Biodegradable sanitary bins

Abstract

The present invention relates to a biodegradable sanitary bin (300) comprising: a base (310); a plurality of walls (120, 130, 140, 150) surrounding the base and extending generally upwardly therefrom; a roof (127), the roof having a mouth 190 provided in the roof and the mouth defining an entry opening into the interior region of the sanitary bin, a lid member (1420,1460) comprising a lid and a tray (1470) onto which items may be deposited for delivery through the mouth and into the interior region of the sanitary bin; the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position; wherein the base, the plurality of walls, the lid member are formed of composable materials. Also disclosed is a biodegradable sanitary bin blank (100) from which the biodegradable sanitary bin can be assembled. The biodegradable sanitary bin blank is provided as a unitary blank. Also disclosed is a reinforcement base insert (200) for providing increased strength and water resistance for the biodegradable sanitary bin. There is also disclosed a container for storing and transporting the biodegradable sanitary bin blank and the optional, reinforcement base insert.

Description

BIODEGRADABLE SANITARY BINS

[0001] The present invention concerns improvements in and relating to sanitary bins, of the type that is suitable for the disposal of female hygiene products. In particular, the present invention relates to biodegradable sanitary bins.BACKGROUND

[0002] The provision of sanitary bins to enable the disposal of tampons, sanitary napkins and other forms of feminine hygiene products in a hygienic manner is common in public restrooms / toilet areas. Known sanitary bins for the sanitary disposal of feminine hygiene products comprise PVC and other known plastics materials. However, these plastics have lasting negative impacts on the environment as their disposal requires either extensive recycling, which is not possible in all cases, or long-term disposal in a landfill. Furthermore, the transportation of empty known sanitary bins takes considerable space and logistics of drivers and trucks on the road.

[0003] The present invention seeks to alleviate the disadvantages to known sanitary bins.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] Features of the present invention are set forth in the appended Claims and will be summarised below:

[0005] The present invention provides a biodegradable sanitary bin comprising: a base; a plurality of walls surrounding the base and extending generally vertically upwardly therefrom; a roof, the roof comprising a mouth and the mouth defining an entry opening into the interior region of the sanitary bin, a lid member comprising a lid and a tray onto which items may be deposited for delivery through the mouth and into the interior region of the sanitary bin; the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position; wherein the base, the plurality of walls, the lid member are formed of composable materials.

[0006] Accordingly, in accordance with the present invention, in a first aspect, there is provided a sanitary bin for the disposal of feminine hygiene products, the sanitary bin comprises a base, a lid member and side walls, the lid member comprises a lidand a tray, wherein the biodegradable sanitary bin is formed of biodegradable materials, the lid is moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein when the lid is in the open position, the tray is exposed for the user whereby a user can deposit an item onto the tray and when the lid is in the closed position, the item deposited on the tray is transferred into the sanitary bin while the contents of the sanitary bin are hidden from view of the user.

[0007] The biodegradable sanitary bin of the present invention has significant advantages in relation to being environmentally friendly including reducing the impact of transporting the known types of sanitary bins to and from their locations of use. Indeed, the use of biodegradable materials in the manufacture of disposal bins for feminine hygiene products is not known and furthermore, has heretofore been considered not to be possible in the industry. Further advantages of the biodegradable sanitary bin of the present invention will be described hereinbelow.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the sanitary bin comprises a reinforcement base insert; preferably, the reinforcement base insert is removable.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the sanitary bin of the present invention comprises a carry handle, which is ideally, integrally formed in the biodegradable sanitary bin. Most preferably, the carry handle is integrally formed in the lid member of the biodegradable sanitary bin.

