WO2013125958A1

WO2013125958A1 - Top part for a waste container

Info

Publication number: WO2013125958A1
Application number: PCT/NL2013/050116
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Antonius BERNSEN
Original assignee: Fm Concepts International B.V.
Priority date: 2012-02-25
Filing date: 2013-02-25
Publication date: 2013-08-29
Also published as: EP2817248A1; NL2008352C2; EP2817248B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly comprising a waste container (1) provided with a filling opening (2) provided with a cover (3) that is hinged (4) near the filling opening (2) for closing off the filling opening (2) and wherein the cover (3) is provided with a circumferential closing edge (5) that connects in a closing manner to a circumferential closing edge (6) around the filling opening (2), and a top part (7) on the filling opening (2), wherein the top part (7) has a circumferential outer wall (8) that is provided with a circumferential lower edge (9) that connects to the closing edge (6) of the filling opening (2) and a circumferential upper edge (10) that connects to the closing edge (5) of the cover (3).

Description

Top part for a waste container

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a top part for a waste container. Waste containers having a hinging cover are generally known. Generally such waste containers comply with the European EN 840 standard, particularly the first part thereof. Said waste containers, in fact mini containers, are also referred to by their manufacturer's name. In the Netherlands Kliko is very well-known. Such waste containers are used to collect domestic waste. For instance there usually is a waste container for so-called organic waste (vegetables, fruit and garden waste) and a waste container for all other waste.

The cover almost hermetically closes off the filling opening of such a waste container, resulting in no air circulating in the container. It has been found that this causes anaerobic fermentation, which leads to stench.

DE9214526U1 from 1992 describes the problem of gasses produced by decay or decomposition in large waste containers. A filter to be placed in the feed opening of the container is suggested as a solution. For that purpose a lid can be provided with apertures, and for instance a holder for the filter.

DE29616382U1 from 1996 describes a biocontainer provided with a wedge-shaped aeration piece provided with air apertures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an assembly with new uses. Alternatively or additionally it is an object of the invention to provide an assembly with which the formation of stench in a waste container can be limited.

Alternatively or additionally it is an object of the invention to provide an assembly that is easy to use.

For that purpose the invention provides an assembly comprising a waste container provided with a filling opening provided with a cover that is hinged near the filling opening for closing off the filling opening and wherein the cover is provided with a circumferential closing edge that can be connected in a closing manner to a circumferential closing edge around the filling opening, and a top part that can be placed on the filling opening, wherein the top part has a circumferential outer wall that is provided with a circumferential lower edge that connects to the closing edge of the filling opening and a circumferential upper edge that connects to the closing edge of the cover.

By using the top part it has turned out to be possible to make air circulation possible without unpleasant odours. It has furthermore turned out to be possible to further adapt the assembly as a result of which the interior of the waste container remains cleaner than it did before. Due to a slanted outer wall it remains possible for the cover to keep its function, but an additional wall section is also introduced as a result of which an extra functionality can be added. These extra functionalities among others relate to odour, composting, sanitation, user-friendliness and cleaning the waste container.

Opposite the hinge of the waste container, the circumferential outer wall is higher than it is near the hinge. The cover can also close off the filling opening when the top part has been placed on the waste container. On one side of the top part the circumferential outer wall can be higher than it is on the opposite side. In a rectangular top part the outer wall then comprises two opposite, substantially triangular wall sections connecting the said outer wall sections of a different height to one another. In that case the top part is substantially wedge-shaped. A wedge-shaped elevation of the container is thus created. In one embodiment said wedge has an angle of 10-30 degrees. As already stated the opposite sidewalls of the circumferential outer wall of the top part are triangular. This is the case when the horizontal cross-section is rectangular.

In one embodiment, from the circumferential upper edge of the top part, a circumferential inner wall furthermore extends spaced apart from the outer wall and into the filling opening.

In one embodiment the waste container comprises an outer wall, and the inner wall of the top part extends into the filling opening spaced apart from the outer wall of the container. In one embodiment the space between the inner wall and the outer wall of the top part is provided with an accommodation space and the outer wall of the top part is provided with perforations near the accommodation space for forming an air connection or air duct between the interior of the assembly and the ambient outside of the assembly. In a further embodiment the assembly further comprises an odour filter to be accommodated in the accommodation space in the air connection. In fact the circumferential outer wall and the circumferential inner wall form the walls of an air duct that in one embodiment extends into the waste container. It turns out that as a result a pre-drying of for instance organic waste may occur. Additionally this results in a weight reduction and thus in an environmental effect and possibly a financial advantage. The odour filter can then also prevent access of vermin.

