Abstract:
An accumulation/disposal bin includes a container body with an upper opening. The lid pivots about the forward edge of the opening, allowing a lock to be formed on the rear edge of the lid. Edge mounted wheels may further be located proximate the rear bottom of the container, diagonally across from the hinge. The bin may further include a lifting slot on the rear wall. A handle may be formed proximate the upper opening on the rear the bin. The lid may comprise a downwardly sloped ramp extending from an opening in a horizontal plane to beneath a portion of the lid that at least partially covers this horizontal plane. The ramp and the covering portion of the lid define first and second slots each in a generally vertical plane that may prevent access to the body.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to refuse collection bins, and more particularly to an accumulation/disposal bin that may be suitable for safely collecting paper destined for secure disposal. One embodiment is particularly well suited for the collection of paper to be shredded from an office environment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Garbage and recycling bins formed of plastic are generally known. Bins used in the collection of paper to be shredded or recycled, however, are typically formed of more rigid materials such as wood or particle board. Typically, the choice of materials is based on a desire to keep such bins aesthetically pleasing and generally tamperproof. 
     Unfortunately, wood or particle board bins are cumbersome to access. They typically cannot be moved once full, and are thus usually emptied in situ. Moreover, the bins are costly to manufacture, deliver, and store, and are often not particularly pleasing to the eye. 
     As such, there remains a need for accumulation/disposal bins suitable for safely collecting paper and the like destined for secure disposal that are inexpensively produced, yet aesthetically pleasing, and moderately secure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an accumulation/disposal bin includes a container body with an upper opening. A lid covers the upper opening. The lid is mounted on a hinge on the forward wall of the body, to pivot about an axis proximate the upper opening. The lid thus pivots about the forward edge of the opening, allowing a lock to be formed on the rear edge of the lid. Edge mounted wheels may further be located proximate the rear bottom of the container, diagonally across from the hinge. The bin may further include a lifting slot on the rear wall. In this way, lock, wheels, and lifting slot may be generally hidden when the bin is in-situ, providing a relatively clean outward appearance. The rear of the bin may further include a lifting skirt. As well, a handle may be formed proximate the upper opening on the rear the bin 
     The lid may comprise a downwardly sloped ramp extending from an opening in a horizontal plane to beneath a portion of the lid that at least partially covers this horizontal plane. The ramp and the covering portion of the lid define first and second slots each in a generally vertical plane. The second slot provides an entrance to an interior of the container body. 
     Conveniently, the covering portion and ramp, and the first and second generally vertical slots may be spaced to prevent access by hand through the slots in the container body. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bin. The bin comprises a container body defining an opening, a generally planar lid closing the opening. The lid comprises a downwardly sloped ramp extending from an opening in a horizontal plane to beneath a portion of the lid at least partially covering the horizontal plane. The ramp and the portion of the lid defining first and second slots each in a generally vertical plane, the second slot providing an entrance to an interior of the container body. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bin. The bin comprises a container body having upstanding front, rear and side walls extending from a base. The walls define an upper opening to a container, a lid covering the upper opening, a hinge on the front wall, proximate the upper opening, mounting the lid to the container body to pivot about an axis proximate the front wall of the container body; and two opposing wheels, mounted for rotation about an axis that is fixed relative to the body. One of the opposing wheels extends from each of the side walls proximate the rear bottom of the container. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bin. The bin comprises a container body defining an opening, a generally planar lid closing the opening. The lid comprises a downwardly sloped ramp extending from an opening in a horizontal plane to beneath a portion of the lid at least partially covering the horizontal plane. The ramp and the portion of the lid define first and second slots each in a generally vertical plane, the second slot providing an entrance to an interior of the container body. The first and second slots and the ramp and the portion of the lid spaced to allow insertion of sheets of paper into the container, while preventing insertion of a human hand into the container through the slot. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bin. The bin comprises a container body having upstanding front, rear and side walls extending from a base. The walls define an upper opening to a container; a lid covering the upper opening; a hinge on the front wall, proximate the upper opening, mounting the lid to the container body to pivot about an axis proximate said front wall of the container body. The rear wall comprises an indentation extending from the base, and defining a lifting slot; two opposing wheels to support the base; a handle formed proximate the upper opening on the rear of the bin, generally opposite the hinge. 
     Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the figures which illustrate by way of example only, embodiments of the present invention, 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bin exemplary of an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the bin  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a rear view of the bin of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3B-3C  are enlarged views of portions of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  is a right side view of the bin of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are perspective views of the bin of  FIG. 1  in an inverted position; 
         FIG. 5C  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top view of the bin of  FIG. 1  with lid removed; 
         FIG. 6B  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a lid of the bin of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the lid of  FIG. 7  in an inverted position; 
         FIGS. 8B-8C  are enlarged views of portions of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the lid of  FIG. 7 , along line IX-IX; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of multiple bins of  FIG. 1 , stacked; and 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of the multiple bins of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an accumulation/disposal bin  10  exemplary of an embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 2, 3A-3C and 4  are front, rear and side views of bin  10 . As will become apparent, bin  10  is suitable for collecting documents in a substantially tamper-proof manner. Specifically, bin  10  may be particularly well suited for collecting paper prior to its secure disposal by way of shredding, incineration, or the like. Bin  10  is formed of a container body  12 , and lid  14 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3C and 4 , container body  12  includes four upstanding walls: a front wall  20   a , a rear wall  20   d , and two sidewalls  20   b  and  20   c.  These extend upward from and at a slight angle to base  22  (e.g. at an angle of between 2-12° between the planes of base  22  and the plane of each of walls  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c  and  20   d ). 
     Two wheel wells  24   a ,  24   b  for receiving wheels  26   a ,  26   b  making bin  10  generally movable, are formed at rear bottom of bin  10 , proximate the intersection of side and rear walls at base  22 . In the depicted embodiment, wheel wells  24   a  and  24   b  are formed predominantly in side walls  20   b  and  20   c  of container body  12 . Each wheel well  24   a  and  24   b  is generally disk shaped, having a diameter and height sized to accommodate a complementary wheel  26   a / 26   b . Wheels  26   a ,  26   b  may be conventional, formed of rubber, plastic or other suitable material. They may be hollow or solid. 
     Container body  12  further includes a lifting skirt  27  and a bottom lift slot  28 , formed on rear wall  20   d . Slot  28  and skirt  27  may be engaged by a complimentary lift extending from a trolley, mechanical mover, or the like. 
     Handles  55  are formed at the top rear of bin  10 , and allow bin  10  to be pulled or pushed. Conveniently, handles  55  may be used to pull bin  10  on wheels  26   a ,  26   b  as bin  10  is tilted rearward. A hinge  25  for pivoting lid  14  between open and closed positions is formed on the front of bin  10 , generally opposite handles  55 . 
     Lifting slot  28  is formed as a generally rectangular indentation on rear wall  20   d , extending upward from the bottom of rear wall  20   d . As illustrated, lift slot  28  is laterally centered on rear wall  20   d , and has a width of about ⅓ of rear wall  20   d . Lifting slot  28  tapers slights as it extends upwardly. Lifting slot  28  further includes a laterally extending bar  30  located about ⅘ of the way upwardly along slot  28 . A gap is formed behind bar  30  and slot  28 , as shown in the enlarged view of  FIG. 3B . Skirt  27 , slot  28  and bar  30  are suitable for engaging the mechanical lift. Lifting slot  28  may for example be formed in compliance with ANSI Standard Z245.60-2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     A lock  75  may secure lid  14  to bin  12 , as detailed below. 
