Biased lid arrangement and biasing element therefor

Abstract

A bin (10) comprising a lid assembly (16) pivotally articulated to a hinge portion (42) of the bin and being displaceable between an open position and a closed position, the lid assembly comprising a biasing element (36) comprising an elastic arc-shaped biasing arm (60) extending between a rigid articulating portion (62) at one side thereof, and a free, sliding end (64) at an opposite end thereof, such that the articulating portion (62) is fixedly attachable to one of a hinge portion of the bin and a hinge portion of the lid, and the sliding end is slidable over a sliding path (52; 80) at the other one of the hinge portion of the bin and a hinge portion of the lid.

Description

[0001] BIASED LID ARRANGEMENT AND BIASING ELEMENT THEREFOR

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure is concerned with a biased lid arrangement and a biasing element therefor.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

[0006] - US2021394974

[0007] - US11,542,071

[0008] - US7,004,349

[0009] - US6,364,152

[0010] Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0011] BACKGROUND

[0012] A wide variety of axis lid springs are known, often being torsion springs configured for storing and releasing rotational energy, or deformation spring elements.

[0013] US2021394974 discloses a household thin paper storage container includes a container body that stores household thin paper inside and has an outlet through which the household thin paper can be taken out, an open / close lid that is pivotably provided to the container body and closes the outlet, and a biasing member that biases the open / close lid in an opening direction. The container body includes a latch that latches the open / close lid in a closed state and that opens the open / close lid in response to being unlatched. The container body or the open / close lid has a fixing portion that fixes the biasing member to the container body or the open / close lid. The biasing member is formed of a thermosetting resin material. The fixing portion is formed as a part of the container body or the open / close lid, and the biasing member is fixed to the fixing portion. US11,542,071 discloses a snap action container includes: a cover plate and a container body; wherein the cover plate is rotatably connected to the container body by a rotation shaft, and covered on the container body; an elastomer receiving chamber is arranged at a position, corresponding to the rotation shaft, on the container body, an elastomer being inclinedly disposed in the elastomer receiving chamber, and one end of the elastomer being abutted against the rotation shaft; and when the cover plate is covered on the container body, the cover plate drives the rotation shaft to rotate, such that the rotation shaft presses against the elastomer to cause the elastomer to be subjected to elastic deformation.

[0014] US7,004,349 discloses a container body with a lid hingedly joined thereto for movement about a pivot axis utilizing an elastomeric spring of generally ellipsoidal configuration extending transversely across the pivot axis and having opposed ends seated within the container body and lid, the spring folding centrally at the area of maximum thickness with the elastic deformation biasing the lid to its open position upon release of the closing force on the lid. The pivotal hinge assembly is enclosed by an integral transversely extending handle panel outward of the hinge assembly.

[0015] US6,364,152 discloses a food storage container includes a base and lid. The base has a sealing flange, and the lid has a sealing lip which seals against the sealing flange as with a suction cup. The lid may include resilient deformable sections, to aid in maintaining reduced pressure within the container. The lid may include latch prongs to mechanically retain the lid in position. The latch prongs may be designed to automatically release during heating of the food, permitting venting. The sealing lip may include seal spacers which permit air to enter the food storage container during serving of hot food to avoid creation of reduced pressure in the container. The seal spacers do not interfere with normal creation of a seal when desired.

[0016] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0017] A first aspect of the disclosure is directed to a biasing element for a lid assembly, the biasing element comprising an elastic arc-shaped biasing arm extending between a rigid articulating portion at one side thereof, and a free, sliding end at an opposite end thereof, wherein the articulating portion is fixedly attachable to one of a hinge portion of the bin and a hinge portion of the lid and wherein the sliding end is slidable over a sliding path at the other one of the hinge portion of the bin and a hinge portion of the lid.

[0018] A second aspect is directed to a bin comprising a lid assembly, the lid assembly comprising a lid pivotally articulated to a hinge portion of the bin and being displaceable between an open position and a closed position; the lid assembly further comprising one or more biasing elements comprising an elastic arc-shaped biasing arm extending between a rigid articulating portion at one side thereof, and a free, sliding end at an opposite end thereof, wherein the articulating portion is fixedly attachable to one of a hinge portion of the bin and a hinge portion of the lid, and wherein the sliding end is slidable over a sliding path at the other one of the hinge portion of the bin and a hinge portion of the lid.

