WO2017139855A1

WO2017139855A1 - Waste collection device

Info

Publication number: WO2017139855A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/050146
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter CEGLINSKI
Original assignee: Seabin Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-02-18
Filing date: 2017-02-17
Publication date: 2017-08-24

Abstract

A waste collection device (10) comprising a receptacle (12) having an open upper end for collecting waste from adjacent a surface of a body of water. An upper rim (14) is provided around the open upper end of the receptacle and an outlet (38) is provided for pumping water outwardly from the receptacle. The waste collection device is provided with buoyancy such that the upper rim (14) floats adjacent the surface of the water and the upper rim (14) includes one or more recesses (22) extending downwardly into the upper rim (14) from an upper surface thereof. The recesses (22) allow water to flow inwardly into the receptacle (12), thereby capturing waste floating adjacent the surface of the body of water.

Description

"Waste Collection Device"

Field of the Invention

[001 ] The present invention relates to a device for collection of waste from bodies of water.

Background to the Invention

[002] The amount of waste which finds its way into lakes, rivers and the oceans has become a significant environmental problem. The present invention relates to a device to be deployed within such bodies of water in order to collect floating waste for proper disposal.

Summary of the Invention

[003] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a waste collection device comprising:

a receptacle having an open upper end for collecting waste from adjacent a surface of a body of water;

an upper rim provided around the open upper end of the receptacle; and an outlet in the receptacle from which water may be pumped outwardly from the receptacle;

wherein the receptacle is provided with buoyancy such that the upper rim floats adjacent the surface of the water and the upper rim includes one or more recesses extending downwardly into the upper rim from an upper surface thereof, the recesses being provided to allow water to flow inwardly into the receptacle, thereby capturing waste floating adjacent the surface of the body of water.

[004] Preferably the buoyancy is provided by a buoyant material within the upper rim. [005] Preferably a basket unit is provided within the receptacle to capture waste.

[006] Preferably the basket unit is located within the receptacle adjacent an inner wall thereof and comprises a cylindrical open topped basket formed of a mesh material such that water may pass through the basket.

[007] Preferably the basket unit comprises a frame and a basket, the frame comprising an upper ring and a float such that the float is provided to cause the basket unit to move upwardly in the receptacle such that the upper ring restricts entry of water into the receptacle.

[008] In one embodiment, the upper ring comprises a cylindrical member supported above an annular float by a plurality of support members.

[009] In a further embodiment, the frame is formed by a cylindrical member such that the upper end of the cylindrical member forms the upper ring and the float is formed by the body of the cylindrical member.

[010] Preferably the cylindrical member comprises inner and outer cylindrical walls such that a cavity is formed between the inner and outer cylindrical walls.

[01 1 ] In a further embodiment, the basket and the frame are integrally formed as a single unit.

[012] Preferably the basket unit includes a handle provided such that the basket may be grasped by the handle and removed to empty waste from within the basket.

[013] Preferably a ledge is provided adjacent the upper end of the basket unit and the open upper end of the basket includes a ring such that, in use, the ring rests on the ledge.

[014] Preferably a ballast chamber is provided being fillable to adjust the overall buoyancy of the waste collection device. [015] In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle is provided with an outer wall and an inner wall such that the ballast chamber is defined between the outer and inner walls.

[016] Preferably the outer wall is provided with one or more ports for filling the ballast chamber.

[017] In one embodiment, the outlet extends between lower portions of the inner and outer walls generally on a central longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

[018] In one embodiment, the upper rim extends transversely away from the upper end of the receptacle.

[019] In one embodiment, each of the recesses extends downwardly through the full height of the upper rim such that the recesses comprise cutaway portions of the upper rim.

[020] In a further embodiment, each of the recesses extends from an upper surface of the upper rim part way toward a lower edge of the upper rim

[021 ] In one embodiment, a pump is provided comprising an internal pump located within the outlet.

[022] In a further embodiment, a pump is provided comprising an external pump located remotely and connected to the outlet via a conduit.

[023] Preferably the outlet is provided also with a one-way valve to prevent water flowing inwardly into the interior of the receptacle.

[024] In one embodiment, the waste collection device is fixed to an external object.

[025] Preferably the fixing comprises a rail secured vertically to the object and wherein first and second holes are provided on the waste collection device such that the rail passes through both the first and second holes and the waste collection device is thereby free to slide upwardly and downwardly. [026] In a further embodiment, an anchor cable is provided to anchor the waste collection device to the seabed.

