AU2014393379A1 - A fastening device for securing a waste bin lid - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a fastening device (10) for securing a lid of a rubbish waste bin (100) of the type comprising a base (102), sidewalls (104, 106, 108) extending from the base (102) and terminating in an open top (110) which is closable by a lid (112) that is hingedly connected relative to the top. The fastening device (10) comprises a catch (12) for mounting on sidewall (104) of the bin (100), the catch having a closed configuration and an open configuration. An elongate tether (14) has one end securable by the catch (12) when in the closed configuration and an opposite end for connection to an anchor point on the bin (100) by a fastener (30). In use, engagement of the bin (100) by lifting arms of a collection vehicle causes the catch (12) to adopt the open configuration to release the tether (14).

Description

WO 2015/168721 PCT/AU2014/050325 1 "A fastening device for securing a waste bin lid"

Technical Fiel d [0001 ] The present disclosure relates to a fastening device for securing a waste bin lid. The fastening device has been developed primarily for use on wheelie bins and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application, However, it will be appreciated that die fastening device may also be used in other applications, such as on security documentation bins and medical refuse bins.

Background [0002] Wheelie bins (see Figure 1) are upright mobile containers for the temporary storage of refuse, typically mixed waste, recyclables and/or green waste. The bin 100 comprises a base 102 and sidewalls 104, 106. 108 extending from the base and terminating in an open top 110 which is closiible by a hinged Μ 112 to reduce emission of odours and provide a barrier to animals. Wheels 114 fitted to the base .102 facilitate mobility.

[0003] Wheelie bins are typically emptied into a collection vehicle having automated lifting arms for gripping, elevating and tipping tire bin, causing the lid 112 to open under gravity, to discharge its contents into die collection vehicle.

[0004] Between collections, wheelie bins may be left unattended for extended periods. During tills time, the hingedlid. 112 can be opened by scavengers or animals or even be blown open by strong winds. Also, if the bin is knocked over, die lid can open to allow spillage of the bin’s contents.

[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included In die present specification is not to-be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of die prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. WO 2015/168721 PCT/AU2014/050325 2

Summary [0006] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as: "comprises" or "comprising", will he understood to imply the inclusion of a stated, element, integer or step; or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[00071 In a broad aspect, there is provided a fastening device for securing a lid of a waste bin of the type comprising a base, sidewalls extending from the base and terminating in an open top which is closable by a M that is hingedly connected relative to the top, said fastening device comprising: a catch for mounting on a sidewall of the bin, rite catch having a closed configuration and an open configuration; an elongate tether having one end securable by the catch when in the closed configuration and an opposite end for connection to an anchor point on the bin, wherein, .in use, engagement of the bin by lifting arms of a collection vehicle causes the catch to adopt the open configuration to release the tether.

[0008] Outward bowing of the sidewall of the bin on which the catch is mounted, for example due to the action of lifting arms of a collection vehicle oil the bin, may cause the catch to adopt the open configuration. The action of the lifting arms on the bin may comprise compression of diametrically opposite sidewalls of the bin, which may in turn cause outward bowing of the sidewall of the bin on which the catch is mounted.

[000¾ The catch may comprise a plurality of catch portions which engage said one end of the tether when the catch is in the closed configuration and which disengage said one end of the tether when the catch is in the open configuration. A passageway for receiving said one end of the tether may be defined between the catch portions, the passageway being open at both ends. The catch portions may move apart from one another when moving from the closed to the open configuration and may move toward one another when moving from the open to the closed configuration. The catch portions may have catch surfaces that are shaped to compliment the shape of said one end of the tether. For example, in an embodiment whe re said one end of the tether terminates in a component with a cylindrical shank, the catch portions may have a substantially arcuate shape for engaging around the shank. The catch PCT/AU2014/050325 WO 2015/168721 3 portion® may be each be provided on one end of an arm, with the other end of each arm being adapted, for mounting on the sidewall of the bin, Locating formations may be provided to facilitate alignment of the catch portions in the closed configuration. Tire locating formations may be provided On the catch portions and may* for example, take the form of tongues and grooves, I'OOlOj Said one end of tire tether may have at least one enlarged diameter portion that is engageable by the catch, [0011 ] Said one end of the tether may terminate in a component that is securable by the catch when in the closed configuration. The component may, for example, comprise a longitudinally extending loeMng pin for insertion into the catch. The pin may have at least one enlarged diameter portion that is engageable by the catch. The at least one en larged diameter portion may define an annular flange at its proximal end for engagement by the catch. The annular flange may be continuous. The at least one enlarged diameter portion may taper inwtndly at its distal end to facilitate insertion of the pin into the catch. An abutment flange may be provided on the pin, at a spaced apart location from the at least one enlarged diameter portion, and engagement of the abutment flange with the catch may limit the extent of insertion of the pin into the catch* In other embodiments, tire component may, for example, comprise a bar, hook, knob, eye, loop, clevis or similar.

