AU2017201035A1 - A fastening strap - Google Patents

Abstract

OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure encompasses a strap useful for fastening the lid of a container for refuse, such as a wheelie bin. The fastening strap comprising: a main body which comprises an extendable section, handle means, a securing means, and an attachment means. The attachment means is adapted to secure the fastening strap to an openable container, and the securing means is adapted to releasbly secure the container in a closed position. The extendable section is adapted to extend and allow the container to remain closed when the container receives a relatively high shock or impact. Figure 1 Figure 2 6a 4a Figure 3

Description

A FASTENING STRAP 2017201035 16 Feb 2017

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fastening strap. In particular, the present 5 disclosure relates to a strap useful for fastening the lid of a container, such as a wheelie bin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many homes, businesses and other organisations make use of containers for refuse such as “wheelie bins”. Wheelie bins are large refuse containers with wheels.

[0003] One problem encountered with such containers is that they tip over or are knocked 0 over when placed at the kerbside for refuse collection. This results in loose refuse being scattered in the surrounding area.

[0004] Another problem is that such containers often have unsecured lids. These lids can be blown open, again resulting in the scattering of loose refuse into the surrounding area.

[0005] As well as being unsightly, scattered refuse often finds its way into storm water 5 drains and from there into streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans, causing damage to the environment. Land-based refuse has to be picked up, often at high cost.

[0006] To address these problems, users often improvise their own solutions. These solutions include the use of rope or elasticised cord to tie the lid of the bin shut and the placing of rocks or stones on the lid. 20 [0007] In addition, there are a number of commercially available solutions currently in use. These solutions include spring-loaded lid closers and different types of bin lid fasteners.

[0008] An example of a currently known solution to these problems is found in GB 2503765, which describes an elastic strap for fastening the lid of a wheelie that comprises an elastic strap with an over-moulded U-shaped metal or reinforced plastic bar, a threaded stud 25 and two push-on lock washers.

[0009] However, currently available solutions present a number of limitations, particularly when a bin is being emptied by an automated refuse collection system (which is typically 1 operated by a single operator). For example, the elastic strap of GB 2503765 must be manually removed, in order to open the bin to which it is attached. 2017201035 16 Feb 2017 [0010] With currently known solutions, the operator of the automated refuse collection system faces a barrier to emptying the bin. The operator must manually remove the barrier (for 5 example, the rope or other fastener). Even with a two-person bin emptying operation, the presence of these barriers cause delays and frustration and present potential hazards to the operator. In the case of some barriers such as rocks and stones, these can cause damage to the operator’s equipment.

[0011] In addition, some currently available solutions are relatively expensive and 0 cumbersome to operate.

[0012] Therefore, there remains an ongoing need for a strap able to fasten the lid of a container for refuse, such as a wheelie bin, that is simple and cost-effective to provide and operate and that can secure the container’s lid but without impeding the refuse collection process.

5 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In one aspect, the invention encompasses a fastening strap comprising: a main body which comprises an extendable section, handle means, a securing means, and 20 an attachment means; wherein the attachment means is adapted to secure the fastening strap to an openable container, wherein the securing means is adapted to releasably secure the container in a substantially closed position, and wherein the extendable section is adapted to extend when the container receives a shock or impact to cause the securing means to remain firmly engaged with the 25 container.

[0014] In various aspects: [0015] The main body is elongate.

[0016] The extendable section acts as a shock absorber. 2 [0017] The extendable section is adapted to retain the container in a closed position when the container receives a shock of relatively short duration. 2017201035 16 Feb 2017 [0018] The extendable section is an approximately “S” shape.

[0019] The extendable section is a helical section, a thinned section, a cut-out feature or 5 an attached metal spring.

[0020] The handle means is a pull tab section that is adapted to be gripped by a user during use.

[0021] The handle means is a pull tab section that is adapted to be gripped by a user during use, to facilitate extension of the extendable section of the main body when securing the 0 container in a closed position.

[0022] The pull tab section is a section comprising grooves, a pull ring or a handle.

[0023] The pull tab section is located at one end of the main body.

[0024] The securing means is a breakaway catch.

[0025] The breakaway catch is adapted to engage a portion of a container, to hold a lid of 5 the container shut and to disengage when pressure is placed on the lid.

