WO2020113259A1

WO2020113259A1 - Closure for a receptacle

Info

Publication number: WO2020113259A1
Application number: PCT/AU2019/051286
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nedeljko Jefic
Original assignee: Nedeljko Jefic
Priority date: 2018-12-05
Filing date: 2019-11-22
Publication date: 2020-06-11
Also published as: AU2019394361A1

Abstract

A closure for use with a receptacle having a chamber for holding material is disclosed.In one embodiment, the closure (5) comprises a body (10) configured to close a main chamber (25) of a receptacle (15). The closure (5) further comprises a compartment (20) into which material (W) can be placed before moving into the main chamber (25) of the receptacle (15). The closure (5) comprises an actuable assembly (30) configured operable for assisting in admission of the material (W) to the chamber (25) via the compartment (20) while reducing fluid connection between the chamber and compartment (for example, so as to reduce gasiform emission from the chamber during the transfer).

Description

Closure for a receptacle

Technical field

In one aspect, a closure for a receptacle is disclosed. In another aspect, a receptacle for storing material is disclosed. Related methods of operation are also disclosed.

Background

It has been surmised that around a fifth of all gasiform (such as for example, methane) emissions in western countries is produced from food at landfills that has been placed there on account of it not being biodegradable due to its generally permanent bond with plastics, metals, etc. Thus, increased awareness and practice of separating organic and inorganic refuse allowing for respective disposals (for example, synthetic materials taken to where they can be recycled, and food taken in the form of compost where it can be used in, for example, agriculture) could greatly contribute to reducing gasiform emissions.

Accordingly, benefit can be seen in developing suitable infrastructure to allow, at least at the domestic level, for increased separation of organic waste from inorganic waste.

It is against this background that the embodiments described herein have been developed.

It is to be understood that each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application, or patent cited in this text is not repeated herein is merely for reasons of conciseness.

Furthermore, in this specification, where a literary work, act or item of knowledge (or combinations thereof), is discussed, such reference is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the information referred to formed part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application. Such information is included only for the purpose of providing context for facilitating an understanding of the inventive concept/principles and the various forms or embodiments in which those inventive principles may be exemplified.

Summary According to a first principal aspect, there is provided a closure for use with a receptacle in which material can be stored, the closure comprising:

a body configured so as to close a chamber of the receptacle,

a compartment associated with the body and into which material is placed for transfer into the chamber, the compartment having a region which opens to the chamber for transferring material from the compartment to the chamber, and

an actuable assembly operable with the open region for use in transferring material to the chamber from the compartment, the actuable assembly configured operable for substantially covering or closing said open region so as to reduce fluid connection between the chamber and the compartment during the transfer.

Embodiments of the above principal aspect, and those described below, may comprise or incorporate any of the following features.

In one embodiment, the waste disposal receptacle is a standard waste or refuse bin provided by most local councils for waste storage and collection purposes. Such a receptacle or bin has a base and four sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom. Wheels may be provided to allow for mobility/relocation of the bin. For the usual embodiment of such bins, a closure is provided that rotates at or near an open mouth region defined by the four side walls of the receptacle. It will be understood that the rotating nature of the conventional closure allows material to be admitted into and out of the bin, the latter being generally by way of a loading mechanism usually carried by waste collection vehicles. Embodiments of the closure described herein may serve, in some arrangements, to provide a replacement for conventional closures for such receptacles/bins.

It will be understood that reference to gasiform denotes the forming or generation of a gaseous state derived generally from the decomposition of organic material. Limiting movement or transfer of gasiform involves effort to fluidly isolate or fluidly disconnect regions of space where gasiform is present from regions where the gasiform is not to move to. In the present context, gasiform often generates from organic waste/refuse when stored in holding receptacles over time. Such gasiform is often noted due to its unpleasant odour. Thus, reference to efforts to fluidly disconnect a region of space from another is intended to be interpreted in the context of reducing or restricting (or at best preventing) the movement of gasiform between regions of space. In the context of the embodiments described herein, the material for storage in the bins is organic in nature. However, it will be appreciated that the principles described herein could be used in the disposal/storage of other types of material that may have, for example, toxic like gasiform or fumes emanating therefrom (for example, discarded composite materials bonded using toxic resinous curing systems).

In one embodiment, the body comprises a periphery configured so as to releasably engage with the open mouth region of the receptacle.

In the embodiment, the closure engages with the receptacle in a manner which seeks to (to the extent possible), hermetically seal the inner chamber of the receptacle from the surrounding or ambient environs external of the chamber.

In one embodiment, a periphery of the body of the closure comprises a sealing assembly configured about a region of the periphery so as to establish a hermetic like seal with a periphery of the receptacle to which the closure engages with.

In one embodiment, the sealing assembly comprises one or more sealing elements provided at or near the periphery of the body.

In one embodiment, the or each sealing element comprises a rubber substrate or strip. In one embodiment, the or each sealing elements comprises a quantity of a sealing compound applied to one or more regions of the periphery of the body of the closure.

In one embodiment, the body is configured so as to, at least in part, support the compartment in a manner whereby the compartment is recessed from a closed region of the body. In one arrangement, the compartment is positioned generally central of the closure.

In one embodiment, the compartment comprises first and second sides which are opposite one another. The first side is adjacent the external surrounds, and the second side is adjacent region which opens to the chamber. In one form, a region of the first side of the compartment opens to the external surrounds.

In one embodiment, the compartment is defined by a base and four sides walls. In one arrangement, the base of the compartment is provided substantially off-set from the closed region of the body, and each side wall extends from a peripheral region of the base to at or near regions of the closed region of the body. In this manner, the compartment is recessed within the general envelope of the receptacle.

In one embodiment, the base of the compartment comprises the region which opens to the chamber of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the actuable assembly comprises a first element arranged so as to be movable relative to the compartment.

In one embodiment, the first element extends across an open region of the first side of the compartment (the side adjacent to the external surrounds), movement of the first element serving to enable the first element to extend across different portions of the compartment.

In one embodiment, the first element is supported by way of one or more supporting elements that allow for movement of the first element in a generally planar manner. In one arrangement, the one or more supporting elements are provided in the form of rails carried or supported by one or more side walls of the compartment.

In one embodiment, the first element is provided in the form of a substantially planar member (such as for example, a plate like member) moveable across a portion of an open region of the compartment, the open region of the first side of the compartment being substantially in-plane with the closed region of the body.

In one embodiment, the actuable assembly comprises a second element arranged so as to be movable relative to the compartment.

In one embodiment, the second element is provided in the form of a substantially planar member (such as for example, a plate like member) moveable across a portion of the base of the compartment, the movement of the second element serving to vary the extent to which the open region of the base opens to the chamber of the receptacle. For example, when the second element is provided in a first position, the open region of the base is substantially closed. In this manner, the compartment is closed to the chamber of the receptacle. As the second element is moved toward a second position, the compartment increasingly opens to the chamber of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the first and second elements are each arranged to be selectively moveable relative to said open region, the selective movement of the first and second elements conducted in a manner so that at least one of the first, second elements substantially closes or covers the opening during transfer of the material so as to reduce fluid connection between the chamber and the compartment.

