that damage may not occur to the vehicle or the bin at higher speeds, a vehicle connected to a 'wheehe-bin' by method of the 'wheehe-bin' hitch should not be reversed and should not travel in excess of 1 Okm/h. The size of loads should not exceed those recommended by the 'wheelie-bin' manufacturers.
26. An elasticized strap such as an 'Octopus' strap (not shown here) is recommended and may be used to secure the lid of the 'wheehe-bin' when the bin attached to the hitch, is in transit from the points of pick-up and set- down. The use of such a strap would prevent any damage to vehicle or any other object or surface, which might result from, refuses spilling out from the bin in transit.

Claims

Claims
The claims of the mvention follow
1 A type of vehicle accessory bemg a hitch to which a 'wheehe-bm' may be secured and immobilized for transport between pomts of pick-up and set-down, the hitch compnsmg a shaft m one piece and a hook so that the lower end of the shaft is hooked below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe-bm' wheels, the upper end of the shaft has a shdmg clamp which fits neatly over the handle system of the bm and is adjusted by means of the shdmg clamps descπbed m Claims 3-5
2 As m Claim 1 , the hitch compnsmg a shaft and hook wherem the lower end of the shaft is hooked below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe-bm' wheels, the upper end of the shaft has a shdmg clamp which fits neatly over the handle system of the bm and is adjusted by means of the shdmg clamps descnbed m Claims 3- 5 The shaft is divided mto two parts The lower part of the shaft is narrower than the upper part of the shaft, enabling it to slide mside the upper part of the shaft A spπng-loaded apparatus havmg a handle is attached to both parts of the shaft The handle facilitates the expansion and contraction of the hitch When the handle is raised the hitch expands to release the bm When the handle is lowered towards the lower part of the hitch, the hitch contracts to secure the bin The handle is spπng-loaded so that the hitch is m a contracted position at all times, whether attached to a bm or not attached to a bm
3 As m Claim 1 -2, the hitch compnsmg a shaft and a hook so that the lower end of the shaft is hooked below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe-bm' wheels, the upper end of the shaft has a shdmg clamp that fits neatly over the handle system of a bm The hitch compnses a shdmg clamp havmg a bolt apparatus which is secured manually with a spanner This action completes a locking of the entire device at both ends
4 As m Claims 1-3, the hitch compnsmg a shaft and a hook so that the lower end of the shaft is hooked below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe-bm' wheels, the upper end of the shaft has a shdmg clamp which fits neatly over the handle system of a bm and is adjusted manually by means of a spring-loaded pin, which is inserted m one or a senes of holes bemg set a predetermined spaces along the shaft to adjust for vanation m sizes of bins This action completes a locking of the entire device at both ends
5 As m Claims 1 -4, the hitch compnsmg a shaft m and a hook so that the lower end of the shaft is hooked below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe-bm' wheels, the upper end of the shaft has a shdmg clamp which fits neatly over the handle system of a bm The shaft has a slot extending down the shaft for the purpose of receiving the shdmg clamp havmg a bolt apparatus The shdmg clamp shdes up and down the slot m the shaft until the exact place that fits the bm is found At that pomt, the bolt apparatus is adjusted manually and secured with a spanner This action completes a locking of the entire device at both ends
6 As m Claims 1 -5 , the hitch may be connected to a keyhole attachment havmg an aperture that is larger at one end and narrower at the other end The device is purpose-bent between both parts of the aperture so that the keyhole attachment sits flat over the tow bar and will remain stable if any undue stress occurs such as that which may occur if the hitch is towed over a bump or some uneven surface on the drive A hmged flap is located at the largest part of the aperture of the keyhole attachment This flap is designed to fit over that part of the aperture and slides mto position to secure the tow-ball when the tow-ball is moved mto the narrower part of the aperture of the keyhole attachment The hitch and attached bin are then secure and may be transported from pomts of pick-up and set-down
7 As m Claims 1-6, an optional attachment extension hook may be secured to either form of the mvention and specifically may be secured to the lower end of the shaft where the hitch is hooked below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe-bm's wheels The attachment is bolted to and fits over the lower part of the hitch and exis ting hook In this fashion, the length of the hook where the hitch is hooked below the base of the bm between the 'wheehe-bm's wheels is extended This result will enable the hitch to be attached to bms havmg bases of unusual or vaπant designs The action completed, the bm is locked mto the entire device at both ends As m Claims 1-7, the mvention compnses two types of shaft, three types of shdmg clamp, all of which are mterchangeable The mvention has optional keyhole attachment and extension hook These attachments are descnbed m Claims 6 and 7
APPLICANTS : KEVIN JOHN & BRENDA ANN GANNAWAY ADDRESS : 14 HUBERT STREET,
DARLINGTON WA 6070 DATE : 11 JUNE 2003
PCT/AU2003/000768 2002-12-11 2003-06-27 A wheelie-bin hitch WO2004052665A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003238539A AU2003238539A1 (en) 2002-12-11 2003-06-27 A wheelie-bin hitch

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002953332A AU2002953332A0 (en) 2002-12-11 2002-12-11 A hitch which may be attached to a motor vehicle to transport bins from one place to another
AU2002953332 2002-12-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004052665A1 true WO2004052665A1 (en) 2004-06-24

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ID=30004417

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2003/000768 WO2004052665A1 (en) 2002-12-11 2003-06-27 A wheelie-bin hitch

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AU (1) AU2002953332A0 (en)
WO (1) WO2004052665A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2420541A (en) * 2004-11-26 2006-05-31 Mark Richard Hornby Wheeled bin towing device
DE102007012552A1 (en) * 2007-03-13 2008-09-18 Hoffmeister & Meyer GbR (vertretungsberechtigter Gesellschafter: Günter Hoffmeister, 33165 Lichtenau) Device for transporting waste container, comprises waste container, which has pot shaped collecting body for receiving waste
US9150066B1 (en) * 2014-10-15 2015-10-06 Kenneth S. Cooper Resilient towing device for towing receptacles

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2275035A (en) * 1993-02-05 1994-08-17 John Robert Mcgreevy Towing attachment for rubbish bin
US6164896A (en) * 1997-12-08 2000-12-26 Cummins; Robert L. Trash container lifting and transporting device
US6361264B1 (en) * 2000-11-17 2002-03-26 Shawn Allen Guthrie Container transporter

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2275035A (en) * 1993-02-05 1994-08-17 John Robert Mcgreevy Towing attachment for rubbish bin
US6164896A (en) * 1997-12-08 2000-12-26 Cummins; Robert L. Trash container lifting and transporting device
US6361264B1 (en) * 2000-11-17 2002-03-26 Shawn Allen Guthrie Container transporter

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2420541A (en) * 2004-11-26 2006-05-31 Mark Richard Hornby Wheeled bin towing device
DE102007012552A1 (en) * 2007-03-13 2008-09-18 Hoffmeister & Meyer GbR (vertretungsberechtigter Gesellschafter: Günter Hoffmeister, 33165 Lichtenau) Device for transporting waste container, comprises waste container, which has pot shaped collecting body for receiving waste
US9150066B1 (en) * 2014-10-15 2015-10-06 Kenneth S. Cooper Resilient towing device for towing receptacles

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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