EP1655241A1

EP1655241A1 - Apparatus for receiving, containing and subsequently discharging garbage

Info

Publication number: EP1655241A1
Application number: EP05023735A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Paolo Prosperi; Tonino Curzietti
Original assignee: Ecogest Srl
Current assignee: Ecogest Srl
Priority date: 2004-11-03
Filing date: 2005-10-31
Publication date: 2006-05-10
Also published as: ITBO20040682A1

Abstract

An apparatus for receiving, containing and subsequently discharging garbage, includes a tank (1), embedded in a pit (2), made in the ground (3). A framework (12), carrying a bag (20), which receives and contains the garbage has an open end turned upwards. The framework (12) has means (10), sliding on guiding means (9). A cover (25) is fastened to the upper part of the framework, removably sealed to the head of the tank, on the same level as the ground walking plane (3A).

The cover has, in its lower part, a tubular section (36) turned toward the bag opening.

A turret (40) is fastened to the upper part of the cover (25) and extends vertically upwards, and it has a channel (41), whose lower part opens into the first tubular section (36), and whose upper part opens to the outside, by a first window (42), through which the garbage is introduced.

Description

The present invention relates to the technical field concerning apparatuses for collection of solid urban garbage, with particular reference to medium and small dimension containers, designed for this purpose.
At present, the solid urban garbage is collected by boxes, or containers, embedded in the ground, which are emptied periodically by means of suitable vehicles, which bring them to the incinerators, dumps or anyway, to proper disposal areas.
There are also containers or bins, e.g. distributed in parks, along the pedestrian courses, in old town centers, etc., for collecting small garbage, such as cigarette ends, waste paper and the like.
The above mentioned bins are smaller than the containers, so they can be widespread and uniformly distributed in the whole area, although their installation can be sometimes undesired, or anyway limited, in the areas, which are particularly precious from the historical, artistic, or even only aesthetic point of view.
This is caused by the visual impact of such bins in the environment, in which they are situated, in addition to bad smell, often coming therefrom.
Moreover, the deliberately reduced dimensions, characterizing these waste bins, require their frequent and punctual emptying by an operator.
The action of bad weather, such as wind and rain, can cause the garbage dissemination in the surrounding environment, with all consequent disadvantages.
The object of the present invention is to propose an apparatus for receiving, containing and subsequently discharging garbage, which is not only functional, but whose aesthetic impact in the area, in which it is inserted, is minimal, and which thus resolves the above mentioned disadvantages.
Another object of the present invention is to propose a relatively cheap apparatus, which allows collection of a bigger quantity of garbage with respect to known solutions, thus reducing the number of units to be installed in a given area and/or their emptying frequency.
The above mentioned objects are achieved as it is apparent from the contents of the claims.
The characteristics of the invention are pointed out in the following, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic, lateral view of the proposed apparatus;
Figure 2 is a section view taken along II - II of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an enlarged particular K of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a section view taken along IV -IV of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a front view of the particular H1 of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a front view of the particular H2 of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is section view taken along VII - VII of Figure 6;
Figures 8, 9 are perspective views of as many models of means for opening the garbage receiving and containing bag;
Figure 10 is a schematic view of tightening means for locking and unlocking the cover of the apparatus container.