In one embodiment, the actuable assembly comprises an actuable arrangement configured operable so as to allow an operator or a user thereof to selectively move the first element between a first position, in which access to a desired or target region of the compartment is restricted, and a second condition where access to the compartment is substantially unrestricted so that material to be admitted to the chamber can be introduced into the desired or target region of the compartment. The desired region of the compartment to which access is influenced by the position of the first element may be a ‘desired’ or‘target’ region of the compartment where the material is to be placed for being admitted into the chamber.

In one arrangement, the scope of movement of the second element corresponds substantially to that of the first element. In one embodiment, the first and second elements are operable to move in respective planes (for example, the first element being moveable in a plane associated with the first side of the compartment, and the second element moveable in a plane associated with the second side of the compartment), each plane being substantially parallel to each other. Thus, in one embodiment, each of said planes are in spaced relation relative to one another.

In one embodiment, the actuable arrangement may be provided in the form of an actuable mechanism, device, actuator or like arrangement.

In one embodiment, the actuable arrangement comprises a portion provided in the form of an elongate member (such as for example, a rod or like construction).

In one embodiment, the elongate member is connected at one end thereof to a press element in a manner whereby movement of the elongate member causes movement of the press element. In one form, movement of the elongate member by a user or operator causes corresponding movement of the press element. In one operable form, the press element is caused to be moved so as to engage waste material placed in the compartment for transfer to the chamber. In this manner, and with sufficient pressure applied, engagement of the waste material by the press element can be used to compress the waste material. This can be beneficial when seeking to conserve the volume of space occupied by the material when transferred to the chamber.

In one embodiment, the actuable arrangement is operable so as to, when actuated by a user or operator, enable movement of both the first element and the press element within a first plane, and enable movement of the press element within a second plane, whereby the first and second planes are substantially orthogonal to one another. In one embodiment, the first plane is aligned substantially with the horizontal plane (this aligning, in one embodiment, with the upper peripheral edge of the receptacle when in its usual upright orientation). The second plane is aligned substantially with the vertical plane (this, in one form, aligning with an axial direction of the receptacle when in its usual upright orientation).

In one embodiment, the first element comprises an aperture through which the elongate member of the actuable arrangement moves in the second plane.

In one embodiment, movement of the press element follows movement of the actuable arrangement in the second plane. In one operation of use, to ready the compartment for receiving material, the press element is lifted so as to be positioned adjacent a surface of the first element. In one arrangement, said surface of the first element is the surface of the first element facing toward the base of the compartment.

In one embodiment, movement of the first element follows movement of the elongate member of the actuable arrangement and the press element in the first plane, by at least the elongate rod imparting a force upon a region of the aperture of the first element. In this manner, the actuable arrangement is operated so as to move both the first element and the press element in the first plane to or toward an end of the compartment.

In one embodiment, the second element is supported in a substantially similar manner as the first element (such as for example, by way of guide rails or similar).

In one embodiment, the second element is actuable by way of a second actuable arrangement. In one form, the second actuable arrangement is provided in the form of an elongate section of uniform cross-section attached to the second element at a location readily accessible to a user. In one arrangement, when the first element is in a position substantially above or covering the second element when the second element is positioned so as to close or cover the open region of the base of the compartment to the chamber, the second actuable arrangement is arranged relative the second element so that access to the second actuable arrangement is provided for. When the first element is in a position where the second element is uncovered thereby (when the second element is positioned so as to close or cover the open region of the base of the compartment to the chamber), the second actuable arrangement is arranged relative to the second element so that access to the second actuable arrangement is restricted. In this manner, risk of the second element being inadvertently repositioned, thereby opening the chamber to the compartment and allowing gasiform to leak/escape therefrom, is reduced. In one embodiment, the elongate section is of a cross section allowing for convenient handling or gripping by a user when seeking to move the second element.

In one embodiment, the dimensioning of the first and second elements is substantially similar in elevation, side, or end profile. In another embodiment, the dimensioning of the first and second elements is substantially similar in plan form.

In one embodiment, the second element is dimensioned so as to exemplify a plan form that is substantially similar to the region of the base that opens to the chamber. In this manner, when the second element is positioned so as to close or cover said open region, risk of gaps or open regions on the periphery of the interfacing region between the open region and the second element is reduced, minimal, or avoided.

In one embodiment, the press element may be dimensioned in a manner which corresponds substantially with the first or second elements, or the open region of the base.

In some embodiments, the dimensioning of the second element may correspond substantially with that of the open region, both of which may be substantially different to the first element.

In one embodiment, the plan form of the open region of the base of the compartment is about half of the area of the base.

In one embodiment, the plan form of the second and first elements is about the same as that of the open region of the base of the compartment.

In one embodiment, the dimensioning of the first, second, and/or press elements is at least, in part, driven or informed by the dimension of the open region of the base of the compartment (that which opens to the chamber of the receptacle).

In one embodiment, the actuable assembly comprises a clearance element provided with the press element and configured suitable for performing a clearing action across a portion of a surface of the second element when relative movement between the second element and the press element occurs. In one form, the clearance element projects from a surface of the press element which faces toward a surface of the second element arranged for supporting material placed in the compartment. For example, holding the press element stationary relative to the compartment and moving the second element relative to the press element allows the clearance element to engage any residual matter that may remain on the upper facing surface of the second element (that which supports the material) so it becomes dislodged for the purposes of falling into the chamber of the receptacle.

In one embodiment, the clearance element may be provided in the form of an elongate or‘blade’ like protrusion which projects proud of the internal facing surface of the press element.

In one form, the cross-section of the clearance element is uniform along its length.

In one arrangement, the clearance element extends across a dimension of the press element. In one embodiment, the direction of extension of the clearance element is substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement of the second element.

In one embodiment, the compartment is divided into two regions by way of a dividing element. In one arrangement, the dividing element is configured so as to extend between (for example, so as to span between) two sidewalls of the compartment. In one embodiment, the dividing element extends between two sidewalls that are opposite one another.

In one embodiment, one of the two regions formed by way of the dividing element is a region into which material to be admitted into the chamber is placed.

In one embodiment, the dividing element is configured so as to allow the actuable assembly to operate as described herein.

In one embodiment, the dividing element is configured so as to allow the first and second elements to operate as described herein.

In embodiments having no dividing element, there would be an open link between the contents of the receptacle and a user standing outside the receptacle when the user opens the second element, this would likely emit unpleasant odours to the outside environment which are intended to remain ‘quarantined’ via the configuration and operation of the actuable assembly relative the compartment.

In one embodiment, the closure is of integral construction. In this manner, the body and compartment are formed as an integral part.