In one embodiment the inner wall of the top part comprises an attachment part for attaching a waste bag. In that way the inner wall adds an extra functionality to the top part. In one embodiment the attachment part is at least partially circumferential. As will be shown in the description below, various embodiments are possible. In one embodiment the circumferential inner wall is provided with a circumferential edge extending into the filling opening. Said edge can be provided with functional parts to retain a waste bag. In one embodiment the edge is provided with holes, and the waste bag is provided with corresponding holes near the circumference of the filling opening. In one embodiment the waste bag is further provided with a reinforcement ring around the filling opening and which is provided with the holes. In addition a supplementary attachment part can be provided that has pins extending through the holes in the waste bag and the holes in the edge. In one embodiment the attachment part comprises a ring provided with the pins.

In one embodiment the top part further comprises a lid, hinged near the upper edge of the top part. In a further embodiment it is provided with a circumferential closing edge that can be connected in a closing manner to the circumferential upper edge of the top part for closing off the filling opening. Due to the additional lid a proper, hermetic closure of the assembly is possible. For instance the circumferential closing edge of the lid may comprise a flexible sealing strip. For instance an elastomer or rubber strip. When the lid is furthermore for instance pre-stressed and provided with a lock, an improved closure can be afforded.

In one embodiment the circumferential closing edge of the lid closes off the circumferential upper edge of the top part within the circumferential closing edge of the cover.

In one embodiment the lid is formed for in its closed position extending underneath the cover in its closed position.

The invention further relates to a waste bag of a biodegradable material. In one embodiment the bag is made of a breathing material. This is possible by means of pores or air apertures. A material that absorbs moisture and releases it again can be suitable as well. In one embodiment the waste bag is compostable. In particular the waste bag is made of an organic material such as jute. In one embodiment the waste bag is apparently intended and suitable for the assembly according to the invention. If the waste bag is formed to be retained at the circumferential inner wall of the top part, and moreover remain substantially apart from the interior of the waste container, several advantages are achieved. First of all the interior remains clean. Moreover in combination with the air duct described earlier, oxygen can properly circulate around the waste. It was found that this prevents an anaerobic and usually stench-producing process of decay. Moreover a degree of composting can take place. As a result of this and because of drying, the weight of the waste is further reduced, which moreover has an environmental effect.

The invention further relates to a top part obtained through injection moulding. In one embodiment the top part is apparently intended and suitable for the assembly according to the invention. The top part, in any case its circumferential outer wall as described above, has a stiffness and is shape-retaining. In one embodiment the top part is made of polypropylene, HD polyethylene, polyester, or a similar suitable synthetic material. As a results the top part can be arranged on the waste container. The circumferential outer wall thus substantially forms a continuation of the wall of the waste container. The circumferential outer wall of the top part is in any case shape-retaining. For uses wherein high demands are made on for instance sanitation and robustness, the top part can be formed out of metal, such as for instance aluminium or stainless steel.

The invention further relates to a waste bag made of an air permeable material, provided with a reinforcing edge around its filling opening, in one embodiment a ring, provided with holes. In one embodiment the waste bag is apparently intended and suitable for the assembly according to the invention.

In one embodiment the waste bag is made of a biological fibre, such as for instance of jute. Sisal or coconut fibre-based material is suitable as well. Furthermore a biodegradable polymer material can also be selected, for instance based on a polylactic acid or starch. A paper bag can also be suitable. Moreover an alternative material, based on cellulose-fibre material, can be suitable. In one embodiment the waste bag has a reinforcing edge, in one embodiment a ring. In one embodiment said ring is made of biodegradable material, such as for instance cardboard, polylactic acid-based synthetic material, or a biodegradable starch-based synthetic material. In one embodiment the shape of the ring corresponds with the circumferential shape of the inner wall of the top part. The ring can be provided with attachment provisions cooperating with the supplementary attachment part of the inner wall of the top part. The ring may for instance be provided with holes that cooperate with the said pins. In one embodiment the circumference of the reinforcement edge or ring of the waste bag is smaller than the circumference of the filling opening. Particularly the circumference of the edge or ring of the waste bag is smaller than 95% of the circumference of the filling opening of the container. More particularly the circumference of the edge or ring is smaller than 90% of the circumference of the filling opening of the container. Because of this in particular a space of approximately 2 cm is created between the waste bag and the wall of the container. The circumference of the waste bag can be up to 60% of the circumference of the filling opening of the container.

