-1 Rubbish bin cage Field of the Invention The invention relates to enclosures for rubbish bins for use in 5 domestic, commercial or municipal settings. Background of the Invention The underlying premise of the bin cage is that the 240 litre moulded plastic wheelie bins are in standard use across the waste disposal industry. 10 Bin cages therefore need to be constructed so as to optimally contain at least one, and possibly several, of the standard 240 litre wheelie bins. Standard 240 litre wheelie bins are susceptible to damage by vandalism or theft when placed in urban environments and are not aesthetically pleasing when placed within a fixed urban landscape. Existing bin cage designs are 15 cumbersome and difficult to erect and are not easily transportable. It would be commercially advantageous therefore to provide a durable bin cage for the standard 240 litre wheelie bin which provides security for the wheelie bins contained therein, is sturdy, resilient to vandalism and graffiti and is aesthetically pleasing. It would also be advantageous to provide a bin 20 cage which can incorporate advertising material and/or council announcements upon its outer panels. It wbuld also be advantageous to provide a bin cage that is easy to erect and dismantle, is collapsible and which can be flat-packed for storage and transport. The bin cage should be modular, permitting the replacement 25 and interchange of component parts and permit extension to permit multiple bin cages to be joined. The bin cage also should be cost effective to manufacture and be of an aesthetically pleasing design so as to be suitable for incorporation into urban landscape design projects. 30 Objects and Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a rubbish bin cage which overcomes at least some of the problems of the prior art. The preferred but inessential objects of the present invention are to provide a rubbish bin cage that is aesthetically pleasing and suitable for use in 35 urban environments, and which is capable of displaying advertising material -2 or municipal announcements upon it and is resilient to vandalism. The rubbish bin cage should be collapsible, capable of being flat-packed for storage and transport and be relatively easy to erect and dismantle. The rubbish bin cage also should be cost effective to manufacture. 5 Accordingly there is provided a collapsible cage for a rubbish bin comprising: * a plurality of vertical uprights securably affixed to a surface or to a base plate upon which the plurality of vertical uprights may be affixed to provide additional support; 10 * a waste apron affixed over the vertical uprights which is pitched at a gravitational angle towards a central aperture in the waste apron to permit the flow of refuse into a bin contained within the cage; * a roof plate sloping or pitched towards the rear of the bin cage to permit the run-off of liquids and the placement of objects thereupon; 15 - at least one attachment plate located upon the underside of the roof plate which may be inserted into a corresponding aperture located within the waste apron for securing the roof plate to the waste apron; * a corresponding number of planar side panels secured to the uprights so as to define a substantially rectangular prism; 20 - which is capable of being flat packed for storage and transport; * wherein the components of the bin cage are interchangeable, reusable, replaceable and recyclable; and * additional structures may be internally affixed to the assembled bin cage to provide multiples of the bin cage when in use. 25 There is also provided a rubbish bin cage comprising: * a plurality of vertical uprights which are affixed to a surface or to a base plate upon which the plurality of vertical uprights may be affixed to provide additional support; * a waste apron securably affixed over the vertical uprights which is 30 pitched at a gravitational angle towards a central aperture in the waste apron to permit the flow of refuse into a bin contained within the cage; * a plurality of vertically disposed substantially rectangular panels whereupon opposite long edges of the panels are located female -3 channels through which a corresponding male portion located upon an adjacent vertical upright can be slide ably and securable inserted so as to define a substantially rectangular prism; * a roof plate sloping or pitched towards the rear of the bin cage to 5 permit the run-off of liquids and the placement of objects thereupon; * at least one attachment plate located upon the underside of the roof plate which may be inserted into a corresponding aperture located within the waste apron for securing the roof plate to the waste apron such that the means of securing the roof plate to the waste apron is not 10 visible externally; * with option for a base plate upon which a plurality of vertical uprights are affixed to provide additional support; * wherein said bin cage is modular, portable and capable of being flat packed for transportation. 