U.S. patent application number 11/857780 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-19 for bin.
Invention is credited to Chung Fai CHEUNG.
Application Number | 20090071959 11/857780 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40453360 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090071959 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHEUNG; Chung Fai |
March 19, 2009 |
BIN
Abstract
A bin, suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising a container, a lid which is moveable between an open
position in which rubbish may be received into the container, and a
closed position in which access to the container is at least
partially restricted. A lid actuating device for moving the lid
between the open position and closed positions. The lid actuating
device including an actuator mechanism and a lever mechanism
including at least one tensile member which can be tensioned by
actuation of the actuator mechanism to cause movement of the lid
towards the open position.
Inventors: |
CHEUNG; Chung Fai;
(Aberdeen, HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
US
|
Family ID: |
40453360 |
Appl. No.: |
11/857780 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/263 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65F 2001/1661 20130101;
B65F 1/1638 20130101; B65F 1/163 20130101; B65F 2001/1669 20130101;
B65F 7/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/263 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/26 20060101
B65D043/26 |
Claims
1. A bin, suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising: a container; a lid which is moveable between an open
position in which rubbish may be received into the container, and a
closed position in which access to the container is at least
partially restricted; a lid actuating device for moving the lid
between the open position and closed positions, said lid actuating
device including an actuator mechanism and a lever mechanism
including at least one tensile member which can be tensioned by
actuation of the actuator mechanism to cause movement of the lid
towards the open position.
2. A bin comprising a damping device adapted for damping movement
of a bin having a container, a pivoting member comprising: at least
one stationary member disposed in a manner stationary relative to
the housing; a moveable member moveably engageable relative to the
stationary member; and a damper mechanism for creating friction
between the stationary member and the moveable member when they are
in motion relative to each other.
3. A bin, suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising: a container; a lid which is moveable between an open
position in which rubbish may be received into the container, and a
closed position in which access to the container is at least
partially restricted; a lid actuating device for moving the lid
between the open position and closed positions, said lid actuating
device including an actuator mechanism for actuating the movement
of the lid, said actuator mechanism comprising: a first foot pedal
operable by a user's foot, said first foot pedal being arranged on
operation to cause the movement of the lid to move towards the open
position; a latch which is adapted to latch the lid in an open
position once it is moved towards the open position; and a second
foot pedal operable by a user's foot, said second foot pedal being
arranged on operation to cause the latch to unlatch the lid, to
allow the lid to move towards the closed position.
4. A bin suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising: a container; a lid which is moveable between an open
position in which rubbish may be received into the container, and a
closed position in which access to the container is at least
partially restricted; a lid actuating device for moving the lid
between the open position and closed positions, said lid actuating
device including a lever mechanism adapted to move the lid towards
the open position when actuated, and an electrically operable
actuator mechanism for actuating the movement of the lid, said
actuator mechanism comprising at least one sensor for detecting the
presence of a user proximate the bin, and a motive device for
actuating the lever mechanism to move the lid towards the open
position in response to a signal received from the sensor; and a
housing for housing at least part of the lid actuating device;
wherein the container is removably engaged with the housing.
5. A bin suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising: a container; a lid which is moveable between an open
position in which rubbish may be received into the container, and a
closed position in which access to the container is at least
partially restricted; a lid actuating device for moving the lid
between the open position and closed positions, said lid actuating
device including a lever mechanism adapted to move the lid towards
the open position when actuated, and an electrically operable
actuator mechanism for actuating the movement of the lid, said
actuator mechanism comprising a plurality of sensors for detecting
the presence of a user at least above and to the side of the bin, a
motive device for actuating the lever mechanism to move the lid
towards the open position in response to a signal received from the
sensor.
6. A bin, suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising: a container; a lid which is moveable between an open
position in which rubbish may be received into the container, and a
closed position in which access to the container is at least
partially restricted; a lid actuating device for moving the lid
between the open position and closed positions, said lid actuating
device including a lever mechanism adapted for moving the lid
towards the open position, and an actuator mechanism for actuating
the lever mechanism to cause movement of the lid towards the open
position; and a hygiene system suitable for dispensing disinfectant
and/or air freshener in and around the container, said hygiene
system comprising a holding formation for holding a pressurised
aerosol container, and a spray actuation device suitable for
actuating a nozzle of a dispensing container to dispense the
contents of said dispensing container.
7. A bin, suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising: a container; a lid which is moveable between an open
position in which rubbish may be received into the container, and a
closed position in which access to the container is at least
partially restricted; a lid actuating device for moving the lid
between the open position and closed positions; and a storage
compartment adapted for storage of replacement consumables
associated with the bin.
8. A bin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bin includes a housing
for at least partially housing the lid actuating device.
9. A bin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tensile member is at
least partially comprised of one or more materials selected from
flexible thermoplastic material, fibrous rope, and at least one
metal filament.
10. A bin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever mechanism
includes a pivotable pivoting member, which pivoting member is
pivotal around a rotation axis.
11. A bin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivoting member is
coupled to the actuator mechanism through at least one actuation
lever.
12. A bin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator mechanism is
a foot pedal mechanism which is operable by a user's foot.
13. A bin as claimed in claim 12, wherein the foot pedal mechanism
includes a first foot pedal coupled to the actuation lever, wherein
movement of the first foot pedal causes the pivoting member to
pivot to tension the tensile member, thereby causing the lid to
move towards the open position.
14. A bin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator mechanism is
an electrically operable actuator mechanism.
15. A bin as claimed in claim 14, wherein the electrically operable
actuator mechanism includes at least one sensor for detecting the
presence of a user proximate the bin.
16. A bin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bin comprises a
hygiene system suitable for dispensing disinfectant and/or air
freshener in and around the container.
17. A bin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bin includes a damping
device for damping movement of the bin lid.
18. A bin as claimed in claim 12, wherein the foot pedal mechanism
includes a latch which latches the lid in an open position once it
is moved towards the open position; and a second foot pedal
operable by a user's foot; wherein operation of the second foot
pedal causes the latch to unlatch the lid, to allow the lid to move
towards the closed position.
