Waste container with an access door

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container and in particular to a waste container with an access door.

[0002] One type of known container is a waste container such as a litter bin of the kind located at indoor or outdoor public thoroughfares so that people can dispose of any litter. A known type of litter bin of this kind comprises a front access door which may be opened to facilitate the emptying of litter from the bin by cleaning personnel. Such a container is disclosed in GB2294499 (Glasdon Group Limited) which discloses a security container having a body (1) with an opening (2) closeable by a hingedly mounted door (3). The door and the body have co-operating elements (13, 15) which are brought into interlocking engagement when the door is lowered from an intermediate position to a closed position. This prevents the door from being opened without first being raised to the intermediate position. The container comprises a lock (22) that is operable to prevent lateral movement of the door when the co-operating elements are engaged.

[0003] It is also known for the side door of such bins to be lockable. This helps to prevent inadvertent opening of the side door and increases security by limiting what can be either taken out of the bin or put into the bin via the side door. Unfortunately, both the door and locking means arc prone to tampering. It is therefore an on-gong desire to improve the security of the locking arrangement associated with the door.

[0004] Furthermore, known litter bins are generally moulded from plastics material. Such materials routinely experience tolerance problems resulting from unwanted expansion or contraction during the moulding process. Known lock types utilised with such bins include slam locks and catch locks, both of which require a high degree of accuracy in their positioning. As a result of the tolerance problems of known plastics material litter bins, such locks may not locate in the right position and as such function in a sub-optimal way, for example by sticking, or may not function at all.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problems discussed above.

[0006] According to the present invention there is provided a container comprising a main body defining a chamber for receipt of material and an access opening to the chamber; a door member mechanically linked to said main body by a hinged connection, the hinged connection having a hinge axis and permitting rotation of the door member relative to the main body about said hinge axis between an first position in which the access opening is open and a second position in which the access opening is closed, the hinged connection also permitting translation of the door member relative to the main body in a direction substantially parallel to said hinge axis to an intermediate position between the first and second positions; wherein the door member may only move from the second position to the first position via the intermediate position; and a lock assembly, characterised in that the lock assembly comprises an engagement member having a first portion which is fixed to either the door member or the main body and a second portion moveable relative to the first portion between a first configuration, in which said translational movement of the door member from said second position to said intermediate position is permitted, and a second configuration, in which said translational movement of the door member from said second position to said intermediate position is substantially prevented; wherein said second portion is biased towards said second configuration; and an actuation member which is contactable with said engagement member so as to move said second portion from said second configuration to said first configuration.

[0007] This is advantageous in that it provides a container which has a door that cannot be opened from a closed position without first moving the door to an intermediate position, thereby increasing the security of the door, and which is automatically locked when it is moved to the closed position.

[0008] In certain embodiments the first portion of the engagement member may be mechanically linked to the main body and said translational movement of the door member is substantially prevented by engagement of the second portion with a portion of the door member or a component coupled thereto. Whereas, in other embodiments, the first portion of the engagement member may be mechanically linked to the door member and said translational movement of the door member is substantially prevented by engagement of the second portion with a portion of the main body or a component coupled thereto.

[0009] In some embodiments the actuation member may be supported by said door member. In still further embodiments the actuator member may be pivotally supported by said door member, such that the actuation member may rotate relative to the door member so as to contact said engagement member.

[0010] The lock assembly may comprise a key lock that comprises said actuation member, whereby rotation of a key within said key lock effects said contact of the actuation member with said engagement member.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the lock assembly may comprise a foot pedal that comprises an actuation portion (98) that forms said actuation member, whereby depressing or raising of the foot pedal by a foot of a user effects said contact of the actuation member with said engagement member.

[0012] The engagement member may be unitary in nature. As such, the complexity of the engagement member is at a minimum, thus reducing its chance of failure.

[0013] The engagement member may be resilient. It may comprise a hinge portion intermediate the first and second portions, which may provide the resilience. The hinge portion allows the movement of the second portion between the first and second configurations. A force applied to the second portion of the engagement member in the direction of the first portion may cause the first and second portions to abut and resist further application of the force. The hinge may be integrally formed with the first and second portions.

[0014] A locking element for abutment with the engagement member in the second position may be provided. This may prevent substantial translational movement of the door member from the second position to the first position.

[0015] The main body may additionally comprise at least one first engagement portion and the door member may comprise at least one second engagement portion. The at least one first engagement portion may comprise a first flange which may be elongate and may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the width of the opening. The first flange may be disposed at the periphery of the access opening and it may be upstanding in that location. A first guide surface may be defined by the first flange. The second engagement portion may comprise a second flange which may depend from an inside surface of the door member.

[0016] The main body may additionally comprise a first guide surface and the door member may additional comprise a second guide surface. The first and second surfaces may be brought into contact as the door member moves between the first and second positions. They may co-operate so as to translate between the first and intermediate positions (in the direction parallel to the hinge axis).

[0017] The first guide surface is disposed such that it intersects the hinge axis or may be adjacent thereto.

[0018] In some embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the engagement member is resilient in nature. The engagement member may comprise a hinge portion intermediate said first and second portions. In still further embodiments a force applied to said second portion of said engagement member in the direction of said first portion, causes said first and second portions to abut and resist said force.

[0019] It will be appreciated that it is within the scope of the invention to combine any combination of appropriate features from either aspect of the invention. These features include, but are not limited to the guide surfaces, the engagement portions and the lock assembly.

