Waste retention device

Abstract

Waste retention device (1), intended to be placed in a rainwater collection well (2) with a lateral peripheral wall (3) defining a top opening (4), comprising: - a hollow container (7) with an inlet opening (12), made of a first material having a first rigidity, - a skirt (13) with an openwork structure extending radially from and away from a lateral peripheral wall (10) of container (7) along the entire periphery of the inlet opening (12) of container (7), - holding means (15), shaped so as to bear against the lateral peripheral wall (3) of the well (2) by projecting onto the lateral peripheral wall (10) of container (7), and in which the skirt (13) is made of a second material having a second rigidity lower than the first rigidity.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the treatment of rainwater, and more particularly to the retention of waste carried by rainwater which is collected via collection wells.

[0002] Stormwater drainage systems are supplied by stormwater collection wells, such as manholes located in the roadway or catch basins positioned along gutters extending from sidewalks. These stormwater collection wells have a lateral perimeter wall defining an upper opening, which is usually partially covered by a grate over which vehicles and people can drive or walk.

[0003] The grates in stormwater collection wells have relatively large mesh sizes, designed to retain larger debris and prevent it from entering the underground section of the stormwater drainage system. However, these large mesh sizes cannot retain smaller debris (i.e., debris smaller than the mesh size). This debris then circulates within the underground section of the stormwater drainage system and can cause blockages or be carried out to sea, polluting the environment.

[0004] Among small pieces of litter, some have a higher pollution potential. For example, it is estimated that a single cigarette butt is enough to contaminate a volume of 500 liters of water.

[0005] To solve this problem, it has been proposed to add to the rainwater collection wells a filter in the form of a rigid and flat plate with smaller mesh than the mesh of the grid.

[0006] However, installing such a filter involves anchoring support elements to the lateral perimeter wall of the well. This anchoring creates cracks in which vegetation can eventually grow, and these cracks can be further enlarged by frost. This leads to a problem of accelerated well deterioration.

[0007] Furthermore, rainwater collection wells have variable and imprecise dimensions of their top opening and depth, largely due to manufacturing tolerances. On-site filter adaptation is therefore generally necessary, particularly to prevent small debris from passing between the filter and the well's outer wall. Standardizing a filter for multiple wells is thus complicated.

[0008] Finally, adapting the filter on site and anchoring the support elements requires a significant amount of labor time, making the filter very expensive.

[0009] US patent 5,284,580A describes a waste retention device whose dimensions correspond to the dimensions of the stormwater collection well (specifically, the dimensions of the well's top opening). Therefore, it is necessary to provide as many waste retention devices as there are different sizes of stormwater collection wells.

[0010] To remedy this drawback, document FR 2 770 238 A1 proposes resting a waste retention system on support elements, such as angle brackets, anchored to the lateral perimeter wall of the rainwater collection well. This results in significant labor time and accelerated deterioration of the rainwater collection well. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a waste retention device that can be installed easily and quickly in a rainwater collection well in order to effectively limit the penetration of small waste into the underground part of a rainwater network.

[0012] Simultaneously, the invention aims to provide a waste retention device whose installation in a rainwater collection well presents little or no risk of deterioration of said well.

[0013] To reach these objects and others, the invention proposes a waste retention device according to claim 1.

[0014] The holding devices allow for quick and easy placement of the container in the well, maintaining a peripheral space between the container's lateral perimeter wall and the well's lateral perimeter wall. The container is preferably positioned substantially concentrically with the well's inlet.

[0015] Securing the container in the well by simply pressing it against the lateral peripheral wall of the well prevents damage to the wall and compensates for manufacturing tolerances in the well.

[0016] The openwork structure of the skirt has mesh sizes smaller than those of the well screen, deemed sufficient to retain small debris. The mesh size of the skirt will therefore be chosen based on the smallest debris to be retained.

