WO2006000747A1

WO2006000747A1 - Container vent

Info

Publication number: WO2006000747A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/002276
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Martin
Original assignee: Paul Martin
Priority date: 2004-06-25
Filing date: 2005-06-09
Publication date: 2006-01-05
Also published as: GB0414285D0

Abstract

A container vent (2) for use inside a container (4) comprises spacing means adapted in use to prevent at least part of a container liner (6) from contacting a side of the container (4), which spacing means is adapted to define, either by itself or in combination with the side of the container (4), a passageway between the spacing means and the side of the container (4), which passageway is adapted to communicate air flow between upper and lower regions of the container (4).

Description

CONTAINER VENT

The present invention relates to container vents and particularly, although not exclusively, to vents for use with bins, which contain a bin bag or bin liner in which waste is accommodated.

A problem associated with waste bins, which may be used in the kitchen or bathroom etc., is that it can be difficult to remove a bin liner that is full with waste from the bin. This is due to a partial vacuum that is created between the outside of the bin liner and the inner walls and base of the bin by waste in the bin liner. Since air is unable to enter the gap formed between the bin liner and the walls and the base of the bin, it can often be difficult to displace the volume of the waste being removed, with air. Hence, in order to remove a full bin liner, one must pull excessively at the top of the bin liner, to counteract the downward pull effect caused by the partial vacuum, which often results in the bin liner being ripped or torn. In turn, this can result in the waste being spilt either inside the bin or around the outside of the bin.

A further problem with such bins, is that it can often be awkward to insert a new, empty bin liner into the bin. A user has to carefully lower the new bin liner down into the bin, making sure that air is displaced out of the bin so that the liner fits in the bin without any air pockets thereunder. This can be time consuming and frustrating, because of the flexibility of the bin liner, which is light when it is empty.

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to address the problems with the prior art, and to provide a container vent, which reduces or obviates problems caused by the suction effect of a partial vacuum between a full container liner and a container, when removing the liner. It is a further aim to provide a container vent, which obviates problems caused by air pockets created underneath a new container liner as it is lowered down into the container.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container vent for use inside a container, the vent comprising spacing means adapted in use to prevent at least part of a container liner from contacting a side of the container, which spacing means is adapted to define, either by itself or in combination with the side of the container, a passageway between the spacing means and the side of the container, which passageway is adapted to communicate air flow between upper and lower regions of the container.

Advantageously, and preferably, the vent is adapted to allow and promote air flow in either direction along the passageway, i.e. either from the upper region of the container down into the lower region of the container, or vice versa, depending on whether a container liner is being removed from the container, or whether a container liner is being inserted in to the container. Hence, advantageously, the vent is adapted to facilitate the removal or insertion of a container liner from the container. By the term "container liner", we also mean "container bag". Preferably, the vent is adapted to facilitate removal or insertion of a flexible liner or bag.

Preferably, the passageway is substantially elongate, and preferably continuous. Preferably, the passageway is adapted to extend between upper and lower regions of the container, and is preferably adapted to communicate air flow therebetween. Preferably, the passageway acts as a conduit between the lower region of the container and the upper region of the container along which air may flow, to thereby equilibriate a pressure differential therebetween.

Hence, by upper region of the container, we mean the region of the container towards a top thereof, i.e. above the part of the liner, which would contact the side of the container if the vent was absent. By lower region of the container, we mean the region of the container towards a base thereof, i.e. below the part of the liner, which would contact the side of the container if the vent was not present. Hence, the passageway is continuous between the upper and lower regions of the container.

The spacing means may comprise an internal passageway. The spacing means may comprise at least one tube, which may be adapted in use to be secured to the container. The tube may define the passageway of the vent.

Alternatively, the spacing means may define a passageway in combination with the side of the container. The spacing means may comprise a wall, which may be adapted in use to abut the side of the container to thereby define the passageway therewith. The wall may be curved.

Advantageously, the passageway provided in the present invention is not defined by any part of the liner, which would otherwise provide inefficient venting as the liner is inserted or removed from the container.

Preferably, the vent comprises a plurality of tubes or walls. Preferably, the tubes or walls have different lengths such that they define a non-uniform upper surface when in position in the container. This is so that when the vent is in position in the container, the likelihood of waste items falling on to the top of the passageway of the vent, and blocking it, is reduced.