[0019] The term did’ is used in its broad sense and denotes any form of pivotable / tiltable cover of a bin, where said lid is pivotally displaceable between a closed position and an open position, and the term ‘bin is used to denote any form of bin, container, cabinet, etc.

[0020] The term ‘hinge portion’ of the bin and of the lid, denotes a portion in proximity to a pivot hinge of the bin and of the lid, respectively.

[0021] The biasing element is configurable between a relaxed position in which the biasing arm is non-deformed and non-tensed, and a tensed position, at which the biasing arm is elastically deformed and tensed.

[0022] The hinge portion of the bin can be an integral part of the bin; alternatively, the bin can comprise a frame member, wherein the hinge portion of the bin resides at said frame member.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment, there is provided a bin having a top opening; a removable frame member attachable over a top edge of the bin; a lid hingedly secured to the frame and pivotable about a lid axis between a closed position and an open position; at least one biasing element comprising an elastic arc-shaped biasing arm extending between a rigid articulating portion at one side thereof, and a free, sliding end at an opposite end thereof, wherein the articulating portion is attachable to a hinge portion at an inside face of the lid and wherein the sliding end is slidable over a sliding path of the frame member; and a lid latch mechanism for arresting the lid at its closed position. The sliding path defines a plurality of coextending radii locations therealong, each being concentric with respect to the lid axis, and wherein said radii locations are shortest at an open lid position, and longest at a closed lid position. Respectively, the elastic deformation of the arm decreases between a maximum value at the closed position, and a minimum value at the open position.

[0024] Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be associated with any one or more of the aspects of the present disclosure, individually or in various combinations thereof

[0025] • The biasing element can be made of any material. According to one example the biasing element is made of plastic material manufactured by injection molding; alternatively, the biasing element can be made of composite material, or it can be made of metal (e.g. steel);

[0026] • The sliding end of the biasing arm can be configured with a friction reducing sliding surface;

[0027] • The friction reducing sliding surface can be a round nose portion;

[0028] • The articulating portion can be articulable at an arresting portion of one of a bin rim and a lid pivotally articulated to said bin rim;

[0029] • The articulating portion can be snapingly articulable at an arresting portion of one of a bin rim and a lid pivotally articulated to said bin rim;

[0030] • The articulating portion can be configured for sliding engagement within a receiving pocket at the arresting portion of one of a container rim and a lid pivotally articulated to said bin rim;

[0031] • The articulating portion can be slidably displaceable into snaping arresting within the receiving pocket;

[0032] • The articulating portion can extend tangentially with respect to an arc defined by the arc-shaped biasing arm;

[0033] • The articulating portion can be a rigid polygonal element;

[0034] • The articulating portion is substantially non elastic and non-deformable;

[0035] • At an assembled position, the articulating portion can extend beyond a lid axis of the lid;

[0036] The sliding path can be flat or curved; • The sliding path can be configured with one or more arresting locations for arresting the sliding end of the biasing arm at discrete locations along said sliding path, hence supporting the lid at respective tilted positions with respect to said bin;

[0037] • At a closed position of the lid, the biasing arm is tensed, thereby biasing the lid into an open position;

[0038] • The lid is normally open and the bin comprises a lid latch mechanism, for arresting the lid at its closed position, whereby releasing the lid latch mechanism entails spontaneous displacement of the lid into its open position;

[0039] • The lid latch mechanism can comprise a mechanical arresting mechanism or an electrical arresting mechanism;

[0040] • The lid latch mechanism can be activated by one or more of manual activation, a foot pedal activation and a sensor activation;

[0041] • The frame member can be detachably attachable to the bin;

[0042] • The frame member can be mounted over a top opening of the bin, and wherein said frame member is useful for securing a garbage bag over the opening of the bin;

