GB2508195A

GB2508195A - Trolley for transporting waste collection bags

Info

Publication number: GB2508195A
Application number: GB201221102A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Rees
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-11-23
Filing date: 2012-11-23
Publication date: 2014-05-28
Also published as: GB201221102D0

Abstract

A trolley has a frame 1 with a handle 3; at least three compartments 2 in a row between a wheel 4 and another ground contacting member 5; suitable to retain a plurality of bags, on in each compartment. The bags can be used to segregate recyclable waste. Ideally the frame is collapsible.

Description

A RECYCLING TROLLEY

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a recycling trolley, more particularly but not exclusively a recycling trolley that may be wheeled from one location to another.

Background

There is great pressure to recycle all domestic and commercial waste in order to reduce the amounts of waste generated in attempt to reduce the impacts on our environment. Recycling is encouraged at home and at work although in some locations recycling facilities or services may be limited therefore the amount of waste recycled is less.

Increasingly local authorities are changing legislation so as to encourage, and in some cases enforce recycling, for example at events. Therefore being able to recycle readily and effectively is very important and is likely to become more so over time.

In order to enable recycling items must be sorted into groups, for example, plastics, paper or glass. In many situations this must be done manually and typically by an individual. This may require a number of containers in order to split up the items into recyclable groups which may take up a lot of space and time whilst also being difficult to move from one place to another.

Once sorted the items must then be taken to a recycling site or put out for collection on set days which may be difficult if multiple individual containers have been used.

In order to assist with recycling specific container and bins are available, however sometimes these may not be suitable for multiple recycling groups and may not be easy to move around, or may only be suitable for indoor or outdoor use but not both.

Prior Art

I

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted United Kingdom patent GB 2 451 300 (NORTON et a!) which discloses a bin container comprising a hollow body having a plurality of compartments, each for receiving a bin, said body being open on at least one side to allow bins to be inserted into and removed from the compartments, said body being constructed and arranged to allow stacking with a similar body in a nested condition.

Granted United Kingdom patent GB 2 435 405 (WALKER) which discloses a domestic waste separation station comprising a plurality of compartments with one of the compartments providing for the separation and storage of bottles and incorporating a manually insertable and removable rigid or semi rigid bottle carrier locatable in the bottle compartment, with access to the bottle compartment effected by rotating the compartment on a hinge through a pre-determined angle, whereby bottles can then be inserted and subsequently removed via the then exposed open-ended or top of the bottle compartment, with the bottle carrier being completely removable from the bottle compartment, to serve as a carrying utensil to transport bottles, and with the emptied bottle carrier being re-insertable in the bottle compartment1 and the latter then rotatable to its closed position.

Granted United States patent US 6 691 879 (ALVAREZ) which discloses a laundry cart system comprising: a frame assembly having a first portion and a second portion; said first portion having a pair of vertical support members, said first portion having a pair of lateral support members, said lateral support members extending between said pair of vertical support members, said first portion having an upper pair of longitudinal support members extending outwardly from said pair of vertical support members, said first portion having a lower pair of longitudinal support members extending outwardly from said pair of vertical support members, said upper pair of longitudinal support members having a spaced substantially parallel relationship with said lower pair of longitudinal support members; said second portion having a pair of second vertical support members, said second portion having a pair of second lateral support members, said second lateral support members extending between said pair of second vertical support members, said second portion having an second upper pair of longitudinal support members extending outwardly from said pair of second vertical support members, said second portion having a second lower pair of longitudinal support members extending outwardly from said pair of second vertical support members said second upper pair of longitudinal support members having a spaced substantially parallel relationship with said second lower pair of longitudinal support members; said first portion being couplable to said second portion for forming a support frame having a rectangular cross-section.

In contrast the present invention provides an intermittent but plural use means of disposing and arranging plural types of recyclable or non-recyclable matter, from a plurality of scenarios, locations and/or receptacles.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a recycling trolley comprising: a frame comprising at least two ground contactind support members wherein at least one of said support members comprises a wheel, and a handle; and in which said frame defines at least three spaced apart compartments, said compartments being spaced apart in a direction between the at least two support members wherein said frame is arranged in use to support and maintain bags within the compartments.

Ideally the trolley is provided in a collapsible, and/or user-assemble format, being ideally supplied in flat-pack or disassembled format and ideally being constructed so as to fold down to a flat or substantially mono-planar format for storage. The frame is therefore ideally provided with more than collapse or detachment point, wherein the bags may be completely removed after use.