Preferably, the spacing means comprises first and second apertures at opposite ends of the passageway. Alternatively, the spacing means defines the first and second apertures at opposite ends of the passageway when in position secured to the side of the container. The first aperture may be an upper aperture, and the second aperture may be a lower aperture, when the vent is in position in the container.

The spacing means may comprise a valve through which air may flow, which valve is preferably provided in the passageway. Preferably, the valve is associated with either the first aperture or the second aperture. The valve may be fitted over the first aperture, or be integral therewith, or be provided in the passageway.

The valve may comprise a length of tubing, which may taper inwardly in a direction extending away from the first aperture. Preferably, the valve is substantially flexible. For example, the valve may comprise rubber tubing. The tubing may be pulled over the end of the passageway and secured in position by suitable means, for example, adhesive. The spacing means may comprise at least one slot in which the valve may be secured. Preferably, the spacing means comprises a slot either side of the first (upper) aperture. Advantageously, the valve is adapted to bend or flex under the weight of any waste matter, which may land thereon, so that the waste matter does not enter the valve, which would cause blockages.

Preferably, the valve is adapted to resonate as air flows therethrough, thereby creating a sound. The end of the tube may taper such that the tension in the valve is sufficiently low such that it vibrates or resonates as air flows therethrough. Advantageously, if no sound is made as a liner is either inserted or removed from the container, then this would be indicative of a blocked passageway or valve alerting a user to the fact that the vent requires cleaning or replacement.

The spacing means may comprise at least one aperture extending through a side thereof. Preferably, the spacing means comprises a plurality of apertures extending therethrough at spaced apart intervals along a longitudinal axis thereof. Advantageously, the additional aperture(s) are adapted to improve air flow and therefore venting of the container as a liner is inserted or removed therefrom.

The spacing means may comprise a cut-out section extending through a side thereof. Hence, the second aperture and the cut-out section may be joined together. However, the cut-out section may not be attached to the second aperture, and may be distal therefrom. The cut-out section may be any shape. However, preferably, the cut¬ out section is substantially triangular in shape, preferably with an apex extending along the longitudinal axis of the spacing means. Preferably, the apex is substantially rounded or curved to reduce the likelihood of the liner snagging thereon. The cut-out section may define a stepped profile or preferably, a gradual gradient with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. Advantageously, this reduces the likelihood of the liner snagging on the cut-out section.

The vent may be impregnated with scent or perfume. Alternatively, the vent may comprise odourising means adapted to produce an odour or perfume in the vicinity of the vent, and hence, container, preferably, as a liner is removed from or inserted into the container. The odourising means may be situated in the passageway such that it can take advantage of the flow of air in either direction therealong. Alternatively, the odourising means may be situated adjacent either the first or second aperture, thereby taking advantage of air flow therethrough. As a liner is either removed or replaced in the container, air flows passed or through the odourising means, thereby causing scent to be expelled therefrom.

Preferably, the vent comprises a corrugated panel. Preferably, a first side of the panel comprises at least a first passageway. Preferably, a second side of the panel, opposite from the first side, comprises at least a second passageway. Advantageously, the panel comprises two sets of venting passageways along its entire length, thereby doubling the ventilation capacity. This allows the container vent to be small and discrete.

The corrugations offer ribbing strength longitudinally, allowing the plastic to be very thin and thus more flexible yet still coping with any pressures exerted on its surface by heavily compacted, heard waste materials in the container. This flexibility allows the vent to adopt the contour of a tight circular container since it can be adhered from the centre of the panel. The thinness of the panel allows it to be cut to various lengths with scissors for different sized containers, thereby ensuring minimum interference with the usage of the container.

Preferably, the vent is substantially translucent. Advantageously, this means that any blockages in the passageways may be seen.

Advantageously, the vent is suitably sized such that if the container has a lid, then the lid can be closed when the container is not in use. Furthermore, as there are no apertures connecting the vent or the container to the outside environment, any odours emanating from waste in the container will be contained therein. Furthermore, the water and air tight integrity of the container is not compromised, meaning the regular use of the container is not interfered with, remaining easy to clean keeping both waste, odours and fluid inside.

Preferably, the vent is adapted to be secured inside the container, preferably on one side of the container. Preferably, the vent is adapted to be secured substantially adjacent a base of the container and preferably, abutting the base of the container. Preferably, a lower section of the spacing means is substantially flat or curved. Preferably, the second aperture is at the base of the container. Advantageously, this reduces the likelihood of the liner snagging and tearing on the vent.