[0010] The biodegradable sanitary bin of the present invention has the advantage that it is formed of paper or cardboard materials having the required odour absorption and / or water repellent properties required for optimum functioning of a sanitary bin. The biodegradable sanitary bin of the present invention also has the advantage that it is formed of paper or cardboard materials that can withstand for a prolonged period of time (approx 2-3 months), the demands of the rigours of being exposed to water and washing detergent arising from washing floors in public restrooms as well as impact from being struck by washing tools for example, manual mops and motorised washing tools as well as remotely operated floor washing devices and machinery. The biodegradable sanitary bin of the present invention is preferably formed of flute corrugated cardboard material. The term ‘flute’ refers to the waveshaped middle layer of a sheet of cardboard. The flutes are anchored to the outer layers of the walls of the cardboard material (the liner boards) with an adhesive. E- flute corrugated packaging is available in wall thicknesses. These varying wall thicknesses are referred to as flute sizes. E-flute cardboard packaging is the preferred cardboard from which the biodegradable sanitary bin of the present invention is formed. The E-flute cardboard packaging formed in the sanitary bin ofthe present invention, is approx 1.5mm thick and contains 270 flutes per square metre. The flute corrugated cardboard material from which the biodegradable sanitary bin of the present invention is formed, is configured to have the required odour absorption and water repellent properties to be able to avoid leakages from inside the bin as well as avoiding ingress of water / washing detergent from outside the bin, sufficiently to be able to remain in use for the typical period of use of such bins which is generally approx 2-3 months, but may also be 3-4 months or more, depending on useage, before the bin is filled. It is intended that the biodegradable bins of the present invention will be disposed after being filled once and will not be put into a subsequent use.

[0011] In a further aspect, the present invention also provides a biodegradable sanitary bin blank, which can be easily assembled by a user into a durable, water repellent and odour absorbing sanitary bin for the disposal of feminine hygiene products. The sanitary bin blank has the advantage of significantly reducing transport and storage costs of the sanitary bins when empty i.e. prior to use. Accordingly, in this further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sanitary bin blank comprising: a base; a plurality of walls configured to surround the base and extend generally vertically upwardly from the base, when assembled; a roof, the roof having a mouth provided in the roof and the mouth defining an entry opening into the interior region of the sanitary bin, when assembled; a lid member comprising a lid and a tray onto which items may be deposited for delivery through the mouth and into the interior region of the sanitary bin; the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position; when the biodegradable sanitary bin is assembled; wherein the base, the plurality of walls, the lid member are formed of composable materials.Advantageously, the biodegradable bin blank is formed as a unitary blank. This has the significant advantage of being readily transportable and assembled into a biodegradable sanitary bin.

[0012] The biodegradable sanitary bin blank of the present invention, preferably, comprises a front panel portion; a first side panel portion; a rear panel portion; and a second side panel portion.

[0013] The front panel portion ideally, comprises a major face defining a front panel; and the front panel portion comprises an attachment flap.

[0014] Preferably, the front panel portion also comprises a base flap which has an edge provided with an indent or cut-out; and the base flap is also provided with a base interconnection flap.

[0015] Conveniently, the front panel portion also includes a roof panel and the roof panel also comprise an aperture for providing access to the sanitary bin, when assembled.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the front panel portion may also comprise parallel guide-flaps located at opposed sides of the aperture and the parallel guide-flaps are configured to be inwardly directed towards each other so as to guide an item into the interior of a container when the biodegradable sanitary bin blank is assembled to form the container.

[0017] Ideally, the rear panel portion of the biodegradable sanitary bin blank comprises a major face defining a rear panel; and having a first side, second side, third side, and fourth side.

[0018] Conveniently, the rear panel portion comprises an outer lid panel and an inner lid panel, the rear panel portion being configured to provide a tray and lid.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the tray and lid are configured so that the tray and lid are integrally formed.

[0020] Further conveniently, the inner lid panel comprises an arcuate edge portion defining a leading edge on the inner lid panel for providing an area which can be conveniently used by a user to lift the lid, when the biodegradable sanitary bin blank is assembled into the container.

[0021] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the biodegradable sanitary bin of the present invention comprises a carry handle, most preferably, an integrally formed carry handle, that facilitate the hygienic transport and disposal of filled bins.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the present invention also, optionally, provides a reinforcement base insert blank, configured for insertion into the biodegradable sanitary bin, when the biodegradable sanitary bin is assembled from the sanitary bin blank, the reinforcement base insert blank comprising corner panels provided in the corner region between the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion; and also comprises corner panels provided in the corner region between the second side wall portion and the third side wall portion; and the reinforcementbase insert blank also comprises corner panels provided in the corner region between the third side wall portion and the fourth side wall portion; and the reinforcement base insert blank also comprises corner panels provided in the corner region between the fourth side wall portion and the first side wall portion; each of the respective pair of corner panels defining a corner panel pair and each corner panel of the respective corner panel pairs being foldable towards each other about their respective pivot points so that the respective corner panels are abutting each other and fold inwardly towards the base to form the assembled reinforcement base insert.

