WO2007101301A1

WO2007101301A1 - Multipurpose bin structure

Info

Publication number: WO2007101301A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/000280
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nenad Rogulj; Francesco Avati
Original assignee: Bbs Constructions Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-03-08
Filing date: 2007-03-08
Publication date: 2007-09-13

Abstract

A multipurpose bin structure for receiving a selection of waste materials; said structure including an enclosure containing a plurality of discrete wheeled waste bins; access hatches in said structure providing access for passage of waste to respective said waste bins; said enclosure further providing surfaces for display of advertising indicia; wherein the said surface is adapted for backlighting and the said bin structure is provided with a power source for said backlighting through mains power supply, rechargeable batteries or solar panels incorporated in a upper surface of bin structure. A method of at least partially funding waste collection by providing a local authority with said bin structure installing the bin structure in a public space and leasing at least one side surface of the said bin structure to an organisation for advertising purpose is also described.

Description

MULTIPURPOSE BIN STRUCTURE

The present invention, relates to waste receiving receptacles and, more particularly to recycling facilities in public spaces. BACKGROUND

Waste management in public spaces presents an expensive and difficult logistic problem. for local authorities. Waste bins in public spaces are often too small to service the volume of waste which may be deposited between clearances .

As well their construction and internal waste receptacles usually .do not lend themselves to efficient clearance by the standard waste collection vehicles employed for other waste management roles in the locality. Another problem with typical waste collection bins in public spaces is that they frequently do not allow any differentiation of waste for recycling purposes so that all the waste collected from these bins ends up in landfill.

It is an object of the present invention to address or ameliorate some of the above disadvantages.

Notes

1, The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of". 2. The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is σita_.ble prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first broad from of the invention, there is provided a multipurpose bin structure for receiving a selection of waste materials^'; said structure including an enclosure containing a plurality of discrete wheeled waste bins; access hatches in said structure providing access for passage of waste to respective said waste bins; said enclosure further providing surfaces for display of advertising indicia.

Preferably, said enclosure is comprised of a lower waste bin section forming- a rectangular prism; said enclosure further comprising an upper access section with said access hatches.

Preferably, one side of said lower waste bin section comprises an access door; said access door adapted to fully open said side for removal and insertion of said wheeled waste bins. Preferably, said access door is articulated by hinged linkages so as to allow outward and vertical displacement of said door from a closed position forming said one side of said lower waste bin section, to said fully open position in which said door is displaced to a position generally vertically above said closed position.

Preferably, said upper section comprises a generally triangular section prism formed by two triangular end surfaces, two rectangular side surfaces and one open rectangular side; a first rectangular surface providing a sloping upper surface of said upper section; a second rectangular surface providing a substantially vertical surface extending upwardly and, generally flush with a side of said lower waste bin section; said open rectangular side coincident with the upper rectangular psrimeter of said lower section.

Preferably, said second rectangular surface of said upper section i≤ provided with said access hatches providing for passage to said wheeled bins; said hatches comprising apertures provided with flaps hinged along their respective upper edges; each of said flaps biased towards a closed position flush with said second rectangular face- Preferably, said wheeled waste bins provide for at least waste paper and used containers.

Preferably, said wheeled waste bins provided for general waste, paper waste and used containers.

Preferably, said structure is further provided with at least one additional receptacle for receiving specific items of waste; each said at least one additional receptacle accessed through an aperture in said second rectangular surface of said upper section.

Preferably, said specific items of waste include cigarette butts.

Preferably, said specific items of waste include batteries.

Preferably, each side of said lower waste bin section comprises a metal perimeter frame enclosing a recessed surface.

Preferably, at least one said recessed surface is covered with a Perspex, polycarbonate or toughened glass sheet; said sheet outwardly offset from said recessed surface so as to allow insertion of a sheet of advertising material.

Preferably, said at least one recessed surface is translucent; said surface adapted for backlighting of said sheet of advertising material. Preferably, said at least one recessed surface is an electronic display surface; said electronic display comprising plasma, liquid crystal or similar electronic display technologies.

Preferably, said electronic display includes a. touchscreen; said touch screen adapted to display selectable information to a user.

Preferably, said bin structure is provided with a communication system linked to an operating organization; said communication system adapted to control said electronic display.

Preferably,- said bin structure is provided with a power source for said backlighting or said electronic display.

Preferably, said power source is a mains power supply.

Preferably, said power source comprises rechargeable batteries.