19. A bin as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bin comprises a
storage compartment adapted for storage of replacement consumables
associated with the bin.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a bin. More particularly,
but not exclusively, it relates to a rubbish bin including a
mechanism for opening and closing a top lid.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Rubbish bins, such as those used domestically, are well
known throughout the world. Many of those include a foot pedal
mechanism, which, when operated by a user's foot, cause a lid on
top of the rubbish bin to lift, thereby giving a user access to the
bin. When the user's foot is removed from the pedal, the bin lid
falls down under its own weight.
[0003] Such bins typically use a foot driven lever mechanism which
actuates a push rod. The push rod pushes the bin lid into an open
position. Such conventional pedal rubbish bins have a common
disadvantage in that they are noisy, both when opening the bin lid
and when the bin lid is allowed to close under its own weight.
[0004] When the bin lid of a conventional rubbish bin is opened by
means of the foot pedal, the mechanical linkages of the lid opening
mechanism can cause undesirable noise. Also, upon the closure of
the bin lid under its own weight, the noise of the bin lid hitting
the rim of the bin can cause undesirable noise.
[0005] A conventional pedal bin also has a disadvantage in that it
may be inconvenient to a user who wishes to keep the lid of the bin
open, but can only do so by holding the pedal down. The user is
thus required to keep at least one foot on the pedal while
transferring rubbish to the bin. This may not always be
desirable.
[0006] Further, conventional pedal bins have a disadvantage in that
the pedal needs to physically depressed in order to open the lid.
This may not always be possible, for instance when a user is
otherwise incapacitated, or wearing shoes which make this
inconvenient.
[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned problem, rubbish
bins are known which utilise a sensor installed in the front of the
bin, which sense when a user is standing in front of the bin.
However, these existing bins with sensors have a disadvantage in
that it may not be possible or safe to clean or wash these bins
under running water, or by submerging them because of the presence
of electrical motors, batteries and other electronic or electrical
components. Further, when a user is required to stand in front of
the bins in order to activate the sensor, this may be
disadvantageous if it is not convenient or possible for someone to
move exactly to the front of the bin.
[0008] Another main disadvantage of conventionally known rubbish
bins, is that odour is known to leak from rubbish bins to the
ambient environment when the lid of the bin is open. Similarly,
germs and viruses may also be spread from such a bin, causing a
health hazard.
[0009] In this specification, where reference has been made to
external sources of information, including patent specifications
and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing
a contact for discussing the features of the present invention.
Unless stated otherwise, references to such sources of information
is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction as an admission that
such sources of information are prior art or form part of the
common general knowledge in the art.
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a bin
which overcomes or at least ameliorate some of the above mentioned
disadvantages, or which at least provide the public with useful
choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In a first aspect the present invention broadly consists in
a bin, suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising:
[0012] a container;
[0013] a lid which is moveable between an open position in which
rubbish may be received into the container, and a closed position
in which access to the container is at least partially
restricted;
[0014] a lid actuating device for moving the lid between the open
position and closed positions, said lid actuating device including
[0015] an actuator mechanism actuatable by a user and [0016] a
lever mechanism including at least one tensile member which can be
tensioned by actuation of the actuator mechanism to cause movement
of the lid towards the open position.
[0017] Preferably, the bin may include a housing for at least
partially housing the lid actuating device.
[0018] Preferably, the container may be removably engaged to the
housing.
[0019] Preferably, the tensile member is comprised of flexible
thermoplastic material.
[0020] Alternatively, the tensile member is a cable.
[0021] Preferably the cable is comprised of a plurality of
filaments
[0022] Preferably the cable is at least partially composed of metal
material.
[0023] The metal material may be covered by a plastic coating.
[0024] Alternatively, the cable is comprised of fibrous rope.
[0025] Preferably, the lever mechanism includes a pivotable
pivoting member, which pivoting member is pivotal around a rotation
axis.
[0026] Preferably, the pivoting member is coupled to the actuator
mechanism.
[0027] Preferably, the pivoting member is coupled to the actuator
mechanism through at least one actuation lever.
[0028] Preferably, the actuator mechanism is a foot pedal mechanism
which is operable by a user's foot.
[0029] Preferably, the foot pedal mechanism includes a first foot
pedal coupled to the actuation lever, wherein movement of the first
foot pedal causes the pivoting member to pivot to tension the
tensile member, thereby causing the lid to move towards the open
position.
[0030] Preferably, the actuator mechanism is an electrically
operable actuator mechanism.
[0031] Preferably the electrically operable actuator mechanism
includes a motive device.
[0032] Preferably, the motive device is a magnetically operable
device, such as a relay.
[0033] Alternatively, the motive device is an electrical motor.
[0034] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism is
coupled to a power source.
[0035] Preferably, the power source is a battery.
[0036] Preferably, the power source is an external power source,
such as a wall plug.
[0037] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism
includes at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a user
proximate the bin.
[0038] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism
includes a plurality of sensors for detecting the presence of a
user proximate the bin.
[0039] Preferably, the sensor detects one selected from heat and
movement of a user.
[0040] Preferably, upon detection of movement and/or heat by said
sensor the electrically operable actuator mechanism actuates the
actuation lever to cause pivoting of said pivoting member to move
the lid towards the open position.
[0041] Preferably, the bin may further comprise a hygiene system
suitable for spraying disinfectant and/or air freshener spray in
and around the container.
[0042] Preferably, the hygiene system is adapted to actuate a
nozzle for dispensing the contents of a pressurised aerosol
container.
[0043] Preferably the hygiene includes a spray actuation device for
actuating the nozzle of a pressurised aerosol container to dispense
its contents.
[0044] Preferably, the hygiene system includes a holding formation
for holding a pressurised aerosol container.
[0045] Preferably, the hygiene system is adapted to actuate the
nozzle when the bin lid is opened or closed.
[0046] Preferably, the hygiene system includes a timer device.
[0047] Alternatively, the hygiene system is adapted to actuate the
nozzle at periodic time intervals.
