GB2224922A - Waste receptacle - Google Patents

Abstract

A waste receptacle (10) comprises a bin (12) and a cover (14) having a hinged flap (16). The flap (16) when pushed inwards contacts a microswitch (18) inside the cover (14) which actuates a battery operated microprocessor unit (20) programmed to emit sound, such as singing, talking, whistling or eating noises via a loudspeaker (22). <IMAGE>

Description

Title: Waste receptacle DESCRIPTION This invention concerns waste receptacles and, in particularly but not exclusively, waste bins of the type having a lid.

There is much concern about litter in the streets and other public places and in spite of increased provision of waste receptacles the problem of litter does not appear to be reducing. It may be that providing waste receptacles that have an attraction might be useful in increasing their use.

An object of this invention is to provide a waste receptacle having an attraction to potential users thereof.

According to this invention there is provided a waste receptacle that emits sound during deposition of an article therein, after such deposition or automatically at predetermined or random intervals.

The sound that is emitted may be anythin that may be attractive to a potential user of T'nc receptacle, examples including music, speech, singing, whistling and eating noises. The sound may be produced mechanically, electrically or electronically,ectronic sound production based on a microprocessor unit is preferred, although mechanical sound production of the type used in dolls, wherein tipping or rocking of the doll produces a sound, may be used.

In one preferred embodiment sound production is triggered by switch means. The switch means may be linked to a lid or flap for the waste receptacle so that opening or pivotting of the lid acts on the switch to actuate the sound production. Alternatively the switch could be linked to a foot pedal or handle that opens or pivots the lid.

A further alternative may be to have switch means that includes sensing means for detecting movement of the lid or flap or passage of an object being deposited in the waste receptacle. Sensing may involve disturbance of a radiation beam such as of light or infra-red radiation.

It will probably be most convenient for soun product ion to be battery operated rather than mains operated due to the likely remote location of some waste receptacles and for safety reasons.

Automatic sound emission is another possibilit- either at predetermined intervals or at ransom intervals say to alert passers-by of the need to deposit litter in a waste receptacle rather than on the floor. Remote control sound emission is yet a further possibility.

The waste receptacle of the invention may be provided in many forms and with a variety of sounds for different purposes for example, to encourage people to use litter bins in public places, they may be arranged to say randomly or at predetermined intervals a "keep Britain tidy" message or upon deposition of litter a "thank you" message. The latter may also be useful in educating children in the use of litter bins.

The waste bins of the present invention may be used as novelty items. For example, a bin for use in say a kitchen could emit an eating sound when used or a bin for use in say a bedroom could emit "wolf whistles" when used.

It is feasible to arrange for waste bins of the invention to have interchangeable sounds, say by having the sounds recorded on a tape or a microprocessor board that is replaceable.

Waste receptacles of the invention may be used as attractive features in many public places including shopping malls or arcades, restaurants, cafes. bus and railway stations, factories and offices as well as in the home.

This invention will now further described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows a typical waste receptacle.

Referring to the accompanying drawing a waste receptacle 10 comprises a bin 12 and a cover 14 having a hinged flap 16 which must be pushed inwards to deposit objects in the bin.

The flap 16 when pushed inwards contacts a microswitch 18 inside the cover 14 which actuates a battery operated microprocessor unit 20 programmed to emit sound, such as singing, talking, whistling or eating noises, via a loud speaker 22 also inside the cover 14.

Claims (12)

1. A waste receptacle having sound emitting means that emits sound during deposition of an article in the receptacle, after such deposition or automatically at predetermined or random intervals.

2. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sound is produced mechanically.

3. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sound is produced electrically.

4. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sound is produced electronically.

5. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 4, wherein sound production is provided via a microprocessor unit.

6. A waste receptacle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein sound production is triggered by switch means.

7. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the switch means is linked to a flap or;lid for the waste receptacle, wherein opening or closing or pivotting of the lid or flap operates the switch means.

8. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the switch means is linked to a foot pedal or handle that opens or pivots the lid or flap.

9. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 6, wherein said switch means includes sensing means for detecting movement of the lid or flap or passage of an object being deposited in the waste receptacle.

10. A waste receptacle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the sensing means detects disturbance of a radiation beam.

11. A waste receptacle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein sound emission is controlled remotely.

12. A waste receptacle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.