[00.1:21 In some embodiments, the tether may be resiliency extendible, in some embodimen ts, the tether may have an adjustable length, and in such embodiments the tether may not be resiliently extendible.

[0013] Also disclosed herein is a waste bin comprising: a base;; sidewalls extending from the base and terminating in an open top; a lid hingedly connected relative to the top for closing the open top; and a fastening device comprising: a catch mounted on a sidewall of' the bin, the catch having a closed configuration and an open configuration· «an elongate tether having one end securable by the catch when in the closed configuration and an opposite end connected to an anchor point on. the bin, such that, when PCT/AU2014/050325 WO 2015/168721 4 said one end of the tether is secured by the catch, tire tether passes over at least part .of the lid to secure the lid against opening, wherein engagement of the bin by lifting arms of a collection vehicle, causes the catch to adopt the open configuration to release the tether and allow the bin to open, [0014] Outward bowing of the sidewall of the bin on which the catch is mounted, for example due to the action of lilting arms of a collection vehicle on the bin, may cause the catch to adopt die open configuration. The action of the lifting arms on the bin may comprise compression of diametrically opposite sidewaEs of the bin, which may in turn cause outward bowing of the sidewall of the bin on which the catch is mounted, [0015] Said opposite end of tire tether may he removably connected to the anchor point. The: connection between the opposite end of the tether and the anchor point may be removable from an underside of the lid. The Connection between the opposite end of the tether and the anchor point may be removable by hand without the need for tools. For example, the connection between the opposite end of the tether and the anchor point may comprise a bolt that extends from outside the bin and which is secured by a wing nut on the inside of the bin. 10016] The catch may comprise a plurality of catch portions which engage said one end of the tether when the catch is in the closed configuration and which disengage said one end of the tether when the catch is in the open configuration. A passageway for receiving said one end of the tether may be defined between the catch portions, the passageway being open at both ends. The catch portions may move apart from one another when moving from the closed to the open configuration and may move toward one another when moving from the open to the closed configuration. The catch portions may have catch surfaces that are shaped to compliment the shape of said one cud of the tether to form a collar theiearound. For example, in an embodiment where said one end of the tether terminates in a component with a cylindrical shank, the catch portions may have a substantially arcuate shape for engaging around the shank. The catch portions may each be provided on one end of an arm, with the other end of each arm being adapted for mounting on the sidewall of the bin. Locating formations may he provided to facilitate alignment of the catch portions in the closed configuration. The locating formations may be provided on the catch portions and may, for example, take the form, of tongaes and grooves. PCT/AU2014/050325 WO 2015/168721 5 J 00.17] Said one end of the tether may have at least one enlarged diameter portion that is engageablc by the catch.

[00X8] Said one end of the tether may terminate in a component that is seeurable by the catch when in the closed configuration. The component may, for example, comprise a longitudinally extending locking pin. The pin may have at least one enlarged diameter portion that is cngageable by the catch. The at least one enlarged diameter portion may define an annular flange at its proximal end for engagement by the catch. The annular flange may be continuous, The diameter of the pin may taper inwardly at i ts distal end to facilitate insertion, of the pip into the catch. An abutment flange may be provided on the pin. at a spaced apart location from the at least one enlarged diameter portion, and engagement of the abutment flange with the catch may limit the extent of insertion of the pin into the catch. In other embodiments, the component xnay, for example, comprise a bar, hook, knob, eye, loop, clevis or similar.

[0019] In some embodiments, the tether may be resiliently extendible. In some embodiments, the tether may have an adjustable length, and in such embodiments the tether may not be resiliently extendible, [0020] The catch may be disengageable from the tether from inside the bin. For example, an actuator associated with the catch may extend into an interior of the bin, such as through one of the sidewalls, or pressing outwardly on the sidewall of the bin on which the catch is mounted may actuate the catch and cause it to adopt die open configuration.

[0021] Also disclosed heroin is a lid retainer for a bin, said lid retainer comprising a. latch and a flexible strap adapted to releasably secure a bin lid from opening when said latch is mounted on a front panel, of said bin, one end of the strap is attached to said lid and the other end of the strap is engaged with the latch wherein said latch is operable to release said strap by pressure of lifting arms of a bin emptying vehicle on the side panels of said bin, [0022] The other end of the strap may be fitted with a pin which is insertable into the latch.