[0048] Preferably, the bin includes a damping device for damping
movement of the bin lid.
[0049] Preferably, the damping device is a hydraulic damping
device.
[0050] Preferably, the hydraulic damping device is incorporated
within the pivoting member to damp the pivoting movement of the
pivoting member.
[0051] Preferably, the tensile member is removably attached to the
pivoting member.
[0052] Preferably, the tensile member is removably attached to the
pivoting member by a connector.
[0053] Preferably, the connector is a hook.
[0054] Preferably, the foot pedal mechanism includes [0055] a latch
which latches the lid in an open position once it is moved towards
the open position; and [0056] a second foot pedal operable by a
user's foot; [0057] wherein operation of the second foot pedal
causes the latch to unlatch the lid, to allow the lid to move
towards the closed position.
[0058] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism
includes a controller for controlling operation of the lid in
accordance with signals received from the sensors.
[0059] Preferably, the controller controls operation of the lid so
that a first signal received from a sensor will cause the lid to
move towards the open position, and a second signal received from a
sensor will cause the lid to move towards the closed position.
[0060] Alternatively, the controller controls the operation of the
lid so that the lid is caused to move towards the closed position
at a predetermined time interval after it has been moved towards
the open position.
[0061] Preferably, the bin comprises a storage compartment adapted
for storage of replacement consumables associated with the bin.
[0062] Preferably, the storage compartment is incorporated with the
housing.
[0063] In a second aspect, the present invention broadly consists
in a damping device adapted for damping movement of a bin having a
lid actuating device, said pivoting member comprising
[0064] at least one stationary member disposed in a manner
stationary relative to the housing;
[0065] a moveable member moveably engageable relative to the
stationary member; and
[0066] a damper mechanism for creating friction between the
stationary member and the moveable member when they are in motion
relative to each other.
[0067] Preferably, the damper mechanism may create hydraulic
friction between the stationary member and the pivoting member.
[0068] Preferably, the movable member and stationary member define
a fluid compartment between them when engaged with each other; said
compartment being suitable for the retention of fluid.
[0069] Preferably, the stationary member defines a pivoting axis,
and the movable member is pivotable about the pivoting axis, said
moveable member including a pair of lever formations which are
spaced from the axis, and pivotable about the axis relative to the
stationary member;
[0070] Preferably, one or both of the stationary member and the
moveable member may have drag formations for creating hydraulic
drag through fluid contained in the fluid compartment, thereby
damping movement of the pivoting member relative to the stationary
member.
[0071] Preferably, at least one of the lever formations are
configured to be attached to a tensile member.
[0072] Preferably the tensile member is a plastic strap.
[0073] Alternatively, the tensile member is a cable.
[0074] Preferably the cable is comprised of a plurality of
filaments
[0075] Preferably the cable is at least partially composed of metal
material.
[0076] The metal material may be covered by a plastic coating.
[0077] Alternatively, the cable is comprised of fibrous rope.
[0078] Preferably, at least one of the lever formations are
configured to be attached to a tensile member by means of a
connector.
[0079] Preferably, the connector is a hook.
[0080] Preferably the stationary member and the moveable member,
abut against each other at an interface.
[0081] Preferably, the moveable member includes a seal for sealing
the interface between the stationary member and the pivoting
member.
[0082] Preferably, the seal is an O-ring seal.
[0083] In a third aspect, the present invention broadly consists in
a bin that includes the damper mechanism as described above.
[0084] In a fourth aspect, the present invention broadly consists
in a bin, suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising:
[0085] a container;
[0086] a lid which is moveable between an open position in which
rubbish may be received into the container, and a closed position
in which access to the container is at least partially
restricted;
[0087] a lid actuating device for moving the lid between the open
position and closed positions, said lid actuating device including
[0088] an actuator mechanism for actuating the movement of the lid,
said actuator mechanism comprising [0089] a first foot pedal
operable by a user's foot, said first foot pedal being arranged on
operation to cause the movement of the lid to move towards the open
position; [0090] a latch which is adapted to latch the lid in an
open position once it is moved towards the open position; and
[0091] a second foot pedal operable by a user's foot, said second
foot pedal being arranged on operation to cause the latch to
unlatch the lid, to allow the lid to move towards the closed
position.
[0092] Preferably, the lid actuating device includes a lever
mechanism including at least one tensile member which can be
tensioned by actuation of the actuator mechanism to cause the lid
to move towards the open position.
[0093] Preferably, the tensile member is comprised of flexible
thermoplastic material.
[0094] Alternatively, the tensile member is a cable.
[0095] Preferably the cable is comprised of a plurality of
filaments
[0096] Preferably the cable is at least partially composed of metal
material.
[0097] The metal material may be covered by a plastic coating.
[0098] Alternatively, the cable is comprised of fibrous rope.
[0099] Preferably, the lever mechanism includes a pivoting member
which is pivotable around a rotation axis.
[0100] Preferably, the bin includes a damping device for damping
movement of the bin lid.
[0101] Preferably, the damping device is a hydraulic damping
device.
[0102] Preferably, the hydraulic damping device is incorporated
within the pivoting member to damp the pivoting movement of the
pivoting member.
[0103] Preferably, the tensile member is removably attached to the
pivoting member.
[0104] Preferably, the tensile member is removably attached to the
pivoting member by means of a connector.
[0105] Preferably, the connector is a hook.
[0106] Preferably, the bin comprises a storage compartment adapted
for storage of replacement consumables associated with the bin.
[0107] Preferably, the storage compartment is incorporated with the
housing.
[0108] In a fifth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in
a bin suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising:
[0109] a container;
[0110] a lid which is moveable between an open position in which
rubbish may be received into the container, and a closed position
in which access to the container is at least partially
restricted;
[0111] a lid actuating device for moving the lid between the open
position and closed positions, said lid actuating device including
[0112] a lever mechanism adapted cause the lid to move towards the
open position when actuated, and [0113] an electrically operable
actuator mechanism for actuating the movement of the lid, said
electrically operable actuator mechanism comprising [0114] at least
one sensor for detecting the presence of a user proximate the bin,
[0115] a motive device for actuating the lever mechanism to cause
the lid to move towards the open position in response to a signal
received from the sensor; and
[0116] a housing for housing at least part of the lid actuating
device;
[0117] wherein the container is removably engaged with the
housing.