15 In especially preferred embodiments of the invention the rubbish bin cage has attachment points which are not externally visible comprising: * a plurality of vertical uprights which are affixed; " a waste apron securable affixed to the vertical uprights which is pitched at a gravitational angle towards a central aperture in the waste apron to 20 permit the flow of refuse into a bin contained within the cage; " a plurality of vertically disposed substantially rectangular panels whereupon opposite long edges of the panels are located female channels through which a corresponding male portion located upon an adjacent vertical upright can be slidably and securable inserted so as to 25 define a substantially rectangular prism; - a roof plate sloping or pitched towards the rear of the bin cage to permit the run-off of liquids and the placement of objects thereupon; * at least one attachment plate located upon the underside of the roof plate which may be inserted into a corresponding aperture located 30 within the waste apron for securing the roof plate to the waste apron; * with option for a base plate upon which a plurality of vertical uprights are affixed to provide additional support; -4 wherein said bin cage is modular, portable and capable of being flat packed for transportation and components parts can be interchanged for maintenance. In other especially preferred embodiments of the invention the rubbish 5 bin cage has planar side panels which include a grill portion. There is also provided a method of construction of a rubbish bin cage with attachment points which are not externally visible including the steps of: i. Removing components from packaging; ii. Affixing the uprights into points in the waste apron underside; 10 iii. Securing the waste apron over the uprights in a manner which is not visible externally to create a rectangular frame; iv. Securing the roof plate to the waste apron by means of at least one attachment plate located upon the underside of the roof plate which may be inserted into a corresponding aperture located within the waste apron; 15 v. Affixing the side panels to uprights; vi. where desired or appropriate, affixing the base plate to the base of the uprights of the completed bin cage; and vii. where desired, affixing additional components internally to the completed bin cage to provide multiples of the bin cage. 20 Brief Description of the Drawings/Figures Figure 1 is an isometric view of a basic bin cage. Figure 2 is a further isometric view of the preferred form of the bin cage. Figure 3A is a plan view of the core of one of the vertical uprights. 25 Figure 3B is an isometric view of the top or uppermost end of an upright. Fig 4 is further diagrams providing detail of the uprights. Figure 5 provides further detail of the uprights. Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are a plan view of the top disposal apron, the inwardly sloping aspect of the top disposal apron and an isometric view of 30 the top disposal apron. Fig 7 is a diagram of the flat roof member. Fig 8 is a view of the roofing supports. Figure 9A is an isometric diagram of the roofing member with supports in place.
Figure 9B shows the aperture in the roofing member into which a roofing support is screwed. Figure 9C is a further view of a roofing support. Figure 10 is a view of a planar panel member, with Figure 10A indicating an 5 exploded representation of the grill portion, upright and planar panel member. Figure 11 is a view of a grill member. Figure 12 shows front and rear aspects of grill members. Figure 13 is a view of the rear door panel of the bin cage. 10 Figure 14 is a further view of the rear door panel of the bin cage. Figure 15 are plan and isometric views of the base plate. Figure 16 is a further view of the base plate with detail of bracing. Figure 17 is an alternative, vanity screen embodiment of the invention. Figure 18 is an exploded view of the bin cage. 15 Figure 19 shows adjoining panels of one embodiment of the invention. Figure 20 exhibits the modular panels in various configurations. Figure 21 is a side view of the top plate of an alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 22 is an isometric view of the top plate of an alternative embodiment of 20 the bin cage. Figure 23 is a side view of a further version of the top plate with a single attachment plate. Fig 24 is a side view of the waste apron showing attachment points. Figure 25 provides a top isometric view of the waste apron showing detail of 25 "invisible" attachment points. Figure 26 is a top view of an upright showing detail of attachment plate for affixing to the underside of the waste apron. Fig 27 is a isometric view of an upright along with a screw in footing. Fig 28 shows the side and rear panels and front door panels of one preferred 30 embodiment of the bin cage. Figure 29 is a view of a side panel or rear panel indicating apertures for affixing the panel to the vertical uprights. Figure 30 is an isometric view of a front door of one preferred embodiment.