In one embodiment, the closure is formed from plastic or a suitable composite material system.

In one embodiment, the closure is configured so as to rotate relative the receptacle at or near an edge of the receptacle. In one form, the body of the closure pivots about an end of the receptacle. In one arrangement, a portion of the body of the closure is hingedly associated with the receptacle at or near a portion of an end of the receptacle.

In one embodiment, the hinged association is provided by way of a hinge assembly.

In an embodiment, the hinge assembly provides a handle by which the receptacle can be moved by a user.

In another embodiment, the hinge assembly comprises a first portion associated or provided with a body of the receptacle, and a second portion associated or provided with the body of the closure, the first and second portions rotatably engageable so that the second portion of the assembly rotates about the first portion. In one form, for example, the first portion of the hinge assembly comprises a shaft or sleeve which extends through one or more apertures provided by the second portion of the hinge assembly. In this manner, the second portion is provided in the rotatable engagement with the shaft/sleeve thereby allowing the closure rotatable movement relative to the receptacle.

In one embodiment, the closure is configured so that the receptacle can be handled by a loading mechanism carried by a vehicle operable for waste collection and transfer.

Embodiments of the closure arranged or configured in accordance with the principles described herein may be arranged or configured so as to be operable with a cover or cover assembly. In this manner, the cover or cover assembly serves as a form of a facia or 'front' to/for the closure.

In one embodiment, such a cover, facia or like form is integrated or integral of any portion or region of the closure. Alternatively, such a cover or facia is separate of the closure.

In one form, such a cover or cover assembly is configured for providing an attractive or aesthetically pleasing facia to/for the closure.

In one arrangement, the cover or cover assembly is flexible or substantially rigid in nature/form.

In one embodiment, the cover or cover assembly is detachable from any portion of the closure (for example, a portion or region of the body of the closure).

In another embodiment, the cover or cover assembly is configured so as to be permanently attached or connected with any portion of the closure.

In one form, the cover or cover assembly is configured so as to extend across or about a portion of an upward facing surface, portion, or region of the closure.

In one embodiment, the cover or cover assembly is configured having one or more openings or apertures through which the closure can be accessed for operational purposes.

In one embodiment, the or each openings/apertures are arranged so as to be selectively closed by way of respective elements configured operable so as to close a region of the respective opening. In one example form, such elements may be hingedly associated with a portion or region of structure defining, in part, the opening, such hinged configuration allowing a respective element to be operable to/from a condition in which the opening is substantially closed (partially or otherwise), and a second condition in which the opening is open (partially or otherwise).

In one embodiment, the cover is a portion or region of a benchtop of a domestic or industrial kitchen installation. In one arrangement, the benchtop is provided with one or more openings allowing or facilitating access to the closure for operational purposes. In some such arrangements, the closure is placed below a portion or region of the benchtop and accessible by way of one or more openings or apertures provided in the portion/region of the benchtop above the closure.

In one embodiment, such covers, fascia or benchtops may be formed from any of the following materials: granite, stainless steel, marble, concrete (polished or otherwise), timber, laminate, stone, porcelain, bamboo, glass. Other materials may be appropriate/suitable.

In another embodiment, the cover or cover assembly is formed from a fabric material and is capable of covering and substantially conforming to a portion or region of the exterior surface/shape of the closure. In one form, the fabric is one selected based at least in part on its aesthetic appeal, and or any practical considerations such as for example, favourable hygiene characteristics, ease of cleaning/maintaining, whether resistance, mould/mildew resistance, stain resistance, UV and fade resistance, breathable, water resistance, etc. Examples of such fabrics may include: canvass, leather, laminated fabrics (laminated cotton/poplin), nylon polyester, oilcloth, vinyl, Taslan®, Darlexx®, neoprene, Naugahyde, Nanotex Aquapel™, Gore-tex®, eVENT® Fabric, Cordura® Nylon. The skilled reader will appreciate what other types of materials/fabrics might be applicable.

According to a second principal aspect, there is provided a closure for use with a receptacle having a chamber in which material can be stored, and an end opening the chamber to external surrounds, the closure comprising:

a body configured so as to releasably engage the open end of the receptacle for closing the chamber from the external surrounds,

first and second elements each arranged to be selectively moveable relative to said open region, the selective movement of the first and second elements conducted in a manner so that at least one of the first, second elements substantially closes or covers the opening during transfer of the material so as to reduce fluid connection between the chamber and the compartment.

According to a third principal aspect, there is provided a storage receptacle for holding material, the receptacle comprising:

a first compartment,

a second compartment,

an actuable assembly operable for opening the first and second compartments to each other for transferring material from one to the other,

the actuable assembly operable so that said opening remains substantially closed or covered during the transfer of material so as to reduce fluid connection between the first and second compartments.

According to a fourth principal aspect, there is provided a storage receptacle for holding material, the receptacle comprising:

a first compartment,

a second compartment, and

an actuable assembly operable for opening the first and second compartments to each other by way of manipulation of more than one moveable element relative to said opening so that remains substantially closed or covered by at least one of the or each moveable elements during transfer of material so as to reduce fluid connection between the first and second compartments.

According to another principal aspect, there is provided a closure operable for use with a receptacle (existing or otherwise), the closure configured in accordance with any embodiment of the closure as described herein.

According to another principal aspect, there is provided a method for forming a closure for use with a storage receptacle, the method comprising:

forming a body so as to be engageable with and for closing an open region of the receptacle,

forming a compartment to be supported by way of a region of the body and into which material is placed for transfer into a chamber of the receptacle, the compartment having a region which opens to the chamber for transferring material from the compartment to the chamber, and

arranging an actuable assembly to be operable with said open region for use in transferring material to the chamber from the compartment, the actuable assembly being configured operable to provide coverage or closure to the open region so as to reduce fluid connection between the chamber and the compartment during the transfer.

According to another principal aspect, there is provided a method for forming a closure for use with a receptacle having a chamber in which material can be stored, and an end opening the chamber to external surrounds, the closure comprising:

forming a body configured so as to releasably engage the open end of the receptacle for closing the chamber from the external surrounds,

forming a compartment associated with the body and into which material is placed for transfer into the chamber, the compartment having a region which opens to the chamber for transferring material from the compartment to the chamber, and

arranging first and second elements so as to be selectively moveable relative to said open region, the selective movement of the first and second elements conducted in a manner so that at least one of the first, second elements substantially closes or covers the opening during transfer of the material so as to reduce fluid connection between the chamber and the compartment.

According to another principal aspect, there is provided a method of modifying an embodiment of a closure (existing or otherwise) in accordance with any embodiment of the closure as described herein, for use with a receptacle (existing or otherwise) in accordance with the principles described herein.

According to another principal aspect, there is provided a method of modifying an embodiment of a receptacle (existing or otherwise) so as to be operable for use with any embodiment of a closure as described herein. According to another principal aspect, there is provided a method of using any embodiment of a closure or receptacle described herein.