[0020] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a waste container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front elevation of the waste container shown in figure 1;

Figure 3 is a side elevation of the waste container shown in figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the waste container shown in figures 1 to 3 with a door member in an open position relative to a main body;

Figure 5a is an enlarged view of part of the waste container figure 4 shown from above;

Figure 5b is a perspective view from below of details shown in figure 4;

Figure 6 is a chronological sequence showing a top part of the waste container of figures 1 to 5b illustrating movement of the door from a first position to a second position, each part of the sequence showing, on the right, a side elevation of the top of the waste container and, on the left, (excluding the first part of the series) a cross sectional side view of the top of the door member and main body;

Figure 7 is a chronological sequence showing a plan view of the door member of the embodiment of the waste container of figures 1 to 6 moving from a first position towards a second position;

Figure 8 is a chronological sequence showing a cross sectional side view of a top part of the door member and main body of the waste container of figures 1 to 7, the door member moving from the second position towards the first position via the intermediate position;

Figure 9 is a chronological sequence showing a cross sectional side view of a mid section of the door member and main body of the embodiment of the invention shown in the previous drawings, the door member moving from the second position towards the first position via the intermediate position;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the waste container of figures 1 to 9, the door member being in said intermediate position;

Figure 11 is a side elevation of the waste container of figure 10;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a base portion of the waste container shown in Figures 10 and 11;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the waste container of figures 1 to 12, similar to that of figure 12 but with the door member being in a closed positions;

Figures 14a, 14b and 14c are front views of a side lock assembly of the waste container of figures 1 to 13 with a portion of the door member cut away for clarity; and

Figures 15a and 15b are cross sectional side views of a base lock assembly of the waste container of figures 1 to 14.

[0021] Referring to figures 1 to 4, a waste container is indicated generally by 10. The waste container 10 is generally box shaped and comprises a main body 12 with an opening that is closable by a door member 14. When the door member 14 is closed (as in figures 1 to 3), the main body 12 and door member 14 define an internal waste chamber 16 (seen best in figure 4), which in use may store any waste inserted into the waste container. Four waste apertures 18, one on each side of the waste container 10, three of which are in the main body 12 and one of which is in the door member 14, permit the insertion of waste into the waste chamber 16 whilst the waste container 10 is in use. In practice the waste container is typically provided with a removable receptacle or frame (not shown) that is received in the chamber 16 and supports a liner that is arranged for receipt of waste that is discarded through the aperture 18.

[0022] As seen best in figure 4, the door member 14 is mechanically linked to the main body 12 by a hinged connection in the form of a vertical bar 20 fixed to the door that is received in lugs 21 integrally formed in the main body, which permits rotation of the door member 14 relative to the main body 12 between an open position (as seen in figure 4) and a closed position (as shown in figures 1 to 3). The bar 20 has an elongate axis which lies parallel to the longitudinal extent of the door member 14 and about which the door member 14 rotates. The lugs 21 are slidably disposed on the bar 20 so as to permit translation along the bar such that the door member may translate between a first (open) position shown in figure 4, an intermediate (partially closed) position as seen best in figures 10 and 11 and a second (fully closed) position as seen in figures 1 to 3. In the embodiment shown, the height of the door member 14 in relation to the main body 12 whilst the door member 14 is in the first position is the same as that when it is in the second position. However, in other embodiments this need not be the case. The door member 14 is higher in the intermediate position than it is in either the first or second positions as it is lifted relative to the main body in order to reach the intermediate position.

[0023] The lifting of the door member 14 is achieved by guide surfaces 22, 24 that are best seen in figures 5a and 5b. The guide surfaces 22 and 24 are located towards the top of the waste container 10, above and adjacent to the hinged connection 20, 21. As the door member 14 is moved from its open position to its closed position the guide surfaces 22 and 24 move into engagement with one another. Each guide surface 22, 24 has a tip 26, 28, the pair of which aid the guide surfaces 22, 24 in engaging one another as the door member 14 moves from its open position to its closed position. Furthermore, the small surface area of the tips 26, 28 which initially engage the opposite guide surfaces 24, 22 ensure that a minimal force is exerted by the door member 14 on the main body and vice versa as the guide surfaces 22, 24 engage one another. This minimisation of force helps to reduce degradation of the hinged connection 20. In addition, concentrating any force caused by the initial engagement of the guide surfaces 22, 24 on the small surface area of the tips 26, 28 will promote wear of the tips 26, 28. This is beneficial as, if the tips 26, 28 are misaligned (for example due to wear of the hinged connection 20, 21 or tolerance issues in the moulding of the waste container) the force due to the collision of the tips 26, 28 as the guide surfaces 22, 24 engage will cause the tips 26, 28 to wear such that the profile of the guide surfaces 22, 24 is altered near the tips 26, 28 so as to better accommodate the initial engagement of the guide surfaces 22, 24.

[0024] The guide surfaces 22, 24 are planar and are inclined at an acute angle to a plane perpendicular to the hinge axis. In other embodiments the guide surfaces 22, 24 may be arcuate or a combination of arcuate and planar.

