AU2017251836B2 - A container - Google Patents

Abstract

- 18 A bin (200) having a receptacle (202) with an opening, a lid (206) arranged to close the 5 opening, an arm (208) operably connected to the lid, a lifting arrangement (554) configured to move the arm and thereby the lid between a closed position and an open position, a retaining portion (226) configured to receive a bag cassette (232) and dispense bags (230) from the cassette into the receptacle, a fragrance device (216) accommodated within a lid cavity, and a light source (445). The lid is adjustable to vary the release of fragrance from 10 the fragrance device to a surrounding.

Description

A CONTAINER

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention is directed to a container, in particular a waste bin. Embodiments of the container are configured to retain personal waste, such as sanitary items.

BACKGROUND Almost every residence, business and public area will have a system for waste management. The most common method of managing waste is through the use of a waste container. The primary purpose of such a device is to capture and/or retain waste. However, the management of waste can include undesirable elements, such as unpleasant odours, o which inevitably occur in the storage of waste.

It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to address one or more of these disadvantages, and/or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect, the present invention provides bin comprising a receptacle with an opening, a lid arranged to close the opening, a lifting arrangement, and an arm operably connected to the lid and operably connected to the lifting arrangement. The lifting arrangement and arm are configured to move the lid between a closed position and an open position, where the movement of the lid is substantially vertical.

In an embodiment, the arm is an elongate member and removably attachable to the lid.

In an embodiment, the lifting arrangement comprises a gas spring, which may further include a slow release valve to allow the lid to be lowered.

In another embodiment, the lifting arrangement may include a lever that is pivotable relative to the receptacle.

In another embodiment, the lifting arrangement is an electric motor powered lift.

The lifting arrangement may include a pedal which may be actuated by a user to move the lid.

In an embodiment, the bin includes a light source, for example at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED). The light source which may be powered by a disposable or reusable power source. The bin may further comprise a motion sensor and/or a light sensor configured to control operation of the light source.

In an embodiment, the light source may be reactive to environmental conditions including heat, light, moisture or bacterial activity.

In an embodiment the light source is ring shaped and may also be located on the lid.

In an embodiment, the bin includes a fragrance device. The fragrance dispenser may be accommodated within a cavity in the lid, where the cavity may be ring shaped. In an embodiment, the lid comprises a cover and a base, and the cover is adjustable to an open position for the release of fragrance to a surrounding area and to a closed position relative to the lid base to prevent the release of fragrance. The cover may be further adjustable to one or more intermediate positions relative to the lid base, between the lid open position and the lid closed position to vary the amount of fragrance released.

The lid cover may be movable between the open and the closed position by way of a spring loaded mechanism. Alternatively, the lid cover may be operably connected to the lid base by way of a threaded connection and the position of the lid cover is adjustable between the open and closed positions by a twisting motion.

In an embodiment, the lid base comprises at least one vent to enable airflow between the lid cavity and the receptacle.

In an embodiment, the receptacle includes a receiver portion which is removably attached to the opening of the receptacle, the receiver portion having an aperture for receiving waste and a funnel-shaped region for directing waste into the aperture.

In an embodiment, the lid may include a gasket that is arranged to seal with a first end of the receiver portion when the lid is in the closed position.

In an embodiment, the bin comprises a bag retaining portion configured to receive a bag cassette and allow each bag to be dispensed from the cassette into the receptacle. The cassette is preferably operable to close off portions of the bag.

In an embodiment, the receiver portion includes another aperture which is arranged to receive the arm.

The receptacle may comprise guide tracks on an outer surface to guide the vertical movement of the arm.

In an embodiment, the container further includes an outer receptacle that at least partly houses the receptacle and lifting arrangement.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a bin comprising a receptacle with an opening, a lid arranged to close the opening, an arm operably connected to the lid, a lifting arrangement configured to move the arm and thereby the lid between a closed position and an open position, a retaining portion configured to receive a bag cassette and dispense bags from the cassette into the receptacle, a fragrance device accommodated within a lid cavity; and a light source. The lid is adjustable to vary the release of fragrance from the fragrance device to a surrounding.

The bin according to the second aspect may also contain one or more of the features described above in relation to the first aspect.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term 'comprising', other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprised' are to be interpreted in a similar manner.