Figure 31 is an isometric view of a side or rear panel if another preferred embodiment of the bin cage. Figure 32 shows a top view and isometric view of the base plate of an alternative embodiment of the bin cage including a separate front 5 portion of the base plate. Figure 33 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the bin cage with attachment points which are not externally visible when the bin cage has been assembled. 10 Best Mode and Other Embodiments of the Invention The bin cage can be manufactured from any suitably strong and resilient materials such as stainless steel, galvanised steel, timber aluminium or possibly heavy duty moulded plastic and be of any colour according to the user's requirements. The bin cage may be powder-coated, painted or tinted 15 according to the user's taste and design requirements. The bin cage is of such dimensions as will securely contain a standard 240 litre wheelie bin. When full, the wheelie bin may be easily removed from the bin cage for empty and cleaning by opening a door. Bins or receptacles other then wheelie bins may be used in the bin cage 10 however the preference is for uniformity of 20 receptacle. Standardisation of the internal bin will reduce costs and facilitate ease of use by waste disposal departments. The bin cage 10 can be of dimensions 1100mm height, length 850mm x breadth 700mm or such other dimensions as to contain a standard 24o Litre plastic wheelie bin. A waste or disposal apron sits on top of the bin cage and 25 above the bin itself and is pitched at a gravitational angle in its centre in order that any fluids or refuse directed by gravity towards the bin contained within the cage. The side panels of the bin cage can have advertising or council messages affixed to them. The bin cage 10 is constructed of a series of 4 vertically disposed planar 30 plates or side panels 20 which are held together by a series of four uprights 30 and bolts 40 so as to define a rectangular prism with two open ends as indicated in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, at one open end ii proximal to the ground, is a base plate 50 upon which the planar side panels 20 and uprights 30 are -7 securely affixed. At the other open end, 12 opposite the base plate is a lid or covering apron 6o which has an aperture 61 in its centre and which is gravitationally displaced so as to permit objects on the apron to fall or slide towards the centre aperture 61. The bin cage 10 also has a roof plate 70 which 5 is sloped or pitched towards the rear of the bin cage so as to permit the run-off of liquids there from and the placement of objects thereupon, for example handbags or drinks. As shown in Figure 10, each of the four vertically disposed planar side panels 20 of the rectangular prism defining the bin cage 10 has a flat planar 10 panel section 21 and a lower grill portion 22. The solid panel section 21 and lower grill portion 22 may be integrally formed or can be separate to each other. Together they form side panels 20. Advertising material or municipal announcements may be affixed or painted upon either of the panel sections 21 or planar advertising panel 23 located within the grill portion 22. The edges of 15 side panels 20, panel sections 21 and grill portions 22 can be slid into channels 31 which we formed along the length of each of the four vertically disposed uprights 30 and are securely held in place by preferably metal pins or bolts 80 which may be tapped in place using a hammer. Uprights 20 The uprights 30 of the bin cage 1o are preferably manufactured of 5cm width x 5cm breadth stainless or galvanised steel although variations of the materials and dimensions are possible without deputy from the scope of the invention. The height of the uprights 30 is preferably standard at 1.oo metre to facilitate easy manufacture and to ensure that a 240 litre wheelie bin can 25 comfortably fit within the bin cage once assembled although the height may be modified according to the requirements of the user. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, each of three of the four uprights 30 have elongated channels 31 formed upon adjacent sides of its length into which the vertical edges 24 of the planar panel sections and or edges 25 of the 30 grill portions can be slid so as to securely hold the flat panel sections 21 and grill portions 22. The channels 31situated along the internally disposed surfaces of the length of the uprights are wide enough to receive the planar solid panels and still permit users including municipal workers to access for cleaning purposes.
-8 In some embodiments of the invention the uprights have male portions formed upon them for securable insertion into at least one corresponding female channel portion formed within the elongated edges of the planar panel sections. This enables a rapid construction wherein the planar panel sections 5 can be easily pushed onto the male portions and secured in place, preferably by means of a recess formed at the end of the channel portion. The channel portion can be L-shaped or T-shaped according to the user's requirements and design tastes. The distal end of the uprights can have an attachment plate integrally 10 formed upon it or the attachment plate may be communicably inserted into an open region of the upright. The attachment plate may be right angled and contains a plurality of apertures through which a bolt or other attachment means such as a pin, can be securably inserted. Covering Apron 15 Figure 2 shows a secondary, covering apron 60 which is securely fixed to the top of the bin cage by a series of pins or bolts or alternatively by a series of four flanges 62 which form the external vertical surface of the apron 60. The covering or waste apron has an aperture 61 formed within its top surface through which a corresponding attachment or support member 20 located upon the underside