According to a further principal aspect, there is provided a method of introducing material to a receptacle, the method comprising:

introducing a quantity of material into a compartment of the receptacle, the material supported by a region of the compartment,

covering the region of the base supporting the material, and

removing the region of the compartment supporting the material so that the material moves prejudicially to an internal chamber of the receptacle,

the covering and removing steps being operated so as to reduce fluid connection between the chamber and the compartment during the movement of the material.

In one embodiment, the region of the compartment supporting the material is provided by way of a first moveable element, whereby the material is placed on a surface facing an interior of the compartment.

In one embodiment, the covering of the region of the compartment supporting the material is achieved by way of a second moveable element.

In one embodiment, the covering and removing steps are achieved by way of the second moveable element being positioned so as to substantially cover the first moveable element before the first element is removed thereby allowing the material to move into the internal chamber prejudicially by way of at least the influence of gravity.

In one embodiment, the second element provides a clearance element operable for engaging any material residue remaining on the first element for the purposes of moving said residue to the chamber.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises, as may be required, dislodging any material residue on the first element so as to move the residue into the chamber of the receptacle.

In one form, the dislodgement of material residue involves provoking relative engaging movement between the first element and the clearance element provided by the second element.

Embodiments of the method may be carried out by way of any embodiment of the closure or receptacle as described herein.

According to a further principal aspect, there is provided a method of introducing material to a receptacle arranged with any embodiment of the closure described herein.

According to a further principal aspect, there is provided a storage receptacle for holding material, the receptacle comprising:

a first compartment,

a second compartment intermediate the first compartment and environs external of the receptacle,

the actuable assembly operable so that the opening between the first and second compartments remains substantially closed or covered during the transfer of material so as to reduce fluid connection between the first and second compartments. According to another principal aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising any of the features of any embodiment of a closure as described herein, the components of the kit sufficient for allowing an embodiment of a closure as described herein to be assembled.

According to another principal aspect, there is provided a kit of parts comprising an open receptacle, and any of the features of any embodiment of a closure as described herein, the components of the kit sufficient for allowing an embodiment of a closure as described herein to be assembled and arranged operable for use with the receptacle. Various principal aspects described herein can be practiced alone or combination with one or more of the other principal aspects, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art. The various principal aspects can optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features described in relation to the other principal aspects. Furthermore, optional features described in relation to one example (or embodiment) can optionally be combined alone or together with other features in different examples or embodiments.

For the purposes of summarising the principal aspects, certain aspects, advantages and novel features have been described herein above. It is to be understood, however, that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimises one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein

Brief description of the drawings

Further features of the inventive principles are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the inventive principles. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a top down perspective view of a receptacle arranged with one embodiment of a closure arrangement disclosed herein;

Figure 2 shows a further top down perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows another top down perspective view of the embodiment shown (from a‘handle’ end of the receptacle) in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3;

Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view showing a sectioned region of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5;

Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, the arrangement shown being a stage of use of the embodiment;

Figure 8 shows a stage following from that shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a stage following from that shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows a stage following from that shown in Figure 9; and

Figure 11 shows a stage following from that shown in Figure 10.

In the figures, like elements are referred to by like numerals throughout the views provided. The skilled reader will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments exemplifying the principles described herein. Also, common but well understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to provide a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein adopt the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

It should be noted that the figures are schematic only and the location and disposition of the components can vary according to the particular arrangements of the embodiment(s) as well as of the particular applications of such embodiment(s).

Specifically, reference to positional descriptions, such as ‘lower’ and ‘upper’, and associated forms such as‘uppermost’ and‘lowermost’, are to be taken in context of the embodiments shown in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the scope of the principles described herein to the literal interpretation of the term, but rather as would be understood by the skilled reader.

Embodiments described herein may include one or more range of values (eg. size, displacement and field strength etc). A range of values will be understood to include all values within the range, including the values defining the range, and values adjacent to the range which lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range. Other definitions for selected terms used herein may be found within the detailed description and apply throughout. Unless otherwise defined, all other scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiment(s) relate.

Detailed description

The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is to be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of any aspect of the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of any aspect of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as falling within the ambit of the inventive concept. Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word“comprise” or variations such as“comprises” or“comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Furthermore, throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word“include” or variations such as“includes” or“including”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

With reference to Figure 1 , one embodiment 5 of a closure for use with a receptacle (hereinafter, bin 15) is shown. The closure 5 comprises a body 10 configured for releasable engagement with an open end 12 of the receptacle. The closure 5 further comprises a compartment 20 supported by the body 10 and into which (referring to Figures 8 to 10) material W (for example, organic waste) can be placed, before moving into a main internal chamber 25 of the bin 15. The closure 5 comprises an actuable assembly 30 configured operable for admission of material W to the chamber 25 via the compartment 20 while reducing (to the extent possible) gasiform emissions from the chamber. In this manner, the closure 5 is configured so that admission of material W into the chamber 25 is conducted in a manner in which any fluid connection between the chamber and the compartment 20 (which is open to external environs) is reduced as much as possible - thereby limiting opportunity for gasiform in the chamber 25 leaking/escaping therefrom.

The bin 15 is a standard waste or refuse bin provided by most local councils (at least in Australia) for waste/refuse storage and collection purposes. Such a bin 15 has a base 32 and four sidewalls (35a-35d) extending distally therefrom (upwardly in the present context). Wheels 40a, 40b are provided to allow for easy relocation of the bin 15 when needed. For the usual embodiment of such bins 15, a closure is provided that rotates at or near the open mouth region 12 of the bin. The conventional bin/closure arrangement also provides for a handle arrangement H so that the bin can be moved/manoeuvred as needed. It will be understood that the rotating nature of conventional closures allows material to be admitted into and out of the bin, the latter generally being by way of a loading mechanism usually carried by waste collection vehicles. Embodiments of the closure 5 described herein may serve, in some arrangements, to provide a replacement closure which can be retrofitted to conventional/existing bins. In other forms, the principles described herein can be used to provide a new form of bin. The body 10 of the closure 5 comprises a periphery 45 configured so as to releasably engage with a rim R_M of the open mouth region 12 of the bin 15 (see Figure 6). To the extent possible, the bin 15 is hermetically sealed by way of its engagement with the closure 5 (using for example, various sealing solutions and/or tight-fitting arrangements) so as to inhibit gasiform formed inside the bin (due to organic waste) from escaping or leaking (to the extent possible) externally.