In this way the trolley can be easily stored or transported in usel For example the trolley can be used in a multiple trash receptacle scenario, wherein a user may pass from one receptacle to another collecting recyclable trash.

The trolley may be arranged such that in use the compartments are spaced apart in a direction extending substantially parallel to the ground. The compartments may be arranged in use to be substantially vertical compartments, The compartments may be arranged to be accessible sequentially by the user from the handle of the trolley.

The compartments may be arranged to be accessible to the user from a height equal to or above the height of the handle.

The recycling trolley typically therefore comprises: a frame comprising at least one strut arranged in use to divide waste collection areas into compartments, a platform mounted on or between the frame, a plurality of hooks supported by the frame and/or at least one strut to enable waste bags to be suspended, at least one handle and a stand to support the trolley when at rest.

The recycling trolley thereby serves to provide a means for collecting and sorting items that are to be recycled, wherein for example separate compartments may be provided on the trolley to collect different types of item such as paper, plastic and glass.

Advantageously the trolley is portable, having at least one wheel and preferably wheels situated at corners or peripherally, so that the trolley may be moved from one place to another without carrying.

In preferred embodiments the frame is substantially rectangular in shape or cuboid so as to provide a three dimensional structure. Typically the frame defines a rectangular base and an upper surface positioned and extending substantially parallel to one another wherein the upper surface is supported above the base by means of at least one upright, preferably the upper surface is supported above the base by means of uprights upstanding from and extending substantially perpendicular to each corner of the base.

It is envisaged that height of the uprights may be variable so as to adjust size and/or number of collection compartments Ideally vertical, diagonal and/or horizontal struts serve to strengthen the frame and to define areas such as the collection compartments. Preferably the base and upper surface may include at least one strut traversing the length, for example the rectangle length so as to provide strength and/or to define the waste collection compartments.

It is envisaged that the base and upper surface may be identical in shape and or structure so as to reduce manufacturing costs.

In preferred embodiments the upper surface includes two horizontal struts so as to define three collection compartments Preferably the frame is formed from a lightweight, strong, durable material such as aluminium. Typically the frame may be formed from square tubular aluminium for optimal strength and powder coated for aesthetics and finish In other embodiments the frame may be formed from a synthetic plastic so as to be strong, lightweight and affordable.

In preferred embodiments the frame may be disassembled so as to allow easy storage. Advantageously the trolley may be provided flat pack wherein the parts are assembled for use. Typically the frame may be joined by connectors at each corner.

The connectors may be angled 1-sections that accept the frame parts enabling the frame to be constructed. Ideally the frame parts may slot into the connector.

Additionally the frame parts may lock in place within the connector by means of a clip or push fitting so as to secure the frame in use. Alternatively the frame part ends may be threaded so as to be screwed into the connectors.

In some embodiments some pads of, or all of the frame may be welded to form a permanent structure for optimal strength. Preferably the base may be welded so as to provide a rigid structure to support items to be recyclecL In preferred embodiments the base houses a mounting for the wheel(s), whereby the wheel such as a caster may be attached to the frame so as to allow the trolley to be rolled from one location to another. Typically the mounting may be a plate welded to the base underside which includes at least one aperture for receiving the caster.

Ideally the upper surface may include a plurality of hooks so as to allow the bag to be suspended from the frame by the hooks. Preferably the hooks are mounted on the frame and/or struts so as to provide a location to where the bag may be hung.

The hook may be attached to the frame and/or strut by a C-clip or clamp so as to secure the hook and to enable it to be slid along the tube to the correct position to receive the bag without it having to be removed. In some embodiments one clip or clamp may include more than one hook, for example one on either side of the strut to provide a hook for two collections compartments.

In further embodiments the frame or struts may include apertures to removably accept a hook.

Advantageously the square tube of the frame and struts limits the hook from rotating around the tube in use.

Typically the bag(s) include at least one handle or aperture that may be placed over the hooks allowing the bags to be suspended within the frame thereby defining the waste collection compartment. Ideally the bags are formed from recycled materials and may be reusable.

In preferred embodiments the upper surface provides waste collection compartments defined by the struts and the frame is thereby arranged to provide locations for three bags to be hung. It is envisaged that at least two hooks are positioned or positionable on each frame part or strut so as to enable the bag to be open when hung thereby allowing items to be easily added.

Typically the position of the hooks may be adjusted in use as the bag fills to ensure if can hold maximum capacity of waste.