[0118] Preferably the motive device is an electrical motor.
[0119] Alternatively, the motive device is a magnetically operable
device.
[0120] Preferably, the magnetically operable device is a relay.
[0121] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism is
coupled to a power source.
[0122] Preferably, the power source is a battery.
[0123] Preferably, the battery is housed in the housing.
[0124] Preferably, the power source is an external power source,
such as a wall plug.
[0125] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism
includes a plurality of sensors for detecting the presence of a
user proximate the bin.
[0126] Preferably, the sensor detects one selected from heat and
movement of a user.
[0127] Preferably, in response to the detection of movement and/or
heat by said sensor, the electrically operable actuator mechanism
actuates the lever mechanism to cause pivoting of said pivoting
member to move the lid towards the open position.
[0128] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism
includes a controller for controlling the opening and/or closing of
the lid in response to signals from the sensor(s).
[0129] Preferably, the lever mechanism includes at least one
tensile member which can be tensioned by actuation of the actuator
mechanism to cause the lid to move towards the open position.
[0130] Preferably, the tensile member is comprised of flexible
thermoplastic material.
[0131] Alternatively, the tensile member is a cable.
[0132] Preferably the cable is comprised of a plurality of
filaments
[0133] Preferably the cable is at least partially composed of metal
material.
[0134] The metal material may be covered by a plastic coating.
[0135] Alternatively, the cable is comprised of fibrous rope.
[0136] Preferably, the lever mechanism includes a pivotable
pivoting member, which pivoting member is pivotal around a rotation
axis.
[0137] Preferably, the pivoting member is coupled to the
electrically operable actuator mechanism.
[0138] Preferably, the pivoting member is coupled to the
electrically operable actuator mechanism through at least one
actuation lever.
[0139] Preferably, the bin comprises a storage compartment adapted
for storage of replacement consumables associated with the bin.
[0140] Preferably, the storage compartment is incorporated with the
housing.
[0141] In a sixth aspect, the present invention broadly consists in
a bin suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising:
[0142] a container;
[0143] a lid which is moveable between an open position in which
rubbish may be received into the container, and a closed position
in which access to the container is at least partially
restricted;
[0144] a lid actuating device for moving the lid between the open
position and closed positions, said lid actuating device including
[0145] a lever mechanism adapted move the lid towards the open
position when actuated, and [0146] an electrically operable
actuator mechanism for actuating the movement of the lid, said
electrically operable actuator mechanism comprising [0147] a
plurality of sensors for detecting the presence of a user at least
above and to the side of the bin, [0148] a motive device for
actuating the lever mechanism move the lid towards the open
position in response to a signal received from the sensor.
[0149] Preferably, the bin includes a housing for housing at least
part of the lid actuating device.
[0150] Preferably, the container is removably coupled to the
housing.
[0151] Preferably the motive device is an electrical motor.
[0152] Alternatively, the motive device is a magnetically operable
device.
[0153] Preferably, the magnetically operable device is a relay.
[0154] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism is
coupled to a power source.
[0155] Preferably, the power source is a battery.
[0156] Preferably, the battery is housed in the housing.
[0157] Preferably, the power source is an external power source,
such as a wall plug.
[0158] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator includes a
plurality of sensors for detecting the presence of a user proximate
the bin.
[0159] Preferably, the sensor detects one selected from heat and
movement of a user.
[0160] Preferably, in response to the detection of movement and/or
heat by said sensor, the electrically operable actuator mechanism
actuates the lever mechanism to cause pivoting of said pivoting
member to move the lid towards the open position.
[0161] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism
includes a controller for controlling the opening and/or closing of
the lid in response to signals from the sensor(s).
[0162] Preferably, the lever mechanism includes at least one
tensile member which can be tensioned by actuation of the
electrically operable actuator mechanism to cause the lid to move
towards the open position.
[0163] Preferably, the tensile member is comprised of flexible
thermoplastic material.
[0164] Alternatively, the tensile member is a cable.
[0165] Preferably the cable is comprised of a plurality of
filaments
[0166] Preferably the cable is at least partially composed of metal
material.
[0167] The metal material may be covered by a plastic coating.
[0168] Alternatively, the cable is comprised of fibrous rope.
[0169] Preferably, the lever mechanism includes a pivotable
pivoting member, which pivoting member is pivotal around a rotation
axis.
[0170] Preferably, the pivoting member is coupled to the
electrically operable actuator mechanism.
[0171] Preferably, the pivoting member is coupled to the
electrically operable actuator mechanism through at least one
actuation lever.
[0172] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism
includes a controller for controlling the opening and/or closing of
the lid in response to signals from the sensor(s).
[0173] Preferably, the bin comprises a storage compartment adapted
for storage of replacement consumables associated with the bin.
[0174] Preferably, the storage compartment is incorporated with the
housing.
[0175] In a seventh aspect, the present invention broadly consists
in a bin, suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising:
[0176] a container;
[0177] a lid which is moveable between an open position in which
rubbish may be received into the container, and a closed position
in which access to the container is at least partially
restricted;
[0178] a lid actuating device for moving the lid between the open
position and closed positions, said lid actuating device including
[0179] an actuator mechanism actuatable by a user, and [0180] a
lever mechanism adapted for moving the lid towards the open
position on actuation by the actuator mechanism; and
[0181] a hygiene system suitable for spraying disinfectant and/or
air freshener spray in and around the container, said hygiene
system comprising [0182] a holding formation for holding a
pressurised aerosol container, and [0183] a spray actuation device
for actuating the nozzle of a pressurised aerosol container to
dispense the pressurised contents of said aerosol container.
[0184] Preferably, the hygiene system is adapted to actuate the
nozzle when the bin lid is opened or closed.
