GB2203326A - A refuse bag holder - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a bin (1) for supporting a refuse bag (2) of plastics material. The bin (1) comprises a housing (3) having a base, front, rear and side walls (5, 6 and 7), the upper portion (9) of which define an open mouth (10). A lid (12) operable by a foot pedal (17) closes the open mouth (10). A pair of sealing dies (30, 31) are provided for sealing the open end (58) of the bag (2) when it is full. The die (30) is heated and is mounted on the top edge (9) of the rear panel (6). The die (31) forms a pressure plate and is provided on the lid (12), so that when the lid (12) is closed, the dies (30, 31) are brought together to seal the open end (58) of a bag (2) sandwiched therebetween. <IMAGE>

Description

A REFUSE BAG HOLDER The present invention relates to a refuse bag holder, and in particular though not limited to a holder of the type normally referred to as a refuse bin in which a bag of plastics material to receive the refuse is mounted.

In general, such bins comprise a housing with an open mouth defined by an upper peripheral portion of the bin. The plastics refuse bag is mounted within the housing and the periphery of the open end of the bag is normally folded over the upper peripheral portion of the housing so that the bag is supported within the housing with its open end open. A lid, usually operated by a foot pedal, closes the open mouth of the housing and the refuse bag. Alternatively, the housing may be replaced by an upper frame-, which defines an open mouth to receive a refuse bag of plastics material, the frame is normally supported on an upstanding column extending from a base. The frame forms a support for the refuse bag and the bag is supported in the frame with its open end open and folded over the periphery of the frame.Usually a lid which may be operated by a foot pedal is provided to close the open mouth formed by the frame and the bag. When the refuse bag is full, it has to be removed from the bin and transported to a refuse collection area.

In general, the bags are removed from the bin and subsequently tied with a string or alternatively the top portion of the bag is knotted to seal the bag.

However, this causes considerable hygiene problems.

Firstly, as the refuse bag is being removed from the bin, pieces of refuse very often spill from the bag.

This is particularly unhygenic and causes considerable problems in areas where hygiene is of importance, such as, for example, food kitchens, hospitals and the like. Thus, where a bag is not sealed and transported to a main refuse collecting area, pieces of refuse may spill from the bag while it is being transported with consequential hygiene problems A further problem with refuse bins is that very often the interior of the housing of such bins tends to become soiled from refuse which may spill from the refuse bag into the interior of the housing. This can cause hygiene problems. Furthermore, it leads to considerable inconvenience, in that it is relatively difficul-t to clean the interior of such bins, particularly where the bin is of a relatively large size to accommodate some of the larger type refuse bags.

There is therefore a need for a refuse bin and indeed a refuse bag holder which overcomes the problems of known refuse bins and bag holders.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a bin and bag holder.

According to the invention, there is provided a refuse bag holder for supporting a refuse bag to receive refuse, and sealing means mounted on the holder for sealing the open end of the refuse bag.

In one embodiment of the invention, the holder comprises an upper peripheral portion defining an open mouth to receive a refuse bag.

In another embodiment of the invention, the sealing means is provided by a pair of heat sealing dies movable together to sandwich portion of the refuse bag therebetween, one die being heated and the other die forming a pressure plate. Preferably, each die is provided by an elongated member. Advantageously, the heated die is heated by an electrical heating element.

In another embodiment of the invention, switch means are provided to switch on and off a power supply to the heating element, the switch means being responsive to the two dies being brought together.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a lid is provided to close the open mouth of the holder, the lid being pivotally mounted adjacent the upper peripheral portion, one die being mounted on the lid and the other being mounted on the upper peripheral portion adjacent the open mouth. Preferably, the die mounted on the upper peripheral portion of the holder releasably engages the said peripheral portion and is movable to a position disengaged from the upper peripheral portion. Preferably, the heated die is mounted on the upper peripheral portion.

In another embodiment of the invention, the holder comprises a housing extending downwardly from the upper peripheral portion, the housing defining an interior to receive a refuse bag.

Alternatively, the holder comprises a frame which forms the upper peripheral portion and defines the open mouth.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a lining member is provided for lining the interior of the housing, the lining member being releasably mounted in the housing.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refuse bin according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a detail of the bin of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is an underneath perspective view of another detail of the bin of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of portion of the bin of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a detail of the bin of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the bin of Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is another perspective view of the portion of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is a sectional view of portion of the bin of Fig. 1, Fig. 9 is a cut-away rear perspective view of portion of the bin of Fig. 1, and Fig. 10 is a cut-away rear-erspective view of portion of a bin according to another embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 9, there is illustrated a refuse bag holder, namely a bin according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for supporting a refuse bag 2.