of the roof plate can be inserted to permit the securable attachment of the roof plate to the waste apron so that the attachment means in not visible externally. The waste apron is sloped or pitched at a gravitational angle to facilitate the ingress of refuse into the central aperture 61 when in use. Located at each 25 corner of the waste apron underneath the flanges 62 is an attachment point 63 into which screws or bolts or other attachment means can securably affix the waste apron to the attachment plates XX formed upon the uprights 30. The waste apron 60 may also have an additional aperture 65 or apertures 65 formed in its surface to enable an attachment plate 78 of the roof 30 member 70 to slidably engage with an attachment plate 64 formed upon the internal surface of the waste apron 60. Roof The sloping roof 70 is affixed to the uprights 30 through an aperture in the covering apron 60 of the bin cage 10 and the uprights 30 by a series of four -9 threaded elongated support members 71 which are affixed onto the uprights (and/or the apron) using bolts, screws or similar means. On one end of the support members 71 is an end portion 73 of dimensions suitable to enable it to be slid within a hollow centre portion 32 of each of the four uprights 30. 5 The end portion 72 of each support member 71 has an aperture 74 through which a pin or bolt 80 may be inserted so as to securely fix the support members 71into the hollow centre portion 32 of each upright 30. A cotter pin, screw or other suitable fixing means may be used to secure the support member. The end portion 73 is preferably rectangular in shape 10 but may be cylindrical or such other shape as can securely fit within the hollow centre portion 32 of each upright 30. Preferably the covering apron 60 has holes 62 located at each corner which correspond to the hollow centre portions 32 of each upright 30. The hollow portion 32 of each upright 30 has a welded tab 35 formed on opposing sides the internal surface of the upright 15 to prevent portions 73 of support members 71 from sliding. The bin cage 10 is a modular system which is slotted together and held firmly together by blots, hex screws or other suitable securing means. Apertures 35, 36 may be formed in one of the uprights in order to receive slidably securable hangers of a cigarette butt bin or other external receptacle 20 (not shown) see Figures 4 and 5. Figure 5 shows further details of the uprights 30. Note in particular the holes 37 located at the proximal and distal ends of the uprights 30 for securing in place the roofing support member 71 and upright members 55 of the base plate 50. 25 Figure 6 shows the top disposal or covering apron 6o. The next drawing is of the "top disposal apron". Note the supports are to be placed over the side support legs. Each corner of the apron will have a locking hole through which a pin or bolt can be driven with a hammer. Alternatively the apron can have flanges that sit over the top edges 25 of the planer panels 20. 30 Alternatively the apron 60 may have feet 62 for insertion into hollow centre portions 32 of uprights 30. The hollow centre portion 32 of each upright 30 can extend through the length 34 of the upright 30 so as to permit the insertion of the rectangular portion 72 of the roofing support members 71 and upright members 55 of the -10 base plate 50. Alternatively a hollow centre portion 33 located at the lower end of each upright 30 may be of dimensions to securely receive each rectangular upright member 55 of the base plate 50. The use of hollow uprights 30 would reduce material costs. The hollow centre portions 32, 33 5 may be of any suitable shape or dimension as required by the user so as to securely receive the upright members 55. Figure 7 is a picture of the roof plate 70. Each of the four corners of the roof plate 70 have a threaded aperture 72 into which the threaded roofing supports 71 may be screwed. The roof plate 70 acts as a waterproof covering 10 for the bin cage 10 and when in situ will be displaced in a slightly sloping orientation towards the rear of the bin cage 10 so as to enable liquids to run off the roof or for people to rest articles on the top, for example whilst waiting for public transport. The sloping roof is preferably of length and breadth 850mm x 70omm and thickness 5mm although other dimensions are possible without 15 departing from the scope of the invention. Threaded elongated roofing members 71 can be of varying height so as to ensure the sloping orientation of the roof plate 70 when fixed in place. In other embodiments of the invention the roof plate can have sides 77 formed perpendicular to the top planar section. In such embodiments, the 20 threaded aperture 72 may take the form of cylindrical tubes 78 into which the threaded roofing supports 71 may be screwed. The roof plate 70 acts as a protective cover for the bin cage 10 so as to prevent the ingress of rain into the wheelie bin contained within the cage. Figure 8 shows details of the roof supports. The supports are elongated rods and are threaded at one end 75 for 25 screwing the supports into the corresponding threaded apertures 72 of the roof member. At the other end of each of the four roof supports is a rectangular end portion 73 which fits within a corresponding slot 64 formed in the bin cage apron 60 and hollow portion 32 formed in each upright 30. The end portion 73 has a 10mm aperture 74 through which a pin or bolt can be 30 passed in order to securely affix it to the uprights 30. The end portions 73may be 50 mm in height and 30mm x 30mm width and breadth. Figure 9 is another view of the sloping roof 70 to which roofing support members 71 have been affixed. Note that there may be a small pitch in the centre in order to permit fluids to runoff. There will be a screw in thread in -11 the top roof panel (of perhaps 1/2 an inch or a conventional size) into which the threaded end of the roof supports can be inserted. The end portion 73 is inserted through apertures formed in the top waste apron 60 and into the hollow portions 32 of each of the four uprights 30. 