[0043] • At a closed position of the lid the sliding end of the biasing member extends behind the lid axis, and at open position of the sliding end extends in front of the lid axis;

[0044] • The lid is displaceable at about 90° between its respective open position and closed position;

[0045] • At the closed position the lid can bear over a top opening of the bin or over a frame member thereof;

[0046] • The biasing member can be mounted over a pivot axle of the lid and bin assembly, whereby the biasing arm conceals at least a hinge portion of the bin and a hinge portion of the lid;

[0047] • According to a specific configuration, at least a portion of the sliding path can be arc-shaped;

[0048] • According to a specific configuration, at least a portion of the sliding path can be a straight, flat path; • Charging the spring element is facilitated by displacing the lid into its closed position, thereby elastically deforming the spring arm of the spring element;

[0049] • The biassing element can be a sub-assembly comprising an elastic arcshaped biasing arm articulable with a rigid articulating portion;

[0050] • The elastic arc-shaped biasing arm can be made of spring steel and the articulating portion can be made of rigid polymer material;

[0051] • The arc-shaped biasing arm can be snapingly articulable with the articulating portion;

[0052] • The biassing element can comprise a true-position arrangement, whereby the biassing element is positionable and fixable at the biasing element location at only one position;

[0053] • The true-position arrangement can be an opening asymmetrically positioned at a portion of one of the articulating portion and the biasing element location, configurable for mating with a corresponding projection at the other one of the articulating portion and the biasing element location.

[0054] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Fig- 1 is a top, front perspective view of a bin according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0057] Fig. 2A is a top, front perspective view of a lid assembly of the bin seen in Fig. 1, the lid at a closed position;

[0058] Fig. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the lid assembly of Fig. 2A;

[0059] Fig. 2C is a section along line 2C - 2C in Fig. 2A;

[0060] Fig. 2D is an enlargement of the portion marked 2D in Fig. 2B;

[0061] Fig. 2E is an enlargement of the portion marked 2E in Fig. 2C;

[0062] Fig. 3A is a planar side view of Fig. 2C; Fig. 3B is an enlargement of the portion marked 3B in Fig. 3 A;

[0063] Fig. 4A is a top, front perspective view of the biasing element according to an aspect of the disclosure, the biasing element at its respective tensed position;

[0064] Fig. 4B is a rear perspective view of the biasing element of Fig. 4A;

[0065] Fig. 5A is a top, front perspective view of a lid assembly of the bin seen in Fig. 1, the lid at a partially open position;

[0066] Fig. 5B is a section along line 5B - 5B in Fig. 5A;

[0067] Fig. 5C is an enlargement of the portion marked 5C in Fig. 5B;

[0068] Fig. 6A is a top, front perspective view of a lid assembly of the bin seen in Fig. 1, the lid at a fully open position;

[0069] Fig. 6B is a section along line 6B - 6B in Fig. 6A;

[0070] Fig. 6C is an enlargement of the portion marked 6C in Fig. 6B;

[0071] Fig. 6D is an enlarged exploded view of the portion marked 6D in Fig. 6A;

[0072] Fig- 7 is a superimposed planar side view of the biasing element, at three respective positions, corresponding with a closed position of the lid, a partially open position of the lid, and a fully open of the lid;

[0073] Fig- 8 is a bottom perspective view of a lid assembly according to a modification of the disclosure, the lid at a closed position;

[0074] Fig- 9 is an enlargement of the portion marked 9 in Fig. 8;

[0075] Fig. 10A is a sectioned view along line 10A - 10A in Fig. 8;

[0076] Fig. 10B is an enlargement of the portion marked 10B in Fig. 10A;

[0077] Fig. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the biasing element used in in the embodiment of Fig. 8, at the closed position of the lid, the biasing element at a tensed position;

[0078] Fig. 12A is a top perspective view of the lid assembly of Fig. 8, the lid at an open position;

[0079] Fig. 12B is a section along line 12B - 12B in Fig. 12A;

[0080] Fig. 12C is an enlargement of the portion marked 12C in Fig. 12B;

[0081] Fig. 13A is a top perspective view of a biassing element according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0082] Fig. 13B is a bottom perspective view of the biassing element shown in Fig. 13 A;

[0083] Fig. 13C is a section along line 13C - 13C in Fig. 13A; and Fig. 13D is an exploded view of the biassing element of Fig. 13 A.