[0017] In practice, the skirt has a perimeter whose dimensions are greater than or equal to the dimensions of the upper well opening. Due to its lower rigidity compared to the container, the skirt can be adapted by deformation to rest against the lateral peripheral wall of the well, precisely filling the peripheral space between the container's lateral peripheral wall and the well's lateral peripheral wall, with a funnel shape whose cross-section decreases downwards towards the upper well opening.

[0018] The installation of the skirt is not hindered by the holding means: the holding means are in fact located around the peripheral lateral wall of the container and do not occupy the space located between the inlet opening of the container cavity and the upper opening of the rainwater collection well.

[0019] When rainwater containing small debris enters the well, it flows directly to the bottom through the peripheral space between the container's side wall and the well's side wall (generally, it runs down the well's side wall). The small debris is retained by the perforated structure of the skirt, which, thanks to its funnel shape, directs the debris into the container where it accumulates, thus freeing the skirt for water flow. Periodically, a maintenance worker can remove the debris from the container, for example, using a vacuum cleaner.

[0020] In one particular embodiment of the present invention, the skirt may be attached to the container. In another particular embodiment of the present invention, the skirt may be separate from the container.

[0021] In a first variant, the retaining means preferably comprise a plurality of threaded rods, each cooperating via a threaded helical connection with the peripheral lateral wall of the container. The retaining means are thus simple in structure and are also very easy and quick to use. The threaded helical connections simultaneously allow for fine adjustment to properly adapt the waste retention device to the dimensions of the rainwater collection well, as well as providing support against the peripheral lateral wall of the collection well under significant forces to ensure adequate retention of the waste retention device within the collection well.

[0022] Advantageously, the helical threaded connection between the threaded rod and the container's side wall can be achieved by means of a nut attached to the container's side wall. This allows the container to have relatively thin walls, making it easy and inexpensive to manufacture. Preferably, the nuts can be rivet nuts, which are attached and secured by crimping into respective holes in the container's side wall.

[0023] Alternatively, if the walls have sufficient thickness, the helical threaded connection between the threaded rod and the peripheral side wall of the container can be provided by internal tapping of holes made in the peripheral side wall of the container.

[0024] In a second variant, the holding means may preferably comprise a plurality of rods each cooperating by means of a sliding link with the peripheral side wall of the container, the rods being continuously stressed by elastic means moving from and away from the peripheral side wall.

[0025] For example, a sliding type connection or a sliding pivot type connection can be used as a sliding connection.

[0026] Such securing devices allow for very rapid and reliable installation of the waste retention system in a stormwater collection well. The restoring force of the elastic means is chosen to provide support on the lateral perimeter wall of the collection well with sufficient force to ensure that the waste retention system remains securely in place.

[0027] Preferably, the openwork skirt can be formed from a mesh, preferably made of plastic. Good results have been obtained with a mesh made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0028] Advantageously, the cross-sectional through-hole can have dimensions smaller than the container's inlet opening. This allows for more reliable guidance of the waste into the container cavity.

[0029] This also limits the risk that the skirt, deforming under the weight of waste, could become so distorted that the opening is no longer aligned with the container's inlet. This is particularly useful when the skirt is not attached to the container.

[0030] Preferably, for better durability over time, the first material can be a metal, even more preferably a stainless steel.

[0031] Advantageously, the container can be manufactured by cutting from a flat blank of primary material, shaped by folding, and preferably held in shape by a weld-free fastening.

[0032] Folding allows for quick, easy and inexpensive manufacturing, without damaging the flat blank of the primary material (which can, for example, be a painted or lacquered sheet).

[0033] The absence of welding reduces the risk of heat-affected zones (HAZs), which are often prone to accelerated deterioration, for example, through corrosion. A weld-free fastening can be achieved, for instance, using rivets.

[0034] Brackets may be used to fix the relative position of the different sections of the container's side perimeter wall. Alternatively, sections of the container's side perimeter wall can be partially overlapped.

[0035] Preferably, the skirt may include one or more slits extending radially from its periphery towards the light passing through and stopping before the light passing through.