5 Side panels Figure 10 shows variations of the side panels 20. Figure ioA is a single side panel without grill portion. Figure ioB is a side panel having planner portion 21 and grill portion 22. Side edges 24 and 25 are slid into channels 31 formed in uprights 30 to form the bin cage 10. The ad panels can be treated 10 with graffiti resistant poly-urea or other materials and can be in a simple rectangular shape. The sides of the ad panels slide within the grooves/channels formed in the four uprights so as to securely hold the ad panels in place. The side panels can be manufactured of many materials including 15 timber, aluminium, plastics or other materials to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the bin cage. Figure 11 is a picture of a grill portion 22 (one of either 2, 3 or 4 according to the requirements of the user). Lower ends 26 and vertical cross sections can be slotted into the base plate the apertures 56 which are along the 20 base plate 50. The size of the lower portions of the grill is of a size so as to enable it to fit into the apertures 56. The side edges 25 on the grill may be inserted into the channels 31 formed in the uprights 30. Figure 12 is a further drawing of grill portion 22. Each grill portion 22 has a flat broad panel 23 which enables the placement of advertisement or 25 information regarding type of waste to be placed upon it. At the rear of the grill 22, upon flat panel section 23, there may be a handle 26 in order to assist in the installation and erection of the bin cage. Figure 13 shows the door of the bin cage 27. It is fashioned as a single piece having planar portion 28 and grill portion 29. The door 27 is supported 30 by upright 30 on one side. A hinge or hinges 80 is affixed to an edge of door 27 and to upright 30 to permit opening and closing of the bin cage 10 for placement of a wheelie bin within the bin cage 10 and removal for emptying when full. The door 27 has a lock for securely containing the wheelie bin within the bin cage. There are a series of 3 hinges along one of the elongated -12 sides of the door and these attach to the corresponding upright. At the bottom of the door is a base bar which enables a gap to be left with the ground in order that the opening door may be opened and shut. Figure 14 is a further drawing of the door 27 attached to upright 30. 5 Hinges 80 are located on an upright 30 adjacent a lock 82 in door 27 has a latch which can fit into a slot or aperture on the corresponding upright (not shown) so as to lock the bin cage. The lid of the standard 240 litre wheelie bin can be folded down when placed within the bin cage so as to leave it open in order that refuse can be put 10 into the bin when it is within the bin cage. The bin cage 10 has legs 51 located at each corner of the base plate 50 which either form an integral part of the base plate 50 as shown in Figure 15 A or can be detachable. In the especially preferred detachable form shown in Figure 15B the legs 51 have screw threads 52 located upon an elongated 15 portion 53 and have a substantially flat circular foot 54 which is disposed perpendicularly to the elongated portion 53 of the leg 51. The base plate 50 has threaded apertures 55 located on the bottom surface of the base plate 50 or upon plates which have been welded in to the corners of the base plate into which the detachable legs 51 may be securely screwed. At each corner of the 20 upper surface of the base plate 50 is an upright member 55 for insertion into a hollow centre portion 33 formed at the lower end of each upright 30. Each upright 30 may be secured upon the base plate 5o by a pin, bolt or screw or similar fixing means which is places through corresponding apertures 56 and 37 located in the centre of upright members 55 and uprights 30. 25 The upright members 55 are preferably substantially rectangular prisms adapted to fit securely into hollow portions 32 located at each end of uprights 30. However the upright member 55 may be of other shapes, for example, cylindrical or of a pyramid shape without departing from the scope of the invention. The legs 51 have screw threads upon them and can be of 30 adjustable height. Preferably, the height of the legs 51 when in place in the threaded apertures 55 of the base plate 50 will be uniform so as to maintain a level position for the bin cage 10 when situated upon horizontal terrain although the ability to situate the bin cage 10 is upon uneven ground using adjustable legs 51 may be advantageous for custom jobs.