[0025] The location of the guide surfaces 22, 24 adjacent to the hinged connection 20, 21 is advantageous in that their engagement places less stress on the hinged connection 20, 21 than would be the case if the guide surfaces 22, 24 were remote thereto. This reduction in stress of the hinged connection 20, 21 results in reduced wear of the hinged connection 20, 21. In addition, over time, the weight of the door member when in said open position may cause the hinged connection 20, 21 to deform such that the door member 14 becomes misaligned with the main body 12. In such a situation, the proximity of the guide surfaces 22, 24 to the hinged connection 20, 21 reduces any misalignment of the guide surfaces 22, 24 and hence any wear on the guide surfaces 22, 24 or wear on the hinged connection 20, 21. In extreme cases the deformation of the hinged connection 20, 21 may be such that were the guide surfaces 22, 24 located remote to the hinged connection 20, 21 then they may miss each other all together as the door member 14 moves from the first position to the second position. In this case, the force exerted on the door member 14, main body 12 and hinged connection 20, 21 when moving the door member 14 from the first position to the second position may be detrimental and, should parts of the door member 14 and main body 12 collide, other than the guide surfaces, damage may occur to the door member 14 or main body 12.

[0026] It should be noted that, due to the size and position of the guide surfaces 22, 24, the guide surfaces 22, 24 do not engage one another until part way between the open position and intermediate position of the door member 14. In other embodiments this need not be so, for example, the guide surfaces may be in contact for the duration of the movement of the door member 14 between open and intermediate positions.

[0027] As the door member 14 is moved from its open position to its closed position, the engaging guide surfaces 22, 24 cooperate so as to lift the door member 14 relative to the main body 12 along the axis of the bar 20 of the hinged connection from a first (open) position to an intermediate (partially closed) position. This can be seen best in figure 6. The first three cross sectional views from the top show the door member 14 moving from the open position to the intermediate position shown in the third cross section down in figure 6. During this movement, the guide surfaces 22, 24 come into contact with one another and the surface 24 rides up and over surface 22 so that the door member 14 is lifted relative to the main body 12. When the door member 14 is in said closed position, the guide surfaces 22, 24 have moved completely past one another such that they are no longer in contact and hence the door member can drop under the influence of gravity to a second (closed) position as shown in the bottom cross section of figure 6.

[0028] The profile of the guide surfaces 22, 24 may be chosen such that, as the door member 14 is moved between open and closed positions, the greatest possible surface area of the guide surfaces 22, 24 remains in contact. Maximising the contacting surface area of the guide surfaces 22, 24 will reduce wear on the guide surfaces 22, 24.

[0029] Each guide surface 22, 24 is formed at the end of a lip 27, 29 provided on each of the main body 12 and door member 14 respectively. The lip 27 of the main body 12 is provided above the opening and has a generally L-shaped cross section comprising a first part that projects forwards from the opening and an upstanding flange 38. The lip 27 thus defines a longitudinal recess 30 between the main body 12 and the flange 38. The recess 30 is generally horizontal, extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to that containing the opening and is above the opening in the main body 12.

[0030] The lip 29 of the door member 14 comprises a depending flange 40 that extends downwardly from an upper part of a surface of the door that faces the opening when the door is closed. The lip 29 also defines a longitudinal recess 32 that extends across the width of the door member in a generally horizontal direction. When the door member 14 drops from the intermediate position to the second position, the flange 38 of the main body 12 slides into the recess 32 of the door member 14 and the flange 40 of the door member 14 slides into the recess 30 of the main body 12.

[0031] Whilst the door member 14 is in the second position, if a user attempts to move the door member 14 from the closed position to the open position without lifting the door member 14 from the second position to the intermediate position, then the door member 14 will be prevented from moving towards said open position by the abutment, or engagement, of the lips 27, 29. As such, in order to move the door member 14 from said closed position to said open position, it is necessary to move the door member 14 to the intermediate position first.

[0032] Figures 8 and 9 show side cross sectional views, in a plane perpendicular to that of the opening in the main body 12, through the dashed areas in figure 4 indicated by 34 and 36 respectively. Each figure shows a series of representations of the respective cross sections. First, the door member 14 is shown in the second (closed) position. Secondly, the door member 14 is shown in the intermediate position; and finally the door member 14 is in a position part way between the intermediate and open positions. The structures shown in figures 8 and 9 are very similar and function in the same manner.

[0033] Figure 8 illustrates the inter-engagement of the flanges 38, 40. In the left hand illustration the door member 14 is in the second (fully closed) position and the upstanding flange 38 is received in the recess 32. The flange 40 on the door member 14 is received in the recess 30 in the lip 29. Flange 38 extends towards the top of the waste container 10, whereas flange 40 extends away from the top of waste container 10. In the right hand illustration the door is open whereas in the middle illustration the door member is shown in the intermediate position (partially closed).

[0034] As the door member 14 is moved from said open position towards said closed position (in the reverse sequence to that shown in figure 8), the guide surfaces 22, 24 cause the door member 14 to be lifted relative to the main body 12 to said intermediate position. In a similar manner to that already described in relation to the lips 27, 29, this lifting of the door member 14 relative to the main body 12 results in flange 40 being lifted relative to flange 38 a distance significant enough to allow flange 40 to clear flange 38 and hence allow the door member 14 to enter the closed position. Once in the intermediate position (as shown in the middle illustration of figure 8) the door member 14, and hence the flange 40, can drop relative to the main body such that flange 38 is received within the recess 32 and such that the door member 14 enters its second (closed) position. Whilst the flange 38 is received within the recess 32, it is not possible to move the door member 14 from the closed position to the open position without lifting the door member 14 from its second position to its intermediate position.