[0026] The breakaway catch comprises a hook shaped portion extending from one side of the main body.

[0027] The breakaway catch is located adjacent the pull tab section.

[0028] The attachment means is adapted to secure the fastening means to a container. 20 [0029] The attachment means is a lid attachment section.

[0030] The lid attachment section is located at an opposite end of the main body section from the pull tab section.

[0031] The lid attachment section comprises an aperture.

[0032] The lid attachment section is adapted to loop around a portion of the container lid 25 and to feed through itself via the aperture. 3 [0033] The fastening strap includes a separate plug adapted for insertion through the aperture of the lid attachment section and into a hole provided in the lid of the container, the plug adapted to cover a means for securing the fastening strap to the container (such as a nut and bolt, cable tie or rivet). 2017201035 16 Feb 2017 5 [0034] The lid attachment section alternatively includes an integral push-fit plug for insertion into and engagement with a hole provided in the lid of the container.

[0035] The fastening strap is formed of an elastic or stretchable material.

[0036] The fastening strap is formed of an elastomer.

[0037] The fastening strap is formed of a UV stable elastomer. 0 [0038] The foregoing brief summary broadly describes the features and technical advantages of certain embodiments of the present invention. Further technical advantages will be described in the detailed description of the invention and examples that follows.

[0039] Novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention will be better understood from the detailed description of the invention when considered in connection with 5 any accompanying figures and examples. However, the figures and examples provided are intended to help illustrate the invention or assist with developing an understanding of the invention, and are not intended to limit the invention's scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The invention will now be described by example only with reference to the 20 drawings where: [0041] Figure 1 : is a perspective view of a fastening strap according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2: is a side view of the strap shown in Figure 1.

[0043] Figure 3: is a top view of the strap shown in Figure 1. 25 [0044] Figure 4: is a perspective view of a fastening strap according to a second aspect of the present invention. 4 [0045] Figure 5: is an exploded perspective view of the strap shown in Figure 4. 2017201035 16 Feb 2017 [0046] Figure 6: is a perspective view of a fastening strap according to a third aspect of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 7: is a side view of the strap shown in Figure 6. 5 [0048] Figure 8: a perspective view of a wheelie bin with a fastening strap according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 9: is a detailed view of the fastening strap in place on a wheelie bin shown in Figure 8.

[0050] Figure 10: a perspective view of a wheelie bin with a fastening strap according to 0 another aspect of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 11: is a detailed view of the fastening strap in place on a wheelie bin shown in Figure 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The following description provides numerous exemplary configurations, 5 parameters, and the like. It should be recognised, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present invention, but is instead provided as a description of exemplary embodiments.

Definitions [0053] The terms “comprising”, “including”, etc., when used in this specification, are to 20 be read expansively, without limitation. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as to opposed to an exclusive sense, that is to say in the sense of “including but not limited to”.

[0054] As used in this specification, “container” means any container with a lid or closure, 25 adapted to store contents. Specifically encompassed are containers for refuse, such as wheelie bins.

Features of the fastening strap 5 [0055] The following description is given with reference to the secure closing of a wheelie bin. It will be appreciated, however, that the fastening strap of the present invention may be used to secure any suitable type of container with a lid. 2017201035 16 Feb 2017 [0056] In a first aspect, the invention encompasses a fastening strap useful for fastening 5 the lid of a wheelie bin, which can secure the bin’s lid but without impeding emptying of the bin, when needed.

[0057] The fastening strap of the present invention comprises: a main body which comprises an extendable section, handle means in the form of a pull tab section, 0 securing means in the form of a breakaway catch, and an attachment means for securing the strap to a wheelie bin.

[0058] The main body is preferably elongate and includes the extendable section. The extendable section is adapted to extend during use, to accommodate bins of different sizes. The extendable section also acts as a shock absorber when the bin sustains a relatively large or high 5 impact shock, such as might be experienced in the bin tips over or is knocked over. In one preferred embodiment, the extendable section is an approximately “S” shape, but this extendable section may be other suitable configurations, such as a helical section, a thinned section, a cut-out feature or an attached metal spring.

[0059] The handle means is preferably a pull tab section that is adapted to be gripped by a 20 user during use, to help facilitate extension of the main body and more specifically the extendable section of the fastening strap. In one preferred embodiment, the pull tab section is a section comprising grooves, a pull ring or a handle.