The body 10 is configured so as to, at least in part, support structure (which could be integral with the body or otherwise) which provides the compartment 20 in a manner whereby the compartment is recessed (toward the internal chamber 25 of the bin 15) from a closed region 50 of the body positioned uppermost of the bin 15. As shown in the Figures, the compartment 20 is positioned generally central of the closure 5, surrounded by portion(s) of the closed region 50. The compartment 20 is defined at least by a base 55 and four side walls 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d (side wall 60d not shown in the Figures but inferred - collectively, 60). The base 55 of the compartment 20 is provided substantially inward of the uppermost end 62 (see Figure 5) of the bin 15, and each of the side walls 60 extend from respective portions of the body 10 of the closure 5 (generally portions of the closed region 50). In this manner, the compartment 20 is recessed inward from the upward facing surface of the closure 5. A divider 21 (see at least Figures 5 and 6, discussed further below) extends between sidewalls 60b and 60d, the effect of which is to divide the compartment 20 into two regions.

The base 55 of the compartment 20 comprises a region 70 which opens to the chamber 15. For the embodiment shown in the Figures, the base 55 further comprises a portion or region thereof being of a transparent material (T_w) (such as Perspex, for example), thereby allowing a user to visually inspect the contents of the bin 15 if needed.

The actuable assembly 30 comprises a first element provided in the form of a substantially planar plate element Pi arranged so as to be movable relative to the compartment 20 on a side Si (see Figure 5) thereof. In the embodiment shown, the first plate element Pi extends across a portion of a region 68 (see Figures 5 and 11 ) of the compartment 20 which opens to the ambient environs A_E external of the bin 15. Movement of the first plate element Pi serves to enable the element to extend across different regions of the region 68. The first plate element Pi is moveable in a manner which is substantially in-plane with the generally planar form of the closed region 50 of the body 10 (in plane Xi as will be discussed below).

The first plate element Pi is supported by way of one or more supporting features (such as for example, guides or rails 75) that allow for movement of the first plate element Pi in a generally planar manner. The guides or rails 75 are carried or supported by one or more side walls 60 of the compartment 20.

The actuable assembly 30 comprises an actuable member provided in the form of an elongate rod 80 arranged so as to be operable for allowing a user to selectively move the first plate element Pi between a first position (shown as Ai in Figure 5 and Figure 7) and a second condition (shown as Bi in Figure 8). The rod 80 extends and is moveable through an aperture 81 formed within the first plate element Pi - movement of the first element is by way of the rod imparting a force on a portion/region of the aperture. One end 80a of the rod 80 is connected at a portion/region of a press element P_E so that movement of the rod 80 causes or facilitates movement of the press element. A sphere 82 is provided at end 80b (see Figure 5) of the elongate rod 80 to assist in the handling of rod 80 during operation. A rigid connection between end 80a and the press element P_E is provided for in the embodiment shown in the figures, but other suitable connections could be possible provided that the press element P_E can be moved (or be actuable) by way of movement/actuation of the rod/sphere 80/82. With reference to at least Figure 6 and Figure 7, the rod/sphere 80/82 is operable so as to, when actuated by a user, enable movement of the first plate element Pi and the press element P_E within a first plane Xi (which, for the embodiment shown, is generally aligned with the horizontal plane), and enable movement of the press element within a second plane X₂ (which, for the embodiment shown, is generally aligned with the vertical plane). For the embodiment shown, movement of the first plate element Pi and the press element P_E in plane Xi generally aligns with a height aligning at or near the upper peripheral edge P_Edge of the bin 15 when in its usual upright orientation).

In the usual course of operation (described in detail below), the movement of the first plate element Pi (in the first plane Xi) follows (vertical) movement of the press element P_E in the second plane X_2. For example, to ready the compartment 20 to receive material W, the press element P_E is lifted (by way of the rod/sphere 80/82) so as to lie adjacent the internal/inward facing side 83 of the first plate element Pi; following which the rod/sphere 80/82 is operated so as to move both the first plate element Pi and the press element P_E in the first plane Xi so as to allow material W to be placed in the compartment 20 atop a second plate element P₂ of the actuable assembly 30.

The second plate element P₂ (also provided in the form of a planar plate member) is arranged so as to be movable relative to the compartment 20 in a plane X₃ (aligned substantially with the horizontal plane) on/at a side S₂ (see Figure 5) of the compartment. The second plate element P₂ is moveable across a portion of the base 55 of the compartment 20 whereby the movement of the second plate element P₂, relative to the open region 70, serves to vary the extent to which the compartment 20 opens to the chamber 25 of the bin 15. For example, when the second plate element P₂ is provided in a first position A₂ (see Figure 7), the compartment 20 is substantially closed to the chamber 25. As the second plate element P₂ is moved toward a second position B₂ (see Figure 11), the compartment 20 increasingly opens to the chamber 25. The scope of movement of the second plate element P₂ corresponds substantially to that of the first plate element Pi. As shown, the first Pi and second P₂ plate elements are operable to move in substantially horizontal planes (relative to the orientation shown in the Figures) at respective heights relative to the compartment 20 (ie. Pi over the upper region of the compartment 20 and P₂ over the base 55). The second plate element P₂ is supported in a substantially similar manner as the first plate element Pi (for example, by way of guides or rails 75).

The second plate element P₂ is actuable by way of a further actuable member which is provided in the form of an elongate section 90 of uniform cross-section attached to the second plate element P₂ at a location (at an end of the second plate element for the embodiment shown in the Figures) readily accessible to a user when the first plate element Pi is in its first position Ai (see Figure 7). The elongate section 90 comprises a cross section (ie. angle section shown) allowing for convenient handling or gripping by a user when seeking to move the second plate element P_2.

The dimensioning of the first Pi and second P₂ plate elements is substantially similar in elevation, side, or end profile. Further, the plan forms of the first Pi and second P₂ plate elements are substantially the same. The second element P₂ is dimensioned so as to exemplify a plan form that this substantially similar to the region 70 of the base 55 that opens to the chamber 25. In this manner, when the second element P₂ is positioned so as to close or cover said open region 70, the risk of gaps or open regions on the periphery is reduced or minimal. For the embodiment shown in the Figures, the plan form of the open region 70 of the base of the compartment 20 is about half of the area of the base 55, and the plan form of the first Pi and second P₂ plate elements is about the same as that of the open region 70 of the base.

The press element P_E may be dimensioned in a manner which corresponds substantially with the first Pi or second P₂ plate elements, or indeed the open region 70 of the base 55.

In the embodiment shown, the actuable assembly 30 further comprises a clearance element provided in the form of a‘blade’ like element 95 provided with the press element P_E and configured suitable for performing a clearing or scraping like action across a portion of an upward facing surface Su of the second plate element P₂ when relative movement between the second plate element and the press element occurs. The blade element 95 is provided in the form of an elongate protrusion which projects from the lower surface S_L of the press element P_E toward the surface Su of the second element P₂. The cross-section of the blade element 95 is uniform along its length. The blade element 95 extends across a dimension of the press element P_E, the direction of extension of the blade element being substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement of the second plate element P₂. In operation, holding the press element P_E stationary relative to the compartment 20 and moving the second plate element P₂ relative to the press element P_E allows the blade element 95 to engage any residual matter that may remain on the upper facing surface Su of the second plate element P₂ so that it becomes dislodged for the purposes of falling into the chamber 25 of the bin 15

The dimensions of the press element P_E may be engineered so that the periphery of the press element can, when moved in plane X₂, serve to clear any debris that may inadvertently adhere to the side walls of the compartment 20.