[0185] Preferably, the hygiene system includes a timer device.
[0186] Preferably, the hygiene system is adapted to actuate the
nozzle at periodic time intervals.
[0187] Preferably, the holding formation is a cylindrical tube for
receiving the pressurised aerosol container.
[0188] Preferably, the spray actuation device is electrically
operated.
[0189] Preferably, the spray actuation device is an electric
motor.
[0190] Preferably, the spray actuation device is a magnetically
operable device, such as a relay.
[0191] Preferably, the aerosol container may contain one or both
selected from a disinfectant and an air freshener.
[0192] Preferably, the bin may include a housing for at least
partially housing the lid actuating device.
[0193] Preferably, the container may be removably engaged to the
housing.
[0194] Preferably, the hygiene system is incorporated with the
housing.
[0195] Preferably, the lever mechanism includes at least one
tensile member which can be tensioned by actuation of the actuator
mechanism to cause the lid to move towards the open position.
[0196] Preferably, the bin may include a housing for at least
partially housing the lid actuating device.
[0197] Preferably, the container may be removably engaged to the
housing.
[0198] Preferably, the tensile member is comprised of flexible
thermoplastic material.
[0199] Alternatively, the tensile member is a cable.
[0200] Preferably the cable is comprised of a plurality of
filaments
[0201] Preferably the cable is at least partially composed of metal
material.
[0202] The metal material may be covered by a plastic coating.
[0203] Alternatively, the cable is comprised of fibrous rope.
[0204] Preferably, the lever mechanism includes a pivotable
pivoting member, which pivoting member is pivotal around a rotation
axis.
[0205] Preferably, the pivoting member is coupled to the actuator
mechanism.
[0206] Preferably, the pivoting member is coupled to the actuator
mechanism through at least one actuation lever.
[0207] Preferably, the actuator mechanism is a foot pedal mechanism
which is operable by a user's foot.
[0208] Preferably, the foot pedal mechanism includes a first foot
pedal coupled to the actuation lever, wherein movement of the first
foot pedal causes the pivoting member to pivot to tension the
tensile member, thereby causing the lid to move towards the open
position.
[0209] Alternatively, the actuator mechanism is an electrically
operable actuator mechanism.
[0210] Preferably the electrically operable actuator mechanism
includes a motive device.
[0211] Preferably, the motive device is a magnetically operable
device, such as a relay.
[0212] Alternatively, the motive device is an electrical motor.
[0213] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism is
coupled to a power source.
[0214] Preferably, the power source is a battery.
[0215] Preferably, the power source is an external power source,
such as a wall plug.
[0216] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism
includes at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a user
proximate the bin.
[0217] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator includes a
plurality of sensors for detecting the presence of a user proximate
the bin.
[0218] Preferably, the sensor detects one selected from heat and
movement of a user.
[0219] Preferably, upon detection of movement and/or heat by said
sensor the electrically operable actuator mechanism actuates the
actuation lever to cause pivoting of said pivoting member to move
the lid towards the open position.
[0220] Preferably, the bin includes a damping device for damping
movement of the bin lid.
[0221] Preferably, the damping device is a hydraulic damping
device.
[0222] Preferably, the hydraulic damping device is incorporated
within the pivoting member to damp the pivoting movement of the
pivoting member.
[0223] Preferably, the tensile member is removably attached to the
pivoting member.
[0224] Preferably, the tensile member is removably attached to the
pivoting member by means of a connector.
[0225] Preferably, the connector is a hook.
[0226] Preferably, the foot pedal mechanism includes [0227] a latch
which latches the lid in an open position once it is moved towards
the open position; and [0228] a second foot pedal operable by a
user's foot; [0229] wherein operation of the second foot pedal
causes the latch to unlatch the lid, to allow the lid to move
towards the closed position.
[0230] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator includes a
controller for controlling operation of the lid in accordance with
signals received from the sensors.
[0231] Preferably, the controller controls operation of the lid so
that a first signal received from a sensor will cause the lid to
move towards the open position, and a second signal received from a
sensor will cause the lid to move towards the closed position.
[0232] Alternatively, the controller controls the operation of the
lid so that the lid is caused to move towards the closed position
at a predetermined time interval after it has been moved towards
the open position.
[0233] Preferably, the bin comprises a storage compartment adapted
for storage of replacement consumables associated with the bin.
[0234] Preferably, the storage compartment is incorporated with the
housing.
[0235] In a eighth aspect, the present invention broadly consists
in a bin, suitable for the retention of rubbish, said bin
comprising:
[0236] a container;
[0237] a lid which is moveable between an open position in which
rubbish may be received into the container, and a closed position
in which access to the container is at least partially
restricted;
[0238] a lid actuating device for moving the lid between the open
position and closed positions; and
[0239] a storage compartment adapted for storage of replacement
consumables associated with the bin.
[0240] Preferably, the bin includes a housing for at least
partially housing the lid actuating device;
[0241] Preferably, the storage compartment is incorporated with the
housing.
[0242] Preferably, said lid actuating device includes [0243] a
lever mechanism adapted for moving the lid towards the open
position, and [0244] an actuator mechanism for actuating the lever
mechanism to cause movement of the lid towards the open
position.
[0245] Preferably, the bin includes a hygiene system suitable for
spraying disinfectant and/or air freshener spray in and around the
container.
[0246] Preferably, said hygiene system comprises [0247] a holding
formation for holding a pressurised aerosol container; and [0248] a
spray actuation device for actuating the nozzle of a pressurised
aerosol container to dispense the pressurised contents of said
aerosol container.
[0249] Preferably, the hygiene system is adapted to actuate the
nozzle when the bin lid is opened or closed.
[0250] Preferably, the hygiene system includes a timer device.
[0251] Preferably, the hygiene system is adapted to actuate the
nozzle at periodic time intervals.
[0252] Preferably, the holding formation is a cylindrical tube for
receiving the pressurised aerosol container.
[0253] Preferably, the spray actuation device is electrically
operated.
[0254] Preferably, the spray actuation device is an electric
motor.