In this case, the refuse bag is of a plastics material and is of a relatively large size of the type which is normally made from a heavy duty plastics material, black in colour. The bin 1 comprises a housing 3 having a base 4 with upstanding front and rear walls 5 and 6 respectively, joined by a side wall 7, all of sheet metal material, which form an interior 8 for receiving the refuse bag 2. An upper peripheral portion 9 is formed by the top edges of the front, rear and side walls 5, 6 and 7, which form an open mouth 10 to receive and support the refuse bag 2, as will be described below. A lid 12 pivotal on support brackets 14 closes the open mouth 10. U-shaped brackets 15 mounted on the lid 12 carry pivot pins 16 which pivotally engage the brackets 14.A foot pedal 17 formed by a cranked member 18 of tubular steel is pivotally mounted on a pivot shaft 19 supported on a bracket 20 mounted on the base 4, see Fig. 3. A connecting rod 21 connects the pedal 17 to the lid 12 for opening and closing the lid. A lower cranked portion 22 of the rod 21 pivotally engages a bore 23 of the cranked member 18. The connecting rod 21 extends through an eye 24 of an eye bracket 25 which is mounted on the rear wall 6 and engages a U-shaped bracket 26 on the lid 12 by means of a pivot pin 27.

Slots 28 in the front and rear walls 5 and 6 accommodate the cranked member 18.

A sealing means to seal the open end of the refuse bag 2 is provided by a pair of heat sealing dies 30 and 31 having sealing surfaces 32 and 33 respectively. The die 30 is a heated die, while the die 31 effectively acts as a pressure plate. The heated die 30 is releasably mounted on the top edge of the rear wall 6 as will be described below, while the die 31 is mounted on the lid 12. The die 31 is formed a strip of resilient material, in this case synthetic rubber 34 which is bonded to the lid 12. A strip of woven teflon 36 is secured to the sealing surface 33 of the die 31 to prevent the plastics material of the bag 2 sticking to the die 31. The heated die 30 comprises an elongated channel member 39 of sheet metal. A strip of heat and electrically insulating material 40 is mounted on the channel member 39. An electrical heated element, namely a heating wire 41 extends over the insulating material 40. A strip of woven teflon material 43 is provided over the heating wire 41 and is secured to the sides of the channel member 39. The teflon prevents the plastics material of the refuse bag sticking to the sealing surface 32. An elongated bracket 44 of sheet metal welded to the channel member 39 releasably engages the top edge of the rear wall 6 as is illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8. In this position, when the lid 12 is closed, the dies 30 and 31 are brought together for sealing. When not required, the heated die 30 is disengaged from the top edge of the rear wall 6 and rests on the support brackets 14 which form supports for the channel member 39, see Figs. 2 and 6.

Guide means provided by a guide rod 45 act to guide the heated die 30 from the position illustrated in Fig. 7 to the disengaged position on the support brackets 14 as illustrated in Fig. 2. The guide rod 45 extends from the channel member 39 and slidably engages a pair of holes 46 in a bracket 47 spot welded to the rear wall 6, see Fig. 9. Biasing means provided by a compression spring 48 on the guide rod 45 acts between the bracket 47 and a stop member 49 on the end of the guide rod 45 to bias the heated die 30 into engagement with the top edge of the rear wall 6 and against the brackets 14. A pair of sidewardly extending members 50 form finger grips for raising and lowering the heated die 30.

Switch means provided by a plunger operated switch 51 mounted on the channel member 39 switches on and off the power supply to the heating wire 41. A plunger 52 of the switch 51 extends through an opening 53 in the channel member 39 to engage the die 31 when the dies 30 and 31 are brought together. Accordingly, on the plunger 52 being depressed by the die 31, the switch is activated, thereby delivering power to the wire 41.

On disengagement of the plunger 52 by the heated die 31, the switch 51 is switched off.

An electrical control box 5 is mounted on the rear wall 6 of the housing 3. The electrical control box comprises appropriate electrical circuitry to control the heated element 30. A transformer (not shown) is provided in the control box 55 to step mains voltage down to a suitable working voltage, which in this case is 12 volts. A timer (not shown) is also provided in the control box 55 to time the period for which the heating wire 41 remains on after it has been activated by the switch 51 to avoid melting of the plastics material of the refuse bag. In this case, the timer is timed to switch off the heating element 41 after five seconds. Needless to say, any other desired times could be selected. A cable 56 connect the switch 51 with the control circuitry in the control box 55 and a cable 57 delivers power to the heating wire 41.