[0023] In a further aspect, there is also provided, a container comprising biodegradable materials for transporting and storing a plurality of the biodegradable sanitary bins in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0024] It will be understood that the optional features described above in relation to the sanitary bin of the present invention apply equally to the sanitary bin blank as will be described further below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 is a plan view of a biodegradable sanitary bin blank, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, prior to assembly;Figure 1a is an exploded plan view of a portion of the biodegradable sanitary bin blank, of Figure 1, in particular, an exploded plan view of the rear panel portion comprising the tray panel;Figure 2 is a plan view of a reinforcement base insert blank for forming a biodegradable reinforcement base insert for inserting into the biodegradable sanitary bin, in a second embodiment of the biodegradable sanitary bin of the present invention, prior to assembly of the reinforcement base insert;Figure 3 is a plan view of a container blank, for storing and transporting a plurality of the sanitary bin blanks and optionally, also the reinforcement base insert blanks, prior to assembly of the container;Figures 4-9 are views showing the assembly steps for assembling the sanitary bin blank and the optional reinforcement base insert blank, to form the biodegradable sanitary bin of the present invention; in particular, as follows:Figure 4 is a perspective view of the sanitary bin blank and optional sanitary bin reinforcement base insert in a first stage of assembly;Figure 5 is a perspective view of the sanitary bin blank and optional sanitary bin reinforcement base insert in a second stage of assembly;Figure 6 is a perspective view of the sanitary bin blank in a third stage of assembly;Figure 7 is a perspective view of the sanitary bin blank in a fourth stage of assembly;Figure 8 is a perspective view of the sanitary bin blank in a fifth stage of assembly;Figure 9 is a perspective view of the sanitary bin blank in a fifth stage of assembly;Figure 10 is a perspective view of the assembled sanitary bin with the lid in the open position;Figure 10a is a rear view of the of the assembled sanitary bin with the lid in the open position; andFigure 11 is a perspective view of the assembled sanitary bin with the lid in the closed position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] BIODEGRADABLE SANITARY BIN BLANK

[0027] Referring initially to Figure 1, there is shown biodegradable sanitary bin blank indicated generally by the reference numeral 100. The biodegradable sanitary bin blank 100 comprises a front panel portion indicated generally by reference numeral 20, a first side panel portion indicated generally by reference numeral 30; a rear panel portion indicated generally by reference numeral 40, and a second side panel portion indicated generally by reference numeral 50. Each of these panel portions 20,30, 40, will now be described further.

[0028] Referring to the front panel portion 20, the front panel portion 20 comprises a major face 120 defining a front panel 120 and having a first side 121, second side 122, third side 123 and fourth side 124. The front panel portion 20 comprises an attachment flap 126 provided longitudinally along the side 121 of the major face 120. The front panel portion 20 also comprises a base flap 125 which has an edge 180 provide with an indent or cut-out 181; and the base flap 125 is also provided with a base interconnection flap 182. The front panel portion 20 also includes a roof panel 127. The roof panel 127 comprises a foldable flap 128 along the side of the roof panel 127 that is parallel to the second side 122 of the front panel 120. Theroof panel 127 also comprise an aperture 190 and parallel guide-flaps 129 located at opposed sides of the aperture and the parallel guide-flaps 129 are configured to be inwardly directed towards each other so as to guide an item into the interior of a container 300 when the biodegradable sanitary bin blank 100 is assembled to form the container 300 (as shown in Figures 9 and 10).

[0029] The biodegradable sanitary bin blank 100 also comprises a first side panel portion 30 comprising side panel 130 having a side flap 138 and a base flap 135. The side panel 130 comprises first side edge 131 , second side edge 132, third side edge 133 and fourth side edge 134. The base flap 135 is configured to fit into the cut-out 181 of the front panel potion 20 (and also the corresponding cut-out 181 of the rear panel 140, as will be described hereinbelow).

[0030] The biodegradable sanitary bin blank 100 also comprises a rear panel portion 40. The rear panel portion 40 comprises a major face 140 defining a rear panel 140 and having a first side 141, second side 142, third side 143 and fourth side 144. The rear panel portion 40 also comprises a base flap 145 which has an edge 180 provide with an indent or cut-out 181 ; and the base flap 145 is also provided with a base interconnection flap 182. The rear panel portion 40 also includes a outer lid panel portion comprising an outer lid panel 1420; an inner lid panel portion 1460; and a tray portion comprising a tray 1470.