It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

As used herein the term '(s)' following a noun means the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

As used herein the term 'and/or' means 'and' or 'or', or where the context allows both.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is described by way of non-limiting examples within the following description and figures.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an isometric perspective of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a lifting arrangement in an open configuration.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention including a bag cassette.

Figure 4 is a section view of the lid assembly of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, showing the lid cover in an open position.

Figure 5 is a perspective view corresponding to the view of Figure 4.

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are section views of the lid assembly of Figures 4 and 5, where 6a shows the lid cover in a closed position, 6b shows the lid cover in a partially open position, and 6c shows the lid cover in a fully open position.

Figure 7 is section view of an alternative embodiment lid assembly showing the of the lid cover in an open position.

Figure 8 is a section view corresponding to Figure 6 but showing the lid cover in a closed position.

Figure 9 is a section view of a further embodiment lid assembly which includes an electrical power source and a detailed view A of the light source on the rim of the lid.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 11 is a front view of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 12 is a side view of an embodiment of Figures 1 and 2.

Figures 13a and 13b are section views of a further embodiment container having a lifting arrangement, where Figure 13a shows the lifting arrangement in a closed configuration, and Figure 13b shows the lifting arrangement in an open configuration.

Figures 14a and 14b are section views of yet a further embodiment container having an alternative lifting arrangement, where Figure 14a shows the lifting arrangement in a closed configuration, and Figure 14b shows the lifting arrangement in an open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Broadly speaking, an embodiment of the present invention provides a container 100 for the retention of waste. Referring to Figure 1, the container 100 includes a receptacle 102 with an opening 104. The container 100 also includes a lid assembly 106 movable to close the opening, and an arm 108 that is arranged to move the lid 106 between an open position and a closed position. A lifting arrangement is operable by a user to move the arm and thereby move the lid assembly 106 between the open and closed positions. The movement of the lid assembly 106 is translational relative to the receptacle 102. That is, the lid assembly 106 does not tilt or rotate as a whole relative to the receptacle 102 as it moves between the open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the arm 108 is an elongate member. The container 100 also includes an outer receptacle 110.

Referring to Figure 2, the lid assembly 106 includes a number of sub-components, namely, a cover portion 112, a light source 114, a fragrance dispenser 116, a lid base 118, a lid adjustment mechanism 120, and a gasket 122. The container 100 further includes a receiving portion 124 with an opening 104 for the receipt of waste, and a retaining portion 126 fitted to the top opening of the receptacle 102 to dispense bags 130 to receive and contain the waste.

The arm 108 is attached to the lid assembly 106 and may be removably or permanently attached by any conventional means, such as a threaded tube connection or a snap fit connection (not shown). The arm 108 may be integral with the lid assembly 106. However, removable attachment of the lid 106 to the arm 108 advantageously allows for the easy removal of the lid assembly 106 from the arm 108. The connection is a non-rotatable connection so that the lid assembly 106 maintains a constant rotational position with respect to the arm 108 and receptacle 102 when being moved between the open position and closed position. The arm 108 may be a linear elongate member. However, the arm 208 could also be curved.

Receiver portion The receptacle 102 includes a receiver portion 124. The receiver portion 124 is removably attachable to the open top end 102a of the receptacle 102. The receiver portion 124 includes an opening 104 that waste enters and passes through when disposed of by the user. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 includes a receiver portion 124 which is funnel shaped to aid the user in disposing the waste, as the sloping sides of the funnel assist in guiding the waste towards the opening 104 and further into the receptacle 102. However, the receiving portion 124 is not limited to being funnel shaped and alternatively may include a flat bottomed portion with an opening, connected to a raised rim of the retaining portion 127.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 further includes a gasket 122 which is arranged to seal with an upper surface or outer edge of the lid receiver portion 124 when the lid assembly 106 is in the closed position. In an embodiment, the gasket 122 is provided underneath the edge of the lid base 118. In an alternative embodiment, the gasket is provided on the edge of the lid assembly 106. The seal created between the gasket 122 and the receiver portion 124 prevents the release of unpleasant odours from the interior of the receptacle 102. The gasket 122 may be formed from a flexible rubber or silicon solid ring or tube and is attached to the lid 106 via an adhesive, or retained within a notch, recess or any usual means of attaching a circular gasket known to a person skilled in the art.