If the bag is full there is even an option of releasing the bag from the top part and leaving it completely in the container, and attaching a new waste bag to the top part. The length of the waste bag will in that case be smaller than the height of the container in one embodiment.

In one embodiment the waste bag can be provided with a closure. For instance a drawstring (if so desired of a biodegradable material) can be provided at the edge of the waste bag. Alternatively a closing flap can be integrally formed with the waste bag. Such a closing flap can for instance be connected to the lid of the top part, if present. In one embodiment the reinforcement edge or ring can be folded along a line dividing the edge or ring into two substantially equal halves and onto each other for closing the waste bag. If the edge or ring is provided with holes for the pins the holes can be disposed such that at folding the edge of ring at least two holes coincide so that a closure can be arranged through them. In one embodiment the edge or ring is provided with opposite hinges or pre- shaped folding edges.

The invention further relates to an odour filter cartridge, comprising a block of an air permeable material and provided with an odour-absorbing or odour-neutralising material, such as preferably active carbon. In one embodiment the odour filter cartridge is apparently intended and suitable for the assembly according to the invention. The block of air-permeable material can be of a biodegradable material. Examples of suitable material include jute, gunny, coconut fibre, sisal, hemp, flax as well as hair/wool from sheep. These materials may act as a carrier of odour-absorbing or odour-neutralising components. The fibre material can be of natural fibres. The fibre material can furthermore be provided with a binding agent preferably also biodegradable. The block can alternatively be of a biodegradable synthetic material, such as polylactic acid-based synthetic material, or a starch-based synthetic material.

The invention further relates to a top part that can be placed on a filling opening of a waste container provided with a cover that is hinged near the filling opening for closing off the filling opening. The cover is provided with a circumferential closing edge that can be connected in a closing manner to a circumferential closing edge around the filling opening. The top part has a circumferential outer wall provided with a circumferential lower edge that connects to the closing edge of the filling opening. The top part may furthermore have a circumferential upper edge that connects to the closing edge of the cover.

The invention further relates to a device provided with one or more of the characterising measures described in the attached description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

It will be clear that the various aspects mentioned in this patent application can be combined and can each be eligible for a divisional patent application. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

An embodiment of a top part for a waste container is shown in the attached figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a view in perspective of a top part on a closed waste container;

Figure 2 shows the view in perspective of figure 1 with an open waste container;

Figure 3 shows the view in perspective of figure 2 with a lid of the top part open; Figure 4 shows a view in perspective of the top part and a container of figure 1 in exploded condition;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the top part;

Figure 6 shows a 3D view of an embodiment of a top part with an alternative attachment for a waste bag;

Figure 7 shows a step in providing the top part of figure 6 with a waste bag;

Figure 8 shows a view in perspective of the top part of figure 6 with a bag attachment part;

Figure 9 shows a view in perspective of the top part of figure 6 with the bag attachment in place;

Figure 10 shows a bottom view of the top part with odour filters;

Figure 1 1 shows a detail of an alternative attachment for a waste bag;

Figure 12 shows a cross-section of the top part of figure 6 with odour filters and waste bag;

Figure 13 shows a detail of the left side of figure 12;

Figure 14 shows a detail of the right top side of figure 12, and Figure 15 shows a detail of the right bottom side of figure 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In this description of the figures similar reference numbers indicate similar parts. The figures are not necessarily to scale.

Figures 1 , 2 and 3 show a view in perspective of a waste container 1 , in this case of a type known per se, and provided with a top part 7. In figure 4 said embodiment is shown in exploded view. Figures 5-15 show an alternative embodiment in which a number of characteristics have been designed differently.