Preferably, the vent comprises attachment means by which the vent may be secured to the container. The attachment means may comprise Velcro (RTM) or the like, or adhesive or a screw etc. The vent may comprise at least one flange, on which the attachment means may be provided. Alternatively, or additionally, the attachment may be provided on a rearwardly facing surface of the vent.

The container vent may be made of plastic, which is substantially flexible, mouldable, and durable, and can be easily cleaned.

The vent enables waste to be heavily compacted within the container, with the result that few liners are used and less landfill space is used, this benefiting the environment.

The container may be of any shape or size, and may for example be a bin for containing waste or the like. Hence, preferably, the vent is a bin vent.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container comprising a vent according to the first aspect.

Preferably, the container is a refuse bin. The container may comprise a side wall, which is at least partially corrugated. Preferably, at least part of an internal side wall of the container is corrugated.

The container may comprise two vents according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of venting a container as a container liner is either inserted or removed therefrom, the method comprising securing a vent inside a container, the vent comprising spacing means adapted in use to prevent at least part of a container liner from contacting a side of the container, which spacing means is adapted to define, either by itself or in combination with the side of the container, a passageway between the spacing means and the side of the container, which passageway is adapted to communicate air flow between upper and lower regions of the container.

All of the features described herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a waste bin fitted with a first embodiment of a bin attachment in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the bin attachment; Figures 3a & 3b show enlarged side views of embodiments of the bin attachment; Figures 4a & 4b show enlarged front views of embodiments of the bin attachment; Figure 5 shows an enlarged perspective view of the bin attachment; Figure 6 shows an enlarged perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the bin attachment; Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the bin attachment; and Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of the bin attachment.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a refuse bin 4 having sides 14, top 15 and base 16. The bin 4 is fitted with a bin liner 6 in which waste rubbish 7 is contained. The bin 4 illustrated in Figure 1 is shown fitted with two bin attachments 2 on opposite sides 14 thereof. The bin 4 only needs to be fitted with one bin attachment 2. However, it will be appreciated that more than one attachment 2 can be fitted to the bin 4, depending on the shape and size of the bin 4. The bin attachment 2 is made of a plastic material, which is substantially flexible, mouldable, and durable, and can be easily cleaned. The bin attachment 2 acts as a ventilation panel to vent air as an empty bin liner 6 is either inserted into the bin 4, or when the bin liner 6 is full with waste 7, and is being removed from the bin 4. As the bin liner 6 is filled with waste 7, a partial vacuum is created between the bin liner 6 itself, and the base 16 and sides 14 of the bin 4. Without venting caused by the bin attachment 2, the partial vacuum makes it difficult to easily pull the bin liner 6 from out of the bin 4. Often, excessive force is required to pull the liner 6 out of the bin 4, to overcome the downward pull of the partial vacuum, which can result in the bin liner 6 ripping or tearing. This can result in the waste 7 spilling out of the liner 6 and out of the bin 4 and onto the surrounding floor, or back into the top 15 of the bin 4 itself.

The provision of the bin attachment 2 vents the partial vacuum underneath the bin liner 6. It does this by providing a channel along which air may enter from outside the bin 4, and along which the air flows down to the bottom of the bin 4 where the vacuum is created. The bin liner 6 may then be removed without difficulty. Similarly, the bin attachment 2 acts as a vent for when an empty bin liner 6 is being inserted in to the bin 4. The attachment 2 provides a channel through which air at the bottom of the bin 2 underneath the bin liner 6, may leave the bin as the liner 6 is being inserted therein.

A first embodiment of the bin attachment 2 will now be described in further detail with reference to Figures 2 - 7. The bin attachment 2 consists of a series of parallel ventilation tubes 10, the lengths of which are determined by the dimensions of the bin 4. As shown in Figure 1, the overall length of the attachment 2 is such that it extends from the base 16 of the bin 4 and above the uppermost section of the bin liner 6. The attachment 2 is fitted in position to the inside of the bin 4 by a section of Velcro (RTM) 8, or adhesive etc, attached to the rear surface thereof. The attachment 2 is fixed to the bin 4 such that the lowermost part of the attachment 2 abuts the base 16 of the bin 4 so that the bin liner 6 cannot snag on or be ripped thereunder. All surfaces of the attachment 2 are smooth to decrease the chances of the bin liner 6 snagging. Referring to Figure 2, the five ventilation tubes 10 are shown each being separated by a spacer segment 11. The region of Velcro (RTM) 8 is provided on the rear surface of one or more of the central spacer segments 11. The spacer segments 11 provide a larger surface area for attachment to the bin 4. Each ventilation tube 10 has an upper ventilation aperture 18, and a lower ventilation aperture 20. In addition, some or all of the ventilation tubes 10 also have series of small side aperture 28 at various positions along the length thereof. The upper aperture 18, and lower aperture 20 interconnected by the ventilation tube provide a passageway through which air may flow in either direction depending on whether a bin liner 6 is being inserted or removed from the bin 4. The side apertures 28 increase ventilation through the tube 10.