In some embodiments the waste collection compartment or the bag may include a lid so as close the compartment once waste has been added therefore preventing release of odours and containing items to prevent them from falling out or being blown away.

In preferred embodiments two wheels may be included at the frame's front, one being fitted on or near each corner. The opposite, rear end of the frame includes the stand which allows the trolley to be stood level when not being rolled. Typically the stand is a bar connected to the base. When in use the trolley is lifted by the handle to lift the stand from the ground so that the trolley may be rolled.

Typically the handle is arranged in use to be positioned above the stand on the upper surface or optionally on the uprights so as to enable easy lifting of the trolley. In some embodiments the height of the handle may be adjustable so as to reflect height of the user and reduce Likelihood of injury through lifting. In further embodiments the handle may project so as to enable easier lifting of the trolley, or better enable trolley weight to be disposed over the wheel(s).

In some embodiments the trolley may include wheels at both ends so that the trolley does not need to be lifted in order to be moved. For example the wheels may be arranged in a triangular form wherein one caster is provided at the front to enable steering and the rear wheels are fixed. Alternatively one wheel may be positioned at each corner of the frame.

Advantageously, one or more of the wheels may include a brake so as to limit rotation of the wheel thereby prevent erroneous movement.

Typically the platform is a flat sheet suitable for supporting a weighted load such as a container for holding heavier goods to be recycled such as glass bottles which may not be suitable for bags and/or for providing a solid base for support of the bag(s).

Ideally the platform is positioned on, contiguous to, or comprises the base providing a solid surface to prevent items falling to the ground and for supporting at least one container. Said container may also be displaced or removed so as to aid in collapsing of the trolley, and is ideally independently provided.

In preferred embodiments the platform may be removably secured to the base so as to prevent movement in use and to allow the platform to be removed for example to be cleaned to be replaced if damaged.

Advantageously the platform is formed from a strong, lightweight, water resistant material such as synthetic plastic. Ideally the platform may include an indent to accept the container such as a recycling box, or the surface may be textured or ridged so as to minimise slipping of the container in use.

In some embodiments the platform may alternatively be positioned on the upper so that a user is not required to bend down possibly straining their back to reach the container.

In further embodiments one of the collection compartments defined on the upper may include a funnel instead of a bag, that channels waste to the container on the platform therefore allowing the waste to be added from the top of the trolley.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the trolley; Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a view from above of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a view from below of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; and Figure 5 shows an end view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures more generally, the recycling trolley comprises a frame 1 defining three spaced apart compartments Z The compartments 2 are spaced apart between in a direction extending away from the handle. The trolley further comprises ground support members 4 and the compartments 2 are spaced apart between the ground support members 4. The trolley further comprises a handle 3.

The frame 1 comprises ground support members comprising wheels 4 and a stand 5 in the base 7.

The trolley further comprises means 8 arranged in use to receive bags (not shown) on struts 10. The struts 10 join to uprights 9 so as to form the frame 1. The uprights 9 may be detached from the struts 10, at corner joints 11 wherein the base 6 and upper surface 12 may be stored or transported separate.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended tobe encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A recycling trolley comprising: a frame comprising at least two ground contacting support members wherein at least one of said support members comprises a wheel, and a handle; and in which said frame defines at least three spaced apart compartments, said compartments being spaced apart in a direction between the at least two support members, and in which said frame is arranged in use to support and maintain bags within the compartments.
2. A collapsible recycling trolley according to claim 1.
3. A recycling trolley according to the figures.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:- 1. A recycling trolley has at least two ground contacting support members wherein at least one of said support members comprises a wheel and a frame that supports a base, the trolley is supplied as a kit suitable for user-assembly, the frame comprising four uprights and an upper section defined by struts and a handle; said frame defines at least three spaced apart apertures for receiving when assembled either: storage containers/boxes or bags, the apertures being spaced apart by way of the struts in which said frame is arranged in use to support and maintain the boxes/crates or bags within the compartments.2. A collapsible recycling trolley according to claim 1 which is adapted to be provided in a flat-pack form.3. A recycling trolley according to any preceding claim wherein the frame and/or struts include hooks for receiving storage containers/boxes or bags. d *0****
4. A recycling trolley according to any preceding claim wherein the base is * : 20 adapted to receive storage container/box or bags by means of at least one recess.
5. A recycling trolley as substantially herein described according to the figures. ** 0 0.*