Preferably, said power source comprises batteries and a solar panel; said solar panel incorporated in said sloping upper surface.

Preferably, said multipurpose bin structure further incorporates an emergency alarm facility; said facility in communication with emergency service personnel and law enforcement agencies. Preferably, said emergency alarm system includes a security camera in communication with said operating organization,

In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of at least partially funding waste collection for recycling from public spaces through a multipurpose bin structure; said method including the steps of:

(a) providing a local authority with at least one multipurpose bin structure according to claims

1 to 21,

(b), installing said bin structure in said public space,

(c) leasing at least one side surface of said bin structure to an organization for advertising purposes

Preferably, said multipurpose bin structure is maintained by an operating organization.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multipurpose bin structure viewed from the user side according to one preferred embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 is an elevation view of the bin structure of Figure 1 also viewed from the user side showing one preferred arrangement of waste access hatches,

Figure 3 is an end elevation view of the bin structure of Figures 2 and 3,

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the waste bin of Figures 1 to 3 with its access door partially opened,

Figure 5 is an elevation view of the bin structure with the bin access fully opened showing a preferred internal arrangement of wheeled waste bins and special item receptacle, Figure 6 is an end elevation view with the access door fully opened and a wheeled bin partially extracted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a multipurpose bin structure 10 comprises a lower waste bin section 12 and an upper access section 14.

Lower waste bin section 12 is in the form of a rectangular prism enclosure comprising a base 16, opposing ends 17 and 18, and opposing sides 19 and 20. Waste bin section 12 is open at the top and is surmounted by upper access section 14. upper access section 14 is preferably a triangular prism comprising opposing triangular end surfaces 21 and 22, first rectangular sloping surface 24 and second generally vertical rectangular surface 26, The edges of the underside of upper section 14 are coincident with the perimeter of the open top of lower waste bin section 12, and are oriented so that triangular end surfaces 21 and 22 axe coincident with opposing ends 17 and 18 respectively of lower waste bin section 12. Second rectangular surface 26 is preferably vertical and is substantially flush with either side 19 or 20 of lower waste bin section 12, depending on the preferred assembly of upper access section 14 on lower waste bin section 12, as will be explained below. As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, in this preferred embodiment of the invention, lower waste bin section 12 is adapted to accommodate three standard wheeled plastic waste bins 30, arranged side by side. The length of opposing sides 19 and 20 is such that in addition to the three wheeled bins 30, at least one additional special item receptacle can be accommodated; in this embodiment a cigarette butt drawer 34. Other receptacles could be provided, for example for chewing gum.

Second rectangular surface 26 is provided with a number of access hatches 28, 29 and 30 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, positioned to coincide with, and provide access to the three wheeled bins 30. Access hatches 28, 29 and 30 are provided with flaps 38 , hinged adjacent their upper edges and biased towards a closed state. Thus a user may push against a flap 38 to deposit an article of waste, but when an opening force is removed from a flap, it swings back into its closed and sealed state.

In one preferred form of the invention, flaps 38 are electrically activated in response to sensors, to open when, detecting an approaching item, and closing after some predetermined interval.

Access hatches 28, 29 and 30 are labelled so as to enable users to properly select the appropriate hatch for depositing waste material. Thus in the present embodiment one hatch may be labelled "General Waste", one " Waste paper" and the third "Bottles and Cans". Preferably, hatch 28 for bottles and cans is of a circular shape.

An open access aperture 36 is also provided in second rectangular surface 26, and gives access to a recessed grating 40, positioned over a cigarette but drawer 34 (as can be seen in Figure 5). In at least some preferred embodiments of the multipurpose bin structure 10, additional access hatches and receiving receptacles (not shown) may be provided, for example for disposal of batteries or unwanted mobile phones. One of the opposing sides 19 or 20 is in the form of an access door 42 which may be opened to allow removal, emptying and replacement of the wheeled waste bins 30 and cigarette butt drawer 34. Preferably, as shown in Figure 5, door 42 is supported on linkages 32, arranged so that door 42 may be pulled outwardly and then displaced vertically to assume a rest open position shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6,,

Linkages 32 are connected to gas struts, springs or torsion bars, arranged so that once the initial outward movement of door 42 has reached a certain stage, door 42 is swung up into its fully open position with little or no effort on the part of an operator. Door 42 is provided with a secure locking mechanism. 45 to ensure that access to the inside of bin structure 12 is restricted to authorised persons only.