-13 Figure 15 shows the base plate 50. The u-shaped base plate has apertures 56 situated upon its upper edges which are holes of 4omm depth set at 1oomm apart preferably. The apertures 56 can be located on either two or three of the upper sides of the base plate 50 depending upon the number of 5 grill portions 22 which are used in each side panel 20. In some embodiments the base plate 50 does not contain any apertures 56 and the cross sectional vertical members of the grill portion merely rests upon the upper surface of the base plate. At each of the four corners of the u-shaped base plate are threaded holes into which adjustable fittings may be screwed and the 10 horizontal alignment of the bin cage can be adjusted by screwing the adjustable footings to a desired height. On the top surface of each corner of the u-shaped base plate 50 is a 60mm high and 27mm x 27mm wide upright member 55 upon which the four uprights 30 of the bin cage 10 may be securely slid on to. The upright member 55 is of such dimensions as to 15 securely fit within hollow portion 32 located at the proximal or lower end of each upright 30. Figure 16 is another view of the base plate 50, noting that it is u-shaped and has with a series of apertures 56 into which the lower edges 26 of the grill members 22 can be affixed. The base plate 50 may have cross supports 57 20 affixed to it which can be either bolted in or welded onto it in order to strengthen or provide an elevated base for the wheelie bins which are to be contained within the cage. There is no base plate on the side of the bin cage on which the door 27 is to be located. This is not necessarily the case however and a base plate which is rectangular or square substantially in shape is 25 possible in other embodiments of the invention. Feet 51 may be screwed into each corner of the base plate through apertures located at each corner. In the case that an enclosure is required to hold more than one wheelie bin, uprights 30 can have channels located upon opposite vertical elongated sides so as to permit side panels to be secured in adjacent rather than 30 perpendicular configuration. The individual components of the bin cage can each be replaced during maintenance which assists in reducing replacements costs in the case that the bin cage is damaged or weathered. It is unnecessary to replace the entire structure. The components are modular and a number of bin cages can be -14 affixed in series according to the user's requirements and the number or variety of bins that the bin cage is to house. The attachments points of components are located internally which improves the overall aesthetic appeal of the bin cage system as well as the security of the structure from vandalism. 5 The bin cage of the present invention greatly simplifies the assembly and deconstruction of bin cages in private or public spaces and permits enhanced capability in urban design. There is also provided a method of construction of a rubbish bin cage with attachment points which are not externally visible including the steps of: 10 i. Removing components from packaging; ii. Affixing the uprights 30 into points in the waste apron 60 underside; iii. Securing the waste apron 60 over the uprights 30 in a manner which is not visible externally to create a rectangular frame; iv. Securing the roof plate 70 to the waste apron 6o by means of at least 15 one attachment plate XX located upon the underside of the roof plate 70 which may be inserted into a corresponding aperture YY located within the waste apron 60; v. Affixing the side panels 20 to uprights 30; vi. where desired or appropriate, affixing the base plate 50 to the base of 20 the uprights 30 of the completed bin cage; and vii.where desired, affixing additional components internally to the completed bin cage to provide multiples of the bin cage. Wheelie Bin Vanity Screen 25 Figure 17 shows a variation of the bin cage, comprising a simple foldable, collapsible four panel wheelie bin shield which is suitable for use in apartment blocks, commercial premises and for domestic use. The vanity screen is utilised for aesthetic purposes primarily and for hiding what some may consider to be unsightly rubbish bins from general view. The cage has 30 pins, hinges or locks located upon adjoining edges of side panels which securably join together using a simple mechanism such as a male bolt and corresponding female sleeve or aperture. The privacy screen may have screw on legs or may have legs which are integrally formed at the bottom of the panels. Each panel may have apertures formed into a lower edge into which -15 screw-in legs or spikes may be inserted for use on uneven or soft surfaces so as to provide support for the panels. The vanity screen may be manufactured of any suitable materials which are resistant to weather decay and are at least semi-rigid so as to enable the panels of the vanity screen to remain upright 5 without losing shape. Suitable materials include preferably wicker or cane weave, however, lightweight steel or flat panel aluminium which has been undercoated or electroplated may be used. In some applications, rigid and sturdy plastic moulded panels may be used in the construction of the screen. The panels may be decorated or painted to suit the requirements of each 10 application. In some applications the adjoining panels may incorporate designs which can be stamped upon or thermoformed formed integrally with each panel as a design feature. There are 2 panel fixed hinges which are set and connected via slide in sockets. The vanity screen has the same dimensions as the bin cage, ie, 85ox7oox 1100mm, is modular, and can be flat 15 packed. The maximum weight would be 25-35kg although this is not meant to be limiting to the scope of invention. The underlying premise is that the vanity screen is portable and mobile but it is designed to fit around the standard 240 litre garbage bins. The panels of the vanity screen version of the bin cage can be mounted 20 to a wall or fence using an L-shaped bracket which can be attached to or integrally formed along an edge of a panel member at approximately 4 to inches from the top edge of the or each panel. Affixing the panel or panels to a wall is a simple matter of securing a masonry bolt of correct size to the wall or fence, passing the b-shaped bracket over the top of the masonry bolt and 25 securing against movement using for example a wing-nut for ease of use and in order to ensure the easy relocation of the vanity screen panels. Preferably any fixation members such as bolts, hinges, brackets will be fashioned from stainless steel in order that they will withstand adverse weather conditions and salinity in coastal regions. 30 On opposite long edges of each panel are hinge portions which have either two or three female sleeves or apertures (also known as knuckles) through which a pin can be slidably inserted in order to join adjacent panels. This hinge configuration means that the vanity screen panels are easily moved, easily constructed and are modular such that any number of panels -16 may be joined together and in any number of configurations to provide an aesthetically pleasing screen or barrier to the bins situated behind the screens being viewed by passers-by as is shown in Figures 19 and 20. The panels are easily joined and disassembled by either inserting or removing pins through 5 the hinge portions located on each adjoining edge of the panels. In some applications, the panels of the vanity screen may be affixed to the top of a fence so as to provide a privacy screen from owners of adjoining properties. Alternatively the vanity screen may be adapted for use to screen a barbecue or pool area and can be affixed to the ground. 10 In other applications the vanity screens can be configured so as to screen any number of rubbish bins by adding modular panels. See Figures 19 and 20. In other applications the vanity screen can be adapted for use on large commercial premises so as to create a screen for large industrial skip bins 15 rather than 240 litre wheelie bins without falling outside the scope of the invention. In such circumstances, the screw-in legs or spikes can be replaced with wheels to enable the easy removal and replacement of the vanity screen panels to enable the bins situated behind them to be emptied. The preferred components of a vanity screen unit which can be flat 20 packed for delivery to consumers include: (i) 4 panels -comprising 2 side panels with hinge portions on only a single edge and 2 front panels with hinge portions including either 2 or three female sleeve portions on opposite edges. Additional front panels can be provided separately in the case of users requiring a larger vanity screen 25 dimensions. (ii) 2 x screw-in legs or spikes for the bottom of each of the 4 panels. (iii) plastic strips (not shown) for securing the top edges of adjacent panels together such that they do not move when in position. (a) 2 x L -shaped; 30 (b) 2 x straight pieces; (iv) stainless steel pins and locking points. (v) 2 x stainless steel brackets. Alternative configurations of the bin cage described above are possible according to the user's requirements.
-17 For example, in alternative embodiments of the invention, the bin cage is constructed in such a manner that all attachment points and means of securing the parts of the bin cage cannot be seen externally or are "invisible" once the bin cage has been erected. The use of internal fixation points 5 increases the aesthetic appeal of the bin cage and provides greater security from vandalism. The externally invisible fixtures are manufactured to enable the easy maintenance and replacement of parts which may become damaged or weathered. Figure 21 and 22 show the top plate 70 of an alternative embodiment of 10 the invention which incorporates a pair of planar support members 78 which have apertures 79 to enable the support members 78 to be affixed internally to the waste apron 60 of the bin cage using screws, nuts and bolts or other fixation means. As indicated in Figure 23, the top plate may have only a single planar support member 78A, which may be planar, cylindrical or another 15 shape in certain embodiments of the invention to enable maximum access to the internal aperture 61 of the waste apron 60. As shown in Figures 24 and 25 the waste apron 60 has attachment points 64 which are located on the underside of the waste apron 6o to ensure that support members 78 of the top plate 70 are externally invisible when the 20 bin cage is assembled. Support members 78 are inserted into longitudinal apertures 65 