In the form shown, the closure 5 is configured so as to rotate relative to the bin at or near its upper edge or periphery. In this manner, the closure 5 is configured so that the bin 15 can be handled by a loading mechanism carried by a vehicle operable for waste collection and transfer (not shown). Thus, the contents of the bin 15 can be collected in the same manner as that of standard council bins, ie. unemptied bins can be tipped over by the raising arm of a loading mechanism of a garbage truck (not shown). As embodiments of the closure 5 can be retrofitted to the bins, it allows the bins (in having much the same qualities/characteristics as normal council bins) to be dealt with in much the same manner as normal council bins.

The closure 5 may be of integral construction. In this manner, the body 10 and compartment 20, for example, may be formed as an integral part. The closure 5 may be formed from plastic or any suitable composite material system (or hybrid material system). Any of the components could most likely benefit from bespoke plastic's manufacturing. The skilled reader would appreciate the types of materials (and manufacturing processes) that could be relevant for the forming of the closure 5.

The embodiment of the closure 5 of the bin 15 described herein is operated in a staged process, which serves to effectively (to the extent possible) mitigate exposure of the prospective gasiform residing/forming in the chamber 25 of the bin 15 to ambient air. In this regard, the contents of the bin 15 are not specifically aerated. Due to the staged nature of the operation of the closure 5 for the admission of material (W) opening/closing each of the first and second plate elements (Pi, P₂), some air infusion (with, for example, the compost) could be expected. It is considered that, in the case of organic waste material, any air infusion is most likely to have the effect of congealing the stored material W to a compost. In some respects, this could be influenced by how long the oldest portions of the contents have been left to sit inside the bin 15.

Figures 7 to 11 are referred to below in describing one manner of operation of the closure 5 by a user.

Having regard to Figure 7, the actuable assembly 30 of the closure 5 is provided in a position (A) in which the chamber 25 is generally closed off to the ambient environs A_E. In this manner, the closure 5 is positioned so as to, to the extent reasonably possible, hermetically isolate the chamber 25 from the external environs A_E, this reducing or, at best, inhibiting gasiform which might be present in the chamber 25 from escaping or leaking from the chamber. As shown, in this condition (A), the second plate element P₂ is positioned so as to, with the transparent window T_w, substantially close or cover region 70 of the compartment 20 from the chamber 25 of the bin 15. Furthermore, the first plate element Pi and the press element P_E are together positioned above the second plate element P₂ ready for use.

It will be appreciated that the positioning of the first plate element Pi and the press element P_E as shown in Figure 7 is not critical for commencing use of the closure 5. The first plate element Pi and the press element P_E could be positioned above the transparent window T_w. The arrangement shown in Figure 7 is merely convenient for describing the relative movements of the components involved.

When waste material W is to be admitted to the chamber 25, the region of space above the second plate element P₂ needs to be cleared so that the waste material can be placed on the upper surface Su of the second plate element. Thus, Figure 8 shows movement of the first plate element Pi and the press element P_E from position Ai (shown in Figure 7) to position Bi. As can be seen, rod 80 is moved upwards (in plane X₂) by a user so that the press element P_E resides closely underneath first plate element Pi. From there, both the first plate element Pi and the press element P_E are moved horizontally in plane Xi toward region 98 of the compartment 20. At this stage, waste material W can be placed into the compartment 20 atop the second plate element P₂ (as shown in Figure 8).

With waste material W introduced, the movement described above is effectively reversed. With reference to Figures 9 and 10, with waste material W in position atop the second plate element P₂, the rod 80 is operated so as to move (in plane Xi) the first plate element Pi and the press element P_E back over the second plate element P₂ (and over the waste material W). With the latter movement completed, the rod 80 can be operated so as to move the press element P_E vertically in plane X₂ toward the second plate element P_2.

For the condition shown in Figure 10, the press element P_E is caused to be moved so as to engage the waste material W. In this manner, and with sufficient pressure applied, engagement of the waste material W can serve to compress the material. This can be beneficial when seeking to conserve the volume of space occupied by the material W when in the chamber 25.

Figure 11 shows the final phase in which the second plate element P₂ is moved in the direction shown by the user via the elongate section 90. Thus, in this manner, the second plate element P₂ is moved horizontally in plane X₃ causing the support to the waste material W to be withdrawn, thereby allowing the material to fall into the chamber 25 prejudicially by way of at least gravity, or with assistance from pressure applied by way of the press element P_E.

To ensure all waste material W is transferred to the chamber 25, and that little to no residual material remains on the upper surface Su of the second plate element P₂, it can be advantageous for the press element P_E to be kept in the position shown in Figure 11 when the second plate element P₂ is withdrawn. With the press element P_E placed immediately proximal the upper surface of the second plate element P₂, the blade element 95 can be provided in sufficient proximity of the upper surface Su of the second plate element so that withdrawal/movement of the second element P₂, with the press element P_E held firm, the blade element 95 can clear the surface of any material W residue into the chamber 25. This relative movement (which could be iterative depending on any resistance of the residue) between the press element P_E and the second plate element P₂ serves to provide a means for seeking to ensure that as much waste material W as possible is transferred into the chamber 25.

Once the press element P_E has been operated, the second plate element P₂ may then be repositioned into its base position (shown, for example, in Figure 7), thus completing the process.

Further aspects of the principles described herein may involve methods of forming or modifying embodiments of a closure (existing or otherwise) in accordance with any embodiment of the closure as described herein, for use with a receptacle or bin (existing or otherwise) in accordance with the principles described herein.

For example, such a method may involve forming a body (10) so as to be engageable with and for closing an open region of a receptacle or bin (15); forming a compartment (20) so as to be supported by way of a region of the body (10) (into which material (W) is placed in the manner described above). The compartment (20) having a region (70) which opens to the chamber (25) for transferring material (W) from the compartment to the chamber. The method may further involve arranging an actuable assembly (30) to be operable for use in transferring material to the chamber (25) from the compartment (20), whereby coverage or closure of the open region is provided by the actuable assembly (30) so as to reduce fluid connection between the chamber (25) and the compartment (20) during the transfer.

Relevant methods may also involve modifying embodiments of a receptacle or bin (15) (existing or otherwise) so as to be operable for use with embodiments of a closure (5) that is arranged in accordance with the principles described herein.

In other forms, any of the embodiments described herein may be provided as a kit of parts comprising any of the features or components of any embodiments of the systems described herein. For example, a kit may comprise any of the features of the closure described herein, whereby the components of the kit are sufficient for allowing an embodiment of a closure to be assembled. Furthermore, kits may comprise an open receptacle, and any of the components/features required to provide or assemble a closure for operable use with the receptacle in accordance with the principles described herein.