     The bottom of bin  10  is more particularly illustrated in  FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C . As illustrated, bin  10  includes three wheels. Two generally opposed disc shaped wheels  26   a ,  26   b  are seated in wheel wells  24   a ,  24   b , at the rear bottom corners of bin  10 , proximate the intersection of base  22 , and rear wall  20   d  and side walls  20   b ,  20   c . Wheels  26   a ,  26   b  are axially mounted on an axle  40  that extends substantially from side to side of bin  10 . Wheels  26   a ,  26   b  may thus rotate about an axis  140  that is generally fixed relative to container  12 , and lies in a horizontal plane. Wheel wells  24   a ,  24   b  are connected by a hollow tunnel  38  that may accommodate an axle  40  on which wheels  24   a ,  24   b  are mounted. Hollow tunnel  38  may be continuous, or formed of several segments. Conveniently, hollow tunnel  38  extending between wheel wells  24   a ,  24   b  allows for free rotation of the axle  40  therein. 
     A third wheel (visible in  FIGS. 2, 3A, 4, 5A and 5B ) is formed as a caster  32 . Caster  32  includes a wheel  34 , smaller than wheels  26   a ,  26   b  that rotates about an axis that itself may rotate about a vertically extending axis, relative to container body  12 . Caster  32  is mounted in a recess  36  formed in base  22 , generally midway between side walls  20   b  and  20   c . Recess  36  extends vertically, and is sufficiently deep so that wheel  34  and wheels  26   a ,  26   b  allow bin  10  to rest level on a level surface (i.e. so that wheels  26   a ,  26   b ,  34  are tangent to a common horizontal plane). The three wheels  26   a ,  26   b,  and  34  allow flexible manoeuvring of bin  10 , when empty or full. However, when bin  10  is tilted backward substantially all of the weight of bin  10  is borne by wheels  26   a ,  26   b.    
     The interior of container body  12  may be better appreciated with reference to  FIGS. 6A and 6B . As illustrated, the upper edge of each of walls  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c  and  20   d  define an opening  19  into container body  12 . The two generally disc-shaped wheel wells  24   a ,  24   b  extend into the interior of container body  12 . Similarly, recess  36  extends into the interior of container body  12 . Likewise, walls forming lift slot  28  also extend inwardly into container body  12 . 
     A rim  44  extends around the upper periphery of container  12  as illustrated in  FIG. 6A . Rim  44  is actually a combination of front, rear and side rim portions  46   a ,  46   d,    46   b  and  46   c . Front and side rim portions  46   a ,  46   b  and  46   c  are generally uniform, and continuous. Each of front and side rim portions  46   a ,  46   b  and  46   c  terminates in a downwardly extending skirt  50 . 
     Rear rim portion  46   d  has three segments: a center segment  48   a  is generally flat and extends outwardly from the edge of the top opening of container  12 . Center segment  48   a  includes a lock opening  52 . Left and right rear rim segments  48   b  and  48   c , extend from center segment  48   a  to rim portions  46   b  and  46   c , respectively, and are formed as concave half cylinders. Left and right rear segments  48   b ,  48   c  each define an opening  54   a ,  54   b  between the top edge of rear wall  20   d , and left and right rear rim segments  48   b ,  48   c.    
     Further, a plurality of generally hooked shaped hinge portions  56  (also shown in enlarged view in  FIG. 6B ) extend generally outward from skirt  50  of front rim portion  46   a . Hooked shaped hinge portions  56  are generally uniformly spaced, and are suitable for receiving and retaining a hinge pin, that may pivot in hinge portions  56 , to form hinge  55 . 
     Container body  12  (excluding wheels  26   a ,  26   b  and accompanying axle  40  and caster  32 ) may be integrally formed, using a suitable injection mould. A suitable plastic appreciated by those of ordinary skill, such as poly-ethylene or the like, may be used to form container body  12 , with walls  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c  and  20   d , base  22 , as well as rim  44 , and skirt  50  having thicknesses of between 2 and 8 mm, or greater. Conveniently, an appropriate choice of thickness may make bin  10  suitable from holding 130 kg or more of refuse/paper, without placing undue stress on bin  10 . 