The length of the central ventilation tube 10 is slightly longer than the two ventilation tubes 10 on either side, which are in turn slightly longer than the two ventilation tubes 10 on either side of these tubes 10. This difference in length of the ventilation tubes 10 is so that an upper curved surface is formed at the top of the attachment 2. This is so that, when the bin attachment 2 is in position, with the lower apertures 20 resting on the base 16 of the bin 4, the likelihood of waste items 7 falling on to and blocking the upper apertures 18 of the attachment 2 is reduced.

As shown in Figure 2, each of the lower apertures 20 of each ventilating tube 10 are provided with a triangular cut out section 26, which forms an extension thereof along the side wall of the tube 10. As shown in Figure 4, the triangular cut out section 26 can be at the bottom of the bin attachment 2, extending away from the lower aperture 20, as shown in Figure 4(b), and in Figure 2. In another embodiment, the triangular cut out section 26 can be slightly spaced away from the lower aperture 20, as shown in Figure 4(a). In both cases, use of a triangular shaped cut out section 26 reduces the chances of snagging the bin liner 6. This is further emphasised by the section 26 having a curved apex.

Referring to Figures 3 (a) and 3(b), there are shown side views of the lower part of the bin attachment 2. The embodiment shown in Figure 3(a) has a cut out section 26, which forms a smooth gradient 22 between the side and base of the tube 10. The embodiment shown in Figure 3(b) has a cut out section 26, which forms a stepped gradient between the side and base of the tube 10.

Referring to Figure 1, the upper apertures 18 of each of the ventilation tubes 10 are shown fitted with a flexible valve 12, which are shown in greater detail in Figures 5 and 6. The valve 12 is made of a rubber or flexible plastic material, one end of which is sized to resiliently fit over the upper aperture 18 at the end of the ventilation tube 10.

The purpose of the flexible valve 12 is two-fold. Firstly, as a bin liner 6 is inserted or pulled out of the bin 4, the airflow passing through the valves 12 and ventilation tubes 10, causes the valves 12 to resonate, thereby producing a buzzing or whistling sound. If a valve 12 does not whistle as a bin liner 6 is inserted or withdrawn from the bin 4, it gives an indication to a user that the ventilation tube 10 to which that valve 12 is attached, is blocked. Hence, the valves 12 provide a convenient mechanism for alerting a user to blocked ventilation tubes 10. On hearing this, the user can remove the attachment 2 and clean out the blocked tube 10.

Secondly, the valves 12 are made of a flexible material, and taper inwardly, such that they provide a small upper aperture 18 through which air may flow. Hence, this reduces the likelihood that waste 7 will block the valve 12 and upper aperture 18 of the ventilation tube 10.

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown one embodiment of the flexible valve 12, and the shape of the upper aperture 18 of the ventilation tube 10. The upper end of the tube 10 is tapered 19, and the valve 12 is stretched thereover, and can be secured in position by adhesive or tape etc. The degree of taper of the tube 10 and hence, degree of stretching of the valve over the tube 10 ensures that the valve 12 is at a relatively low tension. This enables a valve 12 to resonate and a good buzzing sound to be made as air flows therethrough.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a close-up view of an alternative embodiment of the valve 12. The valve 12 consists of a length of flexible tubing, which tapers inwardly as it extending away from the tube 10. The valve is accommodated by slots 21 either side of the aperture 18 on the end of the tube 10. It will be appreciated that the degree of taper of each valve 12 attached over upper apertures 18 may differ so that the effective size of the upper apertures of the valves 12 vary. This produces various sound pitches (also influenced by different lengths of tubes 10). The resultant harmony helps to pin-point blocked ventilation tubes 10.

