Improved device for moving a garbage container

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for moving a garbage container (2) of the type comprising an upper edge folded downwards forming a groove, the device (1) comprises: - a rolling structure (3) comprising at least one rear wheel (4), and two front wheels (5) spaced apart from each other to receive between them the garbage container (2); - at least one upright (6) fixed in the lower part to the rolling structure (3), and having in the upper part handles (6a), and against a part of which the container (2) is intended to come to bear when it is moved; - at least one hook (7) fixed in the upper part of the upright (6) and capable of coming into engagement in the groove of the container (2).According to the invention, the hook (7) is pivotally mounted relative to the upright (6) and is connected to an actuating system (8) capable of pivoting the hook (7) downwards into a neutral position in which the hook (7) is intended to be positioned below the rim of the container (2), and of pivoting the hook (7) upwards into a position for lifting the container (2) in which the hook (7) is intended to be engaged in the groove of the container (2). Figure for abstract: Fig. 4.

Description

Title of the invention: Improved device for moving a garbage container Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of handling, and transporting or moving garbage containers, generally carried out by road workers and / or cleaning agents of common areas, for example in communities, schools, etc. Prior art

[0002] These professions require handling and moving garbage containers, sometimes over significant distances. The garbage containers can be of different sizes. With regard to the field of application of the invention, they exist in capacities ranging from 120 L to 360 L. The garbage containers generally include casters and gripping means at one of their upper edges.

[0003] The casters make it easier to move these containers, while the gripping means allow them to be gripped by a lifting / tipping mechanism such as a garbage collection vehicle. The gripping means are in particular standardized (EN840 standard), and are in the form of a downwardly folded edge which forms a groove.

[0004] Agents are sometimes tasked with transporting this type of container over long distances, for the purpose of making the containers available for garbage collection, or for collecting waste on public roads. It follows that the modest wheels that this type of container has make the task difficult and tedious.

[0005] Indeed, generally speaking, containers have wheels only at the rear, which requires the agent to keep the container in a tilted position balanced on the two wheels to move it. This way of doing things is not satisfactory, and can cause musculoskeletal disorders for the agents.

[0006] To solve this problem, document FR3078956 is known, which provides a device for moving a garbage container of the aforementioned standardized type, which is ergonomic, easy to handle, stable, and easy to use.

[0007] According to this document, the device comprises: - a rolling structure comprising at least one rear wheel, and two front wheels spaced apart from each other to receive the garbage container between them; - a handlebar comprising two uprights connected to each other by a lower crosspiece, each upright comprising a hook arranged at its upper end capable of engaging in the groove of the container, the handlebar being pivotally mounted relative to the rolling structure, between a substantially vertical approach position in which the hooks are intended to be positioned below the rim of the container, and a rolling position, pivoted towards the rear, in which the hooks are intended to lift the container by the rim until the container is no longer in contact with the ground and comes to bear against the lower crosspiece.

[0008] In this way, this device allows to lift a standardized container, in a simple and efficient way. In the rolling position of the handlebar, the operator can easily push, or pull the rolling structure to move the container.

[0009] However, although giving complete satisfaction, this type of device can still be improved in terms of ergonomics, stability and comfort of use. Statement of the invention

[0010] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to provide a device for moving a garbage container which is improved in terms of ergonomics, stability, comfort of use and loading capacity.

[0011] For this purpose, a device has been developed for moving a garbage container of the type comprising an upper edge folded downwards forming a groove, which comprises, in a known manner: - a rolling structure comprising at least one rear wheel, and two front wheels spaced apart from each other to receive the garbage container between them; - at least one amount fixed in the lower part to the rolling structure, and having handles in the upper part, and against a part of which the container is intended to rest when it is moved; - at least one hook fixed to the upper part of the upright and capable of engaging in the groove of the container.

[0012] According to the invention, the hook is pivotally mounted relative to the upright and is connected to an actuating system capable of pivoting the hook downwards into a neutral position in which the hook is intended to be positioned below the rim of the container, and of pivoting the hook upwards into a container lifting position in which the hook is intended to be engaged in the groove of the container.

[0013] This configuration provides ease of use and reduces the physical effort required to load the container. The pivoting hook, in particular, provides greater flexibility when handling the container. It is no longer necessary to pivot the uprights to engage the hooks. Manual actuation of the system is simple and ergonomic and is less prone to musculoskeletal disorders, whereas prior art devices placed greater strain on the shoulders and spine. the user, in particular to load the container.

[0014] This is all the more important because containers are becoming increasingly heavy, particularly due to changes in regulations requiring restaurants, communities and school canteens, for example, to recycle their biowaste, so that the containers that receive them can reach 100 kg.