With regards the above mentioned Figures, the reference numeral 1 indicates a tank, e.g. of rectangular section, embedded in a pit, made in the ground 3.
The tank includes an external, rectangular ring 4, a container 5, with the upper part open and supported by the bottom of the pit, and spacers 6, interposed between the ring and the upper part 5A of the container 5.
Thus, vertical channels 7 are defined between the two containers 1, 5 and the ring.
The lower part of the channels 7 open into the interspace 8, between the container and the wall delimiting the pit (see Figures 1, 3, and 4).
Vertical, opposite guides 9 are fastened to two surfaces 5B, facing the container 5.
Rolls 10, carried idle by metallic connection plates 11, which are fastened near the base 12A of a framework 12, slide in the guides 9 (Figures 6 and 7).
In the shown example, the framework is formed by four uprights 12B, which extend upwards from the base 12A and whose upper parts are connected by a stiffening frame 26.
With reference to Figure 1, the crosswise dimension of the part of the framework 12 having the uprights 12B, is smaller than the crosswise dimension of the container 5; this aspect, together with the positioning of the guides 9, allows a vertical area Z to be defined inside the container 5.
Two pairs of supports 13, situated in the upper part of the vertical area Z, are fastened to a relative wall of the container, so as to be perpendicular to the guide 9.
The pairs of supports carry as many rotating shafts 14, onto which pulleys 15 are keyed (Figure 5).
Chains 16, winding around the pulleys, are connected on one side, to the connection plates 11, and on the other side, to a counterweight 17.
In the shown example, the counterweight is box-like (Figure 5), so as to receive a plurality of objects 18: consequently, it is possible to adjust the total "weight" of the counterweight 17 in a way explained later on.
The framework 12 carries a bag 20, an opening member 21, introduced removably into the bag for unfolding it in a diametral and axial directions, and finally, the garbage (not shown), which is introduced into the bag.
The opening member 21 includes a plurality of parallel straight-line elements 21A, whose ends are fastened to rings 21B, which are circular (see Figure 8) or polygonal, e.g. rectangular (see Figure 9).
The tank 1 is aimed at bearing removably a cover 25.
The cover 25 includes a plate 27, which is fastened to the frame 26 and which forms, in its central part, a seat 28, delimited by a square edge 29, whose outer wing 29A is horizontal and turned outwards (Figure 3).
The seat 28 is aimed at receiving covering material 30, of known type, to resume the continuity of the walking plane 3A (Figure 1).
The wing 29A abuts against the upper edge 4A of the ring 4, with interposition of first sealing means 31.
Second sealing means 32 are interposed between the upper edge of the container 5 and the portion 27A of the plate 27, adjacent to the square 29 (see Figure 3).
Tightening means 35 lock and unlock the cover 25 to and from the ring 4 (see Figure 10).
The lower part of the cover 25 has a first tubular section 36, turned toward the opening of the bag 20, situated below, and connected with a second tubular section 37, which extends vertically from the upper part of the cover (Figure 2).
It is to be pointed out that the height of the opening member 21 is such, as to locate the upper head thereof below the first tubular section 36, when the framework 12 is in its lowered position (Figure 1).
This way, the tubular section 36 can be connected with the upper part 20A of the bag 20, which is removably locked thereto, in known way, e.g. by elastic rings 70.
The second tubular section 37 couples removably with a turret 40, by suitable means 80.
The turret has a channel 41, whose lower part opens into the first tubular section 36, and whose upper part opens outside, by a first window and a second window 42, 45, made on the opposite parts of the turret wall, near its top.
A separator 90 is situated inside the channel 41, to define two conduits 41A, 41B, first and second, which communicate with the outside by first and second windows 42, 45, respectively.
The cross-section of the first conduit 41A is increasing, beginning from the first window toward the first tubular section 36: this technical aspect facilitates the garbage going down toward the tubular section 36.
A cartridge 43, situated inside the second conduit 41B, is removably fastened to the turret and communicates with the outside by the second window 45, made in the wall of the turret, opposite to the first window (Figure 2).
The task of the counterweight 17 is to balance the total weight 100 consisting of the weight of the framework 12 (and relative bag 20 and opening member 21), the cover 25 and the turret 40.
The weight of this assembly is greater than the weight of garbage, which the bag 20 can receive.
The selection of the objects 18 to be introduced in the box-like container 17 satisfies what has just been said.
The first and second sealing means 31, 32 prevent the container 5 from water infiltration; in this connection, it is to be pointed out that the interspace 8 acts as a "drip".
The operation of the above described apparatus will be now explained.
The garbage, such as paper, wrappings of paper or of any other nature, is introduced into the first window 42, from which it falls, due to the gravity, into the bag 20, through the first conduit 41A, and the first tubular section 36.
The cigarette or cigar ends, or any similar garbage, are introduced into the second window 45, from which they fall into the cartridge 43, due to the gravity.
At prefixed and/or programmed intervals, or when the bag 20 is supposed to be full, or the cartridge 43 is supposed to be full with cigarette ends, the emptying operator acts on the tightening means 35, to disengage the cover 25 from the ring 4.
At this point, the operator raises the above mentioned assembly 100, which is facilitated by the action of the counterweight 17.
With the assembly raised, the bag 20 is disengaged from the first tubular section 36, by acting on the elastic rings 70, then the bag 20 is removed from the framework 12 and the cartridge 43 is unlocked from the turret by acting on the means 44A, 44B.
After the cartridge has been emptied, the opening member 21 has been removed from the full bag, in order to be introduced in a new bag, the emptied cartridge 43 is fastened to the turret and to the cover, and a new bag (with a relative opening member) is fastened to the first tubular section 36.
Obviously, the bag full of garbage, as well as the contents of the cartridge, are put into suitable containers.
It is understood that a new cartridge can be used instead of the former one, and likewise, it is possible to discharge the full bag with the relative opening member and to use a new opening member.
After all the above operations, the assembly 100 is lowered, and finally, the cover 25 is fastened to the ring 4, by the means 35.
According to an interesting embodiment, a direct-current motor can be used to make the shaft 18 rotate.
The motor can be supplied with the tension equal to the one of the battery of the vehicle used by the operator; it is possible to supply such a motor by a simple cable, which can be introduced into the lighter seat.
Consequently, the proposed apparatus can receive and contain quantities of garbage considerably bigger than the normal containers or bins.
Moreover, the garbage is not subjected to the action of bad weather, and is not seen by persons, with all consequent advantages.
The discharge of the bag 20 and of the cartridge 43 occurs in an easy way, without operator's particular effort.
Advantageously, the raising and lowering of the assembly 100 can be powered by motor means.
The apparatus is defined by assembling particularly simple elements, which can be obtained by technological operations, that do not require high specialization; the required maintenance is practically irrelevant.