[027] In one embodiment, a winch is provided in connection with the anchor cable to retract the cable and thereby submerge the waste collection device during unfavourable weather conditions.

[028] In a further embodiment, the waste collection device is integrally formed with a floating body having upper and lower surfaces and vertical side surfaces such that the receptacle is located adjacent one of the side surfaces and the recess is formed in said side surface.

[029] In one embodiment, the floating body comprises a platform and the receptacle is formed by a downward opening into the upper surface of the platform, which is covered by a removable cover.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[030] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[031 ] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a waste collection device in accordance with the present invention;

[032] Figure 2a is an exploded view of a basket unit of the waste collection device of Figure 1 ;

[033] Figure 2b is a side cross sectional view of the basket unit of Figure 2a;

[034] Figure 3 is a side cross sectional view of the waste collection device of Figure 1 ;

[035] Figure 4a is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a basket unit for use with the waste collection device of Figure 1 ;

[036] Figure 4b is a side cross sectional view of the basket unit of Figure 4a;

[037] Figure 5 is a view of a further embodiment of a basket unit for use with the waste collection device; [038] Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of a second embodiment of a waste collection device in accordance with the present invention;

[039] Figure 7 is a side cross sectional view of the waste collection device of Figure 6;

[040] Figure 8a is a side cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a waste collection device in accordance with the present invention

[041 ] Figure 8b is an upper perspective view of the upper rim of the waste collection device of Figure 8a;

[042] Figure 9a is a side cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a waste collection device in accordance with the present invention

[043] Figure 9b is an upper perspective view of the upper rim of the waste collection device of Figure 9a;

[044] Figure 10 is a side cross sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a waste collection device in accordance with the present invention;

[045] Figure 1 1 is a side cross sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a waste collection device in accordance with the present invention;

[046] Figure 12 is a side cross sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a waste collection device in accordance with the present invention;

[047] Figure 13a is a view of an eighth embodiment of a waste collection device in accordance with the present invention; and

[048] Figure 13b is a view of the basket unit of the waste collection device of Figure 13b.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[049] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a waste collection device 10 comprising a receptacle 12 provided for capturing waste from adjacent the surface of a body of water. In the embodiments shown, the receptacle comprises a cylindrical vessel having an open upper end and a closed lower end.

[050] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a first embodiment of a waste collection device 10 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The receptacle 12 is provided with an upper rim 14 provided around the open upper end of the receptacle 12. In the embodiment shown, the upper rim 14 extends transversely outwardly from around the upper end of the receptacle 12. The upper rim 14 comprises a ring member having a generally rectangular cross section. The waste collection device 10 is provided to be located within a body of water such that the receptacle 12 is submerged and the upper rim 14 floats on or adjacent the surface of the water.

[051 ] The waste collection device 10 is expected to be fixed at a particular location in a body of water. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the waste collection device 10 is secured to an external fixing which may be provided on a jetty, pylon or other object located adjacent the water. The fixing comprises a rail 16 secured vertically to the object.

[052] The upper rim 14 of the waste collection device 10 is provided with one or more recesses 22 therein. The recesses 22 extend downwardly into the upper rim 14 from an upper surface thereof. In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3, the upper rim 14 is provided with a single such recess 22 which extends downwardly through the full height of the upper rim 14 such that the recess 22 comprises a cutaway portion 23 of the upper rim 14. The cutaway portion 23 is provided such that water may enter the interior of the receptacle 12 by flowing over the upper edge of the receptacle 12 through the cutaway portion 23. While the waste collection device of Figures 1 to 3 has been shown with a single recess 22, it will be appreciated that multiple recesses may be provided in the upper rim 14.

[053] The waste collection device 10 is provided with a first hole 18 in a first mounting portion 60 and a second hole 19 is a second mounting portion 62. In the embodiment shown, the first mounting portion 60 comprises an outwardly extending portion 61 of the upper rim 14 located on a side thereof opposite the recess 22. The second mounting portion 62 comprises a protruding portion 63 extending outwardly from the receptacle 12 adjacent the lower end thereof. The protruding portion 63 of the second mounting portion 62 is located below the first mounting portion 60 such that the first and second holes 18 and 19 are vertically aligned. The rail 16 therefore passes through both the first and second holes 18 and 19 such that the waste collection device 10 is secured relative the rail 16 but free to slide upwardly and downwardly.