Retaining portion Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment container 200 in which features and components corresponding to features or components in the container 100 of Figures 1 and 2 are labelled using like reference numerals but with the addition of 100.

The embodiment shown in Figure 3 additionally includes a cassette 232, retained in the retaining portion 226. The retaining portion 226 is a flat bottomed component having a peripheral side wall defining an upper rim 227, however, other forms of the retaining portion are possible. In use, at least a portion of the side wall 226a sits against an interior surface of the receptacle 202.

The retaining portion 226 includes an opening 234 that is vertically aligned with the receiver portion opening 204. A raised rim 234a on the retaining potion 326 defines the opening 234 and abuts an underside of the receiver portion 204 or an edge of the receiver portion opening 204. This allows waste to pass through the receiver portion opening 204 into the retaining portion 226 smoothly without getting caught on any sharp edges or protrusions. The opening in the retaining portion 226 is preferably the same size or larger than the opening in the receiver portion 204. The openings 226, 204 in the retaining and receiver portions are preferably concentric.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the receiver portion 224 and retaining portion 226 are held together, in use, by the weight of the receiver portion 224 bearing on the retaining portion 226. Other embodiments may also include at least one fastener, clip, or other mechanical fastener known to a person skilled in the art, to removably attach the receiver portion 224 to the retaining portion 226.

The receiver portion 224 includes an aperture 236 that receives the arm 208. The aperture 236 is positioned on the receiving portion 224 in alignment with the axis of movement of the arm 208. The aperture 236 is shaped to allow the arm 208 to move vertically through the receiving portion 224 when moved by the lifting arrangement.

The edge of the retaining portion 226 has a recess or notch 238 to receive and accommodate the movement of the arm 208 as the arm is moved between an open position and a closed position. In an alternative embodiment, the retaining portion 226 may instead include an aperture to receive the arm 208. The recess 238 is aligned with the axis of vertical movement of the arm 208.

One or more guide tracks 228 are provided on the exterior of the receptacle 302, and/or the interior or the outer receptacle 210, to guide the vertical movement of the arm 208. The guide track(s) 328 may fully or partially extend from the upper opening 202a of the receptacle 202 to the base of the receptacle 202. The guide track(s) 228 may comprise a rigid, durable and/or reduced friction material to allow the arm 208 to slide freely relative to the guide track(s) 228 with minimal wear. The guide track(s) 228 constrain the arm 208 to prevent or minimise non-vertical movement of the arm 208 when it is lifted by the lifting arrangement (not shown). In one embodiment the receptacle 202 comprises a channel that receives and guides the arm 208.

The embodiment in Figure 3 also includes an outer receptacle 210 with an opening 210a. The outer receptacle 210 is arranged to receive and at least partially house the main receptacle 202, the arm 308 and the lifting arrangement (not shown). The outer receptacle 210 may be made of any suitable material that is substantially rigid, durable and easily cleaned, such as a metal, plastic, or composite material.

The cassette 222 retained in the retaining portion 226 is a preloaded bag cassette 232 that contains multiple flexible bags 230 (such as plastic or latex bags). Each bag 230 includes an open end and a closed end, where the open end of the bag in use is retained by the cassette 232, and the closed end of the bag is positioned in the receptacle 202. The retaining portion 226 is preferably shaped to hold a ring-shaped cassette 222 with a relatively snug fit to minimise or prevent movement of the cassette 232 in use. The retaining portion 226 is may be shaped to accommodate a variety of different size or shape cassettes, including commercially available bag cassettes , or configured to retain a cassette having a unique or proprietary shape. In one embodiment, the retaining portion may have a "universal fit" shape that is able to accommodate a variety of different cassettes.

A flexible bag 230 extends from the cassette 232, through the opening 233 in the retaining portion 226, forming a pouch to retain waste that enters through the receiving portion opening 204. The cassette 232 is configured to enable waste that enters the retaining portion 226 to be segregated within the flexible bag 230. The waste may be segregated by deforming the bags to divide the bags into air tight portions. Sealing the waste in this manner minimises the release of odours from the waste, provides privacy by concealing the waste, and acts as a safety feature to prevent children reaching into the receptacle and retrieving waste.