In all figures the waste container 1 is provided with a cover 3 that is connected near a filling opening 2 by means of a hinge 4. In the figures 1-3 the waste container is shown with the cover 3 closed, with the cover 3 open and with a lid 13 of the top part 7 closed, and with the lid 13 of top part 7 open, respectively. Without the detachable top part 7 the circumferential closing edge 5 of cover 3 closes onto the circumferential closing edge 6 around filling opening 2. In that way usually a reliable closure is effected when the cover is in its closed position. It has been found however that in practice said closure is such that hardly any to no air circulation takes place in the waste container. Nonetheless insects such as flies seem to find their way in. Due to a lack of air circulation, anaerobic fermentation takes place, as a result of which the contents may start spreading a bad odour, particularly when the cover is opened. Moreover, as already stated insects seem to find their way to the contents nonetheless, as a result of which at higher temperatures an infestation of flies may develop. In this case the waste container 1 has a rectangular cross-section. Moreover the waste container 1 has a substantially rectangular filling opening 2. Hinge 4 is then provided near a side of the filling opening 2. In that case the hinge is placed spaced apart from the side of the filling opening 2 and further functions as a handle to move the waste container. Such a waste container 1 is usually also provided with wheels (not shown here) at the bottom on the side of the waste container where the hinge 4 is also disposed, in order to provide for easy mobility of the waste container 1.

The waste container furthermore has a circumferential, closed container wall 18 and a closed bottom. Such waste containers are further defined in for instance the EN 840 standard, particularly in its first part regarding the smaller containers. This specifically regards EN 840-1 , particularly for 80- litre to 130-litre containers. First of all a description of the top part 7 will be given on the basis of figures 1-4. In the embodiments the top part is suitable for rectangular waste containers. However, it is also possible to adapt the top part 7 to alternative shapes, such as circular or oval. Top part 7 can be removed and has a circumferential outer wall 8 having a circumferential lower edge 9. Said circumferential lower edge 9 hermetically connects to the circumferential closing edge 6 of the waste container 1. The circumferential outer wall 8 is furthermore provided with a circumferential upper edge 10 that connects in a closing manner to the circumferential closing edge 6 of cover 3. In this embodiment the circumferential closing edge 6 of waste container 1 is situated in a plane. Furthermore the closing edge 6 extends from the filling opening 2 into the plane. Circumferential lower edge 9 is also situated in a plane to connect to closing edge 6. Other arrangements and solutions for connecting the circumferential lower edge 9 and closing edge 6 one to the other in a closing manner are also possible.

In the shown embodiment, upper edge 10 of top part 7 is also situated in a plane. In order to work properly, circumferential upper edge 10 is also adapted to the shape of the closing edge 6 in order to connect thereto. The circumferential upper edge 10 also extends in a plane.

Near the hinge 4 with which the cover 3 is connected to the rest of the waste container, the circumferential outer wall 8 of top part 7 is lower than opposite the hinge 4. The course of height is selected such that the cover 3 can hinge about the hinge towards its closed position, and that in the course of that the circumferential closing edge 5 of cover 3 connects in a closing manner to the circumferential upper edge of top part 7. When the closing edge 5 and the upper edge 10 are situated in one plane like in the embodiment, the plane of the lower edge 9 and the plane of the upper edge 10 will be at an angle. The intersecting line of said planes will be parallel to the axis of rotation of hinge 4. When the axis of rotation of hinge 4 is situated in the plane of closing edge 5, the intersecting line of the planes of the lower edge 9 and the upper edge 10 will substantially coincide with the axis of rotation. Figure 5 shows a side view by way of illustration. It can be seen how said planes enclose a mutual angle a of approximately 10-30 degrees. In the embodiment the angle could be approximately 12-25 degrees. In the embodiment approximately 15-20 degrees was opted for. In that way a wedge-shaped top part is created. The top part 7 then has a high side and a low side. An alternative placement than shown is also possible, for instance having the high side near the hinge of the cover. In a placement on a container the upper surface of the top part 7 is slanted. The circumferential outer wall 8 opposite the hinge 4 can then be higher than near the hinge 4 so that the cover 3 is able to close off the filling opening 2 as well when the top part 7 is placed on the waste container 1. In the embodiments top part 7 is provided with its own lid 13, for a better closure. The lid is relatively flat so that cover 3 in closed position still substantially fully rests on upper edge 10 of top part 7. Lid 13 is hinged to top part 7 by means of hinge 14. In the embodiment the hinge is provided on the side of the hinge 4 of cover 3. In an alternative embodiment the hinge 14 of lid 13 can be disposed opposite hinge 4. In that embodiment the cover 3 of the waste container, when used, will usually be left open as shown. The top part will then usually be placed with its high side near the hinge of cover 3. Lid 13 further has a circumferential closing edge 15 that connects in a closing manner to the circumferential upper edge 16 of top part 7. In the embodiment the upper edge 16 is recessed with respect to the upper edge 10. In that way the height of lid 13 above upper edge 10 can be restricted further. For instance lid 13 can drop within a recess. In one embodiment that is not shown, the upper edge 10 is provided with drainage gutters near a low side (in the wedge-shaped embodiment) so that water can flow away from the recessed upper edge 16.

