Dust control cover for a refuse bin

Abstract

The dust control cover for a refuse bin is removably installed atop a refuse bin, dumpster, or similar container. The cover has a truncated pyramid configuration, with a series of doors in the sides and top. A system of perforated pipes or tubes is preferably installed within the cover. The pipes connect to a water inlet fitting extending through the cover wall. A water supply (garden hose, etc.) is connected to the fitting, and the water is turned on to produce a fine spray or mist within the cover and its underlying refuse bin, thereby wetting down the contained materials to reduce or eliminate hazardous airborne dust or particulates from the material. The cover may include forklift pockets to facilitate installation and removal of the cover upon and from the bin, and a series of latch pin assemblies for positively securing the cover to the bin.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 272,477, filed Sep. 29, 2009.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to solid waste disposal devices, and particularly to a dust control cover for a refuse bin, e.g., a dumpster or the like, for reducing dust otherwise emitted into the atmosphere during construction, demolition, and similar operations.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Building construction and demolition operations are notorious for raising dust due to the movement of large components or masses of loose material. While building construction can raise a fair amount of such airborne particulates, demolition operations tend to be far worse. Generally, discarded materials (concrete, insulation, etc.) are transferred into large refuse bins or containers, i.e., dumpsters, as soon as practicable after being broken up for...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a dust control cover for a refuse bin that reduces the emission of dust and particulate matter during operation. The cover is installed atop the bin and has a series of perforated pipes or tubes that communicate with a water inlet connection. The cover can be easily installed and secured to the bin using locking pins and receptacles. The cover prevents the collected materials from being dislodged from the bin during transportation. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a safe and effective solution for controlling dust and particulate matter in the refuse bin."

Problems solved by technology

Building construction and demolition operations are notorious for raising dust due to the movement of large components or masses of loose material.

While building construction can raise a fair amount of such airborne particulates, demolition operations tend to be far worse.

This can be particularly critical in the demolition of older building structures, when asbestos and / or other hazardous materials were used in the construction of the building years in the past.

In many instances, there was no knowledge or realization of the potential hazards in handling such materials, e.g., asbestosis from breathing air laden with asbestos dust or fine fibers, etc., at the time the structure was built.

However, such rigid covers or shells are clearly relatively heavy, and conventionally do not include means to facilitate their handling and placement atop or removal from the underlying bin or dumpster.

Even though such a rigid cover or top is relatively massive, the jarring of the dumpster and top due to the stiff suspension of the truck as it travels over rough pavement or terrain can cause the top to be dislodged from its placement atop the refuse bin if not positively secured in place.

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