[0060] The securing means is preferably a breakaway catch, which is adapted to engage a portion of a wheelie bin, to hold the lid of the bin shut and to disengage when pressure is placed 25 on the lid, for example when the bin is inverted for emptying.

[0061] The attachment means is preferably a lid attachment section, comprising suitable means for attaching the strap to a bin (usually to the lid of the bin).

[0062] In one aspect of the invention, the lid attachment section is adapted to be located about a handle of a bin lid. The lid attachment section of the fastening strap may act as a buckle 6 that loops around the handle of the bin lid and is fed through itself. Alternatively, this section may be a “C” clip or a self-locking wedge. In this aspect, the fastening strap may be manually removed from the bin lid. 2017201035 16 Feb 2017 [0063] In a second aspect of the invention, the lid attachment section is adapted to be 5 permanently or semi-permanently secured to the lid of a container. In this second aspect, the lid attachment section includes an aperture and there is also provided a separate push-fit plug for insertion through the aperture and into a hole provided in the lid of the container, the plug adapted to cover a means for securing the fastening strap to the container (such as a nut and bolt, cable tie or rivet). 0 [0064] In a third aspect of the invention, the lid attachment section includes an integral push-fit plug for insertion into and engagement with a hole provided in the lid of the container.

[0065] Referring to the drawing of Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, in a first aspect the present invention provides a fastening strap 1 useful for fastening the lid of a wheelie bin. 5 [0066] The fastening strap 1 comprises a main body 2 which includes an extendable section 3. In the aspect shown, the extendable section 3 comprises an approximately “S” shaped section provided in the main body 2.

[0067] The fastening strap 1 is formed of an elastic or stretchable material, such as an elastomer (preferably a UV stable elastomer). This material allows the fastening strap 1 and 20 in particular the extendable section 3, to stretch or extend in use, as is described in more detail below.

[0068] The fastening strap 1 further comprises a pull tab section 4, located at one end of the main body 2. The pull tab section 4 provides a means for gripping the strap 1 in use, as described in more detail below. In the aspect shown, the pull tab section 4 includes a series of 25 grooves 4a that facilitate gripping of the strap 1.

[0069] The fastening strap 1 further comprises a breakaway catch 5. The breakaway catch 5 is adapted to engage or latch on to a portion of a wheelie bin, to hold the lid of the bin shut. In the aspect shown, the breakaway catch 5 comprises a hook shaped portion extending from one side of the main body 2. In one aspect, the breakaway catch 5 is located adjacent the pull 30 tab section. 7 [0070] The fastening strap 1 further comprises a lid attachment section 6 for attaching the strap 1 to a bin. Preferably, the lid attachment section 6 is located at an opposite end of the main body 2 from the pull tab section 4. In the aspect shown in Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings, the lid attachment section comprises an aperture 6a. In use, the 2017201035 16 Feb 2017 5 aperture 6a and the main body 2 act together to form a buckle-type arrangement for securing the fastening strap 1 to a bin, as is described in more detail below.

[0071] Referring now to Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings, in a second aspect the strap 1 of the present invention is provided with a separate plug 7. The plug 7 may be utilised when the fastening strap 1 is permanently or semi-permanently fixed to a container, as 0 also described below.

[0072] Referring now to Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings, in a third aspect the strap 1 of the present invention is provided with an integral plug 8. The plug 8 may be utilised when the fastening strap 1 is permanently fixed to a container, as described below.

Method of using of the strap 5 [0073] Use of the fastening strap 1 of the present invention is now described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.

[0074] In use, a fastening strap 1 according to the present invention is secured to a container with a lid, such as a wheelie bin 11. The fastening strap 1 will usually be secured to the lid 10 of the bin, but may be secured to the main body of the bin. The fastening strap 1 20 may be permanently or semi-permanently secured to the bin.