[0035] Figures and 9 show a structure located on the opposite side of the door member 14 to the hinged connection 20. In a similar manner to that above, an upstanding flange 44 extends from the main body 12 in a plane parallel to that of the opening in the main body 12. A downwardly depending flange 46 extends from the door member 14 in a plane parallel to that of the door member 14. Flange 44 extends towards the top of the waste container 10, whereas flange 46 extends away from the top of waste container 10. The door member 14 and flange 46 define a channel 48. As the door member 14 is moved from said open position towards said closed position, the guide surfaces 22, 24 cause the door member 14 to be lifted relative to the main body 12 from said first position to said intermediate position. This lifting of the door member 14 relative to the main body 12 results in flange 46 being lifted relative to flange 44 a distance significant enough to allow flange 46 to clear flange 44 and hence allow the door member 14 to enter the closed position. Once in the intermediate position (as shown in the second part of figure 9) the door member 14, and hence the flange 46, can drop relative to the main body such that flange 40 is received within the channel 48 and such that the door member 14 enters its second position. Whilst the flange 44 is received within the channel 48, it is not possible to move the door member 14 from the closed position to the open position without lifting the door member 14 from its second position to its intermediate position.

[0036] Figures 12 and 13 show a base portion of the waste container 10. The base portion comprises a further engagement feature in the form of a peg 50 which projects downwards from the bottom corner of the door member 14 which is remote from the hinged connection 20, 21 and a correspondingly sized and shaped socket 52 in a shoulder portion 53 of the main body 12, which extends in a direction substantially parallel to the hinge axis. The shoulder portion 53 of the main body 12 is located beneath the opening in the main body 12 at the side of the main body 12 remote from the hinged connection 20, 21. As the door member 14 is moved from said position towards said closed position, the guide surfaces 22, 24 cause the door member 14 to be lifted relative to the main body 12 from said first position to said intermediate position. This lifting of the door member 14 relative to the main body 12 results in peg 50 being lifted relative to the main body 12 to the extent that it can clear the shoulder portion 53 of the main body 12 such that the door member 14 enters the closed position. Once in the intermediate position (as shown in figure 12) the door member 14, and hence the peg 50, can drop relative to the main body such that peg 50 is received within the socket 52 and such that the door member 14 enters its second (closed) position (as shown in figure 13). Whilst the peg 50 is received within the socket 52, it is not possible to move the door member 14 from the closed position to the open position without lifting the door member 14 from its closed position to its intermediate position. The peg 50 and main body 12 each comprise a ramped surface, 54 and 56 respectively. The ramped surfaces 54, 56 are such that, should the peg 50 contact the main body 12 as the door member 14 is moved from the open position to the closed position, they guide movement of the door member 14 to enter the intermediate position. In some embodiments of the invention, the ramped surfaces 54, 56 are not utilised during normal operation of the waste container 10; instead they are only utilised when the hinged connection 20 has worn such that the door member 14 is misaligned with the main body 12, for example if the door member 14 has dropped relative to the main body 12. In this case, it is the misalignment of the door member 14 which both necessitates assistance in raising the door member to the intermediate position, and causes the ramped surfaces 54 and 56 to contact one another so as to cause them to cooperate.

[0037] It should be noted that in the shown embodiment there are three separate structures which secure the door member 14 in the closed position: the lips and associated flanges 38, 40 at the top of the waste container 10, the flanges 44, 46 to the side of the waste container 10 and the peg 50 and socket 52 at the base of the waste container 10. This distribution of similar co-operating structures results in a very strong and effective union between the door member 14 and main body 12, which has a large degree of tamper resistance, when the door member is in said closed position. It will be appreciated that it is within the scope of the invention that any number of securing structures positioned in any appropriate manner may be utilised.

[0038] It will be appreciated that although a specific hinged connection has been described in relation to the described embodiment of the invention, that any appropriate hinge may be used which permits both the rotation of the door member 14 relative to the main body 12 and translation of the door member 14 relative to the main body 12 parallel to the axis of said rotation.

[0039] Figures 14 and 15 show two separate locking assemblies which may be utilised in conjunction with a waste container 10 of the type described above so as to prevent the door member 14 from being opened by unauthorised personnel. Each locking assembly is designed to prevent the door member 14 from moving from said second position to said intermediate position. The provision of the two locking assemblies improves the security of the container.

[0040] Figures 4, 14a to 14c show a side lock assembly 58. The side lock assembly 58 comprises a rotating key lock 60 that interacts with an engagement member 64. The barrel 62 (seen best in figure 4) of the key lock 60 is connected to an actuation member 63. The actuation member 63 extends in a generally radial direction relative to the axis of rotation of the key lock 60. A first portion 66 of the engagement member 64 is fixed to an internal recessed portion of the main body 12 at a side of the main body 12 opposite to that of the hinged connection 20, 21 such that the engagement member 64 extends both downwards and towards the side of the main body 12 with the hinged connection 20. A second portion 68 of the engagement member 64 is connected to the first portion 66 by a hinge 70 in the form of a flexible integral web of material. The hinge 70 allows the second portion 68 to move relative to the first portion 66 such that the extent to which the engagement member 64 extends away from the main body 12 can be reduced. The hinge 70 also biases the second portion 68 away from the main body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 66, second portion 68 and hinge 70 are of one-piece construction, the hinge 70 being of reduced cross section and hence greater flexibility. However, it will be appreciated that the engagement member 64 may be constructed from several parts or may have a separate hinge of any appropriate type.

[0041] In use, whilst the side lock assembly 58 is in a locked configuration (shown in figures 14a and 14b), if a user attempts to lift the door member 14 relative to the main body 12 from said second position to said intermediate position then the second portion 68 of the engagement member 64 abuts an abutment shoulder 72 defined on an inwardly facing surface of the door member 14. The abutment of the abutment shoulder 72 with the engagement member 64 causes seating faces 74, 76 of the first portion 66 and second portion 68 respectively, to engage, such that the force of the abutment is transmitted through the engagement member 64 to the main body 12. As such, the door member 14 is substantially prevented from moving relative to said main body 12 from said second position. The engagement of the seating faces 74, 76 to transmit the abutment force minimises the force which is transmitted through the hinge 70 and hence the hinge 70 is substantially protected from damage due to said force.