[054] The waste collection device 10 is provided with buoyancy such that the recesses 22 are located at a height to allow water to flow inwardly into the receptacle 12. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, buoyancy is provided by a buoyant material 24, such as foam, provided internally within the upper rim 14.

[055] The waste collection device 10 is also provided with a ballast chamber 26 which is fillable to adjust the overall buoyancy of the waste collection device 10. In the embodiment shown of Figures 1 to 3, the receptacle 12 is provided with an outer wall 28 and an inner wall 29. Each of the inner and outer walls 28 and 29 includes a cylindrical side wall portion 66 and a planar base wall portion 68. The outer and inner walls 28 and 29 define the ballast chamber 26.

[056] The outer wall 28 is provided with one or more ports 30 for filling the ballast chamber 26. The ports 30 are provided with caps 32 to seal the ballast chamber 26. The ballast chamber 26 may be filled by simply allowing water to enter the ballast chamber 26 by the ports 30. The ports 30 in the embodiment shown are provided in the outer wall 28 adjacent the upper rim 14. It will be appreciated that ballast materials other than water may also be used.

[057] The waste collection device 10 is provided with a basket unit 34 to be received within the receptacle 12. The basket unit 34 is to be located within the receptacle 12 adjacent the inner wall 29 thereof. In the embodiment shown, the basket unit 34 therefore comprises a cylindrical open topped unit including a mesh material such that water may pass through the basket unit 34.

[058] The basket unit 34 in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 comprises a frame 70 and a basket 72. The frame 70 comprises an upper ring 74 supported above a float 76 by a plurality of support members 77. The upper ring 74 comprises a cylindrical member located in use adjacent the upper edge of the receptacle 12. [059] The float 76 in the embodiment of Figure 2 comprises an annular member of a buoyant material. The support members 77 extend upwardly from around an upper surface of the float 76 to engage with a lower edge of the upper ring 74.

[060] An inner wall of the upper ring 74 includes a ledge 44. The basket 72 comprises a mesh bag having a ring 46 adjacent an upper edge such that, in use, the ring 46 rests on the ledge 44 as shown in Figure 3. The basket 72 includes a handle 36 provided such that the basket 72 may be grasped by the handle 36 and removed to empty waste from within the basket 72.

[061 ] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a basket unit 34 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the frame is formed by a cylindrical member 78. The cylindrical member 78 incorporates also the upper ring 74, being the upper end of the cylindrical member 78, and the float 76, being formed by the body of the cylindrical member 78. The cylindrical member 78 comprises inner and outer cylindrical walls 80 and 82 such that a cavity 84 is formed between the inner and outer cylindrical walls 80 and 82. Air contained within the cavity 84 provides the buoyancy to the basket unit 34.

[062] Figure 4 shows a further alternative basket unit 34 in accordance with the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Figure 2, however the basket 72 and the frame 70 are integrally formed as a single unit.

[063] The waste collection device 10 includes an outlet 38 extending through the inner and outer walls 28 and 29 of the receptacle 12 from which water may be pumped outwardly from the receptacle 12. The outlet 38 extends centrally between the base wall portions 68 of the inner and outer walls 28 and 29 generally on a central longitudinal axis of the receptacle 12.

[064] The waste collection device 10 includes a pump 40 in connection with the outlet 38 such that the pump 40 operates to extract water from within the receptacle 12. In the embodiment shown, the pump 40 comprises an internal pump located within the outlet 38. However, the pump 40 may be located externally and connected to the outlet 38 via a suitable conduit (not shown). The outlet 38 is provided also with a one-way valve 42. The one-way valve 42 is provided within the outlet 38 to prevent water flowing inwardly into the interior of the receptacle 12.

[065] In use, the waste collection device 10 is located in the body of water adjacent the surface as shown in Figure 3. Water may flow inwardly through the recesses 22 in the upper rim 14 whereby it passes downwardly through the basket 34. The pump 40 is operated to draw water outwardly from within the receptacle 12. Waste is captured within the basket 34 which may be removed as required to empty the captured waste.

[066] As water flows into the receptacle 12, the basket unit 34 can rise within the receptacle 12. The upper ring 74 of the basket unit 34 is located such that when the basket unit 34 is located in a lowermost position, the upper edge of the upper ring 74 does not restrict entry of water into the receptacle 12. The upper edge of the upper ring 74 is located below the upper edge of the receptacle 12. As the upper ring 74 rises, the upper edge thereof moves upwardly above the upper edge of the receptacle 12, thereby restricting water flowing into receptacle 12 via the recesses 22. The upper ring 74 therefore ensures the pump can keep up with volume of water entering the waste collection device 10.