Particularly lid 13 can have a pre-stressed hinge 14, and a manually operated closure on the opposite side. Lid 13 is in this case further provided with reinforcement ribs on the inside. In that way as well the lid 13 can be designed in a more flat manner.

In figures 2-9 the lid 13 of top part 7 is hinged near the lowest side of top part 7. It is also possible to connect the lid 13 of top part 7 so as to hinge near the highest part of the circumferential outer wall 8. In that way another orientation of top part 7 on container 1 can be possible. In one embodiment the lid 13 of top part 7 is provided with a hinge member that can be snapped in, and furthermore the top part 7 is provided with snap members cooperating therewith at the high and the low side so that the lid 13 of top part 7 can be connected so as to hinge near the high and the low part of top part 7 in the wedge-shaped embodiment. Also an optionally closure member for the lid 13 can be moved to the opposite side of top part 7, so that a closure member or locking member for lid 13 of top part 7 can be placed opposite a hinge.

The circumferential outer wall 8 is provided with perforations 12. Due to the slanted course of the height of circumferential outer wall 8 the possibility is created of making apertures and creating an air duct through which it becomes possible to aerate the interior of the waste container. In that case the perforations are through-holes. Generally such holes will have a diameter of approximately 1-10 mm. Behind larger apertures a grid or mesh could also be provided. In one embodiment an air-permeable membrane could even be one of the options, for instance behind such a grid or mesh. In one embodiment the circumferential outer wall 8 has passages for air and is approximately 5-70% open. In one embodiment the outer wall is 5- 50% open. In particular the circumferential outer wall 8 is approximately 5- 15% open. Specifically 5-10% can be open. The opposite slanted sections of outer wall 8 of top part 7 can be provided with handles for easily removing top part 7 from the container. Such handles can be formed by (local) indentations of the wall sections. Top part 7 is furthermore provided with a circumferential inner wall 11. The inner wall is connected to the upper edge 10 of top part 7. The circumferential inner wall extends into the filling opening of the waste container spaced apart from the outer wall 18 of the waste container. As a result a space is created between the circumferential outer wall 8 of top part 7 and the outer wall of the waste container on the one hand, and the circumferential inner wall 11 on the other hand. Particularly the circumferential outer wall 8 is substantially a continuation of the outer wall 18 of the waste container. For a clamping of top part 7 on the waste container in one embodiment the circumferential inner wall 11 of top part 7 can be provided with parts protruding from the circumferential outer wall 11 , such as ribs 29. For instance see figure 10 and figures 12-15. The outer circumference of the protruding parts is adapted to the inner circumference of the waste container in order to clamp top part 7 thereon. Moreover the protruding parts reinforce the circumferential inner wall 11. Furthermore they provide reinforcement to an inner bag 22 attached to top part 7 (figures 7, 9, 12-15). This bag will be discussed further. Top part 7 is furthermore provided with one or more odour filters 20, 20', 20". These odour filters 20, 20', 20" are retained at the inner side of the circumferential outer wall at the location of the apertures or perforations 12 in the circumferential outer wall 8 of top part 7. In particular the odour filters 20, 20', 20" are retained in the space formed between the circumferential outer wall 8 and the circumferential inner wall 11. In particular the outer wall of the waste container and the circumferential outer wall of top part 7 on the one hand and the circumferential inner wall 11 of top part 7 together form the walls of an air duct extending in the waste container. The perforations then form an air passage (inlet/outlet) of said air duct. The odour filters 20, 20', 20" are then disposed in the air duct. In the exemplary embodiment the odour filters 20, 20', 20" are disposed in front of the opening of the air duct. Further arrangements are also possible, wherein one or more odour filters 20, 20', 20" have been disposed in the passage opening of the air duct. In figure 12 the air duct is indicated with a line A, in bottom view figure 0 the part of the air duct (one side) is indicated with arrows 31 , in figure 12 the air duct can be seen more clearly.