The cassette 232 may deform the bags by twisting, folding or otherwise portioning the waste. The operation of the cassette 232 to perform this function may be by manual operation of the cassette by the user or by automatic operation of the cassette in response to the closing of the lid 206. The retaining portion 226 may comprise a ring disk insert (not shown) that is preferably substantially the same size as the bag cassette 216. The ring disk insert may be movably mounted in the base of the retaining portion, under the cassette 216, to hold the cassette in place and is operable to rotate the cassette to twist plastic bag to shut off contents (waste) in the bag 230.

To facilitate manual operation of the bag cassette 226, the container 200 may further comprise a lever, slide, linkage, or other mechanism configured to rotate the cassette to twist and portion the bag 230, for example, by rotating the ring disc insert. One end of the lever, slide, linkage, or other mechanism operably connects to the cassette within the retaining portion 226 to operate the cassette, for example by rotating an outer portion of the cassette relative to an inner portion. Another end of the lever, slide, linkage, or mechanism extends out a side or top of the retaining portion 226, for example through a slot in the side wall 226a or between the retaining portion 226 and receiving portion 234, for activation by a user to operate the cassette without removing the receiving portion. When the cassette 232 is empty, i.e. the multiple flexible bags have been filled and removed, the cassette 232 may be removed from the retaining portion 226 and replaced with a new cassette.

In an alternative embodiment, the bags from the cassette 232 may extend over the receiving portion and through the opening 204. This embodiment would prevent soiling of the receiving portion.

As a further alternative, the retaining portion 226 may be used without a cassette. In such an embodiment, the open end of the flexible bag 130 is pinched by and held in place between the receiver portion 224 and the raised rim 134a of the retaining portion 246.

The cassette 232 or the retaining portion 226 comprises a blade or a safety blade to cut the plastic bag 230 from the cassette 232 when the bag is full. The cassette may have a hook to receive the bag, with the blade provided in the apex of the hook and preferably having a plastic cover over the blade for safety. In one embodiment the blade is provided under the cassette holder.

In one embodiment, to empty the bin, the arm 108, 208 can be raised to a hyper-extended position in which the lid assembly 106, 206 is positioned higher than in its fully open position relative to the receptacle 102, 202, to provide clearance to remove a full waste bag 130, 230 from the receptacle 102, 202. The arm may be lifted by a user simply pulling up on the lid. The lid assembly 106, 206 and/or the arm 108, 208 may be removable from the container to enable the receptacle 102, 202 to be removed from the outer receptacle 110, 210. Alternatively, there may be a latch to enable the hyper-extension or removal of the lid assembly or arm. The receiving portion may be able to be raised in a similar manner to provide clearance, or alternatively may be removable. The retaining portion 126, 226 is removable from the receptacle 102, 202.Fragrance dispenser

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, a fragrance dispenser comprises a fragrance device 116, 216 positioned in a cavity 117, 217 in the lid base 118, 218. The fragrance device 116, 216 may be a gel or a solid "cake" that releases a fragrance. The fragrance device may be ring shaped to locate centrally in a ring shape cavity 117, 217 in the lid base 118, 218. The fragrance device 116, 216 comprises at least one chemical compound that releases odorous molecules as it degrades over time. Preferably the fragrance device contains a natural fragrance source, for example, one or more essential oils. The user will detect the odorous molecules as a pleasant fragrance. The fragrance device 116, 216 automatically releases the fragrance over time in a manner understood by a person skilled in the art. In some embodiments the cavity 117, 217 may be formed in a manner that provides a number of separate divisions or compartments, such that differently scented fragrance device portions may be combined in the cavity 117, 217 to provide for a large variety of possible fragrance combinations. The fragrance masks unpleasant odours from waste in the container 100, 200, and scents the room in which the container is placed, for example the bathroom, to mask unpleasant odours in the room. The fragrance device may also possess antibacterial properties. The cavity 117, 217 in the lid base 118, 218 may be shaped to house any suitable shape or size fragrance dispenser, such that it fits within the dimensions of the lid assembly 106, 206.

In an embodiment, the lid assembly 106, 206 has a lid adjustment mechanism comprising a boss 120, 220 or other projection attached to and extending downward from an underside of the lid cover 112, 212. The boss 120, 220 enables adjustment of the lid assembly 106, 206 between an open configuration and a closed configuration to control diffusion of the fragrance from the fragrance device 116, 216 out of the lid assembly 106, 206.