[0031] The outer lid panel 1420 comprises arcuate edge portions indicated generally by the reference numerals 1422 and 1421. The arcuate edge portion 1421 defines a leading edge on the inner lid panel 1420 and defines an area which can be conveniently used by a user to lift the lid, when the biodegradable sanitary bin blank 100 is assembled into the container 300. The inner lid panel 1420 also comprises linear edge portions 1425 located adjacent to the arcuate leading edge portion 1421. The outer lid panel 1420 also comprises linear edge portions 1423 and 1424. The outer lid panel 1420 also comprises attachment flaps 1427 provided with a tab 1429 on each of the attachment flaps 1427. Furthermore, the outer lid panel 1420 also comprises a carry handle indicated generally by reference numeral 1430 which is defined by a carry-handle outer arcuate portion 1432 and a carryhandle inner arcuate portion 1433 located at the edge abutting the second side 142 of the rear panel 140. A tab 1435 is provided which can be pushed downwardly to reveal an aperture defined by the carry-handle inner arcuate portion 1432 and thereby provide a carry-handle for a user to carry the biodegradable sanitary bin 500, when assembled.

[0032] The inner lid panel 1460 has arcuate edges 1491 and 1492 and comprises a tray 1470. The tray 1470 comprises a first side 1471 , a second side 1472 and a third side 1473 and a fourth side 1474. The front side 1472 of the tray 1470 defines the outer lip of the tray 1470 when the biodegradable sanitary bin 500 is assembled. The tray 1470 also comprises a first side wall 1481 and a second side wall 1482. The first side wall 1481 is associated with an attachment flap 1483 and the second side wall 1482 is associated with an attachment flap 1484. The attachment flaps 1483 and 1484 each comprise an edge having a respective tab 1485. The assembly of the tray and the inner lid panel 1460 and the outer lid panel 1420 will be described hereinbelow. The distance A (as shown in Figure 1A) between the linear edge portions 1425 and the edge 1474 is less than the distance B (as shown in Figure 1A) between the second side 142 of the rear panel 140 and the linear edge portion 1425 to ensure that, when the biodegradable sanitary bin is assembled, that the tray 1470 can pivot about the pivot axis defined by the second side 142 of the rear panel 140 and also that the carry handle 1430 is accessible to a user. The distance A is less than the distance B by a distance X, which is shown in Figure 10a. The distance X is approx 1-5 cm, preferably, approx 2-4cm and most preferably, by approx 3cm.

[0033] The biodegradable sanitary bin blank 100 also comprises a second side panel portion 50 comprising side panel 150 having a side flap 158 and a base flap 155. The side panel 150 comprises first side edge 151 , second side edge 152, third side edge 153 and fourth side edge 154. The base flap 155 is configured to fit into the cut-out 181 of the front panel potion 20 and also the corresponding cut-out 181 of the rear panel 140, as will be described hereinbelow.REINFORCEMENT SANITARY BIN BASE BLANK

[0034] Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a reinforcement base insert blank, indicated generally by reference numeral 200, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The reinforcement base insert blank 200 is configured for inserting into the biodegradable sanitary bin 500 to provide additional reinforcement for maintaining the shape of the assembled biodegradable sanitary bin 500 as well as provide additional water resistance. The reinforcement base insert blank 200 comprises a base portion 212, having a generally rectangular profile, in plan view, as shown in Figure 2; and a first wall portion 214 provided along a first side 241 of the base 212, a second wall portion 218 provided along a second side 242 of the base 212, a third wall portion 222 provided along a thirdside 243 of the base 212 and a fourth wall portion 226 provided along a fourth side244 of the base 212.The first wall portion 214 of the reinforcement base insert 200 is provided opposite the third wall portion 222; and the second wall portion 218 of the reinforcement base insert 200 is provided opposite the fourth wall portion 226. Each of the first, second, third and fourth wall portions 214, 218, 222 and 226 have a top edge 250 that is parallel to and equally spaced from the respective side of the base 212 from which each respective wall portion extends.The second wall portion 218 and fourth wall portion 226 form the longitudinal side walls of the reinforcement insert 200; and the first wall portion 214 and third wall portion 222 form the transverse side walls of the reinforcement insert 200.