     Lid  14  is more particularly illustrated in  FIGS. 7, 8A to 8C and 9 . As illustrated, lid  14  is complementary in size to the upper opening  19  ( FIG. 6A ) to container body  12  and includes a generally planar portion  60 , surrounded by a skirt  62  extending downwardly from the front and side edges of planar portion  60  of lid  14 . Skirt  62  includes contiguous front and side skirt portions  64   a ,  64   b  and  64   c . A rear skirt portion  64   d  may further be divided into three skirt portions  66   a ,  66   b  and  66   c . Center skirt segment  66   a  extends along the rear edge of lid  14 , on each side of the middle of the rear edge of lid  14 . Right and left skirt portions  66   b  and  66   c  are set back from center skirt portion  66   a . Semi-cylindrical handle portions  70   a  and  70   b  extend beside skirt portion  66   a , generally flush therewith. 
     Lock  75  includes a pin  72  that extends toward the center of lid  14 . Pin  72  may be retracted by a key (not shown) that may be inserted and removed in a key hole on the side of lock  75 , opposite of pin  72 , and exterior to lid  14 . Suitable locks may be available from Hettich International of Germany, under part number 356300. Pin  72  is aligned with lock opening  52  of rear rim portion  46   d . Lock opening  52  lies in a vertical plane, pin  72  extends into and out of lock opening  52 . As such, lid  14  may be locked to cover opening  19 , using a key to extend and retract pin  72 . 
     Formed on front skirt portion  64   a  of lid  14  is a hinge portion  74 , including a plurality of laterally extending hinge pins  76 , complementary to the hooked hinge portions  56  ( FIGS. 6A, 6B ) extending forwardly from bin  10 . Pins  76  are co-axial, arranged about a pivot axis  77  that is in a generally horizontal plane. In this way, lid  14  may be pivotally mounted on container body  12  on hinge  25  defined by hinge portions  56  and  74 , as for example illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Conveniently, lid  14  pivots about the pivot axis  77  on hinge  25  located at the front of bin  10 . As illustrated, lid  14  pivots toward and away from the front of bin  10 , through an angle of about 260°, about axis  77 , proximate front wall  20   a . Of course pins  76  could be replaced by a single pin that engages multiple hooked hinge portions  56 . 
     Now, when lid  14  is atop container  12 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3C, 4  front and side skirts portions  64   a ,  64   b  and  64   c  of lid  14  engage the periphery of opening  19  ( FIG. 6A ). Specifically skirts portions  64   a ,  64   b  and  64   c  engage complementary front and side of skirt  50  of rim  44 . Pin  72  of lock  75  is received in locking opening  52 . Semi-cylindrical portions  70   a ,  70   b  of lid  14  and semi-cylindrical skirt portions  64   b  and  64   c  of rim  44  form generally cylindrical grips that may be used to move bin  10 . 
     Accordingly, handles  55  are formed by overlapping portions of lid  14  and container body  12 . Handles  55 , have an opening (defined by overlapping opening  54   a,    54   b  and opening  65   a ,  65   b ) next to a grip  55 , on the rear side of opening  19  to container body  12 . Handles  55  are on one side of opening  19 , while hinge  25  is on the opposite side. 