[0084] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0085] Attention is first directed to Fig. 1, illustrating a bin generally designated 10, according to an example of an aspect of the disclosure, said bin having a top lid 12 pivotally articulated to a lid frame 14, wherein said lid 12 and lid frame 14 constitute together a lid assembly, according to another aspect of the disclosure, generally designated 16.

[0086] Whilst the illustrated bin 10 is a garbage bin, it is appreciated the term "bin ’ is used to denote any form of bin, container, cabinet, etc., without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the term did’ is used to denote any form of lid / cover / door, of any form and being pivotable / tiltable articulated to the bin, over any opening thereof.

[0087] The bin 10 is generally rectangular and is supported over four support legs 17, and the lid frame 14 is mountable over a top edge (not seen) of the bin, facilitating access into the inside space of the bin. According to a particular example, lid frame 14 is removable, for example to facilitate applying a garbage bag (not shown) and clamping it between the top edge of the bin and a bottom rim portion 18 (Fig. 2C) of the lid frame 14.

[0088] Lid 12 is hingedly articulated at a rear portion of the lid frame 14, and is pivotally secured over a lid axis 22 between a closed position (Figs. 1, 2A - 3B) and an open position (Figs. 6A - 6C). Articulation between the lid 12 and the lid frame 14 can be through an actual hinge (not shown) or through a snap hinge configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 6D, wherein the lid 12 comprises three pairs (by way of example) of equally spaced apart flanges 24, each configured with a hinge eye 26 and configured for snap engagement over a corresponding pair of coaxial hinge projections 28. The hinge eyes 26 snap over the hinge projection 28, though are free to rotate thereover about the lid axis 22.

[0089] Furthermore, the bin 10 is configured with a lid latch mechanism 32, which at the present example is a press knob 34 configured at a front end-portion of the lid 12, wherein pressing the knob 34 releases the latch mechanism 32, facilitating spontaneous opening of lid 12 and displacing thereof into its open position, under biasing effect of a biassing member as will be explained hereinafter. It is appreciated that rather than press-knob 34 lid latch mechanism 32 can be operated by other arrangements (not shown), e.g., a foot pedal, a proximity sensor, etc. The lid 12 is biased into a so-called ‘normally open position’ by one or more biasing elements 36 (three biasing element locations 40 in the illustrated lid assembly 16, though in the drawings only a center one of the three locations is occupied by a biassing element 36, as will be explained hereinafter). In the illustrated example, the three biasing element locations 40 extend at the location of articulation between the lid 12 and the lid frame 14, such that applying a biassing element 36 conceals the hinge portion. Each biasing element locations 40 comprises a hinge portion 42, namely a biasing element receiving pocket (best seen in Fig. 6D) at a rear end of the lid 12, comprising two chambers 44, each with a snap arresting opening 46, and a pair of parallel extending ribs 50, each configured with a curved sliding edge 52. The biasing element can be made of injected material, composite material, metal, etc.

[0090] The biasing element 36 has an elastic arc-shaped biasing arm 60 extending between a rigid articulating portion 62 at one side thereof, and a free, sliding end 64 at an opposite end thereof. The rigid articulating portion 62 is a bifurcate rectangle, configured with snap bulges 68 and suited for snug articulation within the corresponding chambers 44 of hinge portion 42 at the biasing element locations 40, with snap bulges 68 configured for snap arresting within snap arresting opening 46. The closed rectangle shape of the articulating portion 62 imparts rigidity and substantially motion-free engagement at the biasing element locations 40. A rib 70 extends across the biasing element 36 for rigidifying it. The sliding end 64 has a round nose 65, for reducing friction as it displaces over the curved sliding paths 52.