[0035] With reference still to Figure 2, the reinforcement base insert blank 200 is generally in an octagonal profile, in plan view. The reinforcement base insert blank 200 also comprises corner panels 215, 216 provided in the corner region between the first side wall portion 214 and the second side wall portion 218. The reinforcement base insert blank 200 also comprises corner panels 219, 220 provided in the corner region between the second side wall portion 218 and the third side wall portion 222. The reinforcement base insert blank 200 also comprises corner panels 223, 234 provided in the corner region between the third side wall portion 222 and the fourth side wall portion 226. The reinforcement base insert blank 200 also comprises corner panels 227, 228 provided in the corner region between the fourth side wall portion 226 and the first side wall portion 214. Each of the respective corner panels 215, 216; 219, 220; 223, 234; and 227, 228 define a corner panel pair 215, 216; 219, 220; 223, 234; and 227, 228; and each corner panel of the respective corner panel pairs is foldable towards each other about their respective pivot points 251 , 252, 252, 254 so that the respective corner panels are abutting each other and fold inwardly towards the base 212 (as shown in the partially assembled reinforcement base insert shown in Figure 5).

[0036] The folding inwardly of the respective corner panels of the corner panel pairs 215, 216; 219, 220; 223, 234; and 227, 228; results in the assembly of the reinforcement base insert 250 for insertion into the assembled biodegradable sanitary bin 500.

[0037] Thus, in order to form the reinforcement base insert blank 200 into an assembled, reinforcement base insert as shown in Figure 5, each of the respective corner panels 215, 216; 219, 220; 223, 234; and 227, 228 are folded inwardly toward thebase 212 and this folding inwardly results in each of the first, second, third and fourth wall portions 214, 218, 222 and 226 being urged into an upwardly extending position, extending upwardly along each side of the base 212. The reinforcement base insert can then be inserted into the biodegradable sanitary bin 500.

[0038] CONTAINER BLANK

[0039] Referring initially to Figure 3, there is shown a container blank, indicated generally by the reference numeral 300, for forming a container (not shown) for storing and transporting the biodegradable sanitary bin blanks 100 and the reinforcement base insert blanks 200.

[0040] The container blank 300 comprises a base portion indicated generally by reference numeral 310 and including a generally rectangular base 312; and the container blank also comprises a lid portion indicated generally by reference numeral 311 comprising a lid 313. The lid 313 and the base 312 are correspondingly dimensioned and the lid portion 311 is configured to be received within the walls of the base portion 312, when the container is assembled.

[0041] The base portion 310 comprises a first wall portion 314 provided along a first side 341 of the base 312; a second wall portion 318 provided along a second side 342 of the base 312; a third wall portion 322 provided along a third side 343 of the base 312 and a fourth wall portion 326 provided along a fourth side 344 of the base 312.The first wall portion 314 is provided opposite the third wall portion 322; and the second wall portion 318 is provided opposite the fourth wall portion 326.