[0036] The slit(s) allow parts of the skirt to overlap each other to facilitate the shaping of the skirt into a funnel shape.

[0037] Advantageously, we can predict that: the container has, in a plane generally parallel to the inlet opening, a rectangular or square cross-section, the skirt has an external rectangular or square shape with four corners, and includes at least one slit extending from one of its corners and along one of its diagonals.

[0038] A rectangular container and a rectangular skirt will be preferred for wells with a lateral peripheral wall defining a rectangular top opening.

[0039] A square container and a square skirt will be preferred for wells with a lateral peripheral wall defining a square or circular top opening.

[0040] Preferably, the bottom wall of the container and / or the peripheral side wall of the container can be perforated.

[0041] The mesh size of the container's bottom wall and / or side perimeter wall is then at least as small as that of the perforated skirt structure, and also allows rainwater to pass through the container. This can be useful when the rainwater flow is such that it not only runs down the side perimeter wall of the well but is also projected towards the center of the well beyond the peripheral space between the container's side perimeter wall and the well's side perimeter wall.

[0042] According to another aspect, the present invention proposes the use of a waste retention device as previously described and with a skirt separate from the container, in which: The waste retention device is introduced into a rainwater collection well with a lateral peripheral wall, orienting the cavity's inlet orifice upwards. The retaining means are then applied or released to ensure they bear against the lateral peripheral wall of the well, creating a peripheral space between the container's lateral peripheral wall and the well's lateral peripheral wall. The skirt is then positioned to rest: a. on the upper peripheral edge of the container, placing the said through-hole in correspondence with the container's inlet orifice, and b. on the lateral peripheral wall of the well. so as to fill the peripheral space between the peripheral side wall of the container and the peripheral side wall of the well, while shaping the skirt into a funnel shape with a cross-section decreasing downwards away from the upper opening of the well.

[0043] According to another aspect, the present invention proposes the use of a waste retention device as previously described and with a skirt attached to the container, in which: The waste retention device is introduced into a rainwater collection well with a side perimeter wall, orienting the cavity's inlet orifice upwards. The holding means are then stressed or released to cause them to bear against the side perimeter wall of the well, so as to create a peripheral space between the container's side perimeter wall and the well's side perimeter wall. The skirt is then positioned to rest against the well's side perimeter wall, so as to fill the peripheral space between the container's side perimeter wall and the well's side perimeter wall, while shaping the skirt into a funnel shape with a cross-section that decreases downwards away from the upper orifice of the well. SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, made in relation to the accompanying figures, among which: [ Fig.1 ] There figure 1 is a schematic top view of a container usable in a first particular embodiment of a waste retention device according to the present invention; [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a schematic top view of a skirt usable with the container of the figure 1 ; Fig.3 ] There figure 3 is a schematic top view of a waste retention device according to a first particular embodiment of the present invention, comprising a container illustrated on the figure 1 and a skirt illustrated on the figure 2 ; Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a schematic side view of the waste retention device of the figure 3 ; Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view illustrating a first step in the implementation of the waste retention system of the figure 3 in a stormwater collection well; [ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a second stage in the installation of the waste retention system of the figure 3 in a stormwater collection well; [ Fig. 7 ] There figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a third step in the installation of the waste retention system of the figure 3 in a stormwater collection well; [ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth step in the installation of the waste retention system of the figure 3 in a stormwater collection well; [ Fig. 9 ] There figure 9is a schematic top view of a container usable in a second particular embodiment of a waste retention device according to the present invention; [ Fig. 10 ] There Figure 10 is a schematic top view of a waste retention device according to a second particular embodiment of the present invention, comprising a container illustrated on the figure 9 and a skirt; and [ Fig. 11 ] There figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the waste retention device of the Figure 10 installed in a storm drain-type well for rainwater collection; and [ Fig. 12 ] There figure 12 is a schematic top view of a variant of the container of the figure 1 . DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0045] When identical numerical references are used in several figures, embodiments or variants of the invention, these numerical references designate identical or similar elements in each of the figures, embodiments or variants.