[0023] The latch may comprise arms which in a locked position of said latch interfit to form a locking collar to retain said pin and in an unlocked position separate to release said pin. WO 2015/168721 PCT/AU2014/050325 6 J0024] The arms of the latch may be movable through outward deformation of the front panel of said bin, [0025] Also disclosed herein is a fastening device for securing a lid of a waste bin of the type comprising a base, sidewalls extending horn the base and terminating in an open top which is closable by a lid that is hingedlv connected relative- to the top. said fastening device comprising: a catch for mounting on the ltd of the bin, the catch comprising: a first arm having one end adapted for fixed connection to the lid and an opposite end terminating in a catch portion, a second arm having one end adapted for fixed connection to the lid and an opposite end terminating in a catch portion, wherein, when mounted on the lid, the first and arms are movable between a closed configuration of the catch in which die catch portions are mutually opposed and an open configuration of the eateh in which the catch portions are separated fi®m each other by a greater distance than in the closed configuration, and wherein the catch is resilientiy biased toward the closed, configuration; and an elongate tether having one end securable by the catch portions when the catch is in the closed configuration and an op post re end for connection to an anchor point on one of the sidewalls or the base of the bin.

[0026 j The fastening device may comprise any one or more additional features selected from those disclosed in paragraphs [0009] to [0012] above, [0027] Also disclosed herein is a waste bin comprising: a base; sidewalls extending from the base and terminating in an open: top; a lid hingediy connected relative to the top for closing the open top; and a fastening device comprising: a catch for mounting on the lid of the bin, .the catch comprising: a first arm having one end adapted for fixed connection to the lid and an opposite end terminating in a: catch portion, a second arm having one end adapted for fixed connection to the lid and an opposite end terminating in a catch portion, WO 2015/168721 PCT/AU2014/050325 7 wherein, when mounted on the lid, the first and arms are movable between a dosed configuration of the catch in which the catch portions are mutually opposed and an open configuration of the catch in. which the catch portions are separated form each other by a gteater distance than in the closed configuration, and wherein, the catch is tesiliently biased toward, die closed configuration; and an elongate tether having one end securablc by the catch portions when the catch is in the closed configuration and an opposite end for connection to an anchor point on one of the sidewalls or the base of the bin.

[0028] The waste bin may comprise any one or more additional features selected from those disclosed in paragraphs [0015] to [0020] above.

Brief Description of Drawings [0029] Embodiments of the presently disclosed fastening device wall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whicb:-

Figure 2 is a. schematic view of paw of a front sidewall and lid of a wheelie bin fitted with an embodiment of the presently disclosed fastening device, wherein the fastening device: is shown in a closed configuration·,:

Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the fastening device of Figure 2, wherein the fastening device is shown in a closed configuration;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the fastening device of Figure % with one of the arms omitted to better illustrate· the arrangement for engaging the pin,

Figure 5 is a partial rear perspective view of the fastening device, wherein the fastening device is shown in a closed configuration;

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the fastening device of Figure 2, wherein the fastening device is shown in an open configuration; and PCT/AU2014/050325 WO 2015/168721 8

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tether for the fastening device of Figure 2.