[0042] The base portion 310 of the container blank 300 also comprises elongate retention flaps 381 and 382, located parallel to the second wall portion 318 and the fourth side wall portion 326, respectively. The retention flaps 381, 382 comprise tabs 385 to engage in correspondingly sized slots (not shown) in the base 312. Four attachment flaps 391 , 392, 393 and 394 are also provided as well as retention flaps 381 and 382. Each front attachment flap 96 extends forwardly from the front edges 90 of the first and third sloped wall portions 74, 82.The lid portion 311 including the lid 313 also comprises side wall portion 361, 362, and front wall portion 363. The front wall portion 363 includes arcuate cut-outs 366 to enable a user to insert their fingers and / or thumb under the arcuate cut-outs 366 when the container 300 is assembled and to facilitate opening of the lid 313 of the lid portion 311 of the container 300 when assembled.In order to form the container blank 300 into an assembled container (not shown), the side wall portions 318, 344 are urged upwardly, generally extending vertically from the base 312; and the respective retention flaps 381, 382 are folded inwardly so that they overlap the respective side wall portions 318, 344 and the attachment flaps 391, 392 are inserted in between the side wall portion 318 and the retention flap 381; and the corresponding attachment flaps 393, 394 at the opposite side of the base 312 of the base portion of the container 300 are inserted in between the side wall portion 344 and the retention flap 382 in order to effectively serve to hold the base portion 310 together. The container 300 can then be used to hold the biodegradable bin blanks 100 and reinforcement base inserts blanks 200 in the container 300. The lid portion 313 can then be closed over the contents by folding the side walls 361 and 362 inside the base portion 310 so that the side wall portions 361, 362 are urged inside and parallel to the side wall portions and retention flaps 381 , 382, respectively and simultaneously, the front wall portion 363 and the attachment flaps 365 are also folded inside the third wall portion 322 of the container 300, thereby closing the container 300. The arcuate cut-outs 366 can be used to allow convenient contact areas for a user to place their fingers / thumbs under the respective arcuate cut-outs 366 and lift the lid 313 of the container upwardly when the contents of the container 300 need to be accessed.Assembly of the biodegradable sanitary bin blankThe assembly of the biodegradable sanitary bin blank will now be described as follows:Referring initially to Figure 4, in a preferred embodiment, the sanitary bin blank 100 and the reinforcement base insert blank 200 are provided and the sanitary bin blank 100 is assembled by firstly forming the sanitary bin blank 100 into a cuboid form by attaching the attachment flap 126 to the longitudinal side 153 of the side panel 150 by adhesive, for instance; and the side panels 130 and 150 are then located opposed to each other and the front panel major face 120 is also opposed to the rear panel major face 140 as shown in Figure 5.The base panels 125, 135, 145 and 155 are also urged together into an interlocked position to form the base of the biodegradable sanitary bin by engaging the respective flaps 135 and 155 into the cut-outs 181 in the base panels 125 and 145, respectively, to form a secure base of the biodegradable sanitary bin 500, when assembled.The reinforcement base insert blank 200 is then formed into the reinforcement base insert as shown in Figure 5 for inserting into the biodegradable sanitary bin 500, by urging eachof the respective corner panel pairs 215, 216; 219, 220; 223, 234; and 227, 228; towards each other about their respective pivot points 251, 252, 252, 254 so that the respective corner panels 215, 216; 219, 220; 223, 234; and 227, 228 are abutting each other and are urged inwardly towards the base 212 (as shown in Figure 5).In this preferred embodiment, the assembled reinforcement base insert 200 is then inserted into the biodegradable sanitary bin 500. It is to be understood that the reinforcement insert base is an optional feature and in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the biodegradable sanitary bin of the present invention does not include any reinforcement base insert.Referring now to Figure 6, the side flaps 138 and 158 are pushed in the direction of arrow C in Figure 6 such that the side flaps 138 and 158 are closed inwardly so that they are positioned lying in a plane parallel to the plane of the base of the container 300. Then the roof panel 127 comprising the aperture 190 and parallel guide-flaps 129, and the flap 128 is pushed downwardly in the direction of arrow B so that the flap 128 moves in the direction of arrow C as shown in Figure 6, and the roof panel 127 is thereby urged into a closed position in which the roof panel 127 is in a plane parallel to the plane of the base of the container 300 and the flap 128 is sandwiched between the respective flaps 138 and 158, and the flap 128 abuts the inner side wall of the rear panel 140. With the roof panel 127 in the closed position, the parallel guide-flaps 129 which are located at opposed sides of the aperture 190, are now located in inwardly directed position and tending to converge towards each other so as to guide an item into the interior of a container 300 when the biodegradable sanitary bin blank 100 is assembled to form the container 300 (as shown in Figures 9 and 10).Referring now to Figure 7, the assembly of the inner lid panel portion 1460 and outer lid panel portion 1420 and tray 1470 will be described.As shown in Figure 7, the inner lid panel portion 1460 is folded over in the direction of arrow B in Figure 7 so that the leading arcuate edge 1421 is exposed and is pointing upwardly as shown in Figure 8. The inner lid panel portion 1460 is adhered to the outer lid panel portion 1470, preferably leaving the attachment flaps 1427 at each side of the inner lid panel portion 1460, unadhered to the outer lid panel portion 1420. The attachment flaps 1483 and 1484 are folded inwardly and are adhered to the inner lid panel portion 1460 in the position as shown in Figure 8, to form the tray 1470 with side walls 1481, 1482 extending upwardly from the tray 1470. The attachment flaps 1427 are inserted behind the tabs 1429 on each of the respective flaps 1427 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. As a final step of assembly, shown in Figure 9, the tray 1470 is urged inside the lip of the aperture 190 so that the tray is positioned for receiving and directing an item through the aperture190 formed in the roof panel 127 of the biodegradable sanitary bin 500. The inner and outer lid panels 1460 and 1420, respectively, thereby form the lid of the biodegradable sanitary bin 500 and the tray 1470 is pivotable about the pivot axis of the lid which is the axis defined by the side edge 142 of the rear panel 140.As shown in Figure 10a, in use, the inner lid panel 1460 can be seen forming the inner lid panel 1460 while the outer lid panel 1420 provides a protective outer lid panel, and provides the area 1421 for the user to hygienically and conveniently lift the lid to access the tray 1470 and to deposit an item for disposal onto the tray 1470 which will be delivered into the interior of the biodegradable sanitary bin 500 when the lid 1420 is closed and by that closing of the lid 1420, the tray 1470 is pivoted about the pivot axis defined by the side 142 of the rear panel 140. As can be seen also in Figure 10a, the edge 1474 of the tray 1460 is separated from the pivot axis 142 by a distance X, thereby defining a gap 1465 so as to facilitate ease of movement of the lid and tray 1470 about the pivot axis 142. TheThe carry handle 1430 is conveniently and hygienically formed at the rear of the container 300 as shown in Figure 10a and Figure 11; and a user can conveniently insert a finger through the aperture 1435 to conveniently lift and carry the biodegradable sanitary bin.The leading edge 1421 of the lid panel 1420 conveniently functions as a hygienic lid contact area for a user to touch and lift the lid of the biodegradable sanitary bin 500, so that the user can touch this leading edge area 1421 and lift the lid. The lid will conveniently lower by itself under its own weight.In use, the lid can be pivoted between the open position shown in Figure 10 in which an item may be conveniently and hygienically, placed onto the tray 1470 for delivery into the interior of the biodegradable sanitary bin 500 with the internal guide flaps effectively forming a guide to direct an item that is placed on the tray 1470 and ensure that the item is delivered into the interior of the biodegradable sanitary bin 500.