[0091] At an assembled position, when the biasing element 36 is snapingly articulated at the hinge portion of the lid 12, said round nose 65 of sliding end 64 bears over the curved sliding edge 52 of ribs 50. The arrangement is such that at the lid’s closed position the sliding end 64 is disposed at a rear-most portion of the path over the sliding edges 52 wherein the radius Ri (Fig. 3B) extending between the lid axis 22 and the point of contact of the free end 64 over the sliding edge 52 is maximal, hence applying maximal tension to the biasing arm 60, resulting in biasing effect directed at biasing the lid 12 into its open position. As the lid displaces towards its open position, the radius R2 between the lid axis 22 and the point of contact of the free end 64 over the sliding edge 52 shortens (intermediate position illustrated in Figs. 5A to 5C), hence reducing elastic tension of the arm 60. When the lid 12 is further displaces and reaches its open position, the radius R3 between the lid axis 22 and the point of contact of the free end 64 over the sliding edge 52 is the shortest (as illustrated in Figs. 6A to 6C), wherein the arm 60 is relaxed. Charging the spring element 60 takes place by closing the lid 12, hence elastically deforming the arm 60. Noticeably, at the closed position the sliding end 64 of the biasing element 36 extends behind (Fig. 3B) lid axis 22 and at the open position it extends before lid axis 22 (Fig. 6C).

[0092] The superimposed image of Fig. 7 illustrates the biasing element 36 at a fixed position (i.e. the articulating portion 62 is set at a position corresponding with the closed position of the lid 12) wherein the three respective positions of the arm represent the biasing arm 60 at its respective tensioned positions, such that arm 60i represents the arm at the closed position; arm 60n represents the arm at an intermediate position; and arm 60m represents the arm at the open position.

[0093] The horizontal line RL represents a reference line of the position of sliding end 64i of the arm 60i (relaxed; open position), angle a represents the angle between the sliding end 64n of the arm 60n and said reference line RL (semi stressed; intermediate position), and angle P represents the angle between the sliding end 64 m of the arm 60m and said reference line RL (maximally stressed; closed position), wherein it is clearly seen that a < p resulting in greater elastic stress of the arm 60 at the closed position (namely, the elastic deformation of the arm decreases between a maximum value at the closed position, and a minimum value at the open position).

[0094] It is appreciated that the lid 12 will remain at the closed position (Figs. 1, 2A to 2E and 3 A, 3B) in spite of the biassing effect of the biasing element 36 acting to displace the lid 12 into the normally open position, as long as the latch mechanism 32 arrests the lid at the closed position. However, once the latch mechanism 32 is released, the lid 12 will spontaneously displace into its open position (Figs. 6A to 6C), under biasing effect of the one or more biasing elements 36.

[0095] In order to assist supporting the lid 12 at a discrete location / position (e.g. its open position), one or more arresting locations can be configured along the sliding path of sliding edge 52 for arresting the sliding end 64 of the biasing arm 60 at discrete locations along said path. In Fig. 6C such an arresting location is configured as a notch 75 over the sliding edge 52. In the examples illustrated in Figs. 1A-7, the hinge portion 42 of each biasing element location 40 is configured at the rear ends of the lid frame 14, and the lid frame is detachably attachable over the top edge of the bin. However, according to other examples (not shown) the frame hinge portion 42 can be integral with a top portion of the bin side walls, eliminating the lid frame 14.

[0096] In these examples, the articulating portion 62 of the lid biasing element 60 is fixedly attachable to the hinge portion 42 configured at a rear portion of the lid 12, and wherein the free, sliding end 64 of the biasing arm 60 displaces over a sliding path (curved sliding edge 52 of ribs 50). In the example of Figs. 8 to 12C an inverted embodiment is illustrated, wherein for sake of clarity, like elements are designated with same reference numbers, however with a ‘ indication.

[0097] In the embodiment of Figs. 8 to 12C the articulating portion 62' of the biasing element 36' is snapingly received within chambers 44' of hinge portion 42' configured at a top portion of a rear wall of lid frame 14', whereby the round nose 65' of sliding end 64' of biassing element 36' displaces over a bottom (inside) surface 80 of lid 12', said surface facilitating as a sliding path for the sliding end 64', resulting in elastic deforming of spring arm 60' as the lid 12' closes, thereby charging the elastic spring arm 60', whereby the lid 12' is biased to spontaneously open as the latch mechanism 32' is opened.

