GB2493730A - Modular bins for separating waste - Google Patents

Abstract

One or more containers receive various articles which need sorting such as different types of waste. Ideally each container is assembled by attaching multiple wall sections A. Multiple such containers can then be joined to each other. Preferably covers B are used as a base and/or a lid. Multiple sets of walls can be stacked, allowing the capacity to vary. Ideally the wall sections of each bin in a set are identical and interchangeable and covers of each bin in a set are identical and interchangeable so that a variety of bin layouts can be achieved using only two types of components.

Description

Single container or multicontainer

Description

This invention relates generally to a more efficient household or other waste management.

As indicated by statistics, household waste produced per person has significantly increased in the recent years. To tackle this problem Councils around the UK distribute three different bags and containers for the three different kind of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) including refuse, recyclable and compostable waste, each of which could be reused or reprocessed if properly sorted.

However, this method seems to be far from successful. Contrary, some of the most common waste produced, such as cans and plastics are among the least frequently recycled, with the landfills being the dominant disposal method (54.4%) used by the councils in the UK. European Union's target is to decrease the landfill waste and use other disposal methods instead.

To overcome the problem mentioned above, the present invention proposes a single container or joined containers giving more sorting capability with each single container collecting different type of waste or anything else that might need sorting.

Key features and advantages: * A single container is assembled from two components, a wall section and a cover.

* At least two wall sections and two covers are needed for the assembly of a single container.

* Preferably, it is self-supported.

* Preferably, it can be made of biodegradable material which makes it 100% environmentally friendly if it is disposed into landfills at the end of its life cycle.

* Preferably, the product can fully fit around the needs of each individual customer for the type, colour, size and number of containers included in each commercial order.

* Preferably, as each of the containers can take more waste less frequent waste collections might be required.

* Two wall sections clip on each other and the cover component physically covers the top and bottom of the container.

* Many different containers can clip on each other and form a multicontainer.

Introduction to drawings:

Figure 1: Single wall section component of the container and its features.

Figure 2: Single wall section component of the container and its features numbered.

Figure 3: Single cover component, top view and its features.

Figure 4: Single cover component, top view and its features numbered.

Figure 5: Single cover component, bottom view and its features.

Figure 6: Single cover component, bottom view and its features numbered.

Figure 7: An exploded view of a single container showing the 4 wall sections (A), the top and bottom cover (B) and how they get assembled.

Figure 8: A picture of a single container assembled.

Figure 9: A picture of a multicontainer assembled made up from 3 (three) containers.

Description of how it works:

Single wall section: A single wall section has a shape of a cylinder cut in half along its length (figure 1). Along the lip that defines one end of the half cylinder, is a male clip lb and along the other lip, is a female clip la (figure 2). Along the bottom exterior side of the component, there are hooks 3.

Along the top exterior side of the component, there are dents 2 (figure 2).

The square gaps 4 on its side help to lower the weight and the cost of the component (figure 2).

As 2 (two) of the wall sections face each other (figure 7), features lb clips into feature 1 a to create an opened cylinder. If the same action is repeated with 2 (two) more wall sections, then the hooks 3 of the opened cylinder positioned on the top of the other, can clip on the dents 2 of the opened cylinder positioned at the bottom, and form a single opened cylinder of double capacity.

Cover for top and bottom: The cover is the same component for top and bottom. Ripples 6 are added for strength. At the top, the stripes 9 are cut so it obtains flexibility to open and close (figure 3). At the bottom cover, this is not needed, as it will not perform the same actions. Top cover (figure 3) is positioned directly at the top opening of the cylinder with its hooks I 1 (figure 5 & 6) catching on dents 2 (figure 2) of the cylinder.

Hooks 3 (figure 2) of the wall sections support the cover through its gaps 7 (figure 3 & 4).

When stripes 9 (figure 3) are cut so that the hinge 5 (figure 3 & 4) helps the cover to open smoothly, after it is pulled upwards from flap 8 (figure 3 & 4). When it closes again, the stopper 12 (figure 5 & 6) expands slightly and stops the cover from falling into the container.

The bottom cover (figure 5) is covering the bottom opening of the cylinder formed by joining at least 2 (two) of the wall sections (figure 1). It is positioned directly at the bottom opening of the cylinder with the wall sections hooks 3 (figure 2) catching on the cover through its gaps 7 (figure 4) and hold the bottom cover in place.

Assembly of a single container: For the assembly, the single wall section is described as Component A and the cover as Component B (figure 7). By assembling 4 (four) Components A together, an opened cylinder is created, as previously described. By clipping the cover at the top and bottom of the opened cylinder, it results to a closed cylinder (figure 8).

After the stripes 9 of the top cover are cut so it allows it to open and close (figure 3), the assembly results to a container with a flexible top cover.

Assembly of a multicontainer: Two or more fully assembled single containers can be joined and form a multicontainer with as many containers as desired (figure 9). Each single container has a side clip 13 (figure 8). When it is positioned facing another single container, the side clips 13 can interlock and form a multicontainer (figure 9).

Although this invention has been described fully, it is to be understood that modifications or improvements may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims 1. A single container or joined containers giving more sorting capability with each single container collecting different type of waste or anything else that might need sorting.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A wall section is designed so it can be assembled with at least one more wall section and forms a container.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A wall section is designed so it can have a top or a bottom cover or both, placed onto it or under it or both.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. The size of the container can vary, according to the capacity needed.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. The cover is designed so it can be positioned on or under the cylinder, so that it forms a container.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. The cover is designed so it can be used a flexible lid that opens to uncover the container and closes to cover it.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. The assembled container is designed so it can get connected with one or more of the same containers and forms a multicontainer.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. The assembled container can form a multicontainer according to claim 7, in which every single container's capacity can vary according to the specified needs.</claim-text>