[0043] In summary, the present invention provides a complete biodegradable system for the environmentally friendly transportation of flat-pack biodegradable sanitary bins to a location for use; and for ease of hygienic removal of the sanitary bins from that location after use for biodegrading.

[0044] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understoodas contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0045] Features, integers, characteristics, described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification, as defined in the accompany claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A biodegradable sanitary bin comprising: a base; a plurality of walls surrounding the base and extending generally upwardly therefrom; a roof, the roof having a mouth provided in the roof and the mouth defining an entry opening into the interior region of the sanitary bin, a lid member comprising a lid and a tray onto which items may be deposited for delivery through the mouth and into the interior region of the sanitary bin; the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position; wherein the base, the plurality of walls, the lid member are formed of composable materials.

2. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sanitary bin comprises a reinforcement base insert.

3. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in claim 2 wherein the reinforcement base insert is in the form of a removable reinforcement base insert.

4. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the biodegradable sanitary bin comprises a carry handle.

5. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in claim 4 wherein the carry handle is integrally formed in the biodegradable sanitary bin.

6. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in claim 5 wherein the carry handle is integrally formed in the lid member of the biodegradable sanitary bin.

7. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base has a square or rectangular profile, in plan view; and the plurality of walls surrounding the base extend generally upwardly therefrom.

8. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lid comprises a tongue member which extends beyond the front major face of the vertical walls to define a lip in the lid region which a user may grasp in order to lift up the lid and access the tray in order to deposit an item onto the tray for delivery into the interior region of the biodegradable sanitary bin.

9. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lid is formed of an inner lid panel and an outer lid panel and is integrally formed with the tray.

10. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in claim 9 wherein the inner lid panel (1460) has arcuate edges (1491 and 1492) and comprises a tray (1470).

11. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tray (1470) comprises a first side (1471), a second side (1472) and a third side (1473) and a fourth side (1474) wherein the front side (1472) of the tray (1470) defines an outer lip of the tray (1470) when the biodegradable sanitary bin (500) is assembled.

12. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tray (1470) also comprises a first side wall (1481) and a second side wall (1482) wherein the first side wall (1481) is associated with a first attachment flap (1483) and the second side wall (1482) is associated with a second attachment flap (1484).

13. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in claim 12 wherein the first attachment flap (1483) and the second attachment flap (1484) each comprise an edge having a respective tab (1485).