[0042] Figure 14b shows the side lock assembly 58 with a key 78 inserted into the key lock 60. Using the key 78, it is possible to rotate the lock barrel 62 (anticlockwise in the embodiment shown) and hence the actuation member 63 such that the actuation member 63 contacts the second portion 68 of the engagement member 64. If the actuation member is turned with sufficient torque to overcome the biasing force of the hinge 70, the second portion 68 is temporarily deflected to a retracted configuration (as shown in figure 14c) wherein the extent to which the engagement member 64 extends away from the main body 12 is reduced. With the second portion 68 of the engagement member 64 in the retracted position, if a user tries to lift the door member 14 from its second position, the shoulder 72 of the door member will pass the engagement member 64 such that the door member 14 can enter said intermediate position. As previously discussed, once the door member is in said intermediate position, it is possible for the door member 14 to be moved to said open position.

[0043] When the door member 14 is moved back towards said closed position, it is raised to a height where a chamfered edge 80 (seen best in figure 4) of the shoulder 72 contacts the second portion 68 of the engagement member 64 and overcomes the biasing force of the hinge 70 so that the second portion 68 moves towards said retracted configuration. As such the engagement member 64 does not prevent the door member occupying the closed position. Once in the closed position, the door member 14 may drop from the intermediate position to the second (closed) position. The angle of the downward depending engagement member 64 is such that it may ride along the shoulder 72 of the door member 14 unobstructed as the door member 14 moves towards the second position. As the door member 14 enters the second position the second portion 68 clears the shoulder 72 and the biasing force of the hinge 70 causes the side lock assembly 58 to enter the locked configuration (as shown in figure 14a) in which the second portion 68 moves into a position above the shoulder 72.

[0044] Figures 4, 15a and 15b show a foot lock assembly 82 which is located at the centre of the base of the waste container 10. As with the side lock assembly 58, the foot lock assembly 82 comprises an engagement member 84 which has a first portion 86 that is attached to the main body 12. The first portion 86 is hinged by a similar resilient hinge 88 to a second portion 90. The engagement member 84 extends downwards from the main body 12 and towards the door member 14 as seen clearly in figure 15a. A pedal 92 is pivotally supported by a downwardly depending housing portion 93 defining a cavity in which a pedal 92 is pivotally disposed and held by a pin 94 which lies substantially within the plane of the door member 14. The main body 12 of the container has a corresponding recess 95 which is sized and positioned so as to receive said downwardly depending housing portion 93 of the door member 14 when the door member 14 is in the closed position. A tongue 100 projects from said housing portion 93 inwardly, towards the engagement member 84.

[0045] Figure 15a shows the foot lock assembly 82 in a locked configuration, the door member 14 being in its closed position. Whilst the lock assembly 82 is in said locked configuration, should a user attempt to lift the door member 14 from its locked position to the intermediate position, then the tongue 100 is lifted into engagement with the engagement member 84. Again, the abutment of the tongue 100 with the engagement member 84 will cause seating faces 102, 104 of the first portion 86 and second portion 90 respectively, to engage, such that the force of the abutment is transmitted through the engagement member 84 to the main body 12. As such, the door member 14 is substantially prevented from moving upwards relative to said main body 12 from said second (closed) position. As the door member 14 is prevented from entering the intermediate position, it is hence prevented from moving towards the open position.

[0046] In order to move the door member 14 to its open position via the intermediate position it is necessary to move the lock assembly 82 to an unlocked configuration as shown in figure 15b. In order to place the lock assembly in said unlocked configuration, a user may insert their foot into a recess 106 (seen best in figure 2) beneath the pedal 92. The user then uses their foot to apply an upward force to the grip portion 96 of the pedal 92, which causes the pedal 92 to pivot around pin 94 such that the actuation portion 98 moves downwards and towards the second portion 90 of the engagement member 84. The actuation portion 98 contacts the second portion 90 of the engagement member 84 and, if a great enough force is applied to the pedal by the user to overcome the biasing force of the hinge 88, the second portion 68 is moved to a retracted configuration (as shown in figure 15b) wherein the extent to which the engagement member 84 extends away from the main body 12 is reduced. With the second portion 90 of the engagement member 84 in the retracted position, if a user tries to lift the door member 14 from its second (closed) position, the tongue 100 of the door member will pass the engagement member 84 such that the door member 14 can enter said intermediate position and hence the open position.

[0047] When the door member 14 moves towards said intermediate position, the tongue 100 contacts the second portion 90 of the engagement member 84 and overcomes the biasing force of the hinge 88 so that the second portion 68 moves towards said retracted configuration. As such, the engagement member 84 does not prevent the door member occupying the intermediate position. Once in the intermediate position, the door member 14 may drop from the intermediate position to the closed position. The angle of the downward depending engagement member 64 is such that the tongue 100 rides along engagement member 64 unobstructed as the door member 14 moves towards the second position. As the door member 14 enters the second position the tongue 100 clears the second portion 90 and the biasing force of the hinge 88 causes the foot lock assembly 82 to enter the locked configuration (as shown in figure 15a) in which the second portion 90 moves into a position above the tongue 100.

