GB2380658A

GB2380658A - Recycling bin

Info

Publication number: GB2380658A
Application number: GB0124511A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Vaughan Griffiths
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-10-12
Filing date: 2001-10-12
Publication date: 2003-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 2021-10-12
Also published as: GB0124511D0; GB2380658B

Abstract

A recycling bin is supported on wheels 11 and comprises a plurality of recycling receptacles and at least one respective entry point 1, 4, 6 associated with each receptacle. The entry point(s) of each receptacle differ in nature from those of the others so as to be suited to the particular material intended to be deposited therein. One entry point is in the form of a tube 1 projecting outwardly from the rest of the bin and simulating a drinking straw, the bin as a whole simulating a drinks can and the tube 1 being intended to receive used drink cans. Flaps may be provided within the tube 1 which may also include a magnet 2 to allow entry of non-magnetic cans only. Entry point 4 is an open aperture covered by a mesh member hinged at 5 and is intended to receive liquid, particularly residue from used drink cans. Entry point 6 is a larger open aperture intended to receive empty food packaging and waste food. The entry points are formed in an optionally transparent upper bin part 3 which is hinged at 9 to a lower bin part 10 so that it can be lifted by means of a handle 8. The individual receptacles may be removable, that for cans being located in the lower part 10 and the others being carried by the upper part 3. The wheels 11 may have brakes.

Description

Recycling Bin The invention relates to a recycling bin of the type which includes a tube structure, other built in receptacles and a free standing structure based on wheels to easily allow recycling.

Recycling bins come in many guises but suffer from the disadvantage of a lack of specific bins for specific purposes. Often materials become mixed up, but this structure helps to greatly increase the user friendly approach to encourage recycling. Whilst automatically discriminating against certain materials from entering the'wanted recycled'materials. This could be used in large dinning areas such as schools.

There are a number of objectives to this invention: 1. Firstly, it is clear where the recycling materials, such as cans, should go.

2. Secondly, in order to help with recycling, any liquid not drunk can be easily disposed of into a separate receptacle.

3. Thirdly materials not wanted for recycling be also in the possession of the user then an alternative bin is provided, so reducing the chance a recycled materials being thrown into a non-recycling bin.

Accordingly the provision of three bins with differing"inlets' (restricted by Diameter (Reference 1), flaps (Reference 12) and sieve (Reference 4) enhances recycling and the ease of recycling. It should be shaped like a tin or can with a straw sticking out of the top to attract recyclers and to encourage the notion of recycling.

Preferably the bin would be made from a moulded plastics material, with metal wheels. The upper structures could be made from a clear material to let users see that people do recycle when convenience and time permit.

A preferred embodiment of this invention will now be described with references to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 shows a frontal view of the recycling bin; FIGURE 2 shows a rear view of the recycling bin; FIGURE 3 shows a side view of the recycling bin; FIGURE 4 shows the recycling bin with the lid raised from the front, with the three inner receptacle bins removed.

FIGURE 5 shows a side view of the recycling bin with the liquid receptacle and food receptacle in place, but with the main (can) bin removed.

FIGURE 6 shows an aerial view of the bin, showing the three entry points of the bin (Referenced features being: 1 narrow straw entry with flaps for cans which avoid 4 and 6,4 hinged concave sieve for liquid, 6 open bin for other materials).

FIGURE 7 shows the view from underneath with 4 revolving (360 degrees) wheels with a brake.

As shown in Figure 1 the recycling bin should look like a tin or can with a straw inserted into it for the above stated reasons. The entry point for the cans would be down the tube at 1, but with a magnet attached to it, possibly, encourage only the recycling of aluminum cans. The cans would fall through the'straw tube'into a larger receptacle held within the main structure (See feature 12 on Page 4/7).

Liquid would be poured into receptacle 5, with the hinged sieve over the receptacle ensuring that only liquid could enter. Small handles would need to be attached (5). Other materials, such as packets and possibly food could be thrown into the third receptacle with handles.

The lid would be opened at point 8-a cut out handle.

The base itself (7) should be moulded as round as possible to ensure that there is no alternative flat position for'dumping'any material, thus making cleaning difficult.

Figure 2 simply shows the rotating hinge on the rear.

Figure 3 attempts to highlight the need for a rounded surface.

Figure 4 attempts to show that at references 4 and 6 the liquid and rubbish

containers can easily be removed, and should be removed before the lid is opened. The cans are simply lifted out.

Figure 5 attempts to show that as the lid is lowered or flat the bins 4 and 5 can be placed into the surface (3). Bin 1 should be inside for this sketch and for recycling to happen.

Figure 6 shows the three receptacles from above. People are offered an easy alternative.

Figure 7 simply shows the need for stability (4 wheels, with brakes) and yet the need to easily move a heavy bin.

Key for Figures 1. A down pipe shaped in a similar fashion to a straw.

2. Magnet.

3. Upper base, slightly rounded, with cut out sections for receptacles.

Hinged to base and opening slit cut in.

4. Holder for liquid with hinged sieve.

5. Handles for 5.

6. Open holder for food or unwanted materials.

7. Holders for 6.

8. Slit handle cut into lid for lifting.

9. Hinge for lid attached to main structure. lO. Main structure shaped like a tin or can.

11. Wheels.

12. Flaps on tube/straw-entry point for cans only.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A recycling bin which includes a variety of recycling receptacles, fixed to a structure which can be easily moved.
2. A recycling bin as claimed in Claim 1 where the bin's receptacle entry points are of varying shapes and have various devices to allow only certain materials to be inserted without lifting any lids.
3. A recycling bin as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 above where the entry points are all easily accessible above each receptacle for the specific material to be deposited in a singular bin.
4. A recycling bin as claimed in any preceding claim which uses tubes as a point of entry.
5. A recycling bin as claimed in any preceding claim which allows each receptacle to be easily removed from the recycling bin.
6. A recycling bin as claimed in any proceeding claim which is made from metal, plastics or wood, or from a combination of these materials.
7. A recycling bin substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

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Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A recycling bin which is supported on wheels and comprises a plurality of recycling receptacles and at least one respective entry point associated with each receptacle, the entry point (s) of each receptacle differing in nature from those of the others so as to be suited to the particular material intended to be deposited therin, one entry point being in the form a tube projecting outwardly from the rest of the bin.