14. A biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the distance A between the linear edge portions (1425) and the edge (1474) is less than the distance B between the second side (142) of the rear panel (140) and the linear edge portion (1425) to ensure that, when the biodegradable sanitary bin is assembled, that the tray (1470) can pivot about the pivot axis defined by the second side (142) of the rear panel (140) and also that the carry handle (1430) is accessible to a user.

15. A biodegradable sanitary bin blank adapted for forming the biodegradable sanitary bin of claim 1 , the biodegradable sanitary bin blank comprising: a base; a plurality of walls configured to surround the base and extend generally vertically upwardly from the base, when assembled; a roof, the roof having a mouth provided in the roof and the mouth defining an entry opening into the interior region of the sanitary bin, when assembled; a lid member comprising a lid and a tray onto which items may be deposited for delivery through the mouth and into the interior region of the sanitary bin; the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position; when the biodegradable sanitary bin is assembled; wherein the base, the plurality of walls, the lid member are formed of composable materials.

16. A biodegradable sanitary bin blank as claimed in claim 15 comprising a front panel portion; a first side panel portion; a rear panel portion; and a second side panel portion.

17. A biodegradable sanitary bin blank as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the front panel portion comprises a major face defining a front panel; and the front panel portion comprises an attachment flap.

18. A biodegradable sanitary bin blank as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein the front panel portion also comprises a base flap which has an edge provided with an indent or cutout; and the base flap is also provided with a base interconnection flap.

19. A biodegradable sanitary bin blank as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the front panel portion also includes a roof panel and the roof panel also comprise an aperture for providing access to the sanitary bin, when assembled.

20. A biodegradable sanitary bin blank as claimed in claim 19 wherein the front panel portion also comprises parallel guide-flaps located at opposed sides of the aperture and the parallel guide-flaps are configured to be inwardly directed towards each other so as to guide an item into the interior of a container when the biodegradable sanitary bin blank is assembled to form the container.21 . A biodegradable sanitary bin blank as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 20 wherein the rear panel portion comprises a major face defining a rear panel; and having a first side, second side, third side, and fourth side.

22. A biodegradable sanitary bin blank as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 21 wherein the rear panel portion comprises an outer lid panel and an inner lid panel, the rear panel portion being configured to provide a tray and lid.

23. A biodegradable sanitary bin blank as claimed in claim 22 wherein the tray and lid are configured so that the tray and lid are integrally formed.

24. A biodegradable sanitary bin blank as claimed in any of claims 16 to 23 wherein the inner lid panel comprises an arcuate edge portion defining a leading edge on the inner lid panel for providing an area which can be conveniently used by a user to lift the lid, when the biodegradable sanitary bin blank is assembled into the container.

25. A biodegradable sanitary bin blank as claimed in any of the claims 16 to 23 wherein the outer lid panel comprises a carry handle to thereby provide a carry-handle for a user to carry the biodegradable sanitary bin, when assembled.

26. A container comprising biodegradable materials for transporting and storing a plurality of the biodegradable sanitary bin blanks as claimed in any one of claims 15 - 25.

27. A reinforcement base insert blank for forming a reinforcement base insert adapted for use with and insertion into the biodegradable sanitary bin as claimed in any one of claims 1 - 9, the reinforcement base insert blank comprising a major face adapted for forming a reinforcement base for the biodegradable sanitary bin, the reinforcement base insert blank also comprising corner panels provided in a corner region between the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion; and also comprising corner panels provided in a corner region between the second side wall portion and the third side wall portion; and the reinforcement base insert blank also comprising corner panels provided in a corner region between the third side wall portion and the fourth side wall portion; and the reinforcement base insert blank also comprising corner panels provided in a corner region between the fourth side wall portion and the first side wall portion; each of the respective pair of corner panels defining a corner panel pair wherein each corner region defines a pivot point about which each corner panel pair can be folded between a non-use position and an in-use position wherein the corner panel pairs are urged towards each other and abut each other and wherein each corner panel of the respective corner panel pairs is foldable towards each other about their respective pivot points so that the respective corner panels are abutting each other and folded inwardly towards the major face of the reinforcement base insert to form the assembled reinforcement base insert.

28. A reinforcement base insert blank as claimed in claim 27, the reinforcement base insert blank having a generally, octagonal profile, in plan view.

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