[067] Figures 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of a waste collection device 10 in accordance with the present invention. The waste collection device 10 of Figures 6 and 7 is similar to the first embodiment and like reference numerals are used to denote like parts.

[068] The waste collection device 10 of Figures 6 and 7 is provided with multiple recesses 22 around the periphery of the upper rim 14. The waste collection device 10 includes four recesses 22 spaced regularly around the upper rim 14. The upper rim 14 has a greater height than the upper rim 14 of the first embodiment and the recesses 22 extend from an upper surface of the upper rim 14 part way toward a lower edge of the upper rim 14. [069] As can be seen in Figure 7, the lower edge of the upper rim 14 is connected to the upper edge of the receptacle 12 by a tapered neck portion 64. The waste collection device 10 may be provided for use in an open body of water where the waste collection device 10 is anchored to seabed by anchor cable 48. The waste collection device 10 is weighted such that lower edges of the recesses 22 are located adjacent the surface of the water and operation of the waste collection device 10 is similar to that described above for the first embodiment.

[070] Figure 8 shows a third embodiment of a waste collection device 10 in accordance with the present invention. The waste collection device 10 again includes multiple recesses 22 around the upper rim 14.

[071 ] The receptacle 12 comprises a first portion 50 and a second portion 52. The first portion 50 comprises a first cylindrical member 51 and the second portion 52 comprises a second cylindrical member 53. The second cylindrical member 53 includes an open lower end into which the upper end of the first cylindrical member 51 is received. The first cylindrical member 51 includes an outwardly turned lip 54 adjacent the upper end thereof and the second cylindrical member 53 includes an inwardly turned lip 55 such that when the second cylindrical member 53 moves upwardly relative to the first cylindrical member 51 , the inwardly turned lip 55 engages with the outwardly turned lip 54.

[072] The second portion 52 of the receptacle 12 includes the upper rim 14 around an upper edge thereof and the first portion 50 includes the outlet 38. The basket 34 is secured relative to the second portion 50 of the receptacle 12. In use, the waste collection device 10 operates as described previously however the second portion 52 thereof is free to float upwardly or downwardly relative to the first portion 50. The first portion 50 may be secured relative to an object as described previously.

[073] Figure 9 shows a fourth embodiment of a waste collection device 10 in accordance with the present invention. The fourth embodiment is similar to previous embodiments and like reference numerals are used to denote like parts.

[074] The waste collection device 10 comprises a floating platform. The upper rim 14 does not protrude outwardly beyond the receptacle 12 in this embodiment and the receptacle is relatively short. The upper rim 14 and the receptacle 12 thereby form a relatively short cylindrical body. The waste collection device 10 is again anchored to the seabed by a cable 48. A winch 56 may be provided on the waste collection device 10 to allow retraction of the cable 48 such that the waste collection device 10 may be moved downwardly below the surface of the water during unfavourable weather conditions. The pump 40 may also be reversed to fill the receptacle 12 with water to aid in submerging the waste collection device 10. The pump may also be used to fill the buoyancy chamber to aid in submerging the waste collection device 10. The waste collection device 10 may be moved around like a ship or submersible and may also be controlled automatically (for example via GPS positioning).

[075] Figure 10 shows a fifth embodiment of a waste collection device in accordance with the present invention. The waste collection device 10 of Figure 10 is similar to the embodiment of Figure 8. The receptacle 12 comprises first and second portions 50 and 52 however the basket 34 is secured relative to the first portion 50, being the lower end of the receptacle 12 which may be fixed to an external object.

[076] Figure 1 1 shows a sixth embodiment of a waste collection device 10 in accordance with the present invention. Waste collection device 10 of this embodiment may double as a marker buoy by including appropriate markings and/or lights thereon.

[077] Figure 12 shows a seventh embodiment of a waste collection device 10 in accordance with the present invention. Waste collection device 10 comprises a large of floating platform style design where multiple cables 48 and winches 56 are used to secure the platform. The waste collection device 10 is similar to the embodiment of Figure 9, wherein the receptacle 12 is relatively short and extend directly downwardly from the lower edge of the upper rim 14.