[0255] Preferably, the spray actuation device is a magnetically
operable device, such as a relay.
[0256] Preferably, the aerosol container may contain one or both
selected from a disinfectant and an air freshener.
[0257] Preferably, the bin may include a housing for at least
partially housing the lid actuating device.
[0258] Preferably, the container may be removably engaged to the
housing.
[0259] Preferably, the hygiene system is incorporated with the
housing.
[0260] Preferably, the lever mechanism includes at least one
tensile member which can be tensioned by actuation of the actuator
mechanism to cause the lid to move towards the open position.
[0261] Preferably, the bin may include a housing for at least
partially housing the lid actuating device.
[0262] Preferably, the container may be removably engaged to the
housing.
[0263] Preferably, the tensile member is comprised of flexible
thermoplastic material.
[0264] Alternatively, the tensile member is a cable.
[0265] Preferably the cable is comprised of a plurality of
filaments
[0266] Preferably the cable is at least partially composed of metal
material.
[0267] The metal material may be covered by a plastic coating.
[0268] Alternatively, the cable is comprised of fibrous rope.
[0269] Preferably, the lever mechanism includes a pivotable
pivoting member, which pivoting member is pivotal around a rotation
axis.
[0270] Preferably, the pivoting member is coupled to the actuator
mechanism.
[0271] Preferably, the pivoting member is coupled to the actuator
mechanism through at least one actuation lever.
[0272] Preferably, the actuator mechanism is a foot pedal mechanism
which is operable by a user's foot.
[0273] Preferably, the foot pedal mechanism includes a first foot
pedal coupled to the actuation lever, wherein movement of the first
foot pedal causes the pivoting member to pivot to tension the
tensile member, thereby causing the lid to move towards the open
position.
[0274] Alternatively, the actuator mechanism is an electrically
operable actuator mechanism.
[0275] Preferably the electrically operable actuator mechanism
includes a motive device.
[0276] Preferably, the motive device is a magnetically operable
device, such as a relay.
[0277] Alternatively, the motive device is an electrical motor.
[0278] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism is
coupled to a power source.
[0279] Preferably, the power source is a battery.
[0280] Preferably, the power source is an external power source,
such as a wall plug.
[0281] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator mechanism
includes at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a user
proximate the bin.
[0282] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator includes a
plurality of sensors for detecting the presence of a user proximate
the bin.
[0283] Preferably, the sensor detects one selected from heat and
movement of a user.
[0284] Preferably, upon detection of movement and/or heat by said
sensor the electrically operable actuator mechanism actuates the
actuation lever to cause pivoting of said pivoting member to move
the lid towards the open position.
[0285] Preferably, the bin includes a damping device for damping
movement of the bin lid.
[0286] Preferably, the damping device is a hydraulic damping
device.
[0287] Preferably, the hydraulic damping device is incorporated
within the pivoting member to damp the pivoting movement of the
pivoting member.
[0288] Preferably, the tensile member is removably attached to the
pivoting member.
[0289] Preferably, the tensile member is removably attached to the
pivoting member by means of a connector.
[0290] Preferably, the connector is a hook.
[0291] Preferably, the foot pedal mechanism includes [0292] a latch
which latches the lid in an open position once it is moved towards
the open position; and [0293] a second foot pedal operable by a
user's foot; [0294] wherein operation of the second foot pedal
causes the latch to unlatch the lid, to allow the lid to move
towards the closed position.
[0295] Preferably, the electrically operable actuator includes a
controller for controlling operation of the lid in accordance with
signals received from the sensors.
[0296] Preferably, the controller controls operation of the lid so
that a first signal received from a sensor will cause the lid to
move towards the open position, and a second signal received from a
sensor will cause the lid to move towards the closed position.
[0297] Alternatively, the controller controls the operation of the
lid so that the lid is caused to move towards the closed position
at a predetermined time interval after it has been opened.
[0298] Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the
following description which is given by way of example only and
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0299] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or
both.
[0300] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural
and/or singular forms of the noun.
[0301] The terms "comprising" and "including" as used in this
specification and claims mean "consisting at least in part of".
When interpreting statements in this specification [and claims]
which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in
each statement, all need to be present but other features can also
be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to
be interpreted in the same manner.
[0302] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and
publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0303] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates,
many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and
applications of the invention will suggest themselves without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are
purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense
limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0304] The invention will now be described by way of example only
and with reference to the drawings in which:
[0305] FIG. 1: shows a top perspective view of a bin having a first
foot pedal and a second foot pedal;
[0306] FIG. 2: shows a bottom perspective view of a bin having a
first foot pedal and a second foot pedal, showing a tensile member
in the form of a plastic strap and a pivoting member;
[0307] FIG. 3: shows a close up perspective assembly view pivoting
member;
[0308] FIG. 4: shows cross section U-U of an assembled pivoting
member as shown in FIG. 5;
[0309] FIG. 5: shows a side view of an assembled pivoting
member;
[0310] FIG. 6: shows a perspective view of an assembled pivoting
member;
[0311] FIG. 7: shows a cutaway side view of a bin with a first and
second foot pedal and latch, and including a tensile member and
pivoting member, with neither of the first or second foot pedals
having been depressed;
[0312] FIG. 8: shows a cutaway side view of the bin of FIG. 7 with
the lid in an open position with the first foot pedal being
depressed and the latch holding the lid in the open position;
[0313] FIG. 9: shows a cutaway side view of the bin of FIG. 7 with
both the first and second foot pedals depressed, with the latch
released, and the lid being able to move towards the closed
position;
[0314] FIG. 10: shows front and top perspective view of a bin
having a tensile member and pivoting member;
[0315] FIG. 11: shows a back and bottom perspective view of a bin
having a tensile member and pivoting member;
[0316] FIG. 12: shows a back and top perspective view of a bin
having a tensile member in the form of a cable, the cable being
connected to a pivoting member by a hook-type connector;
[0317] FIG. 13: shows a side cutaway view of the bin of FIG.