The boss 120, 220 may be permanently or removably attached to the lid cover portion 112, 212, for example, by way of a snap fit, friction fit or other similar means of connection known to a person skilled in the art. Alternatively the boss 120, 220 may be integrally formed with the lid cover portion 112, 212.

The boss 120, 220 is received by and engagable with a complementary projection 121, 221 on the lid base 118. This allows the cover portion 112, 212 to be removed and the fragrance device 116, 216 to be replaced when required.

Referring to the section view of Figure 4, there is illustrated the lid assembly 106 in further detail. In Figure 4, the lid cover 112 and boss 120 are an integrated component. An exterior surface of the boss 120 is threaded. The complementary projection 121 in the lid base 118 includes an internal thread that engages with the thread on the boss 120. The user moves the cover portion 102 between an open position and a closed position by twisting the cover portion 102. The open position locates the cover portion 402 at a level higher than the top of the lid base 118, to allow the flow of air into the lid assembly, under the cover portion 102 and thereby enable the release of fragrance from the fragrance device 106 in a manner illustrated by the arrows 112. The lid cover is continuously adjustable between the closed position and a fully open position to vary the volume of airflow between the cover 102 and the lid base 118 and thereby vary the fragrance release. The operation of this feature is further illustrated in Figure 5, which shows the user twisting the cover portion 102 such that it can be moved to any position that lies between a fully open position and a closed position.

The release of fragrance is determined by the level of air flow provided by the extent of the gap between the lid cover portion 112 and the lid base portion 118. As such, a user can control of the release of the fragrance by controlling the height at which the cover portion 112 sits relative to the lid base portion 118. More fragrance, and therefore a more open lid assembly configuration with more airflow, may be required in a large space such as a large bathroom. In contrast, a smaller space may require less fragrance to avoid overpowering the room, so a partly opened lid assembly configuration with less airflow may be appropriate. As well as reducing the release of fragrance, reducing the airflow also advantageously increases the life of fragrance device, reducing costs.

Figure 6a shows the lid assembly in a closed configuration, Figure 6b shows the lid assembly partially open, and Figure 6c shows the lid assembly in a fully open configuration. Although only three configurations are illustrated in Figures 6a, 6b and 6c, the lid cover 112 may be adjusted to any position that is between its fully open position and fully closed position. To facilitate control of the level of fragranced dispensed, the fragrance dispenser 120 may include a ratchet mechanism, cam shaft mechanism, twisting mechanism (as shown in Figures 4 to 6c), or other mechanism which provides a similar means of controlling the height of the lid cover 112 as would be understood by a person skilled in the art. Figures 6 and 7 show an alternative lid assembly 306 having a spring mechanism 340 held in a cavity defined by the boss 320, and acting between the underside of the lid cover 302 and the lid base 304. The spring 340 biases the lid cover portion 312 to an open position, as shown in Figure 7. In the open position, the cover portion 302 is situated higher than the lid base portion 318, creating a gap 342 between the two components to allow the flow of air under the lid cover portion 302 to release fragrance from the fragrance device 306 in a manner illustrated by arrows 3344.

The operation of the spring mechanism 340 is further illustrated by Figure 7, which shows the user pressing on the cover portion 312 to compress or release the spring mechanism 340 to move the lid cover from an open position to a closed position, or vice versa. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, the spring mechanism 340 may comprise a cam and follower arrangement between the lid cover 312 and the lid base portion 318, for example, provided on the boss 320 and complementary engagement projection 321. In such a mechanism, the lid cover 302 open and closed positions are defined by the peaks and troughs of the cam surface, and the lid cover 312 rotates as it moves between its open and closed positions as a result of the follower bearing against the cam surface. The cam surface may optionally define one or more intermediate lid cover positions between the open and closed positions. In the closed position, the outer edge of the lid cover portion 312 seals against the lid base 318 and restricts the air flow under the lid cover portion 312 so that the fragrance is not released.

The lid assembly 106, 206, 306 may also include at least one vent (not shown) that penetrates the lid base 118, 218, 318. The at least one vent increases air flow around the fragrance device 306 and improves the dispersal of the fragrance within the receptacle 110, 210.

Light Source In a further exemplary embodiment 400, as shown in Figure 9, the lid assembly 406 includes a light source 445. The light source may act as a night-light providing dim lighting of the surrounding space, such as of a bathroom, to enable night time use of the space.