Claims

Apparatus for receiving, containing and subsequently discharging garbage, characterized in that it includes: a tank (1), embedded in a pit (2), made in the ground (3), with an upper head positioned near the ground walking plane (3A); vertical guides means (9), fastened to an inner surface of said tank; a framework (12), which carries a bag (20) that receives and contains said garbage and whose open end is turned upwards; with said framework (12) having means (10) sliding on said guiding means (9), to make the framework (12) translate vertically; a cover (25) fastened to the upper part of said framework, removably sealed to the head of said tank, on the same level as the ground walking plane (3A), said cover having, in its lower part, at least one tubular section (36) turned toward the bag opening; at least one turret (40), fastened to the upper part of said cover (25) and extending vertically upwards, and having a channel (41), whose lower part opens into said first tubular section (36), and whose upper part opens to the outside, by at least a first window (42), through which the garbage is introduced.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the upper part (20A) of said bag (20) is put onto said tubular section (36), to which it is removably fastened by elastic means (70).
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it includes a cartridge (43), which receives cigarette and cigar ends and similar, and which is situated in said channel (41), said cartridge being removably locked to said turret (40) and cover (25), and having the upper part open and communicating with the outside of the turret by at least one second window (45), made on the wall of said turret.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said first window (42) is made in the lateral wall of the turret, near the top of the latter.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said second window (45) is made in the lateral wall of the turret, near the top of the latter.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it includes opening means (21), introduced removably into said bag, to open it in diametric and axial directions.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said opening means (21) include a plurality of straight-line elements (21A), whose ends are fastened to circular or polygonal rings (21B).
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said tank includes: an outer ring (4), which receives said cover (25); a container (5) , whose upper part is open and enclosed by said ring (4), and which has said guiding means (9) and receives said framework (12); spacer means (6), interposed between said ring (4) and the opposite upper part (5A) of said container (5), to define vertical channels (7), opening into the interspace (8), between the container and the wall delimiting the pit (2).
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 8, in which said cover (25) includes a frame (26), fastened to the upper part of said framework, and carrying a plate (27), characterized in that the edge of said plate forms a square (29), whose outer wing (29A) is horizontal and turned outwards, and in that it includes first sealing means (31), interposed between said wing (29A) and the upper edge (4A) of said ring (4), and second sealing means (32), interposed between the upper edge of said container (5) and the portion (27A) of said plate (27), adjacent to the square (29).
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 8, in which said cover (25) includes a frame (26), fastened to the upper part of said framework, and carrying a plate (27), characterized in that the latter forms a central seat (28), delimited peripherally by the square edge (29), whose outer wing (29A) is horizontal, turned outwards and lies on the upper edge of said ring (4), and in that said seat (28) receives covering material (30) for resuming the continuity with the walking plane (3A) of the ground (3), in which the pit (2) is made.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, in which the crosswise dimension of the framework is such, as to define a vertical area (Z), between the tank and the framework, characterized in that it includes, situated in said area (Z), means for counter-balancing the assembly (100), formed by said framework (12), which carries said bag (20), cover (25) and turret (40).
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the means for counter-balancing said assembly (100) include at least one flexible element (16), connected at one end to the base (12A) of said framework (12), and winding around a pulley (15), whose shaft (14) is supported with possibility to rotate by means (13), which are fastened to the inner surface of said tank (1), related to said area (Z), and with the other end connected to a counterweight (17).
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that said counterweight (17) is box-like, so as to receive a plurality of objects (18) of prefixed weight.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that it includes motor means, which are operated to drive said shaft (14) into rotation, on which shaft said pulley (15) is keyed, which results in the vertical movement of said framework (12) in one direction or in the other.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that said motor means include an electric motor.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that said electric motor is a direct-current motor, which can be supplied with the tension equal to the one of the battery of a vehicle.
Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, or 8, or 9, characterized in that it includes mechanical means (35), key operated to lock and unlock said cover (25) to and from said tank (1).