12;
[0318] FIG. 14: shows a perspective top view of a housing of a bin
with which a container can be removably engaged, the housing being
incorporated with a hygiene system; the housing having a sensor at
the front and including a storage compartment for a battery and a
storage compartment for replacement bags;
[0319] FIG. 15: shows a perspective top view of the housing of FIG.
14 from another angle;
[0320] FIG. 16: shows a top perspective view of a bin, including a
housing having a sensor at the front as well as incorporating a
hygiene system and storage compartment for replacement bags,
showing how a pressurised aerosol container may be loaded into the
hygiene system;
[0321] FIG. 17: shows the bin of FIG. 16 with the pressurised
aerosol container loaded into the hygiene system
[0322] FIG. 18: shows a cutaway side view of a bin including a
housing into which is housed a front sensor and an electrically
operable actuator;
[0323] FIG. 19: shows the bin of FIG. 16 with the lid in the open
position and a pressurised aerosol container loaded into the
hygiene system, showing how the pressurised aerosol container is
directed to spray into the container;
[0324] FIG. 20: shows a cutaway side view of a bin having a front
sensor and an electrically operable actuator, with the actuator
actuated and the lid in the open position;
[0325] FIG. 21: shows a top perspective view of the bin of FIG. 16
with a pressurised aerosol container loaded into the hygiene
system; and
[0326] FIG. 22: shows a cutaway side view of the bin of FIG. 21,
showing how the contents of the aerosol container are dispensed
into the container.
[0327] FIG. 23: shows a cutaway side view of the bin of FIG. 9,
showing a foot pedal mechanism with both foot pedals in an
un-actuated position;
[0328] FIG. 24: shows a cutaway side view of the bin of FIG. 9,
showing a foot pedal mechanism with the first foot pedal in an
actuated position, and the second foot pedal in an un-actuated
position; and the latch latching the first foot pedal
[0329] FIG. 25: shows a cutaway side view of the bin of FIG. 9,
showing a foot pedal mechanism with the first foot pedal in an
actuated position, and the second foot pedal in the process of
being actuated; thereby causing the latch to unlatch the first foot
pedal;
[0330] FIG. 26: shows a cutaway side view of the bin of FIG. 9,
showing a foot pedal mechanism with the first foot pedal in an
actuated position, and the second foot pedal in an actuated
position; having unlatched the first foot pedal;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0331] With reference to the accompanying figures, a bin according
to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the
numeral 100.
[0332] In one embodiment according to the invention now described,
there is provided a bin 100, suitable for the retention of rubbish.
The bin 100 comprises a container 110, and a lid 120 which is
pivotable about an axis 122 to move between an open position (as
shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 19, and 20) in which items, such as domestic
rubbish, are received into the container 110, and a closed position
(as shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 21 and 22) in
which access to the container is sealed by the lid 120, preferably
by an airtight seal to prevent smells escaping. The bin 100 further
comprises a lid actuating device 130 for moving the lid 120 between
the open position and closed positions.
[0333] The lid actuating device 130 includes an actuator mechanism
140, shown in this embodiment as a foot pedal mechanism 140a,
actuatable by a user (not shown) by stepping on the first foot
pedal 142, and a lever mechanism 150. The lever mechanism 150
includes at least one tensile member 152. It is envisaged that the
tensile member 152 can be composed of flexible thermoplastic
material, similar to known thermoplastic packaging straps (or
similar type straps) as shown in FIGS. 2, 7, 8, 9 and 11, fibrous
rope (not shown) or a cable (similar to known electrical cables),
as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, comprising a metal core (not shown) in
a plastic sleeve (not shown). Typically, the tensile member 152
needs to be flexible without being resiliently elastic.
[0334] The tensile member 152 can be tensioned by actuation of the
actuator mechanism 140 to cause the lid 120 to open to its open
position. The lever mechanism 150 further includes a pivoting
member 170 which is pivotable about an axis 172. In one embodiment,
the tensile member 152 is removably attached to the pivoting member
170 by a connector in the form of means of a hook 155 or the like,
for convenient detachment, for example when the bin 100 is being
cleaned, or emptied.
[0335] Most of the lid actuating device 130 housed within a housing
160, which housing 160 also provides a stable base onto which the
container 110 is located. In one embodiment, the container 110 is
removably engaged to the housing 160, being located on annular
locating formations 162 on the top of the housing 160 and can be
removed by pulling the container 110 upwardly off the locating
formations.
[0336] The actuator mechanism 140 is coupled to the pivoting member
170 by means of an actuation lever 180. In one embodiment, the
actuation lever 180 is incorporated with the first foot pedal 142.
When the first foot pedal 142 is actuated, the actuation lever 180
is moved to pivot about the first foot pedal axis 135, thereby
causing the pivoting member 170 to pivot about its axis 172.
[0337] When the pivoting member 170 pivots, it causes the
tensioning up of the tensile member 152, which pulls on a rotating
stub 124 extending from an opposite side of the axis 122 of the lid
120, thereby causing the lid 120 to move towards the open
position.
[0338] In another embodiment, it is envisaged that the actuator
mechanism 140 is an electrically operable actuator mechanism 140b,
and includes a motive device 143, such as magnetically operated
relay (not shown) or the like, or an electrical motor (not shown).
Such an electrically operable actuator mechanism 140 will require a
power source 190, which, it is envisaged, will be provided by a
battery pack 192 or an external power source such as a wall plug
(not shown).
[0339] In one embodiment, it is envisaged that such an electrically
operable actuator mechanism 140b could include at least one sensor
145, such as a motion or infra-red sensor suitable for detecting
the motion or heat of a user, which is suitable for detecting the
presence of a user proximate the bin 100. It is further envisaged
that such an electrically operable actuator mechanism 140b could
include a plurality of sensors 145 to detect the presence of a user
above or to the sides of the bin 100, although this is not shown
specifically in the figures. It is envisaged that the electrically
operable actuator mechanism 140b includes a controller (not shown)
for controlling operation of the lid 120 in accordance with signals
received from the sensors 145.