Description of Embodiments [0030] Referring first to Figure 2, there is a wheelie bin indicated generally as 100. The bin 100 has a base 102. and front .104, left and right 1.06, and rear 108 sidewalls extending from the base to define rat open top 110, with a lid 112 hinged relative to the top 110 at a posi tion adjacent the rear sidewall 108. A fastening device 10 is connected to the bin 100 and comprises a catch 12 secured transversely across the front sidewall 104 below a free front edge of the lid 112 and a tether, in the form of a resiliently extendible strap 14, having one end 14a engageable with the catch 12 and an opposite end 14b removably cooneeted an anchor point on the lid 112, [0031] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the catch 12 comprises a pair of curved arms 16, .1S, each of which has one end 16a, 18a adapted for mounting to the front sidewall 104 of the bin and an opposite free end 16b, 18b offset outwardly from the front sidewall 104. When mounted on the front sidewall 104, the arms 16,18 extend toward one another and their free ends terminate tn respecti ve catch portions 20,22 that are mutually opposed when the catch 12 is ill a closed configuration, A passageway 23 is defined between the catch portions 20, 22 and is open at both ends. The catch 12 is resiliently biased toward the closed configuration by the resilient flexibility of the front sidewall .1 04, [0032] A locking pin 24 on end 14a of the strap 14 is insertable into the passageway 23, The pin 24 is captively engageable with the catch portions 20, 22 when Ac catch 12 is in the closed configuration and is disengaged from the catch portions when the catch 12 is in an open configuration. The catch portions 20,22 have substantially arcuate catch, surfaces 20a that are shaped to compliment the .shape, of the pin 24 to form a locking collar 25 therearound. As shown in Figure 4, locking ridges 26 are formed on die catch portions 20, 22 to facilitate engagement with the pin 24, Locating formations, in the form of tongues 27 and grooves 28 are also formed on catch portion 20 and engage corresponding grooves 28 and tongues 27 on catch portion 22 as shown in Figure 5 to facilitate alignment of the locking ridges 26 of catch portion 20 with those of catch portion 22. PCT/AU2014/050325 WO 2015/168721 9 j00331 As shown in Figure 3. the pin 24 extends krngitudinally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the strap 14. As shown in Figure 4, the pin 24 comprises a cylindrical shank 24a with an enlarged diameter portion 24b near its distal end. A substantially annular flange or “barb5’ 24c for engagement by the locking ridges 26 of catch portions 20. 22 is defined between die shank 24a and the enlarged diameter portion 24b. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular flange 24c is continuous. However, in other .embodiments,· the annular flange 24c may he discontinuous. The diameter of the pin 24 tapers in wardly distally of the annular flange 24c to facilitate insertion of the pin 24 into the catch 12. An abutment flange 24d is provided on the pin 24 at a spaced apart location from die enlarged diameter portion 24h, Engagement of the abutment flange 24d with the catch 12 limits the extent of axial insertion of the pin 24 into the catch.

[0034] The connection between end 14b of -the- strap 14 and the lid 112 may be removable from an underside of the lid 112 by hand widront die need for tools. For example, the connection may comprise: a bolt 30 that extends from the top side of the lid 112 and which is secured by a wing nut cm the underside of die lid 112.

[0035] Mounting ends 16a, 18a of the arms 16,18 can he secured to the front sidewall 104 by screws 32, rivets, bolts, plastic welding, adhesive or other suitable means.

[0036] Although not shown in Figures 2-7, a locking assembly, such as a padlock, may be fitted to the catch 12 to maintain the catch in the closed configuration engaged with the pin 24 to prevent unauthorised access to the bin 100 until collection, [0037] An alternative embodiment of the strap 14 and pin 24 is shown in Figure 7. In this embodiment, the pin 24 has a plurality of enlarged diameter portions 24b for engagement by the locking ridges 26 of the catch 12.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiments, the strap 14 and catch 12 are formed from weatherptook UV stabilised plastics.

[0039] In use, to secure the lid 112. the pin 24 is axially inserted into the catch 12 with sufficient axial force to cause the tapered end of the pin 24 to separate the arms 16,18 against the resilient bias of the front sidewall 104 of the bin. Separation of the arms 16,18 causes the PCT/AU2014/050325 WO 2015/168721 10 catch portions 20, 22 to move apart from one another and the catch 12 to adopt the open configuration. As die enlarged diameter portion 24b of the pin passes each locking ridge 26, the catch 12 resiliently returns to the closed configuration due to the resilience of the front sidewall 104. Alternatively* the catch 12 can be placed in the open configuration lor insertion of die pin 24 by manually pulling the arms 16. 18 apart, inserting the pin 24 into the catch 12. and then releasing the arms to engage the locking ridges 26 with the enlarged diameter portion 24b, With the pin 24 engaged in the catch 12, the strap 14 extends over the lid 112 to secure the lid against opening.

[0040] During collection, engagement of the lifting arms of a collection vehicle with the diametrically opposite left and right sidewalls IQS of the bin 100 compresses the left and right sidewalls and causes the front sidewall 104 to bow outwardly, which moves the arms 16, 18 apart in the direction of arrows. A in Figure 6 and causes the catch 12 to adopt the open configuration to release the pin 24, which is wididrawn from the catch under the action of resiliently extendible strap 14, and allow the bin to open for discharge of rubbish into the collection vehicle.

[0041] It will be appreciated that the illustrated fastening: device 10 provides a number of advantages. For example, the .device 10 secures the lid 112 of a wheelie bin 100 against unwanted opening that can otherwise occur due to toppling or animals scavenging for food, whilst still providing for automatic opening:of the lid when being emptied into a collection vehicle. The internally removable fastener 30 for the strap 14 also provides a safeguard against a person, especially a .child, accidentally being: locked inside the bin: 100.:

The terms “Upper’', ‘lower**, “innef”, “ outer”:, “front” and “back”, and the like, used in this specification, refer to the bin 100 and fastening device 10 in one position of use as illustrated and are not to be construed as necessarily limiting.