Figure 10 shows the top part 7 seen from below. In this embodiment it can be seen very well how the said walls form an air duct 31. In this embodiment the ribs 32 extend from the circumferential inner wall 11 to the circumferential outer wall 8 in order to retain the odour filters 20, 20', 20", in this case retaining them against the inner side of the circumferential outer wall. In this figure it can moreover be seen very well how ribs 29 protrude from the circumferential inner wall 11.

In one embodiment the top part 7 further has the purpose of retaining the waste bag. Particularly by providing the circumferential inner wall 11 with retaining members for a waste bag, it will usually be possible to hold it substantially apart from the container wall 18. In figures 1-4 top part 7 is provided with an embodiment of an attachment part 17 for retaining the edge of a waste bag (in these figures not shown itself). In one embodiment the waste bag is provided with a turned down edge and a drawstring through the circumferential tube thus formed. A user can hook the drawstring behind the protruding members shown. The protruding members in this case are provided with a circumferential edge extending into the filling opening 2 from the circumferential inner wall 11. In figure 6 a top part 7 is shown having an alternative embodiment of a waste bag attachment part. In this case a circumferential ledge 17 is provided with holes 21. A waste bag can be attached thereto. In figure 7 a first possible step therein is shown. A suitable waste bag has a reinforced ring 23 at the upper edge, which ring is provided with holes 24 the pattern of which corresponds with the holes 21 in the supporting ring 17 of top part 7. As shown in figure 8 an attachment part 28 is furthermore provided. Attachment part 28 has an attachment ring 25 and in this embodiment further has two handles 26 for easy handling. Furthermore attachment part 28 is provided with pins 27 extending from the attachment part and adapted for into the holes 24 of the waste bag and the holes 21 of the ring 23. For a more reliable clamping in one embodiment the pins 27 are able to snap into holes 21 in a clamping manner. Said clamping of the waste bag 22 is shown in figure 9. This is also shown in figures 12, 13 and 14. The holes 21 in the circumferential edge 17, as shown in figure 11 , may furthermore be provided with a circumferential ledge 33. In that way the waste bag can already be retained while arranging it. The holes 21 are furthermore provided with reinforcement bushes. In general circumferential inner wall 1 1 is provided with attachment parts for keeping the waste bag opened in the filling opening.

For a further reduction of odour, and possibly even a composting of organic waste, the waste bag preferably is made of an air-permeable material. In one embodiment the bag is made of a biological material. In one embodiment of a biological fibre. Jute for instance, is a highly suitable material. For the attachment according to the figures such a jute bag is provided with a reinforcing ring around its filling opening. In one embodiment for instance of cardboard. By keeping the permeable waste bag substantially apart from the inner side of the waste container wall 18 in the top part 7, in combination with the aeration duct formed in top part 7, development of odour will already be largely prevented. Moreover the odour filters 20, 20', 20" are able to prevent further development of odour outside of the container.

The lower edge of the circumferential wall 8 of top part 7 can furthermore be provided with a flexible, usually rubber or elastomer ring 35, to be seen in figures 12, 13 and 15. In that case a circumferential duct is provided with a ring clamped therein having a rubber tubing. Due to the ring a substantially hermetic closure is possible. Alternatively a flap is provided extending circumferentially at an acute angle to the lower edge. In one embodiment the closure at the lower edge is integrally formed therewith, for instance in a "compounding injection moulding" process, wherein in one operational procedure, for instance when injection moulding top part 7, the closure is integrally formed out of an elastomer.

For a better closure the circumferential closing edge 15 of lid 13 is in this case further provided with a flexible, usually rubber or otherwise elastomer ring 15, shown in figures 12-14 by reference number 15. The ring is provided with snap members that snap into corresponding members in lid 13. In this case integrally formed pin members are opted for that snap into holes in lid 13.