As noted, while the present context is in relation to waste/refuse bins for storing organic and like waste, the principles may also be applied to an industrial context in which the waste material comprises elements of, for example, a toxic nature, such as for example, manufacture using resinous systems (many of which can be extremely toxic during the curing stage). Accordingly, in at least one example, composite manufacturing shops could readily use the principles described herein to provide a storage facility whereby discarded materials can be placed in a holding/storage facility and any toxic gasiform/fumes be safely contained, during admission to the storage and during the storage period. The skilled reader would readily appreciate other applications and contexts where the principles described herein could be applied.

As noted, the compartment 20 is divided into two regions by way of a divider 21 which is configured to extend between sidewalls 60c and 60d (which are opposite one another). As discussed above, one of the two regions formed by way of the divider 21 is the region of the compartment 20 into which material W is placed for admission into the chamber. The divider 21 is configured so as to allow the first and second plate elements (Pi, P₂) to operate as described herein.

Generally, the skilled reader will appreciate that the divider 21 is not essential as the closure 5 can function without it. Flowever, to the extent that it is an issue, odour deriving from the contents of the bin 15 has the potential to be unpleasant if the divider 21 is not present. The skilled reader would appreciate that if no divider 21 were present, there would be an open link between the contents of the bin 15 and a user standing outside the bin when the user operates the second plate element P₂ - this would likely emit unpleasant odours to the outside environment which are intended to remain‘quarantined’ via the configuration and operation of the actuable assembly 30 relative the compartment 20. In this regard, the divider 21 may have a number of‘cut outs’ or similar to allow for generally permanent fixtures such as the rails (75) or guides allowing the first and second plate elements (Pi, P₂) to move. Accordingly, the divider 21 may be engineered as appropriate to account for the required components for allowing the closure 5 to operate.

The top surface Su of the second plate element P₂ is likely to have residue on it (if not cleaned after some period of use) as this is where the material waste W is placed. If waste residue is indefinitely exposed to the air it is going to fester and create an odour. Thus, the skilled reader will appreciate that if the region where the residue is located is isolated or sealed off (to the extent possible allowing for the actuable assembly 30 to operate) by way of the divider 21 , this ramification can be averted to some degree. Embodiments of the closure (5) arranged or configured in accordance with the principles described herein may be arranged or configured so as to be operable with a form of cover or cover assembly. In this manner, the cover or cover assembly serves as a form of a facia or‘front’ to/for the closure. In some arrangements, the cover could be configured so as to extend across a portion of an upward facing surface, portion, or region of the closure. For example, the cover could be provided in the form of a benchtop or similar to a domestic or industrial kitchen assembly/installation). The cover could feature one or more openings or apertures through which the closure can be accessed for operational purposes. The cover could be detachable from any portion of the closure. Alternatively, the cover could be configured so as to be permanently attached or connected with any portion of the closure.

A cover, facia or like form could be integrated so as to be an integral part of any portion or region of the closure (5) or its body (10), for example. Alternatively, such a facia could be separate of the closure, but operable therewith in close proximity. For example, an embodiment of the closure (5) could be placed within an accessible cavity formed or provided underneath, for example, a benchtop or similar. In this manner, the benchtop could be formed or provided with one or more openings which allows the closure to be accessible (for example, using hinged closure panels that are operable to/from closed/open conditions) when needed. As will be appreciated by the skilled reader, any such cover or fascia (or benchtop) could be configured for providing an attractive or aesthetically pleasing surround for the closure. Such covers/facias or benchtops may be formed from any of the following materials: granite, stainless steel, marble, concrete (polished or otherwise), timber, laminate, stone, porcelain, bamboo, glass. Other materials may be appropriate/suitable.

The cover (or cover assembly) could be flexible or substantially rigid (as in the case of a benchtop configuration).

In other arrangements, the cover could be formed from a fabric material and configured so as to be capable of covering and substantially conforming to a portion or region of the exterior surface/shape of the closure. Such fabrics may be selected based at least in part on their aesthetic appeal, and or any practical considerations such as for example, favourable hygiene characteristics, ease of cleaning/maintaining, whether resistance, mould/mildew resistance, stain resistance, UV and fade resistance, breathable, water resistance, etc. Examples of such fabrics may include: canvass, leather, laminated fabrics (laminated cotton/poplin), nylon polyester, oilcloth, vinyl, Taslan®, Darlexx®, neoprene, Naugahyde, Nanotex Aquapel™, Gore-tex®, eVENT® Fabric, Cordura® Nylon. The skilled reader will appreciate what other types of materials/fabrics might be applicable.

Future patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of, or claiming priority from the present application. It is to be understood that the following claims are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application. Features may be added to or omitted from the provisional claims at a later date so as to further define or redefine the invention or inventions.

Claims

1. A closure for use with a receptacle in which material can be stored, the closure comprising:

a body configured so as to close a chamber of the receptacle, a compartment associated with the body and into which material is placed for transfer into the chamber, the compartment having a region which opens to the chamber for transferring material from the compartment to the chamber, and

2. A closure according to claim 1 , wherein the body is configured so as to, at least in part, support the compartment in a manner whereby the compartment is recessed from a closed region of the body.

3. A closure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the compartment is defined by a base and four side walls, the base of the compartment providing the region which opens to the chamber of the receptacle.

4. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuable assembly comprises a first element arranged so as to be movable relative to the compartment, the first element being of substantially planar form and extending across an open region of a side of the compartment that is adjacent to external surrounds, movement of the first element serving to enable the first element to extend across different portions of the compartment.

5. A closure according to claim 4, wherein the actuable assembly comprises a second element arranged so as to be movable relative to the compartment, the second element being of substantially planar form and moveable across a portion of the base of the compartment, the movement of the second element serving to vary the extent to which the open region of the base opens to the chamber of the receptacle.

6. A closure according to claim 5, wherein the first and second elements are each arranged to be selectively moveable relative to said open region, the selective movement of the first and second elements conducted in a manner so that at least one of the first, second elements substantially closes or covers the opening during transfer of the material so as to reduce fluid connection between the chamber and the compartment.

7. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 5, wherein the first and second elements are operable to move in respective planes, the first element being moveable in a plane associated with the side of the compartment that is adjacent to external surrounds, and the second element being moveable in a plane associated with the base of the compartment, each plane being substantially parallel to each other.

8. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 4, wherein the actuable assembly comprises an actuable arrangement configured operable so as to allow an operator or a user thereof to selectively move the first element between a first position, in which access to a desired or target region of the compartment is restricted, and a second condition where access to the compartment is substantially unrestricted so that material to be admitted to the chamber can be introduced into the desired or target region of the compartment.

9. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 8, wherein the actuable arrangement comprises a portion provided in the form of an elongate member.

10. A closure according to claim 9, wherein the elongate member is connected at one end thereof to a press element operable for engaging waste material placed in the compartment for transfer to the chamber, the connection of the elongate member and the press element being in a manner whereby movement of the elongate member causes movement of the press element.