[0015] Furthermore, the device is more stable since the pivoting movement of the hook, in combination with the support of the container against a part of the upright, allows the container to be lifted vertically, that is to say that the center of gravity of the container is displaced along a vertical line. This avoids a significant tilting of the container with the horizontal displacement of the center of gravity of the container, which was the most restrictive for the road worker.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the actuation system comprises a lever pivotally mounted relative to the upright, with a first end intended to be actuated by a user, and a second end pivotally connected to a lower end of a connecting bar. An upper end of the connecting bar is pivotally connected to the hook, so that the downward pivoting of the lever causes the vertical displacement of the connecting bar which itself causes the hook to pivot upwards, and vice versa.

[0017] This feature provides an efficient and ergonomic operating mechanism, thus facilitating the lifting and transport of the container. The leverage effect makes it easier to lift the container.

[0018] Preferably, the lever is pivotally mounted at a lower end of the upright so that it can be operated with the foot. This avoids musculoskeletal disorders for the user since he uses a strong limb to operate the lever.

[0019] Advantageously, the connecting bar is adjustable in length so as to benefit from a high dimensional tolerance to reduce manufacturing costs, and to then adjust the length of the bars when assembling the device.

[0020] Preferably, the device comprises two uprights, two handles preferably joined by a handlebar, and two hooks connected by a crossbar. The assembly is notably symmetrical, as is the actuation system which comprises two levers, preferably joined by a crossbar, and two connecting bars.

[0021] This promotes better weight distribution and greater stability when moving a container.

[0022] In order to ensure better stability of the container and to prevent it from tipping or sliding during its movement, the device preferably comprises two lateral stops, for example two arms, fixed to the uprights to hold the container laterally.

[0023] In order to add an additional functionality to the device according to the invention, namely the simultaneous transport of auxiliary tools, the device comprises means for receiving a handle of a tool, such as a shovel, a rake or the like, fixed to at least one of the stops or one of the uprights.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the rolling structure comprises two rear wheels, thus providing increased stability.

[0025] The upright(s) are preferably telescopic to allow the device to be adapted to different user sizes.

[0026] Advantageously, the rolling structure comprises stays fixed to the front wheels, connected to each other by a substantially horizontal rectangular chassis and having a section that is more rigid in bending than in torsion, for example an L-shaped, inverted U-shaped, T-shaped, H-shaped, I-shaped or any other suitable section.

[0027] This configuration thus improves the stability and durability of the device. This characteristic is all the more interesting when the rolling structure has two rear wheels, because this allows the four wheels to always be in contact with the ground, despite surface irregularities, in particular due to the torsion of said rectangular chassis.

[0028] Preferably, the rear wheel(s) are each fixed to a substantially horizontal plate and provided with a plurality of wheel fixing zones to allow adjustment of the wheelbase of the device.

[0029] This provides greater flexibility and stability of the device or to meet specific handling preferences. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] [Fig.l] is a schematic front view of a device of the invention.

[0031] [Fig.2] is a side view illustrating the pivoting actuation system of the hooks, the hook being pivoted downwards.

[0032] [Fig.3] is a schematic view similar to that of [Fig.2], the hook being in an intermediate position for lifting the container.

[0033] [Fig.4] is a schematic view similar to that of [Fig.2], the hook being pivoted upwards, in a position for moving the container.

[0034] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of the device of the invention, according to the cross-section AA of [Fig.l].

[0035] [Fig.6] is a schematic top view of the rectangular frame implemented in the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0036] With reference to Figures 1 to 6, the present invention relates to a device (1) for moving a garbage container (2), designed to facilitate transport and handling. pulation of these containers in an efficient and practical manner.

[0037] The device (1) consists of a rolling structure (3) comprising at least one rear wheel (4), and preferably two, and two front wheels (5) spaced apart, thus creating a space between them to accommodate the garbage container (2). The rolling structure (3) is designed to ensure stability and maneuverability when moving the container (2).

[0038] The device (1) also comprises at least one upright (6), and preferably two parallel uprights (6) fixed in the lower part to the rolling structure (3). These uprights (6) comprise handles (6a) in the form of a handlebar in the upper part, providing an ergonomic grip for the user when moving the container (2). In addition, a lower part of the upright (6) is intended to serve as a support against which the container (2) rests when it is moved.

[0039] To lift the container (2), the device (1) is equipped with at least one hook (7), and preferably two hooks connected by a crosspiece, fixed in the upper part of the uprights (6). These hooks (7) are pivotally mounted relative to the uprights (6), in particular around an axis parallel to that of the front wheels, and are connected to an actuation system (8).

[0040] This system (8) allows the hook (7) to be pivoted downwards into a neutral position, see [Fig.2], where the hook (7) is positioned below the rim of the container (2). It also allows the hook (7) to be pivoted upwards into a lifting position of the container (2), see figures 3 and 4, where the hook (7) engages in the groove of the container (2), thus ensuring a secure hold during movement.