The odour filter or odour filters 20, 20', 20", the odour filter elements, can be made of a permeable foamed material, and be provided with active carbon or an otherwise odour-neutralising material. Preferably a biodegradable permeable foam is opted for and a biodegradable, odour- neutralising, odour-masking or odour-absorbing agent. Said odour filter elements 20, 20', 20" can easily be replaced when they are no longer effective or need to be replaced for other reasons. Just like the waste bags, they can be supplied separately as disposable articles. In one embodiment the odour filter elements fit tightly in the top part. In one embodiment the odour filter elements overlap the part of the outer wall provided with perforations or air apertures. As a result they form an additional barrier to vermin. Usually the odour filter elements will be rectangular or trapezoidal, and particularly shape-fitting between the inner wall 1 1 and the outer wall 8 of the top part 7. Alternatively the inner wall 1 1 and/or the outer wall 8 may, on the sides facing each other, be provided with retaining members to retain the odour filter elements in their position.

In this description of embodiments elements are described that individually or in combination are eligible for individual protection. Moreover the look of the top part 7 may be eligible for individual protection by means of design protection or a "design patent". It will be clear that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Starting from the above explanation many variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention will be evident to an expert.

Claims

1. Assembly comprising (a) a waste container (1) provided with a filling opening (2) provided with a cover (3) that is hinged (4) near the filling opening (2) for closing off the filling opening (2) and wherein the cover (3) is provided with a circumferential closing edge (5) that can be connected in a closing manner to a circumferential closing edge (6) around the filling opening (2), and (b) a top part (7) that can be placed on the filling opening (2), wherein the top part (7) has a circumferential outer wall (8) that is provided with a circumferential lower edge (9) that connects to the closing edge (6) of the filling opening (2) and a circumferential upper edge (10) that connects to the closing edge (5) of the cover (3).

2. Assembly according to claim 1 , wherein from the circumferential upper edge (10) of the top part (7) a circumferential inner wall (1 1) furthermore extends spaced apart from the outer wall (8) and which extends into the filling opening (2).

3. Assembly according to claim 2, wherein the waste container (1) comprises an outer wall (18), and wherein the inner wall (11) of the top part (7) extends into the filling opening (2) spaced apart from the outer wall (18) of the container (1).

4. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the space between the inner wall (1 1) and the outer wall (18) of the top part (7) is provided with an accommodation space and the outer wall (8) of the top part is provided with perforations (12, 12') near the accommodation space for forming an air connection between the interior of the assembly and the ambient outside of the assembly, and the assembly further comprises an odour filter (20, 20') to be accommodated in the accommodation space in the air connection.

5. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner wall (1 1) of the top part (7) comprises an attachment part (17) for attaching a waste bag, in one embodiment at least partially circumferentially.

6. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top part (7) further comprises a lid (13), hinged (14) near the upper edge

(10) of the top part (7) and provided with a circumferential closing edge (15) that can be connected in a closing manner to the circumferential upper edge (16) of the top part (7) for closing off the filling opening (2).

7. Assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the circumferential closing edge (15) of the lid (13) closes off the circumferential upper edge (10) of the top part (7) within the circumferential closing edge (5) of the cover (3).

8. Assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the lid (13) is formed for in its closed position extending underneath the cover in its closed position.

9. Waste bag of a biodegradable, particularly compostable material, particularly of an organic material such as jute, apparently intended and suitable for the assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Top part obtained through injection moulding and apparently intended and suitable for the assembly according to any one of the preceding claims 1-8.

11. Waste bag made of an air permeable material, provided with a reinforcing edge around its filling opening, in one embodiment an edge, in one embodiment a ring, provided with holes, and apparently intended and suitable for the assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. Waste bag according to claim 11 , wherein the waste bag is made of a biological fibre, particularly of jute.

13. Waste bag according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the reinforcing ring is made of biodegradable material, particularly of cardboard, or a biodegradable synthetic material such as polylactate.

14. Odour filter element, comprising a block of an air permeable material, particularly a biodegradable material, more particularly compostable material, and provided with an odour-absorbing of odour- neutralising material, preferably active carbon, and apparently intended and suitable for the assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. Top part (7) that can be placed on a filling opening (2) of a waste container (1) provided with a cover (3) that is hinged (4) near the filling opening (2) for closing off the filling opening (2) and wherein the cover (3) is provided with a circumferential closing edge (5) that can be connected in a closing manner to a circumferential closing edge (6) around the filling opening (2), wherein the top part (7) has a circumferential outer wall (8) provided with a circumferential lower edge (9) that connects to the closing edge (6) of the filling opening (2) and a circumferential upper edge (10) that connects to the closing edge (5) of the cover (3).

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