AU2017202951A1 - Solar Bin - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rubbish receptacle for a solar powered rubbish compactor and particularly to a rubbish receptacle that is removable and can be lifted by a rubbish collection truck. 34'18 32 Figure 1 34'

Description

SOLAR BIN TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a rubbish receptacle for a solar powered rubbish compactor and particularly to a rubbish receptacle that is removable and can be lifted by a rubbish collection truck.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Solar powered rubbish compactors are known. These compactors include a structure within which one or more rubbish bins are located, a mechanism for compacting rubbish within the rubbish bins, and a photovoltaic panel on the upper exterior surface of the compactor for collecting solar energy. The collected solar energy is stored for later use in operating the compacting mechanism.

[0003] The rubbish bins used in solar powered rubbish compactors are generally a container shaped to fit within the compactor, with an upper opening through which rubbish placed within the compactor passes into the confines of the container. The rubbish bins are positioned on a wheeled cart within the compactor or the rubbish bins have integrated wheels to assist with removal of the rubbish bin for emptying. However, the rubbish bins are not suitable for connecting to rubbish trucks and therefore require manual lifting by an operator to empty the contents.

[0004] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a rubbish bin, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0006] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a rubbish receptacle for a solar compactor, the rubbish receptacle comprising at least two segments, the first segment having a base and side walls which define a cavity, and each additional segment having side walls which define a sleeve, such that the segments are in a telescopic relationship.

[0007] The telescopic relationship between the segments of the rubbish receptacle provides for the rubbish receptacle to be in fully extended state, a fully collapsed state or a partially extended state. Typically, when the rubbish receptacle is in a fully collapsed state, it is dimensioned to fit within a solar compactor.

[0008] Preferably, the first segment of the rubbish receptacle is a substantially rectangular container and each additional segment is a substantially rectangular sleeve. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the rubbish receptacle comprises two substantially rectangular segments in a telescopic relationship.

[0009] The segments can be retained in a fully extended state by any suitable means. Such means can include clips or catches. In certain embodiments, the segments are retained in a fully extended state by a system of projections and complementary recesses. For example, in one embodiment, one or more projections on the exterior of an additional segment engage with complementary recesses on the interior of the first segment to retain the rubbish receptacle in a fully extended position. In an alternative embodiment, one or more projections on the interior of the first segment engage with complementary recesses on the exterior of an additional segment to retain the rubbish receptacle in a fully extended position. In these embodiments, the additional segment is positioned within the first segment when the rubbish receptacle is in a collapsed state.

[0010] Further alternative embodiments comprise one or more projections on the interior of an additional segment which engage with complementary recesses on the exterior of the first segment to retain the rubbish receptacle in a fully extended position, or one or more projections on the exterior of the first segment engage with complementary recesses on the interior of an additional segment to retain the rubbish receptacle in a fully extended state. In these embodiments, the first segment is positioned within the additional segment when the rubbish receptacle is in a collapsed state.

[0011] In any of these embodiments, converting the rubbish receptacle from a collapsed state to a fully extended state is achieved by upward movement of the additional segment until the projections engage with the complementary recesses. Conversely, converting the rubbish receptacle from a fully extended state to a collapsed state is achieved by downward pressure on the additional segment sufficient to overcome the engagement of the projections in their complementary recesses.

[0012] To assist in conversion between collapsed and fully extended states, the additional segment can be provided with one or more handles. In use, an operator grips the handles and pushes downwards to convert a rubbish receptacle from a fully extended state to a collapsed state, or pulls upwards to convert the receptacle from a collapsed state to a fully extended state.

[0013] The additional segment can further be provided with at least one handle mounted on a flap on the exterior of the segment. Preferably, the flap is formed by incisions in the additional segment on each side of the handle such that the flap remains part of the additional segment. The flap is resiliently deformable away from the side of the additional segment as a result of a hinge line between the incisions. Such a resiliently deformable flap can assist in overcoming engagement of projections in their complementary recesses when converting a receptacle from a fully extended state to a collapsed state.

[0014] Preferably, the additional segment is provided with two handles, each mounted on a flap on the exterior of opposite sides of the additional segment. In use, an operator grips the handles and pulls the flaps away from the exterior wall such that the flaps deform along their hinge line, and then pushes downwards to convert the rubbish receptacle from a fully extended state to a collapsed state.

[0015] The first segment of the receptacle will preferably have at least one pair of wheels to assist with moving the rubbish receptacle into and out of the solar compactor. The first segment of the receptacle can have two pairs of wheels, however, typically, stability of the rubbish receptacle whether inside or outside of the solar compactor is improved when the first segment has a single pair of wheels.

[0016] The additional segment can include at least one handgrip to assist in wheeling the receptacle from the solar compactor to the rubbish collection point. The at least one handgrip can be in the form of a handle for gripping by a user. The handle can be integrally formed with the additional segment, or the handle can comprise an additional part or parts reversibly connected to the additional segment. Alternatively, the at least one handgrip can comprise a hole through the additional segment large enough to provide grip and allow the user to manoeuvre the receptacle. In a further alternative, the at least one handgrip can comprise a recess in the additional segment, wherein the recess is shaped to allow a user to grip the receptacle during manoeuvring.

[0017] The additional segment can comprise one, two, three or more handgrips. Having different numbers of handgrips in different positions allows for ease of manoeuvring the receptacle in different ways. For example, a handgrip in the centre of a side wall of the additional segment is preferred when the receptacle is being pulled behind a user over a long distance. In contrast, two handgrips that are spaced apart at the same height on a side wall of the receptacle are preferred for initially tipping the receptacle from an upright stationary position into an angled position in order to engage the wheel or wheels of the receptacle and commence wheeling of the receptacle.

[0018] Typically, when the rubbish receptacle is in a fully extended state, the height of the receptacle is such that it can be connected to a rubbish truck to allow for rubbish collection.

[0019] Optionally, the additional segment can have a flange on the exterior of at least a portion of its uppermost rim. In some embodiments, there is only a flange on the exterior of the uppermost rim of two opposing side of the additional segment. In alternative embodiments, the entire uppermost rim of the additional segment has an exterior flange. In all embodiments, the flange can be a separate structure attached to the additional segment, or the flange can be an integral portion of the additional segment.

[0020] The flange can take the place of handles on the additional segment, or can be used in addition to handles as an extra means for gripping the additional segment. The flange can also provide stop means for preventing the rubbish receptacle from detaching from the lifting means of a rubbish truck during emptying of the rubbish receptacle.

[0021] Typically, the mechanism utilized by rubbish trucks for picking up rubbish bins is either ‘rear lift’ or ‘claw arm’. A rear lift rubbish truck has a mechanism at the rear of the truck which attaches to a rubbish bin, and usually by hydraulic means, lifts the bin through an arc, so that the contents of the bin are emptied into the truck. The emptied bin is then returned to its original position on the ground.

[0022] In contrast, a claw arm rubbish truck has a mechanism on the pavement side of the truck for lifting a rubbish bin and tipping it to empty the contents into the truck. The mechanism typically comprises two laterally opposed members which are shaped to enable the combination of laterally opposed members to grip the rubbish bin. That is, the laterally opposed members typically have a shape complementary to the exterior shape of a rubbish bin.

[0023] Advantageously, each of these mechanisms avoids manual lifting of rubbish bins.

[0024] Returning to embodiments of the present invention, a flange on the exterior of at least a portion of the uppermost rim of the additional segment of the rubbish receptacle assists with retaining the receptacle in the lifting mechanism of a truck. Optionally, the exterior flange can comprise reinforcing means. The reinforcing means can be any suitable reinforcing means known in the art. For example, the reinforcing means can comprise a lining for the exterior flange. The lining can be metal or plastic, and serves to add strength to the flange to prevent deformation of the flange during lifting of the rubbish receptacle by the rubbish truck lifting mechanism.

[0025] Alternatively, a rib structure can be used to strengthen the flange such that no additional parts, such as a lining, are required.

[0026] The first segment and the additional segment can be made of any material suitable for a rubbish receptacle that will provide strength and durability. The segments can therefore be made from metal, such as aluminium, iron, stainless steel or galvanised steel. Alternatively, the segments can be made from plastic. Typically, the plastic is of a similar strength and durability to the plastic used for wheelie bins.

[0027] The side walls of the first segment can further comprise strengthening means for providing additional support to the side walls without increasing the overall thickness of the walls. The strengthening means can take any suitable form, but preferably comprise strengthening ribs.

[0028] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0029] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rubbish receptacle according to one embodiment of the invention in a fully collapsed state; [0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 1, in a fully extended state; [0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle of Figure 1 positioned within a solar compactor; [0034] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 1; [0035] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 1 from a different angle; [0036] Figure 6 is a rear view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure i; [0037] Figure 7A is a cross-section through A-A of Figure 6; [0038] Figure 7B is an enlarged view of the circled region of Figure 7A; [0039] Figure 8 is a rear view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 2; [0040] Figure 9 A is a cross-section through B-B of Figure 8; [0041] Figure 9B is an enlarged view of the circled region of Figure 9A; [0042] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a rubbish receptacle according to another embodiment of the invention in a fully collapsed state; [0043] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 10, in a fully extended state; [0044] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle of Figure 10 positioned within a solar compactor; [0045] Figure 13 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 10; [0046] Figure 14 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 10 from a different angle; [0047] Figure 15 is a rear view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 10; [0048] Figure 16A is a cross-section through A-A of Figure 15; [0049] Figure 16B is an enlarged view of the circled region of Figure 16 A; [0050] Figure 17 is a rear view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure ii; [0051] Figure 18A is a cross-section through B-B of Figure 17; [0052] Figure 18B is an enlarged view of the circled region of Figure 18A; [0053] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a rubbish receptacle according to a further embodiment of the invention in a fully collapsed state; [0054] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 19, in a fully extended state; [0055] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle of Figure 19 positioned within a solar compactor; [0056] Figure 22 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 19; [0057] Figure 23 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 19 from a different angle; [0058] Figure 24 is a rear view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 19; [0059] Figure 25A is a cross-section through A-A of Figure 24; [0060] Figure 25B is an enlarged view of the circled region of Figure 25 A; [0061] Figure 26 is a rear view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle shown in Figure 20; [0062] Figure 27A is a cross-section through B-B of Figure 26; and [0063] Figure 27B is an enlarged view of the circled region of Figure 27A.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0064] A perspective view of a rubbish receptacle 10 according to one embodiment of the invention in a fully collapsed state is shown in Figure 1. The rubbish receptacle 10 comprises a first segment 12 having a base 14 and side walls 16 which define a cavity 18, and an additional segment 20 having side walls 22. The first segment 12 and the additional segment 20 are in a telescopic relationship.

[0065] The first segment 12 has a pair of wheels 24 joined together by an axle 26 and attached to the first segment 12 by a metal bracket 28. The first segment 12 also has projections 30 on each side wall 16 which support the additional segment 20 when the rubbish receptacle 10 is in a fully collapsed state. The projections 30 provide a stop means for the additional segment 20 and therefore are preferably positioned such that the additional segment 20 does not rest on the wheels 24.

[0066] The additional segment 20 has handles 32 formed in a side wall 22 and exterior flanges 34 and 34’ on the uppermost rim of opposing side walls 22. Exterior flange 34’ is larger and deeper than exterior flange 34 and is effectively an additional handle to assist with converting the rubbish receptacle 10 between fully extended and collapsed states.

[0067] The rubbish receptacle 10 of Figure 1, is shown in Figure 2 in a fully extended state with like features numbered similarly in each of the Figures.

[0068] The rubbish receptacle 10 of Figure 1, which is in a fully collapsed state, is shown in Figure 3 in position within a solar compactor 36. When positioned within the solar compactor 36, the rubbish receptacle 10 in a fully collapsed state fits underneath the compacting mechanism in the upper region of the compactor (not shown, but under the roof 38 of the compactor). The compactor has a flap 40 fitted with a handle 42. By pulling on the handle 42, the flap 40 is opened and rubbish placed in the opening falls into the cavity 18 of the rubbish receptacle. The solar compactor 36 has an access door to prevent general access to the rubbish receptacle 10, which is not shown in Figure 3, to enable the positioning of the rubbish receptacle 10 within the solar compactor 36 to be shown.

[0069] An exploded view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle 10 of Figure 1 is shown in Figure 4. Features are numbered similarly to like features in Figure 1. Additionally, screws 44 for connecting the metal axle bracket 28 are shown. The rubbish receptacle 10 has a metal reinforcement bracket 46 which fits under the exterior flange 34’ and provides additional strength to the flange 34’ during attachment to a lifting mechanism of a rubbish truck.

[0070] From the angle of the exploded view in Figure 5, a projection in the form of a retaining rim 48 can be seen on the uppermost rim of the first segment 12. The retaining rim 48 interacts cooperatively with a corresponding recess (not visible) on the interior of a side wall 22 of the additional segment 20 to hold the rubbish receptacle 10 in a fully extended state.

[0071] A cross-section of a rubbish receptacle 10 through A-A of Figure 6, which shows a rubbish receptacle 10 in a fully collapsed state, is shown in Figure 7A. In this state, the additional segment 20 is effectively a sleeve for the first segment 12. The lowermost rim 50 of the additional segment 20 is resting on the projection 30 of the first segment 12. This is shown in detail in Figure 7B, which is an enlarged view of the circled region of Figure 7A.

[0072] From the detailed view in Figure 7B, a projection 52 on the interior of a wall 22 of the additional segment 20 abuts a projection 54 on the exterior of a wall 16 of the first segment 12 thus preventing the additional segment 20 from further downwards movement. The additional segment 20 is thus supported by the projection 54 which is acting as a stop means.

[0073] A cross-section of a rubbish receptacle 10 through B-B of Figure 8, which shows a rubbish receptacle 10 in a fully extended state, is shown in Figure 9A. The rubbish receptacle 10 is retained in a fully extended state by a projection 56 on a side wall 22 of the additional segment 20 and a complementary recess 58 on a side wall 16 of the first segment 12. This is shown in detail in Figure 9B, which is an enlarged view of the circled region of Figure 9A.

[0074] From the detailed view in Figure 9B, a projection 56 on the interior of a side wall 22 of the additional segment 20 is engaged with a complementary recess 58 on the exterior of a side wall 16 of the first segment 12 thus preventing the additional segment 20 from further upwards movement. The additional segment 20 is thus held in position.

[0075] A perspective view of a rubbish receptacle 60 according to another embodiment of the invention in a fully collapsed state is shown in Figure 10. The rubbish receptacle 60 comprises a first segment 62 having a base 64 and side walls 66 which define a cavity 68, and an additional segment 70 having side walls 72. The first segment 62 and the additional segment 70 are in a telescopic relationship.

[0076] The first segment 62 has a pair of wheels 74 joined together by an axle 76 and attached to the first segment 62 by a metal bracket 78. The first segment 62 also has projections 80 on each side wall 66 which support the additional segment 70 when the rubbish receptacle 60 is in a fully collapsed state. The projections 80 provide a stop means for the additional segment 70 and therefore are preferably positioned such that the additional segment 70 does not rest on the wheels 74.

[0077] The additional segment 70 has two handles 82 formed in a side wall 72 and exterior flanges 84 and 84’ on the uppermost rim of opposing side walls 72. Exterior flange 84’ is larger and deeper than exterior flange 84 and is effectively an additional handle to assist with converting the rubbish receptacle 60 between fully extended and collapsed states.

[0078] The additional segment 70 has a handle 86 mounted on a flap 88 on the exterior of a side wall 72. The flap 88 is formed by incisions 90 in the additional segment 70 on each side of the handle 86. The flap 88 is resiliently deformable away from the side wall 72 of the additional segment 70 as a result of a hinge line 92 between the incisions 90. The resiliently deformable flap 88 assists in overcoming engagement of projections in their complementary recesses when converting the rubbish receptacle 10 from a fully extended state to a collapsed state.

[0079] Although not visible in Figure 10 (but visible in Figure 14), the additional segment 70 has a second such handle 86’, mounted on a flap 88’ on the exterior of the opposite side wall 72 of the additional segment 70 to the handle 86 shown in Figure 10. In use, an operator grips the handles 86 and 86’ and pulls the flaps 88 and 88’ away from the side walls 72 such that the flaps 88 and 88’ deform along their hinge lines 92, and the operator then pushes downwards to convert the rubbish receptacle 60 from a fully extended state to a collapsed state. Conversely, when converting the rubbish receptacle 60 from a collapsed state to a fully extended state, an operator grips the handles 86 and 86’ and pulls the flaps 88 and 88’ away from the side walls 72 such that the flaps 88 and 88’ deform along their hinge lines 92, and the operator then pulls upwards on the additional segment 70.

[0080] The rubbish receptacle 60 of Figure 10, is shown in Figure 11 in a fully extended state with like features numbered similarly in each of the Figures.

[0081] The rubbish receptacle 60 of Figure 10, which is in a fully collapsed state, is shown in Figure 12 in position within a solar compactor 94. When positioned within the solar compactor 94, the rubbish receptacle 60 in a fully collapsed state fits underneath the compacting mechanism in the upper region of the compactor 94 (not shown, but under the roof 96 of the compactor 94). The compactor 94 has a flap 98 fitted with a handle 100. By pulling on the handle 100, the flap 98 is opened and rubbish placed in the opening falls into the cavity 68 of the rubbish receptacle 60. The solar compactor 94 has an access door to prevent general access to the rubbish receptacle 60, which is not shown in Figure 12, to enable the positioning of the rubbish receptacle 60 to be shown.

[0082] An exploded view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle 60 of Figure 10 is shown in Figure 13. Features are numbered similarly to like features in Figure 10. Additionally, screws 102 for connecting the metal axle bracket 78 are shown. The rubbish receptacle 60 has a ribbed structure 104 which fits under the exterior flange 84’ and provides additional strength to the flange 84’ during attachment to a lifting mechanism of a rubbish truck.

[0083] From the angle of the exploded view in Figure 14, a projection in the form of a retaining rim 106 can be seen on the uppermost rim of the first segment 62. The retaining rim 106 interacts cooperatively with a corresponding recess (not visible) on the inside of the side wall 72 of the additional segment 70 to hold the rubbish receptacle 60 in a fully extended state. As mentioned above, the view of Figure 14 also shows the two handles 86 and 86’ mounted on flaps 88 and 88’ on opposing side walls 72 of the additional segment 70. A reinforcing rib structure 104 associated with an exterior flange 84’ on the uppermost rim of the additional segment 70 can also be seen. The reinforcing rib structure 104 provides additional strength to the flange 84’ during attachment of the rubbish receptacle 60 to a lifting mechanism of a rubbish truck.

[0084] A cross-section of a rubbish receptacle 60 through A-A of Figure 15, which shows a rubbish receptacle 60 in a fully collapsed state, is shown in Figure 16A. In this state, the additional segment 70 is effectively a sleeve for the first segment 62. The lowermost rim 108 of the additional segment 70 is resting on the projection 112 of the first segment 62. This is shown in detail in Figure 16B, which is an enlarged view of the circled region of Figure 16A.

[0085] From the detailed view in Figure 16B, a projection 110 on the interior of the side wall 72 of the additional segment 70 abuts a projection 112 on the exterior of the side wall 66 of the first segment 62 thus preventing the additional segment 70 from further downwards movement. The additional segment 70 is thus supported by the projection 112 which is acting as a stop means.

[0086] A cross-section of a rubbish receptacle 60 through B-B of Figure 17, which shows a rubbish receptacle 60 in a fully extended state, is shown in Figure 18A. The rubbish receptacle 60 is retained in a fully extended state by a projection 114 on the additional segment 70 and a complementary recess 116 on the first segment 62. This is shown in detail in Figure 18B, which is an enlarged view of the circled region of Figure 18 A.

[0087] From the detailed view in Figure 18B, a projection 114 on the interior of the additional segment 70 is engaged with a complementary recess 116 on the exterior of the first segment 62 thus preventing the additional segment 70 from further upwards movement. The additional segment 70 is thus held in position.

[0088] A perspective view of a rubbish receptacle 118 according to a further embodiment of the invention in a fully collapsed state is shown in Figure 19. The rubbish receptacle 118 comprises a first segment 120 having a base 122 and side walls 124 which define a cavity 126, and an additional segment 128 having side walls 130. The first segment 120 and the additional segment 128 are in a telescopic relationship.

[0089] The first segment 120 has a pair of wheels 132 joined together by an axle 134 and attached to the first segment 120 by a metal bracket 136. The first segment 120 also has projections 138 on each side wall 124 which support the additional segment 128 when the rubbish receptacle 118 is in a fully collapsed state. The projections 138 provide a stop means for the additional segment 128 and therefore are preferably positioned such that the additional segment 128 does not rest on the wheels 132.

[0090] The additional segment 128 has three handles 140 formed in a side wall 130 and exterior flanges 142 and 142’ on the uppermost rim of opposing side walls 130. Exterior flange 142’ is larger and deeper than exterior flange 142 and is effectively an additional handle to assist with converting the rubbish receptacle 118 between fully extended and collapsed states.

[0091] The additional segment 128 has a handle 168 mounted on a flap 170 on the exterior of a side wall 130. The flap 170 is formed by incisions 172 in the additional segment 128 on each side of the handle 168. The flap 170 is resiliently deformable away from the side wall 130 of the additional segment 128 as a result of a hinge line 174 between the incisions 172. The resiliently deformable flap 170 assists in overcoming engagement of projections in their complementary recesses when converting the rubbish receptacle 118 from a fully extended state to a collapsed state.

[0092] Although not visible in Figure 19 (but visible in Figure 23), the additional segment 128 has a second such handle 168’, mounted on a flap 170’ on the exterior of the opposite side wall 130 of the additional segment 128 to the handle 168 shown in Figure 19. In use, an operator grips the handles 168 and 168’ and pulls the flaps 170 and 170’ away from the side walls 130 such that the flaps 170 and 170’ deform along their hinge lines 174, and the operator then pushes downwards to convert the rubbish receptacle 118 from a fully extended state to a collapsed state. Conversely, when converting the rubbish receptacle 118 from a collapsed state to a fully extended state, an operator grips the handles 168 and 168’ and pulls the flaps 170 and 170’ away from the side walls 130 such that the flaps 170 and 170’ deform along their hinge lines 174, and the operator then pulls upwards on the additional segment 128.

[0093] The rubbish receptacle 118 of Figure 19, is shown in Figure 20 in a fully extended state with like features numbered similarly in each of the Figures.

[0094] The rubbish receptacle 118 of Figure 19, which is in a fully collapsed state, is shown in Figure 21 in position within a solar compactor 144. When positioned within the solar compactor 144, the rubbish receptacle 118 in a fully collapsed state fits underneath the compacting mechanism in the upper region of the compactor 144 (not shown, but under the roof 146 of the compactor 144). The compactor 144 has a flap 148 fitted with a handle 150. By pulling on the handle 150, the flap 148 is opened and rubbish placed in the opening falls into the cavity 126 of the rubbish receptacle 118. The solar compactor 144 has an access door to prevent general access to the rubbish receptacle 118, which is not shown in Figure 21, to enable the positioning of the rubbish receptacle 118 to be shown.

[0095] An exploded view of the embodiment of the rubbish receptacle 118 of Figure 19 is shown in Figure 22. Features are numbered similarly to like features in Figure 19. Additionally, screws 152 for connecting the metal axle bracket 136 are shown.

[0096] From the angle of the exploded view in Figure 23, a projection in the form of a retaining rim 156 can be seen on the uppermost rim of the first segment 120. The retaining rim 156 interacts cooperatively with a corresponding recess (not visible) on the inside of the side wall 130 of the additional segment 128 to hold the rubbish receptacle 118 in a fully extended state. As mentioned above, the view of Figure 23 also shows the two handles 168 and 168’ mounted on flaps 170 and 170’ on opposing side walls 130 of the additional segment 128. Ribs 154 associated with an exterior flange 142’ on the uppermost rim of the additional segment 128 can also be seen. The ribs 154 provide additional strength to the flange 142’ during attachment of the rubbish receptacle 118 to a lifting mechanism of a rubbish truck.

[0097] A cross-section of a rubbish receptacle 118 through A-A of Figure 24, which shows a rubbish receptacle 118 in a fully collapsed state, is shown in Figure 25A. In this state, the additional segment 128 is effectively a sleeve for the first segment 120. The lowermost rim 158 of the additional segment 128 is resting on the projection 162 of the first segment 120. This is shown in detail in Figure 25B, which is an enlarged view of the circled region of Figure 25 A.

[0098] From the detailed view in Figure 25B, a projection 160 on the interior of the side wall 130 of the additional segment 128 abuts a projection 162 on the exterior of the side wall 124 of the first segment 120 thus preventing the additional segment 128 from further downwards movement. The additional segment 128 is thus supported by the projection 162 which is acting as a stop means.

[0099] A cross-section of a rubbish receptacle 118 through B-B of Figure 26, which shows a rubbish receptacle 118 in a fully extended state, is shown in Figure 27A. The rubbish receptacle 118 is retained in a fully extended state by a projection 164 on the additional segment 128 and a complementary recess 166 on the first segment 120. This is shown in detail in Figure 27B, which is an enlarged view of the circled region of Figure 27 A.

[00100] From the detailed view in Figure 27B, a projection 164 on the interior of the additional segment 128 is engaged with a complementary recess 166 on the exterior of the first segment 120 thus preventing the additional segment 128 from further upwards movement. The additional segment 128 is thus held in position.

[00101] It can thus be seen that the present invention provides a rubbish receptacle for use within a solar compactor. Advantageously, the rubbish receptacle can be readily attached to the lifting mechanism of a rubbish truck, thereby removing the need for manual lifting of the rubbish receptacle for emptying.

[00102] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00103] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00104] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (23)

1. A rubbish receptacle for a solar compactor, the rubbish receptacle comprising at least two segments, the first segment having a base and side walls which define a cavity, and each additional segment having side walls which define a sleeve, such that the segments are in a telescopic relationship.

2. The rubbish receptacle of claim 1 wherein the first segment is a substantially rectangular container and each additional segment is a substantially rectangular sleeve.

3. The rubbish receptacle of claim 1 or claim 2, comprising two segments in a telescopic relationship.

4. The rubbish receptacle of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the telescopic relationship of the segments provides for the rubbish receptacle to be in a fully extended state, a fully collapsed state, or a partially extended state.

5. The rubbish receptacle of claim 4, wherein the segments are retained in a fully extended state by one or more projections on one segment and complementary one or more recesses on the adjacent segment.

6. The rubbish receptacle of claim 5, wherein the rubbish receptacle comprises two segments, wherein the first segment has recesses on the interior of two opposing side walls and wherein the additional segment has projections on the exterior of two opposing side walls, wherein the projections are complementary to the recesses such that the projections engage with the recesses to retain the rubbish receptacle in a fully extended position.

7. The rubbish receptacle of claim 5, wherein the rubbish receptacle comprises two segments, wherein the first segment has projections on the interior of two opposing side walls and wherein the additional segment has recesses on the exterior of two opposing side walls, wherein the recesses are complementary to the projections such that the projections engage with the recesses to retain the rubbish receptacle in a fully extended position.

8. The rubbish receptacle of claim 5, wherein the rubbish receptacle comprises two segments, wherein the first segment has recesses on the exterior of two opposing side walls and wherein the additional segment has projections on the interior of two opposing side walls, whrein the projections are complementary to the recesses such that the projections engage with the recesses to retain the rubbish receptacle in a fully extended position.

9. The rubbish receptacle of claim 5, wherein the rubbish receptacle comprises two segments, wherein the first segment has projections on the exterior of two opposing side walls and wherein the additional segment has recesses on the interior of two opposing side walls, wherein the recesses are complementary to the projections such that the projections engage with the recesses to retain the rubbish receptacle in a fully extended position.

10. The rubbish receptacle of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the additional segment has one or more handles.

11. The rubbish receptacle of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more handles is mounted on a flap on the exterior of a side wall of the additional segment.

12. The rubbish receptacle of claim 11, wherein the flap is formed by incisions on each side of the flap, such that the flap is resiliently deformable away from the side of the additional segment.

13. The rubbish receptacle of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the additional segment has two handles mounted on opposite sides of the exterior of the additional segment.

14. The rubbish receptacle of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the rubbish receptacle has at least one pair of wheels associated with the first segment.

15. The rubbish receptacle of claim 14, wherein the rubbish receptacle has one pair of wheels associated with the first segment.

16. The rubbish receptacle of claim 14, wherein the rubbish receptacle has two pairs of wheels associated with the first segment.

17. The rubbish receptacle of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the rubbish receptacle has at least one handgrip associated with the additional segment.

18. The rubbish receptacle of claim 17, wherein the at least one handgrip is a handle integrally formed with the additional segment.

19. The rubbish receptacle of claim 17, wherein the at least one handgrip is a handle reversibly connected to the additional segment.

20. The rubbish receptacle of claim 17, wherein the at least one handgrip is a hole in the additional segment sufficient to allow a user to grip the additional segment and manoeuvre the rubbish receptacle.

21. The rubbish receptacle of claim 17, wherein the at least one handgrip is a recess in the additional segment sufficient to allow a user to grip the additional segment and manoeuvre the rubbish receptacle.

22. The rubbish receptacle of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the additional segment has a flange on the exterior of at least a portion of its uppermost rim.

23. The rubbish receptacle of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein when the rubbish receptacle is in a fully collapsed state, it is dimensioned to fit within a solar compactor.