     Conveniently, hinge  25  is mounted on the front wall  20   a  of bin  10 . As such, wheels  26   a ,  26   b , lock  75 , skirt  27 , and lifting slot  28  are on the same rear side of bin  10 , and are obstructed from view, when bin  10  is viewed from the front (as best seen in  FIG. 2 ). This provides for a relatively clean front aesthetic. Moreover, tampering with lock  75  of bin  10  requires access to the rear of bin  10 , which is typically inaccessible as it is often proximate or in abutment with a wall at the place of installation. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7, 8A and 9 , lid  14  further includes a ramp  80  extending downwardly into the interior of container  12 , supported by ramp side walls  82   a  and  82   b.  Ramp  80  extends from region  84  in a generally horizontal plane. In the absence of ramp  80 , region  84  would define an opening in a horizontal plane into container body  12 . Ramp  80  extends between a generally flat planar portion  86  above ramp  80 . As best viewed in  FIG. 9 , planar portion  86  and ramp  80  thus define a first slot  88  in a generally vertical plane. Ramp  80  terminates at a second slot  90 . Slot  90  is also generally vertical. Slots  88  and  90  have sufficiently small heights and ramp  80  extends a sufficient distance between slot  88  and slot  90  so that access to slot  90  from slot  88 , using the human hand is difficult, if not impossible. Optionally, side walls  82   a  and  82   b,  may extend beyond ramp  80 , further along the interior of lid  14 , to more precisely define a guide slot extending from slot  90 . Reinforcing ribs  81  that reinforce lid  14  may extend transverse to ramp  80  and walls  82   a  and  82   b . Slots  88  and  90  may, for example, be spaced by 50-150 mm (e.g. 100 mm). The angle and spacing of ramp  80  is such that slots  88  and  90  have a height that may, for example, be between 2 mm and 25 mm (slot  88  may for example be 2.5 mm, and slot  90  6.5 mm). As illustrated, generally planar portion  86  is slightly above the remaining part of generally planar portion of lid  14 . Generally planar portion  86  need not be planar, but could be curved or domed, or have another shape provided that portion  86  covers a portion of the horizontal plane above ramp  80  to define slots  88  and  90 . Slots  88  and  90 , of course need not have a uniform height, and will typically not be have the same dimensions. 
     Conveniently ramp  80  and slots  88  and  90  may be formed wide enough to accept standard size paper to be collected in bin  10 . As such the width of slots  88  and  90  may typically be in excess of 8.5″, and may for example have a width of between 8.5″ and 12″, or larger. 
     In use, bin  10  is typically placed in a location where refuse, and particularly paper is to be collected. Typically, bin  10  is placed in an office environment. Wheels  26   a ,  26   b  and  34  allow bin  10  to be pushed into place. Preferably, rear wall  20   d  is pushed into close proximity or even abutment with a wall making access to lock  75  difficult. 
     Once in place, end users place paper for disposal into bin  10 , by sliding the paper on ramp  80  from slot  88  to slot  90 , and into the interior of container body  12 . The distance between slot  88  and slot  90 , and the height of slots  88  and  90 , allows the insertion of paper into bin  10 , but prevents its easy removal, by hand or simple instrument. The downward tilt of ramp  80  facilitates the sliding insertion of paper into bin  10 . Depending on the height of slots  88  and  90  many stacked sheets may be concurrently passed through slots  88  and  90 . 
     Once bin  10  is substantially full, bin  10  may be wheeled away for emptying. Specifically, bin  10  may be tilted so that its only point of contact to the ground is wheels  26   a ,  26   b  that act as load bearing wheels. So tilted, bin  10  may be pulled by handles  55  and wheeled to an exit or elevator and transported to transport apparatus that engages slot  28 , bar  30  and skirt  27 . Prior to emptying bin  10 , the lock may be opened. Bin  10  may be tilted backward, and ultimately turned upside down. As bin  10  is tilted, lid  14  pivots open about hinge pins  76 , with the rear edge of lid  14  swinging toward the front of bin  10 . 
     Conveniently, as handles  55  are formed apart from hinge  25 , handles  55  and wheels  26   a  and  26   b , as well as lift slot  28  and lift skirt  27  may be formed at the rear of bin  10 , while hinge  55  is formed at the front of bin  10 . Thus, as best viewed in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , lift slot  28 , wheels  26   a  and  26   b , skirt  27 , and lock  75  may be generally hidden from view. 
     When not in use, several bins of the form of bin  10  may be stacked or nested, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . As illustrated, the outer surface of body  12  of one bin  10  is received within the interior of body  12  of a bin directly beneath the received bin. Conveniently, the top of wheel wells  24   a  and  24   b  in the interior of container body  12  provide a support for wheels  26   a ,  26   b  of a received bin. This is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
     Of course, the above described embodiments, are intended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting. The described embodiments of carrying out the invention, are susceptible to many modifications of form, arrangement of parts, details and order of operation. The invention, rather, is intended to encompass all such modification within its scope, as defined by the claims.