[0046] On the figures 1 to 4 is illustrated a first embodiment of a waste retention device 1 according to the present invention.

[0047] This waste retention device 1 is intended to be placed in a rainwater collection well 2 with a lateral peripheral wall 3 defining a top opening 4 ( figures 5 to 8 ). The grid 5 of well 2 has meshes 6 of (too) large dimensions to retain small waste such as cigarette butts.

[0048] The waste retention device 1 includes a hollow container 7 ( figure 1) delimiting a cavity 8 between a bottom wall 9 of container 7 and a lateral peripheral wall 10 of container 7 extending from the bottom wall 9 to an upper peripheral edge 11 defining an inlet orifice 12 of the cavity 8 of container 7.

[0049] Here, the inlet orifice 12 extends substantially along a plane P1. A planar shape is not essential, however, and an oblique or other orientation is also possible.

[0050] The container 7 is made of a first material having a first rigidity. The first material is a metal, preferably stainless steel.

[0051] As is particularly evident on the figure 1 , the waste retention device 1 further includes holding means 15, shaped so as to come to rest against the peripheral lateral wall 3 of the well 2 by protruding on the peripheral lateral wall 10 of container 7.

[0052] The holding means 15 comprise a plurality of threaded rods 16a to 16d each cooperating by means of a threaded helical link 17a to 17d with the lateral peripheral wall 10 of container 7.

[0053] The helical threaded connections 17a to 17d between the threaded rods 16a to 16d (which are specifically wing nuts here) and the peripheral side wall 10 of container 7 are provided here by nuts 170a to 170d attached and fixed (preferably by crimping) to the peripheral side wall 10 of container 7.

[0054] Threaded rods 16a to 16d may belong to screws of a type other than wing nuts. For example, screws with a ring head or, more generally, any operating mechanism facilitating manual operation may be used.

[0055] Container 7 is here manufactured by cutting from a flat blank of primary material, shaped by folding and held in shape by a weld-free fastening.

[0056] In this case, container 7 is held in shape by means of rivets 19. The rivets 19 fix the relative position of the various sections forming the lateral peripheral wall 10 of container 7, which partially overlap each other. Alternatively, there could be no overlap between the various sections forming the lateral peripheral wall 10 of container 7, and brackets could be used, also attached by rivets 19.

[0057] The waste retention device 1 also includes a skirt 13 ( figure 2) with an openwork structure comprising a through-hole 14 having a cross-section with dimensions (L14 and L14') less than or equal to the dimensions (L12 and L12') of the cross-section of the inlet opening 12 of container 7, said skirt 13 being shaped and dimensioned to extend radially from and away from the peripheral lateral wall 10 of container 7 along the entire periphery of the inlet opening 12 of container 7 when said through-hole 14 is positioned in correspondence with said inlet opening 12 of container 7 (as is best seen in the figure 3 ).

[0058] Skirt 13 is made of a second material having a second stiffness lower than the first stiffness.

[0059] The skirt with an openwork structure can advantageously be formed by a mesh, preferably made of plastic such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0060] The openwork structure of the skirt 13 has meshes 18 smaller than those of the well screen, and deemed sufficient to retain small debris. The mesh size of the skirt will therefore be chosen based on the smallest debris to be retained. In practice, good results have been obtained with meshes 18 having a square cross-section of 6 mm per side.

[0061] In practice, skirt 13 has a periphery whose external dimensions are L13 and L13' ( figure 2 ) are greater than or equal to the dimensions L4 and L4' of the upper orifice 4 of well 2 ( figures 5 to 8 , L4' is not visible on the figures 5 to 8 because it is perpendicular to the cutting plane).

[0062] As it is most particularly visible on the figure 3 , the light through 14 has a cross section having dimensions L14 and L14' smaller than the dimensions L12 and L12' of the inlet orifice 12 of container 7.