[0043] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in die art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the: almveKleseribed embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure, The present embodiments are., therefore, to be: considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Examples of possible variations and/or modifications include, but are not limited to: PCT/AU2014/050325 WO 2015/168721 11 • the shape and configuration of the fastening device 10, including one or more of the arms 16,18 and pin 24* being varied from that shown in Figures 2-7; • anchoring the tether 14 to the bin at a location other than the 1 id :1.1:2, such as on the real' sidewall 108 of the bin, -with suitable locations being any location in which the tether 14 extends over the lid when the pin 24 is engaged with the catch 12; • the fastener 30 being a screw, circlip or other .fastener that can he removed from inside the bin 100 by hand without the need for tools; • the tether 14 being formed from chain, webbing, cord or another material; • the tether 14 not being resiliently extendible but having an adjustable length; • the pin 24 being substituted by, for example, a bar, hook, knob, eye, loop, clevis or similar-; • the catch 12 being disengageahie from the tether 14 from inside the bin 100. For example, an actuator associated with the catch 12 may extend into an interior of the bin, such its through sidewall 104, or pressing outwardly on the sidewall 104 may actuate the catch 12 and cause it to adopt the open configuration; » the catch 1.2 may be mounted on the bin lid 112 and end 14b of the tether 14 may be removably connected to one of the sidewalls 104,106, 108 or to the base 102 of the bin 100.

Claims (16)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A fastening device for securing a lid of a waste bin of the type comprising a base, sidewalls extending from the base and terminating in an open top which is closahle by a ltd that is hingedly connected relative to the top, said fastening device comprising: a catch for mounting on a sidewall of the bin, the catch having a closed configuration and an open configuration; an elongate tether having one end securable by the catch when in the closed configuration and an opposite end for connection to an anchor point on the bin, wherein, in Use, engagement of the bin by lifting arms of a collection vehicle causes the catch to adopt the open configuration to release the tether.
2. 2. A fastening device according to claim I, wherein the catch comprises a plurality of catch portions which engage said one end of the tether when the catch is in the closed configuration and which disengage said one end of the tether when the catch is in the open configuration.
3. 3. A fastening device according to claim 2, wherein the catch portions are each provided on one end of an arm, wi th the other end of each ami being adapted for mounting on the sidewall of the bin,
4. 4. A fastening device according to claim 2 or claim 3, comprising a passageway defined between the catch portions for receiving said one end of the tether, the passageway being open at both ends,
5. 5. A fastening device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising locating formations to facilitate alignment of the catch portions in the closed configuration.
6. 6. A fastening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said one end of the tether terminates in a longitudinally extending locking pin for insertion into the catch.
7. 7. A fastening device according to claim 6,. wherein the pin has at least one enlarged diameter portion that is engage able by the catch.
8. 8. A fastening device according to claim 7., wherein the at least one enlarged diameter portion tapers inwardly at its distal end to facilitate insertion of the pin into the catch.
9. 9. A fastening device according to claim 7 or claim 8, comprising an abutment flange on the pin, at a spaced apart location from the at least one enlarged diameter portion, wherein engagement of the abutment flange with the catch limits the extent of insertion of the pin into the catch.
10. 10. A fastening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tether is resiliemly extendible.
11. 11. A waste bin comprising: a base; sidewalls extending from the base and terminating in an open top; a lid hingedly connected relative to the top for closing the open top; and a fastening device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the catch is mounted on a sidewall of the bin; the opposite end of the elongate tether is connected to an anchor point on the bin, such that, when said one end of the tether is secured by the catch, the tether passes over at least part of the lid to secure the lid against opening, wherein engagement of the bin by lifting arms of a collection vehicle causes the catch to adopt the open configuration to release the tether and allow the bin to open.
12. 12. A waste bin according to claim 11, wherein outward bowing of the sidewall of tire bin on which the catch is mounted causes the catch to adopt the open configuration.
13. 13. A waste bin according to claim 12, wherein, the action of the lifting arms on the bin comprises compression of diametrically opposite sidewalls of the bin, which in turn causes outward bowing of the sidewall of the bin on which the catch is mounted.
14. 14. A waste bin according to claim 13, wherein said opposite end of the tether is removably connected to the anchor point.
15. 15. A waste bin according to claim 14, wherein the connection: between the: opposite end of the tether and the: anchor point is removable from an underside of the lid by hand without the need for tools.
16. 16. A waste bin according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the catch is disengageable from the tether from inside the bin.