The structure of lower waste bin section 12 is such that upper access section 14 may be assembled to it either with access hatches 38 on the same side as access door 42, or on the opposite side. The choice of side depending on which side access to the wheeled bins and other receptacles is roost convenient for the particular location in which a multipurpose bin structure 10 is to be installed.

Preferably, lower waste bin section 12 is provided with means 43 (refer to Figure 2 and 3) attached to base 16 for securing bin structure 10 to the paved area on which it is located to prevent its displacement. At least one of, but preferably both sides 19 and 20, and ends 17 and 18 are adapted for display of advertising indicia. Each of the sides, including door 42 and ends comprises a perimeter frame 46 with a recessed display surface 48. Preferably perimeter frames 46 (as well as upper access section 14) are fabricated of stainless steel for both durability and appearance.

In one form, each surface 48 is protected by heavy gauge Perspex, polycarbonate sheet or toughened glass (not shown), offset outwardly from the surface 48, to allow insertion of advertising media. Surface 48 may be translucent to allow for backlighting of the advertising media.

In an alternative arrangement, surface 48 may comprise an electronic display screen, such as a plasma screen, liquid crystal display or similar display technology. In this arrangement, the material displayed on surface 48 may be animated, either from, "on-board" digitized data storage device or by transmission from a remote source, typically an Operating Organization. In the latter case, advertising material displayed may be updated or changed periodically to suit the requirements of advertisers. For example displays could change to advertise local restaurants or other night-time amenities towards evening.

Such electronic displays may further incorporate a touch screen section for use by passers-by who may use this facility to access information related to products or services displayed, or gain information about the locality in which the bin structure is located for example.

Power for such backlighting or electronic displays may be provided from a mains power supply source or from rechargeable batteries. In at least one preferred form of the invention, power is supplied by a battery system (not shown) and solar panel 50, incorporated in the sloping surface 24 of upper access section 14, as shown in Figure 1. The location of multipurpose bin structures 10 in public spaces, makes them convenient objects for incorporation of an alarm system for use in emergencies. Such alarm signals, as well as providing an audible and preferably visual indication of activation, may be linked, for example via the mobile phone network, to the Operating Organization, or directly to emergency service organizations and law enforcement agencies. In one preferred embodiment, each bin structure 10 is associated with a security video camera which is activated concurrently with the activation of the emergency alarm so as to provide some record of the incident as well as discouraging frivolous use of the system. Method, of Use

Multipurpose bin structures 10 according to the above description, provide an attractive item of street furniture which serves the useful purpose of preventing litter while at the same time sorting major sources of litter for more efficient recycling. Clearly, the space provided by the ends and sides of the bin structure provide valuable advertising opportunities for local and other business interests.

These features allow for a system of use wherein such bin structures may be made available by an Operating

Organization to local authorities, either free of charge or at a nominal rental, usually, the local authority will provide the collection service for regularly emptying the accumulated waste collected in the wheeled bins and special item receptacle (S) . Bin structures are provided by and maintained by the Operating Organisation which leases the advertising spaces available and manages the displayed material.

As an alternative to, or as an adjunct to advertising revenue, funding of the bin structures may be obtained from sale of the recyclable material recovered from the bins.

In yet another envisaged arrangement, the bins may be made available to a local authority or client, as part of a related or unrelated commercial transaction between the bin structure recipient and the Operating Organization, for example♦

A space may be leased for advertising purposes for an indefinite period on a monthly rental basis for example, or for daily or weekly cyclic time slots . Where the bin structures are provided with electronic displays and linked to data transmission means at the operating organization, displays may be cycled at any desired interval, for example over the course of a day. Thus for example a product A may be displayed from 6am to 10am, followed by a product B from 10am to 3pm, and from 3pm to 7pm back to product A, for example.

The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

CIAIIlS

1 A multipurpose bin structure for receiving a selection of waste materials; said structure including an enclosure containing a plurality of discrete waste bins; access hatches in said structure providing access for passage of waste to respective said waste bins; said enclosure further providing surfaces for display of advertising indicia.

2. The structure of claim 1, wherein said enclosure is comprised of a lower waste bin section forming a rectangular prism; said enclosure further comprising an upper access section with said access hatches.

3 The structure of claim 2 wherein one side of said lower waste bin section comprises an access door; said access door adapted to fully open said side for removal and insertion of said waste bins.

4. The structure of claim 3 wherein said access door is articulated by hinged linkages so as to allow outward and vertical displacement of said door from a closed position forming said one side of said lower waste bin section, to said fully open position in which said door is displaced to a position generally vertically above said closed position.