[0340] Preferably, the controller controls the operation of the lid
120 so that a first signal received from a sensor 145 will cause
the lid 12 to move towards the open position, and a subsequent
signal received from a sensor 145 will cause the lid 120 to move
towards the closed position. Alternatively, the controller could
control the operation of the lid 120 so that the lid 120 is caused
to move towards the closed position at a predetermined time
interval after it has been moved towards the open position.
[0341] On detection of movement and/or heat by the sensor(s) 145,
the electrically operable actuator mechanism 140b actuates the
pivoting member (as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20) in a similar fashion
to the actuation lever 180 to cause pivoting of the pivoting member
170 to open the lid 120.
[0342] In yet another embodiment, the bin 100 further comprises a
hygiene system 190 which is used to spray disinfectant and/or air
freshener spray in and around the container 110 from a pressurised
aerosol can 192. The hygiene system 190 includes a spray actuation
device 194, which may be in the form of a relay or similar
electrical actuator (not shown), which presses down on the nozzle
193 of the aerosol can 192, causing it to spray its contents via a
pipe 196 through a small hole 195 located in the side of the bin
100. The aerosol container is enclosed in a holding formation in
the form of a cylindrical tube 197 located at the side of the
container 110.
[0343] It is envisaged that the nozzle 193 of the aerosol can 192
will be actuated by the spray actuation device 194 on receiving a
signal from a controller (not shown). This signal may be sent out
when the bin 100 is actuated to open or close, or after a multiple
of such times, thereby ensuring that when the bin lid is opened or
closed, the ambient air is freshened or disinfected, to prevent the
spread of odour or germs from the bin 100. Alternatively, the
hygiene system 190 can include a timer device (not shown), and the
signal may be sent at regular or pre-set time intervals.
[0344] In a preferred embodiment, the bin 100 further includes a
damping device 200 for damping movement of the lid 120, thereby
making the operation of the bin 100 even quieter. It is envisaged
that the damping device 200 will be a hydraulic damping device 200
incorporated into the pivoting member 170 (as shown in FIGS. 4 and
5) to damp the pivoting movement of the pivoting member 170 when
the lid 120 closes. It is envisaged that the hydraulic damping
device 200 will use hydraulic drag or friction forces to damp
pivoting movement of the pivoting member 170. The hydraulic damping
device 200 is described in more detail later.
[0345] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, and 23-26,
the foot pedal mechanism 140a includes a latch 141 which latches
the lid in an open position once it is moved towards the open
position; and a second foot pedal 144 operable by a user's foot
(not shown). The latch 141 comprises a latch member 131 which is
linearly movable along a track 133, and biased to a latching
condition by a spring 137. A unlatching formation 132 and a
latching formation 136, extend from the latch member 131.
[0346] When the first foot pedal 142 is actuated by a user's foot
to open the lid 120, the first foot pedal 142 is rotated about axis
135. The first foot pedal pushes the latching formation 136
sideways against the biasing action of the spring, so that the
latch member 131 is caused to move sideways. The latching formation
136 then clicks into a latching position when the first foot pedal
142 moves past a barb 139 at the end of the latching formation 136.
In this way, the lid 120 will remain latched by the latch 141.
Subsequent operation of the second foot pedal 144 to rotate it
about axis 135 causes the second foot pedal 144 to push against an
unlatching formation 132, to cause sideways movement of the latch
member 131, thereby allowing the first foot pedal 142 to be
released, to allow the lid to move towards the closed position.
[0347] The bin 100 further comprises a cylindrical storage
compartment 300 located to the side of the container, as part of
the housing 160, for storage of consumables for the bin, such as
spare aerosol cans, replacement bin liners 310, and the like.
[0348] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a hydraulic damping device 200 incorporated with the
pivoting member 170. The pivoting member 170 comprises a stationary
member 174 which defines an axis 172 of rotation, and a moveable
member 176 which is pivotally engageable with the stationary member
174 about the axis of rotation 172. Each of the moveable member 176
and the stationary member 174 have an axle stub 183 a&b
extending from them. The axle stub 183a of the stationary member
174 is engageable with the housing 160 in a non-pivotal manner, and
the axle stub 183b of the moveable member 176 is engageable with
the housing 160 in a pivotal manner, so that it can pivot about the
axis 172.
[0349] The moveable member 176 further has a lever arm 186
extending from it. The lever arm 186 is pushed on by the actuator
mechanism 140 to open the bin 100. The moveable member 176 is
further connectable to the tensile member 152 at a distance from
axis 172 (causing the moveable member 176 to act as a lever) by
means of the connector, so that when the moveable member 176 is
pivoted about its axle stub 183b, it will cause the tensioning of
the tensile member 152. In operation, when the actuator mechanism
140 actuates movement of the moveable member 176 by pushing on the
lever arm 186, the movable member will start pivoting about axis
172. However, the stationary member 174 is prevented from pivoting
with the moveable member by the stub axis 183a, causing relative
pivoting movement between the moveable member 176 and the
stationary member 174.
[0350] The moveable member 176 has a cylindrical protrusion 177
extending from it. The cylindrical protrusion 177 has hydraulic
drag-inducing formations 181 on it. The stationary member 174
defines a cylindrical recess 175, into which is received the
cylindrical protrusion 177 extending from the moveable member
176.
[0351] The stationary member 174 and the moveable member 176 engage
with each other at an interface 178, forming a compartment 185
between them. The interface 178 is sealed by a seal in the form of
an O-ring seal 179. It is envisaged that the compartment 185 formed
between the stationary member 174 and the moveable member 176 will
be filled with a viscous liquid such as oil or grease. When there
is relative pivoting movement between the moveable member 176 and
the stationary member 174, the oil will be disturbed by the
hydraulic drag-inducing formations 181 moving through the oil, and
will create a drag on the hydraulic drag-inducing formations 181,
and thereby dampen movement of the moveable member 176, thus
damping movement of the lid 120.
[0352] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made
to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such
equivalents are included as if they were individually set
forth.
[0353] Although the invention has been described by way of example
and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be
understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
[0354] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are
described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will
recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of
any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush
group.
* * * * *