[0063] As better represented on the figures 2 And 3 The skirt 13 has four slots 20a to 20d extending radially from the periphery of the skirt 13 towards the through-hole 14 and stopping before the through-hole 14. Slot 20a allows the sections 201a and 202a of the skirt 13 to overlap each other to facilitate shaping the skirt 13 into a funnel. The same applies to the sections 201b and 202b defined by slot 20b, to the sections 201c and 202c defined by slot 20c, and to the sections 201d and 202d defined by slot 20d.

[0064] We observe more particularly on the Figures 1 And 4that the bottom wall 9 of container 7 and the side perimeter wall 10 of container 7 are perforated. The perforated nature of the bottom wall 9 and side perimeter wall 10 is achieved here by circular through-holes 21. In practice, good results have been obtained with circular through-holes 21 of 6 mm diameter, the container 7 having been manufactured from a flat blank of R6 T9 sheet metal.

[0065] In the embodiment of waste retention device 1 illustrated on the figures 1 to 4 : the container 7 presents, in a plane generally parallel to the inlet opening 12 (in plane P1 here), a square cross-section ( figure 1 ), the skirt 13 has a square exterior shape with four corners, and has four slits 20a to 20d extending respectively from a corner and along one of the diagonals of the square skirt 13.

[0066] Such a waste retention device 1 is particularly suitable for use in a well 2 of the type stormwater collection manhole with a lateral peripheral wall 3 defining a top opening 4 with a square or circular cross-section.

[0067] In the variant illustrated on the figures 1 to 4 , skirt 13 is separable from container 7.

[0068] However, it is possible to opt for a skirt 13 attached to the container 7. Attaching the skirt 13 to the upper peripheral edge 11 can be done using staples (preferably made of plastic) or using flexible plastic cable ties (for example, those marketed by the Swedish company Norma Sweden AB under the brand SERFLEX ®<).

[0069] The implementation of the waste retention system 1 of figures 1 to 4 will now be explained in connection with the figures 5 to 8 .

[0070] In a first step illustrated on the figure 5 , an operator introduces (according to the movement illustrated by arrow 22) the waste retention device 1 into a well 2 (here of the inspection chamber type) for rainwater collection with a lateral peripheral wall 3, orienting the inlet orifice 12 of the cavity 8 upwards.

[0071] The plane P1 in which the inlet orifice 12 extends coincides here with a plane P that is substantially horizontal.

[0072] The operator then applies the wing head screws 16a to 16d of the holding means 15 to bring them into contact with the peripheral lateral wall 3 of the well 2, leaving a peripheral space ESP between the peripheral lateral wall 10 of container 7 and the peripheral lateral wall 3 of the well 2.

[0073] Container 7 is thus reliably and quickly immobilized at height in shaft 2, and is preferably substantially centered in the middle of the lateral peripheral wall 3 of shaft 2. No additional accessories are required for holding the waste retention device 1 in shaft 2.

[0074] The peripheral lateral wall 3 of the well 2 does not undergo any alteration by contact with the free ends of the wing head screws 16a to 16d (which can also, if necessary, be fitted with a pad of resilient material such as rubber or an elastomer).

[0075] In a later step illustrated on the figure 6 , the operator inserts the skirt 13 into the well 2 according to the movement illustrated by the arrow 23.

[0076] Due to the external dimensions L13 and L13' of the skirt 13 being larger than the dimensions L4 and L4' of the upper orifice 4 defined by the lateral peripheral wall 3 of the well 2, the skirt 13 deforms (due to its lower rigidity) as illustrated in the figure 7 The periphery of skirt 13 rests against the lateral peripheral wall 3 of shaft 2, and skirt 13 takes on a shape essentially resembling a funnel with a cross-section decreasing downwards towards the upper opening 4 of shaft 2. A funnel shape is understood to mean a shape essentially truncated cone. Slots 20a to 20d facilitate this shaping by allowing the faces 201a and 202a, 201b and 202b, 201c and 202c, and finally 201d and 202d to overlap.