11. A closure according to claim 10, wherein the actuable arrangement is operable so as to, when actuated by a user or operator, enable movement of both the first element and the press element within a first plane, and enable movement of the press element within a second plane, whereby the first and second planes are substantially orthogonal to one another, the first plane being aligned substantially with the horizontal plane and the second plane being aligned substantially with the vertical plane.

12. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 10, wherein a clearance element is provided with the press element and configured suitable for performing a clearing action across a portion of a surface of the second element when relative movement between the second element and the press element occurs.

13. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compartment is divided into two regions by way of a dividing element, the dividing element configured so as to extend between or span between two opposing sidewalls of the compartment, one of the two regions formed by way of the dividing element being a region into which material to be admitted into the compartment for transfer to the chamber is placed.

14. A closure for use with a receptacle having a chamber in which material can be stored, and an end opening the chamber to external surrounds, the closure comprising:

15. A closure according to claim 14, wherein the body is configured so as to, at least in part, support the compartment in a manner whereby the compartment is recessed from a closed region of the body.

16. A closure according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the compartment is defined by a base and four side walls, the base of the compartment providing the region which opens to the chamber of the receptacle.

17. A closure according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the first element is arranged so as to be movable relative to the compartment, the first element being of substantially planar form and extending across an open region of a side of the compartment that is adjacent to external surrounds, movement of the first element serving to enable the first element to extend across different portions of the compartment.

18. A closure according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the second element is arranged so as to be movable relative to the compartment, the second element being of substantially planar form and moveable across a portion of the base of the compartment, the movement of the second element serving to vary the extent to which the open region of the base opens to the chamber of the receptacle.

19. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 17, wherein the first and second elements are operable to move in respective planes, the first element being moveable in a plane associated with the side of the compartment that is adjacent to external surrounds, and the second element being moveable in a plane associated with the base of the compartment, each plane being substantially parallel to each other.

20. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 17, further comprising an actuable arrangement configured operable so as to allow an operator or a user thereof to selectively move the first element between a first position, in which access to a desired or target region of the compartment is restricted, and a second condition where access to the compartment is substantially unrestricted so that material to be admitted to the chamber can be introduced into the desired or target region of the compartment.

21. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 20, wherein the actuable arrangement comprises a portion provided in the form of an elongate member.

22. A closure according to claim 21 , wherein the elongate member is connected at one end thereof to a press element operable for engaging waste material placed in the compartment for transfer to the chamber, the connection of the elongate member and the press element being in a manner whereby movement of the elongate member causes movement of the press element.

23. A closure according to claim 22, wherein the actuable arrangement is operable so as to, when actuated by a user or operator, enable movement of both the first element and the press element within a first plane, and enable movement of the press element within a second plane, whereby the first and second planes are substantially orthogonal to one another, the first plane being aligned substantially with the horizontal plane and the second plane being aligned substantially with the vertical plane.

24. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 22, wherein a clearance element is provided with the press element and configured suitable for performing a clearing action across a portion of a surface of the second element when relative movement between the second element and the press element occurs.

25. A closure according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the compartment is divided into two regions by way of a dividing element, the dividing element configured so as to extend between or span between two opposing sidewalls of the compartment, one of the two regions formed by way of the dividing element being a region into which material to be admitted into the compartment for transfer to the chamber is placed.

26. A storage receptacle for holding material, the receptacle comprising:

a first compartment,

a second compartment,

27. A storage receptacle for holding material, the receptacle comprising:

a first compartment,

a second compartment, and

an actuable assembly operable for opening the first and second compartments to each other by way of manipulation of more than one moveable element relative to said opening so that it remains substantially closed or covered by at least one of the or each moveable elements during transfer of material so as to reduce fluid connection between the first and second compartments.

28. A storage receptacle according to claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the actuable assembly comprises a first element arranged so as to be movable relative to the compartments, the first element being of substantially planar form and extending across an open region of a side of one of the compartments that is adjacent to external surrounds, movement of the first element serving to enable the first element to extend across different portions of the compartment having said side adjacent to external surrounds.

29. A storage receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the actuable assembly comprises a second element arranged so as to be movable relative to the compartments, the second element being of substantially planar form and moveable across a portion of the base of the compartment, the movement of the second element serving to vary the extent to which the open region of the base opens to the chamber of the receptacle.

30. A storage receptacle according to claim 29, wherein the first and second elements are each arranged to be selectively moveable relative to said opening, the selective movement of the first and second elements conducted in a manner so that at least one of the first, second elements substantially closes or covers the opening during transfer of the material so as to reduce fluid connection between the chamber and the compartment.

31. A storage receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 29, wherein the first and second elements are operable to move in respective planes, the first element being moveable in a plane associated with the side of the compartment that is adjacent to external surrounds, and the second element being moveable in a plane associated with a base of the compartment having said side, each plane being substantially parallel to each other.

32. A storage receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 28, wherein the actuable assembly comprises an actuable arrangement configured operable so as to allow an operator or a user thereof to selectively move the first element between a first position, in which access to a desired or target region of one of the compartments is restricted, and a second condition where access to said one of the compartments is substantially unrestricted so that material to be admitted to the alternate compartment can be introduced into the desired or target region of said one of the compartments.

33. A storage receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 32, wherein the actuable arrangement comprises a portion provided in the form of an elongate member.

34. A storage receptacle according to claim 33, wherein the elongate member is connected at one end thereof to a press element operable for engaging waste material for transfer to the chamber, the connection of the elongate member and the press element being in a manner whereby movement of the elongate member causes movement of the press element.

35. A storage receptacle according to claim 34, wherein the actuable arrangement is operable so as to, when actuated by a user or operator, enable movement of both the first element and the press element within a first plane, and enable movement of the press element within a second plane, whereby the first and second planes are substantially orthogonal to one another, the first plane being aligned substantially with the horizontal plane and the second plane being aligned substantially with the vertical plane.

36. A storage receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 34, wherein a clearance element is provided with the press element and configured suitable for performing a clearing action across a portion of a surface of the second element when relative movement between the second element and the press element occurs.

37. A storage receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the compartment having said side adjacent to external surrounds is divided into two regions by way of a dividing element, the dividing element configured so as to extend between or span between two opposing sidewalls of said compartment, one of the two regions formed by way of the dividing element being a region into which material to be admitted into said compartment for transfer to the alternate of the compartments is placed.

38. A closure according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 1 , wherein the closure is configured so as to rotate relative the receptacle at or near an edge of the receptacle.

39. A storage receptacle according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the storage receptacle is configured so that the first and second compartments rotate relative one another.

40. A method for forming a closure for use with a storage receptacle, the method comprising:

41. A method for forming a closure for use with a receptacle having a chamber in which material can be stored, and an end opening the chamber to external surrounds, the closure comprising: