Refuse receptacles

Abstract

A refuse receptacle comprises a hollow body having a spine ( 1 ) upstanding from a base ( 2 ). Side panels ( 3 ) are connected through hinges ( 14 ) to the receptacle in which the sides of the panels remote from their respective hinges ( 4 ) are spaced apart from their respectable interior. A hoop ( 5 ) protrudes outwardly from the spine ( 1 ) for supporting a refuse bag or sack.

1 . A refuse receptacle comprising a hollow body having a spine upstanding from a base, two side panels connected one to each upstanding side edge of the spine through hinges and pivotable about these hinges between a closed position of the receptacle in which the side edges of the panels remote from their respective hinges abut and the panels cooperate with the spine to define the outer boundary of the hollow body and an open position in which the side edges of the panels remote from their respective hinges are spaced apart to provide side access to the receptacle interior, and a hoop protruding outwardly from the spine for supporting a refuse bag or sack, the width of the spine being between 50 and 100% of the overall width of the receptacle when the receptacle is in its closed position.  
   
   
       2 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the width of the spine is between 85% and 95% of the overall width of the receptacle when the receptacle is in its closed position.  
   
   
       3 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  including a lid supported by the spine and mounted for pivotal movement relative thereto.  
   
   
       4 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each side panel is curvilinear about its longitudinal axis.  
   
   
       5 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the spine is generally flat surfaced.  
   
   
       6 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the shape of the hollow body in plan view is generally circular along that part of its boundary defined by the side panels when closed and generally flat on that part of its boundary defined by the spine.  
   
   
       7 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the spine is partially curvilinear about its longitudinal axis or curvilinear to a lesser extent than that of the side panels.  
   
   
       8 . A refuse receptacle, as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the base and lid are similarly shaped to the receptacle body in plan view and the lid is secured to the upper rim of the spine by one or more hinges.  
   
   
       9 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein a hoop is shaped to follow the contour of the hollow body when closed, the internal surfaces of the side panels lying adjacent to or in contact with the neighbouring external surface of the hoop.  
   
   
       10 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the inner surface of the receptacle lid is at least partially convex.  
   
   
       11 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein two or more ribs protrude from the lid inner surface to define, with the convex inner surface, a chute for directing refuse into the receptacle interior.  
   
   
       12 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the floor of the base is shaped to define a well.  
   
   
       13 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the base and/or side panels and/or lid are detachably connected to the spine for ease of packaging and transportation.  
   
   
       14 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein, in the closed position of the receptacle, the side panels are held in place magnetically.  
   
   
       15 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the spine, base, hoop, lid and side panels are produced from plastics, aluminium or stainless steel.  
   
   
       16 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the height of the receptacle approximates to or is marginally less than the standard height of kitchen work surfaces.  
   
   
       17 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the lid is resiliently mounted onto the spine.  
   
   
       18 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the base includes casters to enable the receptacle to be easily transported from one location to another.  
   
   
       19 . A refuse receptacle as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the casters are spring loaded.