[0077] The operator then continues the downward movement of skirt 13 into shaft 2, illustrated by arrow 23, until it reaches the position shown on the figure 8in which the skirt is positioned to support: a. on the upper peripheral edge 11 of container 7 with said through light 14 placed in correspondence with said inlet orifice 12 of container 7, and b. on the lateral peripheral wall 3 of well 2.

[0078] Thus arranged, the skirt 13 fills the peripheral space ESP between the peripheral side wall 10 of container 7 and the peripheral side wall 3 of well 2, and has a funnel shape with a cross-section decreasing downwards away from the upper opening 4 of well 2.

[0079] A continuous contact is formed between the skirt 13 and the peripheral lateral wall 3 of the well 2 so that no waste entering the well 2 can escape the waste retention device 1.

[0080] The installation of the skirt 13 is not hindered by the holding means 15: the holding means 15 (threaded rods 16a to 16d) extend around the peripheral lateral wall 10 of container 7 and do not occupy the space between the inlet 12 of the cavity 8 of container 7 and the upper opening 4 of the rainwater collection well 2.

[0081] Finally, the operator replaces grid 5 of the well.

[0082] When rainwater containing small debris enters well 2 through the mesh 6 of the grate 5, it flows directly to the bottom of well 2 through the peripheral space ESP provided between the lateral peripheral wall 10 of container 7 and the lateral peripheral wall 3 of well 2 (generally, it runs down the lateral peripheral wall 3 of well 2). Small debris (whose dimensions prevent passage through the mesh 18 of the skirt 13), and particularly cigarette butts, are retained by the perforated structure of the skirt 13, which, thanks to its funnel shape, directs the debris into the cavity 8 of container 7 where it accumulates. Periodically, a sanitation worker can remove the debris from container 7, for example, using a vacuum cleaner.

[0083] The skirt, having a funnel shape, is inclined vertically above the peripheral space ESP provided between the peripheral side wall 10 of container 7 and the peripheral side wall 3 of well 2: there is therefore little risk that waste could accumulate in such a way as to obstruct all the meshes 18 of the skirt 13. There is therefore little risk that the waste retention device 1 will be completely obstructed and prevent rainwater from being collected at the bottom of well 2.

[0084] In the variant in which the skirt 13 is integral with the container 7, the placement in a well 2 is carried out as follows: The waste retention device 1 is introduced into the rainwater collection well 2 with a lateral peripheral wall 3, orienting the inlet orifice 12 of the cavity 8 upwards, the holding means 15 are applied to bring them into contact with the lateral peripheral wall 3 of the well 2, so as to provide a peripheral space ESP between the lateral peripheral wall 10 of container 7 and the lateral peripheral wall 3 of the well 2, the skirt 13 is placed in contact with the lateral peripheral wall 3 of the well 2 (it even tends to come there on its own), so as to fill the peripheral space ESP provided between the lateral peripheral wall 10 of container 7 and the lateral peripheral wall 3 of the well 2, while shaping the skirt 13 into a funnel shape with a cross-section decreasing downwards away from the upper orifice 4 of the well 2.

[0085] On the figures 9 And 10A second embodiment of the waste retention device 1 according to the present invention is illustrated. This differs from the waste retention device 1 of the figures 1 to 4 in that: the container 7 presents, in a plane generally parallel to the inlet orifice 12 (in plane P1 here), a rectangular cross-section ( figure 9 ), the skirt 13 has a rectangular external shape with four corners, and has four slits 20a to 20d extending respectively from a corner and along one of the diagonals of the rectangular skirt 13 ( Figure 10 ).

[0086] Threaded rods 16a to 16d are arranged only on two opposite sections of the peripheral side wall 10 of container 7 (here the sections forming the long sides of the rectangular cross-section of container 7).

[0087] Threaded rods 16a and 16b are arranged on a first section of the lateral peripheral wall 10, offset from threaded rods 16c and 16d which are arranged on a second section of the lateral peripheral wall 10 so that threaded rods 16a to 16d can be easily handled by the operator and can have sufficient lengths without interfering with each other in the cavity 8 of the container 7.