[0048] It will be appreciated that although the described embodiment of the invention comprises both a foot lock assembly and side lock assembly, it is within the scope of the invention that only a single type of lock assembly be used in conjunction with an appropriate waste container.

[0049] It will be further appreciated that the structure of the engagement members may be substantially different from that shown. For example, the engagement members may not comprise a hinge portion and may instead be of single piece construction, relying on the flexibility of the material of which they are constructed. Furthermore, the engagement member may comprise separate biasing means to bias the engagement member away from the retracted position.

[0050] Although the embodiment of the invention described above relates to the invention being applied to a litter bin, the invention may be applied to any appropriate opening container with a door, no matter what it stores. For example, the container may store newspapers or the like.

[0051] It is to be appreciated that numerous modifications to the above-described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A container (10) comprising:

a main body (12) defining a chamber (16) for receipt of material and an access opening to the chamber (16);

a door member (14) mechanically linked to said main body (12) by a hinged connection (20, 21), the hinged connection having a hinge axis and permitting rotation of the door member (14) relative to the main body (12) about said hinge axis between a first position in which the access opening is open and a second position in which the access opening is closed, the hinged connection also permitting translation of the door member (14) relative to the main body (12) in a direction substantially parallel to said hinge axis to an intermediate position between the first and second positions; wherein the door member (14) may only move from the second position to the first position via the intermediate position; and

a lock assembly (58; 82), characterised in that the lock assembly comprises:

an engagement member (64; 84) having a first portion (66; 86) which is fixed to either the door member or the main body and a second portion (68; 90) moveable relative to the first portion (66; 86) between a first configuration, in which said translational movement of the door member (14) from said second position to said intermediate position is permitted, and a second configuration, in which said translational movement of the door member (14) from said second position to said intermediate position is substantially prevented; wherein said second portion (68; 90) is biased towards said second configuration; and

an actuation member (63; 98) which is contactable with said engagement member (64; 84) so as to move said second portion (68; 90) from said second configuration to said first configuration.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (66; 86) of the engagement member (64; 84) is mechanically linked to the main body (12) and wherein said translational movement of the door member (14) is substantially prevented by engagement of the second portion (68; 90) with a portion of the door member (14) or a component coupled thereto.

3. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (66; 86) of the engagement member (64; 84) is mechanically linked to the door member (14) and wherein said translational movement of the door member (14) is substantially prevented by engagement of the second portion (68; 90) with a portion of the main body (12) or a component coupled thereto.

4. A container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the actuation member (63; 98) is supported by said door member (14).

5. A container as claimed in claim 4, wherein the actuator member (63; 98) is pivotally supported by said door member (14), such that the actuation member (63; 98) may rotate relative to the door member (14) so as to contact said engagement member (64; 84).

6. A container as claimed in any one of claims I to 5, wherein the lock assembly comprises a key lock (60) that comprises said actuation member (63), whereby rotation of a key (78) within said key lock (60) effects said contact of the actuation member (63) with said engagement member (64).

7. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lock assembly comprises a foot pedal (92) that comprises an actuation portion (98) that forms said actuation member, whereby depressing or raising of the foot pedal (92) by a foot of a user effects said contact of the actuation member (98) with said engagement member (84).

8. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the engagement member (64; 84) comprises a hinge portion (70; 88) intermediate said first and second portions (66, 68; 86, 90).

9. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a force applied to said second portion (68; 90) of said engagement member (64; 84) in the direction of said first portion (66; 86), causes said first and second portions (66, 68; 86, 90) to abut and resist said force.

10. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a locking element (72, 100) for abutment with the engagement member (64, 84) in the second position so as to prevent translational movement of the door member (14) from said second position to said intermediate position.

11. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, the main body (12) additionally comprising a first engagement portion (27) and said door member additionally comprises a second engagement portion (29).

12. A container according to claim 11, wherein the at least one first engagement portion (27) comprises a first flange (38) that is elongate and extends in a direction substantially parallel to a width of the opening.

13. A container according to claim 12, wherein a first guide surface (22) is defined on the first flange (38).

14. A container according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the second engagement portion (29) comprises a second flange (40).

15. A container according to claim 14, wherein the second flange (40) depends from an inside surface of the door member (14).

16. A container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the main body (12) additionally comprises a first guide surface (22) and the door member (14) additionally comprises a second guide surface (24), the first and second guide surfaces (22, 24) being brought into contact as the door member (14) moves between the first and second positions and cooperating so as to translate said door member (14) between said first and intermediate positions respectively.

Ansprüche

1. Behälter (10), der aufweist:

einen Hauptkörper (12), der eine Kammer (16) für die Aufnahme des Materials und eine Zugangsöffnung zur Kammer (16) definiert;

ein Türelement (14), das mechanisch mit dem Hauptkörper (12) mittels einer Gelenkverbindung (20, 21) verbunden ist, wobei die Gelenkverbindung eine Gelenkachse aufweist und die Drehung des Türelementes (14) relativ zum Hauptkörper (12) um die Gelenkachse zwischen einer ersten Position, in der die Zugangsöffnung offen ist, und einer zweiten Position gestattet, in der die Zugangsöffnung geschlossen ist, wobei die Gelenkverbindung ebenfalls die translatorische Bewegung des Türelementes (14) relativ zum Hauptkörper (12) in einer Richtung im Wesentlichen parallel zur Gelenkachse in eine Zwischenposition zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Position gestattet; wobei sich das Türelement (14) nur von der zweiten Position in die erste Position über die Zwischenposition bewegen kann; und