[0075] Where the bin has a suitable portion (such as a handle on the lid), the fastening strap 1 may be removably secured to the bin. This may be achieved, for example, by looping at least a portion of the strap about the handle of the bin lid, as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0076] Where the container has no suitable means for removably securing the fastening 25 strap (for example no handle), the strap may be permanently or semi-permanently secured by, for example, drilling a hole in the lid of the container and locating a nut and bolt or similar securing means through an aperture provided in the fastening strap. A plug 7 may be inserted to cover the nut and bolt or similar securing means (shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings). 8 [0077] In another aspect of the invention, the strap may be permanently secured by, for example, by drilling a hole in the lid of the container and engaging an integral plug 8 provided on the fastening strap 1 through and with the hole. This securement means is shown in Figures 10 and 11 and can be utilised when the fastening strap of the present invention is installed as 2017201035 16 Feb 2017 5 part of the wheelie bin during manufacture of the bin.

[0078] Once the fastening strap is secured to the bin, it may be moved to a secured position, where the breakaway catch engages a portion of the bin so that the lid and main body of the bin are securely closed. In this position, the extendable section of the strap will extend from its resting approximately “S” shape to an extended position to a partially extended position. 0 The arrangement is such that, if the bin sustains a large or high impact shock, such as might be experienced in the container tips over or is knocked over, the extendable section of the fastening strap will absorb the forces of the shock and the strap will not become dislodged. The container will remain closed.

[0079] When it is desired to empty the bin, the bin may be moved into a partially or 5 substantially inverted position. This will cause the contents of the bin to press against the bin lid. This pressure, which is a sustained pressure of duration longer that will be experienced if the bin is tipped or knocked over, will cause the extendable section to extend further such that the breakaway catch will disengage from the bin, allowing the bin to open and its contents to exit. :o [0080] Thus, the extendable section acts as a “dual spring”, with a spring rate lower than the load required for the breakaway catch to release. The breakaway catch has sufficient strength to remain latched in situations where the strap is subjected to a short duration, high shock load, such as may be experienced when the bin is tipped or knocked over.

[0081] The fastening strap 1 may be secured to bin 1 in several different ways. 25 [0082] In a first aspect of the invention (shown in Figures 8 and 9), the fastening strap 1 is secured to a handle 9 of the lid 10 of wheelie bin 11, by locating the main body 2 of the strap about handle 9 and threading the main body 2 through the aperture 6a.

[0083] In this aspect of the invention, the main body 2 is relatively long, so that the main body 2 is long enough to thread through the aperture 6a. 30 [0084] In a second aspect (shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings), the 9 fastening strap 1 is secured to the lid 10 of the wheelie bin 11 by providing a hole in the lid 10 and locating a nut and bolt or similar securing means through the aperture 6a and the hole. Separate plug 7 is then placed into the aperture 6a to cover a means for securing the fastening strap to the container (such as a nut and bolt, cable tie or rivet). 2017201035 16 Feb 2017 5 [0085] In a third aspect, (shown in Figures 10 and 11), the fastening strap 1 is secured to the lid 10 of the wheelie bin 11 by way of integral plug 8. Integral plug 8 is located through a hole provided in the lid 10 and plug 8 is inserted through and engages with the hole.

[0086] In this aspect of the invention, the main body 2 may be shorter, as it does not need to form the buckle-like arrangement around the handle 9 of the lid 10. 0 [0087] Once the fastening strap 1 is secured to the bin 11, it is then moved into a secured position, by pulling the pull tab section 4 so that the extendable approximately “S” shaped section 3 extends from its resting position into a partially extended position (the partially extended position is shown in Figures 6 and 7). The breakaway catch 5 is engaged with a portion of the body of the wheelie bin, for example, under the sill 12 of the top of the main 5 body of the wheelie bin 11. In this position, the lid 10 of the wheelie bin 11 is firmly secured to the body of the wheelie bin 10.

[0088] In the event that the wheelie bin 11 is knocked over, it will experience a short duration but significant shock. The partially extended approximately “S” shaped section 3 is able to rapidly extend further and absorb the forces of such a shock. This rapid extension 20 causes the breakaway catch 5 to firmly engage with the sill 12 of the wheelie bin 11, effectively locking it in place. In this way, the fastening strap 1 will not become dislodged and the wheelie bin 11 remains securely closed.