This advantageously removes the need for separate night-light devices connected to mains power outlets.

In one embodiment the light source 445 is electrically powered. The light source may comprise any suitable light source. However, the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9 includes a Light Emitting Diode (LED) arrangement 445. In embodiments where the light source 445 is powered electrically, the container includes a power source 446. The power source 446 can be incorporated into any location in the container such that it can supply power to the light source 445. However, in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the power source 446 is housed in a compartment 448 in the lid base portion 418. In some embodiments, the power source 446 may comprise disposable batteries.

In another embodiment, the power source 448 may be reusable, for example, the power source may comprise rechargeable batteries. The reusable power source may be removable from the container 400 for charging. Alternatively, the container 400 may further comprise a charging circuit configured to charge the reusable power source 446 upon connection to an external power source. For example, the compartment 448 may comprise a port in electrical communication with the charging circuit, for connection to a power cord to enable the container power source 446 to be charged from a mains power supply.

Optionally the light source may produce light of a wavelength that is destructive to one or more organisms, for example, to reduce bacteria levels in the bin.

The container 400 may further comprise one or more sensors to control the light source. For example a light sensor to turn the container light 445 off when ambient light is sufficient, and/or a motion sensor to only turn the light 445 on when users are active near the bin. The container 400 may also utilise a timer in combination with the one or more sensors, to turn the light off after a prescribed period of time. For example, the light may turn on when motion is detected, and turn off after a period of time such as 30s of no detected motion.

In alternative embodiments, the light source may comprise a non-electrically powered light source such as a phosphorescent, chemiluminescent, or bioluminescent.

The container may comprise a further light source that is sensitive to environmental conditions such as heat, light, moisture, bacterial activity or any detectable environmental condition relevant to the retention of waste, for example, the use of biosensors for the detection of certain toxins (NUNES-HALLDORSON, Vania da Silva and DURAN, Norma Leticia. Bioluminescent baterica: lux genes as environmental biosensors. Braz. J. Microbiol

[online]. 2003, vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 91-96, [cited 2016-09-05]).

The light source 445 can be incorporated into any location or indeed, multiple locations, outside or inside the container. Additionally, the light source may be provided in any shape, design, colour or luminosity. However, an embodiment illustrated by Figure 9 includes the light source in the lid of the container 400. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the light source 445 is ring shaped and extends around the perimeter of the lid assembly 106.

Lifting arrangement Referring now to Figures 13a and 13b, the arm 508 is moved by a lifting arrangement 550 and, in turn, moves the lid assembly 506 between an open position, shown in Figure 13b, and a closed position shown in Figure 13a. In the embodiment of Figures 13a and 13b, the lifting arrangement 550 comprises a pneumatic gas spring. The user interacts with the pedal 552 by horizontally displacing the pedal 552 as shown by the arrow of motion 556. The pneumatic lift arrangement 550 transforms the horizontal motion of the pedal 552 into an upwards motion of the arm 508 by means of a gas spring pneumatic cylinder (not shown). A button on the pneumatic cylinder is depressed by a link 554 that extends under the bin and is operably connected to the pedal 552 upon a user operating the pedal. The increase in pressure within the cylinder exerts a force to lift the arm 508 to the position shown in Figure 13b. The embodiment in Figures 13a and 13b with the pneumatic powered lift arrangement also includes a device that allows the arm 508 to lower. The device may be a slow release valve (not shown) which normalises the pressure in the pneumatic lift arrangement 550 and allows the arm and lid assembly to return to the closed position.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 14a and 14b, the lifting arrangement 650 comprises a linkage 654, 660 configured to move the arm 608, and in turn move the lid assembly 606, from the closed position shown in Figure 14a to the open position shown in Figure 14b. The linkage comprises a lever link 654 with a first end 654a pivotally connected to the pedal 652. The user presses the pedal 652 down as illustrated by the arrow 656 in Figure 14b to actuate the lifting arrangement 650, moving the lid assembly 606 from the closed position to the open position. A mid-point of the lever link 654 is mounted to the outer receptacle 610 about a pivot 658, and a second end 654b of the lever link 654 is pivotally attached to the arm 608 or an extension 660 of the arm 608. The lever link 654 pivots about its mid-point pivot 658 to transform the downward motion of the pedal 652 into upward motion of the arm 608. The lever link 654 may alternatively pivoted to the outer receptacle 610 at a point nearer to the first end 654a or second end 654b, depending on the desired ratio between vertical movement of the pedal 652 and vertical movement of the lid assembly 606 and/or to change the force required to be exerted on the pedal to lift the lid assembly.