[0088] The second embodiment of the waste retention device 1 is more suitable for being received in a drain-type well 2 arranged along gutters extending along the sidewalks, as illustrated in the figure 11 .

[0089] The installation and operation of the second embodiment of waste retention device 1 are comparable to those of the first embodiment of waste retention device 1 which have been previously described, and will therefore not be explained in further detail.

[0090] On the figure 12 A waste retention device 1 similar to that of the is schematically illustrated figure 1 The difference in this waste retention device 1 lies in its means of holding 15.

[0091] In this case, the holding means 15 comprise a plurality of rods 16a' to 16d' (which are smooth here) each cooperating by means of a sliding link 17a' to 17d' with the peripheral lateral wall 10 of container 7. The rods 16a' to 16d' are constantly stressed by respective elastic means 24a' to 24d' moving from and away from the peripheral lateral wall 10.

[0092] As a sliding connection 17a' to 17d', one can for example use a sliding type connection or a sliding pivot type connection.

[0093] The elastic means 24a' to 24d' here consist of helical springs 240a' to 240d'. Each helical spring 240a' to 240d' is fixed at its first end to a rod head 160a' to 160d', and is fixed at its second end (directly or indirectly) to the lateral peripheral wall 10.

[0094] At rest, helical springs 240a' to 240d' have a reduced length: their respective coils are as close to each other as possible (see helical springs 240b' and 240d' on the figure 12). When the rods 16a' to 16d' are pushed back inside the container 7 (to reduce their external protrusion from and away from the lateral peripheral wall 10), the helical springs 240a' to 240d' lengthen and their coils spread apart: the helical springs 240a' to 240d' then exert a restoring force on the rods 16a' to 16d' tending to increase the external protrusion of the rods 16a' to 16d' from and away from the lateral peripheral wall 10 (see the helical springs 240a' and 240c' on the figure 12 ). To summarize, the helical springs 240a' to 240d' exert a restoring force on the rods 16a' to 16d' when they are extended.

[0095] It should be noted that the elastic means 24a' to 24d' can be arranged on the other side of the lateral peripheral wall 10, for example with helical springs which, this time, would exert a restoring force on the rods 16a' to 16d' when they are compressed.

[0096] Such retaining means 15 allow for very rapid and reliable installation of the waste retention device 1 in a rainwater collection well 2. The restoring force of the elastic means 24a' to 24d' is chosen to provide support on the lateral peripheral wall 3 of the collection well 2 with sufficient force to ensure that the waste retention device 1 is securely held in the collection well 2.

[0097] If, in the context of the use of waste retention devices, 1 of Figures 1 And 3 à 11The user tightens the retaining means 15 (by screwing them) to bring them into contact with the lateral peripheral wall 3 of the well 2; the user, however, releases the retaining means 15 from the waste retention device 1 of the figure 12 to allow the holding means 15 to come into contact with the peripheral lateral wall 3 of the shaft 2 (under the effect of the elastic means 24a' to 24d').

[0098] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments that have been explicitly described, but includes the various variants and generalizations contained within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Waste retention device (1), intended to be placed in a rainwater collection well (2) with a lateral peripheral wall (3) defining a top opening (4), comprising: - a hollow container (7) delimiting a cavity (8) between a bottom wall (9) of container (7) and a lateral peripheral wall (10) of container (7) extending from the bottom wall (9) to a top peripheral edge (11) defining an inlet opening (12) of the cavity (8) of container (7), said container (7) being made of a first material having a first rigidity, - a skirt (13) with an openwork structure having a through light (14) with a cross-section having dimensions (L14, L14') less than or equal to the dimensions (L12, L12') of the cross-section of the inlet opening (12) of container (7),said skirt (13) being shaped and dimensioned to extend radially from and away from the peripheral lateral wall (10) of container (7) along the entire periphery of the inlet opening (12) of container (7) when said through-hole (14) is positioned in correspondence with said inlet opening (12) of container (7), characterized in that - the waste retention device (1) includes holding means (15), movable from and away from the peripheral side wall (10) of container (7) so as to come to rest against the peripheral side wall (3) of the well (2) by protruding on the peripheral side wall (10) of container (7), - the skirt (13) is made of a second material having a second stiffness lower than the first stiffness.