[078] The platform includes a closed cover 58 over the upper rim 14 in which a range of devices and services may be provided. Solar power may be provided and facilities provided also for conversion of captured wastes into other usable materials. The waste collection device 10 may be moved around like a ship or submersible and may also be controlled automatically (for example via GPS positioning).

[079] Figure 13 is a view of an eight embodiment of a waste collection device 10 in accordance with the present invention. The waste collection device 10 of this embodiment is formed integrally with a floating body, comprising a platform 90. The platform 90 includes upper and lower surfaces 92 and 93 and vertical side surfaces 94.

[080] The waste collection device 10 is formed adjacent a side surface 94 of the platform 90. The receptacle 12 is formed by a downward opening into the upper surface 92 of the platform 90, which is covered by a cover 94. The cover 94 comprises a grill in the embodiment shown. The recess 22 extends into the side surface 94 of the platform 90 such that waste can enter the side surface 94 of the platform 90 where it is drawn downwardly into the interior of the receptacle 12 to be captured by the basket unit 34. The pump 40 is located within the platform 90 and the cover 94 may be removed to lift out the basket unit 34 for collection of the waste.

[081 ] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waste collection device comprising:

2. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the buoyancy is provided by a buoyant material within the upper rim.

3. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein a basket unit is provided within the receptacle to capture waste.

4. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 3, wherein the basket unit is located within the receptacle adjacent an inner wall thereof and comprises a cylindrical open topped basket formed of a mesh material such that water may pass through the basket.

5. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 3 or 4, wherein the basket unit comprises a frame and a basket, the frame comprising an upper ring and a float such that the float is provided to cause the basket unit to move upwardly in the receptacle such that the upper ring restricts entry of water into the receptacle.

6. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 5, wherein the upper ring comprises a cylindrical member supported above an annular float by a plurality of support members.

7. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 5, wherein the frame is formed by a cylindrical member such that the upper end of the cylindrical member forms the upper ring and the float is formed by the body of the cylindrical member.

8. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 7, wherein the cylindrical member comprises inner and outer cylindrical walls such that a cavity is formed between the inner and outer cylindrical walls.

9. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 5, wherein the basket and the frame are integrally formed as a single unit.

10. A waste collection device in accordance with any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the basket unit includes a handle provided such that the basket may be grasped by the handle and removed to empty waste from within the basket.

1 1 . A waste collection device in accordance with claim 10, wherein a ledge is provided adjacent the upper end of the basket unit and the open upper end of the basket includes a ring such that, in use, the ring rests on the ledge.

12. A waste collection device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ballast chamber is provided being fillable to adjust the overall buoyancy of the waste collection device.

13. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 12, wherein the receptacle is provided with an outer wall and an inner wall such that the ballast chamber is defined between the outer and inner walls.

14. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 13, wherein the outer wall is provided with one or more ports for filling the ballast chamber.

15. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 14, wherein the outlet extends between lower portions of the inner and outer walls generally on a central longitudinal axis of the receptacle.

16. A waste collection device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper rim extends transversely away from the upper end of the receptacle.

17. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 16, wherein each of the recesses extends downwardly through the full height of the upper rim such that the recesses comprise cutaway portions of the upper rim.

18. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 16, wherein each of the recesses extends from an upper surface of the upper rim part way toward a lower edge of the upper rim

19. A waste collection device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pump is provided comprising an internal pump located within the outlet.

20. A waste collection device in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a pump is provided comprising an external pump located remotely and connected to the outlet via a conduit.

21 . A waste collection device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet is provided also with a one-way valve to prevent water flowing inwardly into the interior of the receptacle.

22. A waste collection device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the waste collection device is fixed to an external object.

23. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 22, wherein the fixing comprises a rail secured vertically to the object and wherein first and second holes are provided on the waste collection device such that the rail passes through both the first and second holes and the waste collection device is thereby free to slide upwardly and downwardly.

24. A waste collection device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein an anchor cable is provided to anchor the waste collection device to the seabed.

25. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 24, wherein a winch is provided in connection with the anchor cable to retract the cable and thereby submerge the waste collection device during unfavourable weather conditions.

26. A waste collection device in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the waste collection device is integrally formed with a floating body having upper and lower surfaces and vertical side surfaces such that the receptacle is located adjacent one of the side surfaces and the recess is formed in said side surface.

27. A waste collection device in accordance with claim 26, wherein the floating body comprises a platform and the receptacle is formed by a downward opening into the upper surface of the platform, which is covered by a removable cover.