eine Verriegelungsanordnung (58; 82), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verriegelungsanordnung aufweist:

ein Eingriffselement (64; 84), das einen ersten Abschnitt (66; 86), der an entweder dem Türelement oder dem Hauptkörper befestigt ist, und einen zweiten Abschnitt (68; 90) aufweist, der relativ zum ersten Abschnitt (66; 86) zwischen einer ersten Konfiguration, in der die translatorische Bewegung des Türelementes (14) von der zweiten Position in die Zwischenposition gestattet wird, und einer zweiten Konfiguration beweglich ist, in der die translatorische Bewegung des Türelementes (14) von der zweiten Position in die Zwischenposition im Wesentlichen verhindert wird; wobei der zweite Abschnitt (68; 90) in Richtung der zweiten Konfiguration vorgespannt wird; und

ein Betätigungselement (63; 98), das mit dem Eingriffselement (64; 84) kontaktiert werden kann, um so den zweiten Abschnitt (68; 90) aus der zweiten Konfiguration in die erste Konfiguration zu bewegen.

2. Behälter nach Anspruch 1, bei dem der erste Abschnitt (66; 86) des Eingriffselementes (64; 84) mechanisch mit dem Hauptkörper (12) verbunden ist, und wobei die translatorische Bewegung des Türelementes (14) im Wesentlichen durch einen Eingriff des zweiten Abschnittes (68; 90) mit einem Abschnitt des Türelementes (14) oder einem damit verbundenen Bauteil verhindert wird.

3. Behälter nach Anspruch 1, bei dem der erste Abschnitt (66; 86) des Eingriffselementes (64; 84) mechanisch mit dem Türelement (14) verbunden ist, und wobei die translatorische Bewegung des Türelementes (14) im Wesentlichen durch einen Eingriff des zweiten Abschnittes (68; 90) mit einem Abschnitt des Hauptkörpers (12) oder einem damit verbundenen Bauteil verhindert wird.

4. Behälter nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, bei dem das Betätigungselement (63; 98) durch das Türelement (14) gestützt wird.

5. Behälter nach Anspruch 4, bei dem das Betätigungselement (63; 98) drehbar durch das Türelement (14) gestützt wird, so dass sich das Betätigungselement (63; 98) relativ zum Türelement (14) drehen kann, um so das Eingriffselement (64; 84) zu kontaktieren.

6. Behälter nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, bei dem die Verriegelungsanordnung eine Schlüsselverriegelung (60) aufweist, die das Betätigungselement (63) aufweist, wobei die Drehung eines Schlüssels (78) innerhalb der Schlüsselverriegelung (60) den Kontakt des Betätigungselementes (63) mit dem Eingriffselement (64) bewirkt.

7. Behälter nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, bei dem die Verriegelungsanordnung ein Fußpedal (92) aufweist, das einen Betätigungsabschnitt (98) aufweist, der das Betätigungselement bildet, wobei das Niederdrücken oder Anheben des Fußpedals (92) mittels eines Fußes eines Benutzers den Kontakt des Betätigungselementes (98) mit dem Eingriffselement (84) bewirkt.

8. Behälter nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, bei dem das Eingriffselement (64; 84) einen Gelenkabschnitt (70; 88) zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Abschnitt (66, 68; 86, 90) aufweist.

9. Behälter nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, bei dem eine Kraft, die am zweiten Abschnitt (68; 90) des Eingriffselementes (64; 84) in der Richtung des ersten Abschnittes (66; 86) angewandt wird, bewirkt, dass der erste und der zweite Abschnitt (66, 68; 86, 90) aneinander stoßen und der Kraft einen Widerstand entgegensetzen.

10. Behälter nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, der außerdem ein Verriegelungselement (72, 100) für ein Anstoßen an das Eingriffselement (64, 84) in der zweiten Position aufweist, um so die translatorische Bewegung des Türelementes (14) von der zweiten Position in die Zwischenposition zu verhindern.

11. Behälter nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, bei dem der Hauptkörper (12) zusätzlich einen ersten Eingriffsabschnitt (27) und das Türelement zusätzlich einen zweiten Eingriffsabschnitt (29) aufweisen.

12. Behälter nach Anspruch 11, bei dem der mindestens eine erste Eingriffsabschnitt (27) einen ersten Flansch (38) aufweist, der länglich ist und sich in einer Richtung im Wesentlichen parallel zu einer Breite der Öffnung erstreckt.

13. Behälter nach Anspruch 12, bei dem eine erste Führungsfläche (22) auf dem ersten Flansch (38) definiert wird.

14. Behälter nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 13, bei dem der zweite Eingriffsabschnitt (29) einen zweiten Flansch (40) aufweist.

15. Behälter nach Anspruch 14, bei dem der zweite Flansch (40) von einer Innenfläche des Türelementes (14) herabhängt.

16. Behälter nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 15, bei dem der Hauptkörper (12) zusätzlich eine erste Führungsfläche (22) und das Türelement (14) zusätzlich eine zweite Führungsfläche (24) aufweisen, wobei die erste und die zweite Führungsfläche (22, 24) in Kontakt gebracht werden, während sich das Türelement (14) zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Position bewegt, und zusammenwirken, um so das Türelement (14) translatorisch jeweils zwischen der ersten und der Zwischenposition zu bewegen.