The valves 12 can be scented or fitted with an odour dispenser 13 as shown in Figure 6, which take advantage of the vapourising potential of the inward and outward suction air flow therethrough. As a bin liner 6 is being inserted or removed from the bin 4, air flows through the valve 12 and passed the odour dispenser 13, which releases odour into the bin and surrounding areas.

Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a second embodiment of the bin attachment 40. The attachment 40 consists of one wide and flattened ventilation panel 39, which has side flanges 41 extending along either side thereof. A piece of Velcro 8 is provided at the centre of each side flange 41 for attachment of the panel 39 to the inside of the bin 4.

As with the first embodiment of the attachment 2, the panel 39 has an upper aperture 18 at one end thereof, and a lower aperture 20 at a lower end thereof. The lower aperture 20 is provided with a series of square cut out sections 42 which extend in to the side of the panel 39, to provide the venting system. The panel 39 is attached by the Velcro 8 to the inside of the bin 4 so that the lower aperture 20 rests on the base 16 thereof. As a bin liner 6 is either inserted in to the bin 4 or withdrawn from the bin 4, a ventilation airflow passes through the panel 39 via the upper aperture 18 and square cut out sections 42 at the base of the panel 39, thereby preventing the build-up of a partial vacuum. This facilitates the removal or insertion of the bin liner 6 from the bin 4.

Referring to Figure 8, there is a shown a third embodiment 50 of the bin attachment 2. The attachment 50 is formed out of a corrugated material, for example, corrugated plastic, or reinforced corrugated cardboard. One side of the corrugations provides a first series of ventilation tubes 10, and the opposite side of the corrugations provide a second series of ventilation tubes 52, which are provided in between the first set of ventilation tubes 10. Hence, the third embodiment provides two sets of ventilation tubes 10, 52 along its entire length, thereby doubling up the ventilation capacity. This allows the attachment 50 to be small and discrete.

At the upper aperture 18 of each ventilation tube 10 there is provided a flexible valve 12, which is shown in further detail in Figure 6, and has been described above. The flexible valve 12 consists of rubber tubing, which is suitably fixed around the upper aperture 18 of the attachment 50. The valve can be attached to the upper aperture 18 of either set of ventilation tubes 10, 52, and provide a vent buzzing sound, which would indicate blocked venting tubes 10, 52 if they did not produce sound upon insertion or removal of a bin bag 6.

The valves 12 are provided with a neutralising odour dispenser, or are impregnated with a scent, which takes advantage of the inward or outward suction of air flow along the tubes 10, 52, as a bin bag 6 is inserted or removed from the bin 4.

The lower section of the ventilation tubes 10 are provided with triangular cut out sections 26. Hence, in use, the attachment 50 is attached to the inside of the bin 4, with its base resting on the base 16 of the bin 4. The height of the attachment 50 is such that the flexible valves 12 project above the top of the bin liner 6. The attachment 50 acts to vent the base of the bin 4 as a bin liner 6 is either inserted or removed therefrom.

Advantages of each embodiment of the bin attachment 2, 39, 50, reside in the effective manner in which they vent the insertion and removal of a bin bag 6 from a bin 4, by providing channels along which air may flow in either direction. This is particularly useful for overcoming the partial vacuum between the bin bag 6 and the side wall of the bin 4, which poses an acute problem to the elderly. The attachment is an effective and cheap bin upgrade, meaning it is not necessary to buy a brand new bin 4.

The ventilation attachment 2 is made of a flexible material, which may be fitted to the inside of a bin 4 of any shape. The attachment 2 is fixed to the base 16 of the bin 4 to prevent snagging of the bin liner 6. The upper surface of the attachment 2 is curved, to prevent articles of waste 7 settling on the upper aperture 18 of the ventilation tubes 10. The attachment 2 is sized such that if the bin 4 has a lid (not shown) attached to the top 15, then the lid can be closed when the bin 4 is not in use. Furthermore, there are no apertures connecting the attachment 2 or the bin 4 to the outside. This means that any odours emanating from the waste 7 in the bin 4 will be contained therein.

Furthermore, flexible valves 12 fitted to the ventilation tubes 10 provide a convenient method for alerting a user when the tube 10 or valve 12 is blocked. In addition, the valve is impregnated with a perfume, or fitted with an odour dispenser, to take advantage of the air flow in both directions therealong as a bin bag 6 is either inserted or removed from the bin 4.