[0041] The pivoting of the hook (7) is achieved by using levers (9) pivotally mounted relative to the uprights (6). Each lever (9) has a first end intended to be actuated by the user, generally by means of pressure exerted by the foot on a bar connecting the two levers, and a second end pivotally connected to a lower end of a connecting bar (10), shown schematically by a line in the figures. The upper ends of these connecting bars (10) are pivotally connected to the hooks (7). Thus, when the user actuates the levers (9) downwards, the connecting bars (10) move vertically, causing the hooks (7) to pivot upwards to engage in the groove of the container (2). Similarly, when the user actuates the levers (9) in the opposite direction, the hooks (7) return to their neutral position below the rim of the container (2).All the aforementioned pivoting movements are carried out around axes parallel to that of the front wheels.

[0042] In practice, there is no need for means for locking the lifting position of the hooks (7) since, in this position, the axes which pass between the two pivot points of the levers (9) (namely for each lever, the axis which passes between the pivot point of the lever relative to the upright and the pivot point of the lever relative to the connecting bar) passes behind the axis of the connecting bar so that the position of the lever is locked, abutting against the chassis (14).

[0043] The connecting bars (10) are preferably adjustable in length, for example by being made in two coaxial parts screwed into each other so as to be able to overcome any tolerance problems during assembly.

[0044] In a particular embodiment, the uprights (6) of the device (1) are telescopic, which allows their height to be adjusted according to the size of the user.

[0045] The presence of lateral stops (11) fixed to the uprights (6) also helps to keep the container (2) in place and to avoid any unwanted lateral movement.

[0046] The device (1) may also comprise means (12) for receiving a handle of a tool, such as a shovel, a rake or the like. These means are fixed to the stops or uprights (6) and allow the gardening tool to be transported simultaneously with the garbage container (2), thus providing practical functionality for cleaning tasks. These means are, for example, in the form of perforated plates and / or a sleeve.

[0047] As regards the rolling structure (3), this comprises stays (13) fixed to the front wheels (5), which are connected to each other by a horizontal rectangular chassis (14). This chassis (14) has a section in L, inverted U, T or I, which gives it bending rigidity and torsional flexibility, thus ensuring good resistance to stresses when moving the container (2), and guarantees that the four wheels are always in contact with the ground.

[0048] In practice, it is on this chassis (14) that the uprights (6) and the actuation system (8) are fixed.

[0049] To allow adjustment of the wheelbase of the device (1), the rear wheels (4) are fixed on substantially horizontal plates (15), see [Fig.5], equipped with a plurality of wheel fixing zones. This configuration offers the possibility of adjusting the distance between the rear wheels and the front wheels, and of ensuring optimum stability.

[0050] In conclusion, the device (1) for moving the bin container (2) according to the invention has innovative characteristics which allow easy handling, reducing musculoskeletal disorders of users, while ensuring secure holding of the container (2).

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for moving a garbage container (2) of the type comprising an upper rim folded downwards forming a groove, the device (1) comprises: - a rolling structure (3) comprising at least one rear wheel (4), and two front wheels (5) spaced apart from each other to receive between them the garbage container (2); - at least one upright (6) fixed in the lower part to the rolling structure (3), and having in the upper part handles (6a), and against a part of which the container (2) is intended to come to bear when it is moved; - at least one hook (7) fixed in the upper part of the upright (6) and capable of coming into engagement in the groove of the container (2);characterized in that the hook (7) is pivotally mounted relative to the upright (6) and is connected to an actuating system (8) capable of pivoting the hook (7) downwards into a neutral position in which the hook (7) is intended to be positioned below the rim of the container (2), and of pivoting the hook (7) upwards into a position for lifting the container (2) in which the hook (7) is intended to be engaged in the groove of the container (2).;

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating system (8) comprises a lever (9) pivotally mounted relative to the upright (6), with a first end intended to be actuated by a user, and a second end pivotally connected to a lower end of a connecting bar (10), an upper end of the connecting bar (10) is pivotally connected to the hook (7), so that the downward pivoting of the lever (9) causes the vertical displacement of the connecting bar (10) which itself causes the hook (7) to pivot upwards, and vice versa.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the lever (9) is pivotally mounted at a lower end of the upright (6) so that it can be actuated with the foot.

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the connecting bar (10) is adjustable in length.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two uprights (6), two handles (6a), and two hooks (7) connected by a crosspiece.

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two lateral stops (11) fixed to the uprights (6) to hold the container (2) laterally.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (12) for receiving a handle of a tool, such as a shovel, a rake or the like, fixed to at least one of the stops (11) or one of the uprights (6).

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rolling structure (3) comprises stays (13) fixed to the front wheels (5), connected to each other by a substantially horizontal rectangular chassis (14) and having a section which is more rigid in bending than in torsion.

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rolling structure (3) comprises two rear wheels (4).

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear wheel(s) (4) are each fixed to a substantially horizontal plate and provided with a plurality of wheel fixing zones for adjusting the wheelbase of the device (1).

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