2. Waste retention device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe holding means (15) comprise a plurality of threaded rods (16a-16d) each cooperating by means of a threaded helical link (17a-17d) with the lateral peripheral wall (10) of container (7).

3. Waste retention device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the helical threaded connection (17a-17d) between the threaded rod (16a-16d) and the peripheral side wall (10) of container (7) is provided by a nut (170a-170d) attached and fixed to the peripheral side wall (10) of container (7).

4. Waste retention device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe holding means (15) comprise a plurality of rods (16a'-16d') each cooperating by means of a sliding link (17a'-17d') with the peripheral side wall (10) of container (7), the rods (16a'-16d') being continuously stressed by elastic means (24a'-24d') moving from and away from the peripheral side wall (10).

5. Waste retention device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the skirt (13) with an openwork structure is formed by a mesh, preferably made of plastic.

6. Waste retention device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the light through (14) has a cross section which has dimensions (L14, L14') smaller than the dimensions (L12, L12') of the inlet orifice (12) of container (7).

7. Waste retention device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in thatThe first material is a metal, preferably stainless steel.

8. Waste retention device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the container (7) is manufactured by cutting from a flat blank of primary material, shaped by folding, and preferably held in shape by a weld-free fastening.

9. Waste retention device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the skirt (13) has one or more slits (20a-20d) extending radially from its periphery towards the light through (14) and stopping before the light through (14).

10. Waste retention device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that- the container (7) has, in a plane (P1) generally parallel to the inlet opening (12), a rectangular or square cross-section, - the skirt (13) has an external rectangular or square shape with four corners, and includes at least one slot (20a-20d) extending from one of its corners and along one of its diagonals.

11. Waste retention device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the bottom wall (9) of container (7) and / or the peripheral side wall (10) of container (7) is perforated.

12. Waste retention device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the skirt (13) is attached to the container (7).

13. Use of a waste retention device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: - the waste retention device (1) is introduced into a rainwater collection well (2) with a lateral peripheral wall (3), orienting the inlet orifice (12) of the cavity (8) upwards, - the retaining means (15) are stressed or released to cause them to bear against the lateral peripheral wall (3) of the well (2), so as to provide a peripheral space (ESP) between the lateral peripheral wall (10) of the container (7) and the lateral peripheral wall (3) of the well (2), - the skirt (13) is positioned to bear: a. on the upper peripheral edge (11) of the container (7) by placing said through-hole (14) in correspondence with said inlet orifice (12) of the container (7), and b.on the peripheral side wall (3) of the well (2), so as to fill the peripheral space (ESP) between the peripheral side wall (10) of container (7) and the peripheral side wall (3) of the well (2), while shaping the skirt (13) into a funnel shape with a cross-section decreasing downwards away from the upper opening (4) of the well (2).

14. Use of a waste retention device (1) according to claim 11, wherein: - the waste retention device (1) is introduced into a rainwater collection well (2) with a lateral peripheral wall (3), orienting the inlet orifice (12) of the cavity (8) upwards, - the retaining means (15) are stressed or released to cause them to bear against the lateral peripheral wall (3) of the well (2), so as to create a peripheral space (ESP) between the lateral peripheral wall (10) of the container (7) and the lateral peripheral wall (3) of the well (2), - the skirt (13) is positioned to bear against the lateral peripheral wall (3) of the well (2), so as to fill the peripheral space (ESP) between the lateral peripheral wall (10) of the container (7) and the lateral peripheral wall (3) of the well (2),while shaping the skirt (13) into a funnel shape with a cross-section decreasing downwards away from the upper opening (4) of the well (2).

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