[0098] Further attention is now directed to Figs. 13 A to 13D, directed to an embodiment of a biasing element, generally designated 90, which is principally similar to the biasing element 36’, however wherein the elastic arm 92 is made of steel-spring and the articulating portion 94 is an injection molded element, made for example of polymer material, wherein the elastic arm 92 imparts the required resilience and spring effect, whilst the articulating portion 94 imparts the biasing element with the required rigidity required for proper positioning at the biasing element location of the bin (e.g. chambers 44’ of the lid frame 14’ of the bin, as exemplified in Fig. 10B).

[0099] A top portion of the elastic arm 92 comprises two openings 96 and the articulating portion 94 comprises two bulges 98, configurable for snap arresting within the two openings 96, so as to articulate the elastic arm 92 with the articulation portion 94. At the assembled position of said bulges 96 are shaped for snapingly arrested, at the assembled position of the biasing element 90, the articulating portion 94 is arrestable within the arresting chambers of the lid, wherein said bulges 98 snapingly arrest within corresponding arresting opening 46 at the chambers 44 of hinge portion 42, as discussed hereinabove.

[0100] Further noted, the articulating portion 94 has a slot 99A and the elastic arm 92 has a corresponding slot 99B, wherein at the assembled position said slots 99A and 99B coextend. It is seen that the slots are asymmetrically disposed, hence establishing a true- position arrangement, configurable for mating with a corresponding projection at the biasing element location, whereby the biassing element 90 is positionable and fixable at the biasing element location at only one position.

[0101] Also noted, a free end of the elastic arm 92 is rolled-over, so as to give rise to a friction reducing rounded nose, similar to nose 65 discussed hereinabove.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A bin comprising a lid assembly, the lid assembly comprising a lid pivotally articulated to a hinge portion of the bin and displaceable between an open position and a closed position; the lid assembly further comprising a biasing element that comprises an elastic arc-shaped biasing arm extending between a rigid articulating portion at one side thereof, and a free, sliding end at an opposite end thereof, wherein the articulating portion is fixedly attachable to one of a hinge portion of the bin and a hinge portion of the lid, and wherein the sliding end is slidable over a sliding path at the other one of the hinge portion of the bin and a hinge portion of the lid.

2. The bin of claim 1, wherein the hinge portion of the bin is an integral part of the bin.

3. The bin of claim 1, wherein the bin comprises a frame member, wherein a hinge portion of the bin resides at said frame member.

4. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sliding path defines a plurality of coextending radii locations therealong, each being concentric with respect to the lid axis, and wherein said radii locations are shortest at an open lid position, and longest at a closed lid position.

5. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein elastic distortion of the arm decreases between a maximum value at the closed position, and a minimum value at the open position.

6. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the biasing element is made of plastic material, optionally manufactured by injection molding.

7. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the biasing element is made of steel.

8. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sliding end of the biasing arm is configured with a friction reducing sliding surface.

9. The bin of claim 8, wherein the friction reducing sliding surface is a round nose portion.

10. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the articulating portion is articulable at an arresting portion of one of a bin rim and a lid pivotally articulated to said bin rim.

11. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the articulating portion is snapingly articulable at an arresting portion of one of a bin rim and a lid pivotally articulated to said bin rim.

12. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the articulating portion is configured for sliding engagement within a receiving pocket at the arresting portion of one of a bin rim and a lid pivotally articulated to said bin rim.

13. The bin of claim 12, wherein the articulating portion is slidably displaceable into snaping arresting within the receiving pocket.

14. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the articulating portion tangentially extends with respect to an arc defined by the arc-shaped biasing arm.

15. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the articulating portion is a rigid polygonal element.

16. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the articulating portion is substantially non-elastic and non-deformable.

17. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein at an assembled position, the articulating portion extends before a lid axis of the lid.

18. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the sliding path is flat.

19. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the sliding path is curved.

20. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the sliding path is configured with one or more arresting locations for arresting the sliding end of the biasing arm at discrete locations along said path, hence supporting the lid at respective tilted positions with respect to said bin.

21. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, when at the closed position of the lid, the biasing arm is tensioned, thereby biasing the lid into the open position.

22. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the lid is biased into a normally open position and the bin comprises a lid latch mechanism, for arresting the lid at the closed position, whereby releasing the lid latch mechanism entails spontaneous displacement of the lid into the open position.

23. The bin of claim 22, wherein the lid latch mechanism comprises a mechanical arresting mechanism or an electrical arresting mechanism.

24. The bin of claim 22, wherein the lid latch mechanism is activated by one or more of manual activation, a foot pedal activation and a sensor activation.

25. The bin of any one of claims 3 to 24, wherein the frame member is detachably attachable to the bin.

26. The bin of any one of claims 3 to 25, wherein the frame member is mounted over a top opening of the bin, and wherein said frame member is useful for securing a garbage bag over the opening of the bin.

27. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the at a closed position of the lid the sliding end of the biasing member extends behind a lid axis, and at open position of the sliding end extends in front of the lid axis.

28. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the biasing member is mounted over a pivot axle of the lid when assembled with the bin, whereby the biasing arm conceals at least a hinge portion of the bin and a hinge portion of the lid.

29. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein charging the biasing element is facilitated by displacing the lid into the closed position, thereby elastically deforming the biasing arm of the biasing element.

30. A bin having a top opening; a removable frame member attachable over a top edge of the bin; a lid hingedly secured to the frame and pivotable about a lid axis between a closed position and an open position; at least one biasing element comprising an elastic arc-shaped biasing arm extending between a rigid articulating portion at one side thereof, and a free, sliding end at an opposite end thereof, wherein the articulating portion is attachable to a hinge portion at an inside face of the lid and wherein the sliding end is slidable over a sliding path of the frame member; and a lid latch mechanism for arresting the lid at its closed position.

31. A biasing element for a lid assembly of a bin, the biasing element comprising an elastic arc-shaped biasing arm extending between a rigid articulating portion at one side thereof, and a free, sliding end at an opposite end thereof, wherein the articulating portion is fixedly attachable to one of a hinge portion of the bin and a hinge portion of the lid and wherein the sliding end is slidable over a sliding path at the other one of the hinge portion of the bin and a hinge portion of the lid.

32. The biasing element of claim 31, for use in conjunction with a bin according to claim 30.

33. The biasing element of claim 31 or 32, wherein elastic distortion of the arm decreases between a maximum value at the closed position, and a minimum value at the open position.

34. The biasing element of any one of claims 31 to 33, made of plastic material manufactured at an injection molding process.

35. The biasing element of any one of claims 31 to 33, made of steel.

36. The biasing element of any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the sliding end of the biasing arm is configured with a friction reducing sliding surface.

37. The biasing element of any one of claims 31 to 36, wherein the friction reducing sliding surface is a round nose portion.

38. The biasing element of any one of claims 31 to 37, wherein the articulating portion tangentially extends with respect to an arc defined by the arc-shaped biasing arm.

39. The biasing element of any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the articulating portion is a rigid polygonal element.

40. The biasing element of any one of claims 31 to 39, wherein the articulating portion is substantially non elastic and non-deformable.

41. The biasing element of any one of claims 31 to 40, being a sub-assembly comprising an elastic arc-shaped biasing arm articulable with a rigid articulating portion.

42. The biasing element of any one of claims 31 to 41, wherein the elastic arc-shaped biasing arm is made of spring steel and the articulating portion can be made of rigid polymer material.

43. The biasing element of any one of claims 31 to 42, wherein the arc-shaped biasing arm is snapingly articulable with the articulating portion.

44. The biasing element of any one of claims 31 to 43, wherein the biassing element comprises a true-position arrangement, whereby the biassing element is positionable and fixable at the biasing element location at only one position.

45. The biasing element of claim 44, wherein the true-position arrangement is an opening asymmetrically positioned at a portion of one of the articulating portion and the biasing element location, configurable for mating with a corresponding projection at the other one of the articulating portion and the biasing element location.

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