^,, The structure of any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein said upper section comprises a generally triangular section prism formed by two triangular end surfaces, two rectangular side surfaces and one open rectangular side; a first rectangular surface providing a sloping upper surface of said upper section; a second rectangular surface providing a substantially vertical surface extending upwardly and, generally flush with a side of said lower waste bin section; said open rectangular side coincident with the upper rectangular perimeter of said lower section.

The structure of claim 5 wherein said second rectangular surface of said upper section is provided with said access hatches providing for passage to said wheeled bins; said hatches comprising apertures provided with flaps hinged along their respective upper edges; each of said flaps biased towards a closed position flush with said second rectangular face.

7. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein ^' said wheeled, waste bins provide for at least waste paper and used containers.

S. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said wheeled waste bins provided for general waste, paper waste and used containers.

9» The structure of any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein said structure is further provided with at least one additional receptacle for receiving specific items of waste; each said at least one additional receptacle accessed through an aperture in said second rectangular surface of said upper section.

10 The structure of claim 9 wherein said specific items of waste include cigarette butts.

IL The structure of claim 3 wherein said specific items of waste include batteries.

12. The structure of any one of claims 2 to 11 wherein each side of said lower waste bin section comprises a metal perimeter frame enclosing a recessed surface.

13. The structure of claim 12 wherein at least one said recessed surface is covered with a Ferspex, polycarbonate or toughened glass sheet; said sheet outwardly- offset from said recessed surface so 'as to allow insertion of a sheet of advertising material .

14. The structure of claim 12 wherein said at least one recessed surface is translucent; said surface adapted for backlighting of said sheet of advertising material.

15- The structure of claim 12 wherein said at least one recessed surface is an electronic display surface; said electronic display comprising plasma, liquid crystal or similar electronic display technologies.

16. The structure of claim 15 wherein said electronic display includes a touch-screen; said touch screen adapted to display selectable information to a user.

17. The structure of claim 15 or 16 wherein said bin structure is provided with a communication system linked to an operating organization; said communication system adapted to control said electronic display.

18. The structure of any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein said bin structure is provided with a power source for said backlighting or said electronic display.

19. The structure of claim 18 wherein said power source is a mains power supply.

20 The structure of claim 18 wherein said power source comprises rechargeable batteries.

21. The structure of claim 18 wherein said power source comprises batteries and a solar panel; said solar panel incorporated in said sloping upper surface.

22. The structure of any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein said multipurpose bin structure further incorporates an emergency alarm facility; said facility in communication with emergency service personnel and law enforcement agencies .

23 The structure of claim 22 wherein said emergency alarm system includes a security camera in communication with said operating organization.

24. A method of at least partially funding waste collection for recycling from public spaces through a multipurpose bin structure; said method including the steps of:

(d) providing a local authority with at least one multipurpose bin structure according to claims 1 to 23, (e) installing said bin structure in said public space,

(f) leasing at least one side surface of said bin structure to an organization for advertising purposes

25. The method of claim 24 wherein said multipurpose bin structure is maintained by an operating organization.

26. A multipurpose bin structure as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A multipurpose bin structure for receiving a selection of waste materials; said structure including an enclosure for containing at least one discrete waste bin; at least one access hatch in said structure providing access for passage of waste to said at least one discrete waste bin.

28. The multipurpose bin structure of claim 27 wherein provision of the bin structure is funded by one or more of: ,

a, advertising provided on the bin structure

b. sponsorship c. realised value. of at least portions of the waste deposited in the at least one bin

29,. The multipurpose bin structure of claim 27 or 28 wherein said bin structure is self sufficient in operation by use of a power source comprising batteries and a solar panel; said solar panel incorporated in said bin structure.

30. The structure of claim 27,28 or 29 wherein said bin structure includes an access door which is articulated by ■ hinged linkages so as to allow outward and vertical displacement of said door from a closed position forming said one side of said lower waste bin section, to said fully open position in which said door is displaced to a position generally vertically above said closed position.

31. The structure of any one of claims 27 to 30 wherein an upper section of said bin structure comprises a generally triangular section prism formed by two triangular end surfaces, two rectangular side surfaces and one open rectangular side; a first rectangular surface providing a sloping upper

^' surface of said upper section; a second rectangular surface providing a substantially vertical surface extending upwardly and, generally flush with a side of said lower waste bin section; said ^' open rectangular side coincident with the upper- rectangular perimeter of a lower section of said bin structure.