After a user has placed their waste in the container, the user releases the pedal 652. The weight of the arm 608 and lid assembly 606 lowers the lid assembly 606 into a closed position as shown in Figure 14a. Preferably the closure is damped to provide slow, soft closure of the lid.

In an alternate embodiment, the lifting arrangement may be activated or driven by a motor (not shown). The lifting arrangement may comprise a pneumatic powered lift arrangement as illustrated in Figures 13a and 13b, and/or lever lift arrangement, as illustrated in Figures 14a and 14b, or an alternative lifting arrangement for example, a rack and pinion, driven using a motor. The motor advantageously enables the lifting arrangement to be operated with less effort by the user. Where a motor is used, the embodiment may include (in place of a pedal) the use of a different actuation device, such as a button, switch or sensor for the user to operate the motor assisted lifting arrangement. The motor may operate to lift the lid only, such that the lid is manually closed or closes under gravity, or may operate to lift and lower the lid.

Advantages

The embodiments described herein provide a novel means of retaining waste, which is ideally suited to areas with restricted space and/or in situations where a conventional hinged lid container would not be a suitable solution. The embodiments provide this advantage, in part, due to the substantially vertical translation of the lid assembly relative to the receptacle when the arm 108 connected to the lid is moved by the lifting arrangement.

Additionally, embodiments described herein provide the aforementioned advantage in a streamlined and useful combination such that the features of the container work synergistically with one another to allow for a unique waste disposal solution that is not overburdened with unnecessarily complex components. The streamlined design removes any dependence on the use of a hinge between the lid and the top of the container to operate the lid while simultaneously reducing the number of parts required to provide a translated lid movement. This advantageously reduces manufacturing costs.

A further advantage of the embodiment is the use of a multi-purpose light. The inclusion of a light provides a source of light for nocturnal navigation around the area surrounding the container.

1. A bin comprising:

a receptacle with an opening;

a lid arranged to close the opening;

a lifting arrangement; and

an arm operably connected to the lid and operably connected to the lifting arrangement;

wherein the lifting arrangement and arm are configured to move the lid between a closed

position and an open position, where the movement of the lid is substantially vertical; and

wherein the receptacle includes a funnel-shaped receiver portion having an aperture for

receiving waste and another aperture which is arranged to receive the arm and wherein

the lid is at least partially recessed within the receiver portion when in the closed position.

2. A bin in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lifting arrangement comprises a gas spring.

3. A bin in accordance with claim 2, wherein the lifting arrangement further includes a slow

release valve to allow the lid to be lowered.

4. A bin in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lifting arrangement includes a lever that

is pivotable relative to the receptacle.

5. A bin in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting arrangement

further comprise a foot pedal operable by a user to move the lid.

6. A bin in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container includes

a light source.

7. A bin in accordance with claim 6, further comprising a motion sensor and/or a light

sensor configured to control operation of the light source.

8. A bin in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container includes

a fragrance device.

9. A bin in accordance claim 8, wherein the fragrance device is accommodated within a lid

cavity, wherein the lid comprises a cover and a base, the cover being adjustable to an open

position for the release of fragrance to a surrounding area and to a closed position relative to the

lid base to prevent the release of fragrance.

10. A bin in accordance with claim 9, wherein the cover is further adjustable to one or more

intermediate positions relative to the lid base, between the lid open position and the lid closed

position to vary the amount of fragrance released.

11. A bin in accordance with claim 9 or 10, wherein the lid cover is movable between the

open and the closed position by way of a spring loaded mechanism.

12. A bin in accordance with claim 9 or 10, wherein the lid cover is operably connected to the

lid base by way of a threaded connection and the position of the lid cover is adjustable between

the open and closed positions by a twisting motion.

13. A bin in accordance with any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the lid base comprises at

least one vent to enable airflow between the lid cavity and the receptacle.

14. A bin in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver portion is

removably attached to the opening of the receptacle.