Revendications

1. Conteneur (10), comprenant :

un corps principal (12) définissant une chambre (16) pour recevoir du matériau et une ouverture d'accès vers la chambre (16) ;

un élément de porte (14), relié mécaniquement audit corps principal (12) par une connexion articulée (20, 21), le connexion articulée comportant un axe d'articulation et permettant la rotation de l'élément de porte (14) par rapport au corps principal (12) autour dudit axe d'articulation entre une première position, dans laquelle l'ouverture d'accès est ouverte, et une deuxième position, dans laquelle l'ouverture d'accès est fermée, la connexion articulée permettant en outre la translation de l'élément de porte (14) par rapport au corps principal (12) dans une direction essentiellement parallèle audit axe d'articulation vers une position intermédiaire entre le première et deuxième positons, dans lequel l'élément de porte (14) peut uniquement se déplacer de la deuxième position vers la première position à travers la position intermédiaire ; et

un assemblage de verrouillage (58 ; 82), caractérisé en ce que l'assemblage de verrouillage comprend :

un élément d'engagement (64 ; 84), comportant une première partie (66 ; 86) fixée sur l'élément de porte ou sur le corps principal, et une deuxième partie (68 ; 90), pouvant être déplacée par rapport à la première partie (66 ; 86) entre une première configuration, dans laquelle ledit déplacement par translation de l'élément de porte (14) de ladite deuxième position vers la position intermédiaire est autorisé, et une deuxième configuration, dans laquelle ledit déplacement par translation de l'élément de porte (14) de ladite deuxième position vers ladite position intermédiaire est pour l'essentiel empêché ; dans lequel ladite deuxième partie (68 ; 90) est poussée vers ladite deuxième configuration ; et

un élément d'actionnement (63 ; 98), pouvant être contacté par ledit élément d'engagement (64 ; 84), de sorte à déplacer ladite deuxième partie (68 ; 90) de ladite deuxième configuration vers ladite première configuration.

2. Conteneur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première partie (66 ; 86) de l'élément d'engagement (64 ; 84) est reliée mécaniquement au corps principal (12), et dans lequel ledit déplacement par translation de l'élément de porte (14) est pour l'essentiel empêché par l'engagement de la deuxième partie (68 ; 90) dans une partie de l'élément de porte (14) ou dans un composant qui y est accouplé.

3. Conteneur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première partie (66 ; 86) de l'élément d'engagement (64 ; 84) est reliée mécaniquement à l'élément de porte (14), et dans lequel ledit déplacement par translation de l'élément de porte (14) est pour l'essentiel empêché par l'engagement de la deuxième partie (68 ; 90) dans une partie du corps principal (12) ou dans un composant qui y est accouplé.

4. Conteneur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel l'élément d'actionnement (63 ; 98) est supporté par ledit élément de porte (14).

5. Conteneur selon la revendication 4, dans lequel l'élément d'actionnement (63 ; 98) est supporté de manière pivotante par ledit élément de porte (14), de sorte que l'élément d'actionnement (63 ; 98) peut tourner par rapport à l'élément de porte (14) afin de contacter ledit élément d'engagement (64 ; 84).

6. Conteneur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel l'assemblage de verrouillage comprend une serrure (60) comprenant ledit élément d'actionnement (63), la rotation d'une clé (78) dans ladite serrure (60) entraînant ledit contact de l'élément d'actionnement (63) avec ledit élément d'engagement (64).

7. Conteneur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel l'assemblage de verrouillage comprend une pédale à pied (92) comprenant une partie d'actionnement (98) formant ledit élément d'actionnement, l'enfoncement ou le soulèvement de la pédale à pied (92) par le pied d'un utilisateur entraînant ledit contact de l'élément d'actionnement (98) avec ledit élément d'engagement (84).

8. Conteneur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, dans lequel l'élément d'engagement (64 ; 84) comprend une partie d'articulation (70 ; 88) entre lesdites première et deuxième parties (66, 68 ; 86, 90).

9. Conteneur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, dans lequel une force appliquée à ladite deuxième partie (68 ; 90) dudit élément d'engagement (64 ; 84) dans la direction de ladite première partie (66 ; 86) entraîne la butée desdites première et deuxième parties (66, 68 ; 86, 90) et leur résistance à ladite force.

10. Conteneur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9, comprenant en outre un élément de verrouillage (72, 100) destiné à buter contre l'élément d'engagement (64, 84) dans la deuxième position, de sorte à empêcher le déplacement par translation de l'élément de porte (14) de ladite deuxième partie vers ladite position intermédiaire.

11. Conteneur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, dans lequel le corps principal (12) comprend en plus une première partie d'engagement (27), ledit élément de porte comprenant en plus une deuxième partie d'engagement (29).

12. Conteneur selon la revendication 11, dans lequel ladite au moins une première partie d'engagement (27) comprend une première bride (38) allongée qui s'étend dans une direction essentiellement parallèle à une largeur de l'ouverture.

13. Conteneur selon la revendication 12, dans lequel une première surface de guidage (22) est définie sur la première bride (38).

14. Conteneur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 13, dans lequel la deuxième partie d'engagement (29) comprend une deuxième bride (40).

15. Conteneur selon la revendication 14, dans lequel la deuxième bride (40) s'étend à partir d'une surface interne de l'élément de porte (14).

16. Conteneur selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 15, dans lequel le corps principal (12) comprend en plus une première surface de guidage (22), l'élément de porte (14) comprenant en plus une deuxième surface de guidage (24), les première et deuxième surfaces de guidage (22, 24) étant mises en contact lorsque l'élément de porte (14) se déplace entre les première et deuxième positions, et coopérant de sorte à entraîner la translation dudit élément de porte (14) respectivement entre ladite première position et ladite position intermédiaire.

Drawing