The side apertures 28 assist ventilation and venting as a bin liner 6 is inserted or removed. The spacer segments 11 are flat to present a greater surface area for adhesion to the side 14 of the bin 4. All surfaces of the attachment 2 are smooth so as not to cause snagging or tear the bin liner 6. The ventilation cut out sections 26 are triangular in shape presenting a smooth vertical gradient so as not to trap any items of waste 7 causing liner 6 tearing or damage to the device 2. It is a further advantage that these cut out sections 26 are open at the bottom with the lower aperture 20 so that any blockages are free to be washed out and not become trapped in the tube 10.

The attachment 2 can be permanently attached to the bin 4, or detachable using a fixing plate (not shown) or other adhesive means such as double sided tape, and glues. Hence, the panel 2 is easy and quick to remove and replace during cleaning and removing any blockages. A gap can be created between the attachment 2 and the side 14 of the bin 4 allowing further ventilation. A choice of a bright colour would enable the Velcro 8 to be easily seen in a dark bin when fitting or returning the panel 2 for use.

Claims

1. A container vent for use inside a container, the vent comprising spacing means adapted in use to prevent at least part of a container liner from contacting a side of the container, which spacing means is adapted to define, either by itself or in combination with the side of the container, a passageway between the spacing means and the side of the container, which passageway is adapted to communicate air flow between upper and lower regions of the container.

2. A container vent according to claim 1, wherein the passageway is adapted to extend between upper and lower regions of the container, and is adapted to communicate air flow therebetween.

3. A container vent according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the spacing means comprises an internal passageway.

4. A container vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the spacing means comprises at least one tube, which is adapted in use to be secured to the container.

5. A container vent according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spacing means defines a passageway in combination with the side of the container.

6. A container vent according to claim 5, wherein the spacing means comprises a wall, which is adapted in use to abut the side of the container to thereby define the passageway therewith.

7. A container vent according to claim 6, wherein the vent comprises a plurality of tubes or walls.

8. A container vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the spacing means comprises first and second apertures at opposite ends of the passageway.

9. A container vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the spacing means comprises a valve through which air may flow.

10. A container vent according to claim 9, wherein the valve is associated with either the first aperture or the second aperture.

11. A container vent according to either claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the valve is fitted over the first aperture, or is integral therewith, or is provided in the passageway.

12. A container vent according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the valve comprises a length of tubing, which tapers inwardly in a direction extending away from the first aperture.

13. A container vent according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the valve is adapted to resonate as air flows therethrough, thereby creating a sound.

14. A container vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the spacing means comprises at least one aperture extending through a side thereof.

15. A container vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the spacing means comprises a plurality of apertures extending therethrough at spaced apart intervals along a longitudinal axis thereof.

16. A container vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the spacing means comprises a cut-out section extending through a side thereof.

17. A container vent according to claim 16, wherein the cut-out section is substantially triangular in shape, with an apex extending along the longitudinal axis of the spacing means.

18. A container vent according to either claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the apex is substantially rounded or curved to reduce the likelihood of the liner snagging thereon.

19. A container vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the vent is impregnated with scent or perfume.

20. A container vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the vent comprises odourising means adapted to produce an odour or perfume in the vicinity of the vent, as a liner is removed from or inserted into the container.

21. A container vent according to claim 20, wherein the odourising means is situated in the passageway such that it can take advantage of the flow of air in either direction therealong.

22. A container vent according to either claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the odourising means may be situated adjacent either the first or second aperture, thereby taking advantage of air flow therethrough.

23. A container vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the vent comprises a corrugated panel.

24. A container vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the vent is substantially translucent.

25. A container vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the vent is adapted to be secured inside the container.

26. A container vent according to claim 25, wherein the vent is adapted to be secured substantially adjacent abase of the container.

27. A container vent according to any preceding claim, wherein the vent comprises attachment means by which the vent may be secured to the container.

28. A container comprising a vent according to any one of claims 1 to 27.

29. A method of venting a container as a container liner is either inserted or removed therefrom, the method comprising securing a vent inside a container, the vent comprising spacing means adapted in use to prevent at least part of a container liner from contacting a side of the container, which spacing means is adapted to define, either by itself or in combination with the side of the container, a passageway between the spacing means and the side of the container, which passageway is adapted to communicate air flow between upper and lower regions of the container.