15. A bin in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, comprising a bag retaining

portion configured to receive a bag cassette and allow each bag to be dispensed from the

cassette into the receptacle.

16. A bin in accordance with claim 15, wherein the cassette is operable to close off portions

of the bag.

17. A bin in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, comprising guide tracks on an

outer surface of the receptacle to guide the vertical movement of the arm.

18. A bin in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, further including an outer

receptacle that at least partly houses the receptacle and the lifting arrangement.

✶✵✂ ✶✵✄

✶✵✁

✶✵ ✶✵✵

✶✶✵

✶✶ 27 Oct 2017

✶✶✂

✶ ✵

✶✶✁ ✶✶✄ ✶✵✄ ✶ ✶✶ ✶ ✶ 2017251836

✶ ✂ ✶✵✂ ✶✵✁ ✶ ✄

✶ ✶✶✵ ✶ ✁

✶✵ ✁✂✄☎

✶✶✵

✶✵✵

✁✄

✁✶

✁✁ ✄✂ ✵✄ ✁✂ ✶ 2017251836

✁✄

✄✄ ✵✁ ✶✄ ✂ ✂✶ ✶ ✶✂ ✶✁ ✄

✄✷ ✁ ✶✶✵ ✵

✶✵✷ ✶✵

✵✵

✲ ✹✞✟✠ ✲ ✶✵✄

✶✶ 2017251836

✶ ✵ ✶✶✄

✶

✶✶✁ ✶✶✄ ✶✵✁ ✶ ✶

❋ ✁✂✄☎ ✝

✶✵✄

✶✶

✶✵ ✶✶✵

❋ ✁✂✄☎ ✆

✺✞✟✠ ✲ 27 Oct 2017

✲ ✶✵✄

✶✶ ✶ ✵ 2017251836

✶✶✁ ✶✶✄ ✶✵✁

❋ ✁✂✄☎ ❋

✶✵✄

✶✶ ✶ ✵

✶✶✁ ✶✶✄ ✶✵✁

❋ ✁✂✄☎ ❋✁

✶✵✄

✶✶ ✶ ✵

✶✶✁ ✶✶✄ ✶✵✁

❋ ✁✂✄☎ ❋✂

✻✞✟✠ ✲ 27 Oct 2017

✲

✶✂✂ ✶✶ ✶✶✄ ✶✶✄ ✶ ✵ ✶✂ 2017251836

✶✶✁ ✶ ✶ ✶✂✵ ✶✵✁

✶✵✄

❋ ✁✂✄☎

✁✂✄

✶✶ ✶ ✵

✶✶✁ ✶ ✶ ✶✂✵

✶✵✁

❋ ✁✂✄☎ ❋

✲ ✼✞✟✠ ✲

❆ 2017251836

✂✂✹

✂✵✄

✂✶ ✂ ✵ ✂✶✄ ✂✂✹

✂✂✁ ✂✶✁ ❆ ✂✂✄

❋ ✁✂✄☎ ❋

✲ ✽✞✟✠ ✲

❋ ✁✂✄☎ ❋ ✶✵✵

✲

❋ ✁✂✄☎ ✾✞✟✠ ✲

❋❋ ✶✵✵

✲ ✟ ✶✞✟✠ ✲

❋ ✁✂✄☎ ❋❋ ✶✵✵

✲ ✟✟✞✟✠ ✲

✹✵✵ 2017251836

✹✵✵

✹✵✄ ✹✵✄

✹✵ ✹✶✵ ✹✵✁

✹✵✁ ✹✵

✹✶✵

✹✹ ✹✹✄

✹✹ ✹✹✂ ✹✹✂ ✹✹✵ ✹✹✵

❋ ✁✂✄☎ ❋❋ ❋ ✁✂✄☎ ❋❋✁

✲ ✟✠✞✟✠ ✲

✄✵✵ 2017251836

✄✵✵

✄✵✁ ✄✵✁ ✄✵ ✄✵

✄✶✵ ✄✶✵

✄✹✄ ✄✄✵ ✄✹ ✄✹✂✻ ✄✹✂✷ ✄✹✵ ✄✄✵ ✄✹ ✄✹✂ ✄✹✁ ✄✹✁ ✄✹✂✷ ✄✹✂ ✄✹✂✻

❋ ✁✂✄☎ ❋✝ ❋ ✁✂✄☎ ❋✝✁