In use, an empty refuse bag 2 is placed in the interior 8 of the housing 3. The periphery 58 (see Fig. 4) of the open end of the bag 2 is secured around the periphery 9 of the open mouth 10 of the housing 3 by folding the periphery 58 over the exterior of the housing 3 adjacent the open mouth 10. When the refuse bag 2 is full and it is desired to seal the bag, the peripheral portion 58 of the bag is disengaged from the periphery 9 of the open mouth 10. The heating element 30 is raised from the support brackets 14, and engaged on the top edge of the rear wall 6 with the bracket 44 engaging the top edge of the rear wall 6.

This is achieved by gripping the two finger grips 50 and raising the heating die 30. The peripheral portion 58 of the refuse bag 2 is placed over the heating die 30 (see Figs. 7 and 8) and the lid 12 is closed so that the peripheral portion 58 of the bag 2 is sandwiched between the dies 30 and 31. This activates the switch 51, thereby delivering power to the wire 41 and the bag is sealed. Power is switched off to tbe heating wire 41 when the lid 12 is raised, or alternatively after the timer (not shown) in the control box 55 has timed out, whichever is sooner.

The sealed bag 2 is removed from the bin 1. The heated element 30 is disengaged from the top edge of the rear wall 6 and returned to its disengaged position on the support brackets 14. A fresh refuse bag 2 is then placed in the interior 8 of the housing 3.

Referring now to Fig.10 there is illustrated a bin indicated generally by the reference numeral 60 according according to another embodiment of the invention. The bin 60 is substantially similar to the bin 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9, and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. In this cas, a lining member 61 is provided for lining the interior 8 of the housing 3. The lining member 61 comprises front, rear and side walls 62, 63 and 64 respectively, and a base 65 of heavy gauge plastics material. The panels 62 to 64 and base 65 are joined by heat welded seals. The dimensions of the walls 62 to 64 and base 65 are such that the lining member 61 substantially defines the interior 8 of the housing 2.A clamping member 66 provided by an elongated channel member clamp the front, rear and side walls 62 to 64 to the front, rear and side walls 5 to 7 of the housing. A top portion 67 of the lining member 61 is folded over the upper peripheral portion 9 of the housing 3 beneath the clamping member 66. Accordingly, should refuse spill from the bag 2 into the lining member 61, by virtue of the fact that the lining member is of plastics material, the interior of the member can be wiped clean readily easily. Should the interior of the lining member 61 become so soiled that it is impossible to clean it, then the lining member 61 may be replaced with a fresh lining member. The clamping members 66 are removed, thereby permitting the lining member 61 to be removed and replaced with a fresh lining member, which is in turn clamped in position by the clamping member 66.

Operation of this bin 60 is similar to the bin 1. A refuse bag is placed in the interior of the lining member 61 and the periphery of the open end of the bag is folded over the clamping member 66. Sealing of the bag is achieved in similar fashion to that described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9.

It will be appreciated that while the bin has been described as comprising a housing, a housing is not essential. In fact, in certain cases, it is envisaged that a frame may be provided which would define an open mouth for receiving and supporting the refuse bag. The frame would of substantially similar size and shape to the rim of the open mouth 10 of the housing 3, and would in general be supported on an upstanding column extending from a base.

Alternatively, the frame may be adapted for mounting to a wall. In general, it is envisaged that a lid would be provided to close the open mouth formed by the frame.

Additionally, it will of course be appreciated that while it is preferable, it is not necessary to provide a lid for the bin. It will be appreciated that where a lid is not provided, other suitable carrier means for carrying one of the sealing dies would be provided.

It will of course be appreciated that while the sealing means in these particular embodiments of the invention has been described as being provided by a pair of elongated members, any other suitable sealing means could be used without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, relatively short dies could be used.

It will also be appreciated that the heated die may be heated by any other power source other than electrical power, for example, gas power or the like. In fact, where the heated die is heated by gas power, it is envisaged that a catalytic converter would be used.

Needless to say, the dies could be movable apart relative to each other by any other suitable means.

It will also, of course, be appreciated that it is not necessary for the heated die to be releasably mounted to the housing. It could be fixedly mounted to the housing. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the heated die may be mounted on the lid and the pressure plate die may be mounted on the housing.

Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the sealing means may be mounted remote of the open mouth of the bin in any other suitable location adjacent the housing.

Further, it will be appreciated that where the sealing die is movable relative to the upper peripheral portion of the housing, any other suitable support arrangement could be provided for supporting the die spaced apart from the open mouth of the housing.

It is also envisaged in certain cases that sealing means other than heated sealing means may be provided, for example, it is envisagd that in certain cases the sealing means may comprise a dispenser of sealing tape or twine or any other suitable sealing arrangement for sealing a refuse bag.

While the lid has been described as being operable by a foot pedal, while this is advantageous, it is not necessary.