[0089] When the wheelie bin 11 is to be emptied, it is inverted (either manually or by an automated refuse collection system), in the usual way. This causes refuse in the wheelie bin 25 11 to move down towards and put pressure on the lid 10. This pressure is more gradual and of longer duration than the short duration shock experienced by the wheelie bin 11 when it is knocked over. The resulting pressure on the lid exerts pressure on the strap 1 and this results in the partially extended “S” section 3 extending relatively gradually into a fully extended position. At this point, the breakaway catch 5 disengages from the sill 12 and the wheelie bin 30 opens, releasing the refuse. 10 [0090] Thus, the present invention provides a fastening strap adapted to fasten the lid of a container such as a wheelie bin, which can secure the container’s lid but without impeding emptying of the container, when needed. 2017201035 16 Feb 2017 [0091] The present invention provides a solution to the problem caused by spillage of 5 contents from containers. When used on a container storing refuse, the strap of the present invention helps to protect the environment by reducing litter and waste spillage from bins. It enables organisations to achieve higher environmental standards, as well as reducing the cleanup costs associated with refuse contamination and helps provide a safe working environment for operators collecting refuse. 0 [0092] Of course, the invention is not limited to the aspects described above. The fastening strap of the present invention may be used to close any suitable container. In addition, the strap is stretchable, so it can also fit different sized bins. In another aspect, the fastening strap may be configured so that the attachment means attaches to the body of the container and the securing means engages with the lid of the container. 5 [0093] A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure that later modifications, substitutions, and/or variations performing substantially the same function or achieving substantially the same result as embodiments or aspects described herein may be utilised according to such related embodiments or aspects of the present invention. Thus, the invention is intended to encompass, within its scope, the modifications, substitutions, and '0 variations to processes, manufactures, compositions of matter, means, methods, and/or steps disclosed in this specification.

[0094] All references, including patents and patent applications, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. Nor does discussion of any reference constitute an admission that such reference 25 forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand, Australia or in any other country. 11

Claims (23)

1. Claims

   1. A fastening strap comprising: a main body which comprises an extendable section, handle means, a securing means, and an attachment means; wherein the attachment means is adapted to secure the fastening strap to an openable container, wherein the securing means is adapted to releasably secure the container in a substantially closed position, and wherein the extendable section is adapted to extend when the container receives a shock or impact to cause the securing means to remain firmly engaged with the container.
2. 2. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the main body is elongate.
3. 3. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the extendable section acts as a shock absorber.
4. 4. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the extendable section is adapted to retain the container in a closed position when the container receives a shock of relatively short duration.
5. 5. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the extendable section is an approximately “S” shape.
6. 6. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the extendable section is a helical section, a thinned section, a cut-out feature or an attached metal spring.
7. 7. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the handle means is a pull tab section that is adapted to be gripped by a user during use.
8. 8. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the handle means is a pull tab section that is adapted to be gripped by a user during use, to facilitate extension of the extendable section when securing the container in a closed position.
9. 9. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the pull tab section is a section comprising grooves, a pull ring or a handle.
10. 10. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the pull tab section is located at one end of the main body.
11. 11. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the securing means is a breakaway catch.
12. 12. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the breakaway catch is adapted to engage a portion of a container, to hold a lid of the container shut and to disengage when pressure is placed on the lid.
13. 13. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the breakaway catch comprises a hook shaped portion extending from one side of the main body section.
14. 14. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means is adapted to secure the fastening means to a container.
15. 15. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the attachment means is a lid attachment section.
16. 16. A fastening strap according to claim 1, wherein the lid attachment section is located at an opposite end of the main body section from the pull tab section.
17. 17. A fastening strap according to claim 16, wherein the lid attachment section comprises an aperture.
18. 18. A fastening strap according to claim 16, wherein the lid attachment section is adapted to loop around a portion of the container lid and to feed through itself via the aperture.
19. 19. A fastening strap according to claim 16, which includes a separate plug adapted for insertion through the aperture of the lid attachment section and into a hole provided in the lid of the container, the plug adapted to cover a means for securing the fastening strap to the container (such as a nut and bolt, cable tie or rivet).
20. 20. A fastening strap according to claim 16, wherein the lid attachment section includes an integral push-fit plug for insertion into and engagement with a hole provided in the lid of the container.
21. 21. A fastening strap according to claim 1, which is formed of an elastic or stretchable material.
22. 22. A fastening strap according to claim 1, which is formed of an elastomer.
23. 23. A fastening strap according to claim 1, which is formed of a UV stable elastomer.