formed in the top surface of the waste apron 6o and the support members are affixed to the attachment points 64. Apertures in the attachment points 64 correspond with apertures 79 formed in the top plate support members 78 (or 78A). The waste apron 60 has L-shaped attachment 25 plates located on its underside at each corner for securably receiving complementary L-shaped attachment plates located upon the top ends of each vertical upright 300 to provide strength, stability and a frame for the bin cage. The uprights 300 of another preferred embodiment of the bin cage are shown in Figures 26 and 27. Each upright 300 has an L-shaped attachment 30 plate 302 located at upon top end for affixing the uprights 300 to the underside of the waste apron 60. Each attachment plate 302 corresponds with a complementary L-shaped attachment plate 63 formed upon the underside of each corner of the waste apron 60. b-shaped attachment plates 302 have apertures for receiving screws which secure plates 203 to plates 63 -18 internally. The screws or other means of affixing the attachment plates internally are not visible externally and so the aesthetic qualities of the top of the waste apron 60 are not affected. Footing 304 can be screwed into fluted channels 303 formed in the bottom portion of the uprights 300 for affixing the 5 uprights securely to the ground or surface upon which the bin cage is to sit. Each footing has a threaded screw portion 305 and a plate portion in which is located an aperture for receiving a bolt or other means for securing the footing 304 to the surface upon which the bin cage is to sit when in use. Each upright can have a series of lugs or taps 307 located upon its innermost sides for 10 securing the uprights to the planar door panels 200, 202 or 204 of the bin cage. An upright for use with a front door panel 203 may have hinges in place of lugs 307 according to the user's requirements. Figure 28 shows planar side 200, rear 202 and door panels 203 which are slidably attachable to the lugs or taps 307 located upon the vertical 15 uprights. The door panels 200, 202 are slid over the lugs 307 and secured internally. Front door panel 203 may have apertures for receiving hinges located upon the uprights 300 in some embodiments should the user require a swinging front door on the bin cage for access to the bin housed within as shown in Figures 28 and 30 and may have a lock or access point 205 in its 20 front surface. As indicated in Figure 29, side and rear panels 200, 202 can have L shaped channels 201 for affixing the panel to the lugs or taps 307 of the vertical uprights 300 formed in the edge portions of each panel. The panels 200, 202 are slid over the lugs or taps 307 located on the vertical uprights 300 25 and dropped into place securably. The L-shaped channel 201 allows easy construction and the panels may be replaced simply in the case of damage or wear or should the user wish to add panels of different colours or with various advertisements painted or printed upon the panels. Alternative styles of the panels 200, 202, 203 are possible according to 30 the user's requirements. Figure 31 illustrates one such alternative panel 206 which has a hollow frame with multiple attachment points 207 to allow for various materials and finishes to be used to form the panels. For example, timber or plastics may be used for aesthetic or weight reasons. Wire mesh might also be employed. The materials can be easily affixed to the panel frame -19 206 and the panel frame 206 can have apertures 201 which are circular or L shaped according to the user's requirements. Materials are interchangeable easily. Figure 32 shows a top view and isometric view of the base plate 500 of 5 the embodiment of the bin cage which has no external attachment means visible including a separate front portion of the base plate 502. The base plate has apertures 5oi in each corner for screwing in footings 304. Front portion of base plate 502 is an optional attachment to the front door panel 203 which may be added for improved aesthetics according to the user's requirements, 10 Figure 33 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the bin cage with attachment points which are not externally visible when the bin cage has been assembled. The components are all able to be flat packed for transportation to a site for construction and each part may be replaced easily whilst the assembled bin cage is in place. 15 The bin cage is modular and allows for multiple bins to be connected in series to house a variety of waste and recyclable products. The modular system allows for easy and economical repair of damaged bins as the whole bin cage is not being replaced but rather only those components that require maintenance. This saves time and expense. 20 Alternative configurations of the above are possible according to the user's requirements. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of applications for which the present device is well suited including use with bins of standard sizes other than 240 litre capacity, by way of non-limiting 25 example, the 360 and 120 litre bins. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method of construction herein described may be adapted according to the user's requirements without departing from the scope of the invention.