It will also be appreciated that other suitable guide means for guiding the die besides a guide rod could be used. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that a guide means may be dispensed with, in which case, it is envisaged that the die could be connected to a suitable bracket on the rear wall by a tension spring.

It is also envisaged in certain cases that ground engaging wheels may be provided on the bin.

While the refuse bag has been illustrated placed in the bin with its peripheral edge 58 folded over the upper peripheral portion of the bin, while this is preferably, it is not essential. The bag may merely be placed in the interior of the bin with its open ended portion unsupported.

While the pressure plate die has been described as being formed of a resilient member, while this is preferable, it is not necessary. Indeed, it is envisaged in certain cases that the lid may form the pressure plate die. However, where the lid is used to form the pressure plate die, it is preferable that portion of the lid forming the die should be covered with a non-stick medium, such as teflon or woven teflon. Needless to say, while the dies have been described as being covered with teflon, any other non-stick medium could be used.

Claims (34)

1. A refuse bag holder for supporting a refuse bag to receive refuse, and sealing means mounted on the holder for sealing the open end of the refuse bag.

2. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 1 in which the holder comprises an upper peripheral portion defining an open mouth to receive a refuse bag.

3. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the sealing means is provided by a pair of heat sealing dies movable together to sandwich portion of the refuse bag therebetween, one die being heated and the other die forming a pressure plate.

4. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 3 in which each die is provided by an elongated member.

5. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 3 or 4 in which the heated die is heated by an electrical heating element.

6. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 5 in which switch means are provided to switch on and off a power supply to the heating element, the switch means being responsive to the two dies being brought together.

7. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 6 in which the switch means is operable by a plunger, the plunger being slidably mounted on the heated die and engagable with the other die.

8. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 7 in which the heated die has a sealing surface, and a sheet of Teflon material is provided over the sealing surface.

9. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 8 in which the pressure plate die is of a resilient material having a sealing surface, and a sheet of Teflon material is provided over the sealing surface.

10. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 9 in which a lid is provided to close the open mouth of the holder, the lid being pivotally mounted adjacent the upper peripheral portion, one die being mounted on the lid and the other being mounted on the upper peripheral portion adjacent the open mouth.

11. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 10 in which the die mounted on the upper peripheral portion of the holder releasably engages the said peripheral portion and is movable to a position disengaged from the upper peripheral portion.

12. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 10 or 11 in which the heated die is mounted on the upper peripheral portion.

13. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 12 in which at least one bracket is provided to retain the heated die in the disengaged position.

14. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 13 in which biasing means are provided to bias the heated die into engagement with the upper peripheral portion.

15. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 11 to 14 when dependent on Claim 11 in which guide means are provided to guide the heated die from the position engaging the upper peripheral portion of the holder to the disengaged position.

16. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 15 in which the guide means is provided by a guide rod extending from the heated die and slidably engaging a bracket mounted adjacent the upper peripheral portion.

17. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 10 to 16 in which a foot pedal is provided to open and close the lid.

18. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 17 in which the holder comprises a housing extending downwardly from the upper peripheral portion, the housing defining an interior to receive a refuse bag.

19. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 18 in which the housing comprises front and rear walls joined by a pair of spaced apart side walls, the upper portions of the walls forming the upper peripheral portion which defines the open mouth.

20. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 19 in which a base member extends between the front, rear and side walls.

21. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 19 or 20 when dependent on Claim 10 in which the lid is pivotally mounted on a pair of support brackets extending from the rear wall.

22. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 21 in which the support brackets support the heated die in the disengaged position.

23. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 19 to 22 in which the heated die is releasably engagable with the upper edge of the rear wall.

24. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 23 when dependent on Claim 6 in which timing means are provided to time the time period during which power is delivered to the heated die, the timing means being responsive to the switch means being activated.

25. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 3 to 24 in which temperature control means are provided to control the temperature to which the heated die is heated.

26. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 18 to 25 when dependent on Claim 18 in which a lining member is provided for lining the interior of the housing, the lining member being releasablymounted in the housing.

27. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 26 in which clamping means are provided to secure the lining member to the housing.

28. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 27 in which the clamping means are provided around the upper peripheral portion defining the open mouth.

29. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 17 in which the holder comprises a frame which forms the upper peripheral portion and defines the open mouth.

30. A refuse bag holder as claimed in Claim 29 in which the frame is supported on an upstanding column extending upwardly from a base member.

31. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any preceding claim in which the holder is adapted to receive a refuse bag of plastics material.

32. A refuse bag holder as claimed in any preceding claims in which the refuse bag holder is a refuse bin.

33. A refuse bag holder substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.

34. A refuse bag holder substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Fig. 10 of the accompanying drawings.