Anti-ligature bin

Abstract

A receptacle for receiving, inter alia, waste. the receptacle having an outer shell; an inner receptacle locatable within the outer shell and a base. The outer shell has an opening to deliver waste into the compartment, the opening leading to a channel extending into the inner receptacle. The edge of the channel, distal to the opening, has a ligature-proof bellmouth formation. The outer shell is locatable over the base and the receptacle further includes a locking means to lock the outer shell over the base.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an anti-ligature bin. More especially, the invention relates to bin that has an anti-ligature opening. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Bins are required in clinical environments with mentally unstable residents, such as for example, prisons and hospitals. It is important that bins, along with any other furniture, are designed to be anti-vandal and antiligature to avoid them being objects that can cause harm to the residents or others visiting. Generally, the cleanest and most efficient way to collect waste is to use bin liners. The use of bin liners though is not suitable for such environments as the liner can be separated from the bin and become a potential hazard. Consequently, the hollow bin structure provides the receptacle for waste making them unhygienic and requiring constant cleaning. Moreover, the aperture though which waste is placed provides internal surfaces which can be hooked or secured to, to form a ligature. The present invention seeks to provide a bin suitable for use in clinical environments that utilises a bin liner for hygiene, and which has an anti-ligature opening. STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the invention provides a receptacle for receiving, inter alia, waste, the receptacle having a hollow outer shell; an inner receptacle locatable within the outer shell; and a base; wherein the outer shell has an opening to deliver waste into the compartment, the opening leading to a downwardly sloped channel extending into the inner receptacle, and the peripheral edge of the channel, distal to the opening, has a ligature proof bellmouth formation; and the outer shell is locatable over the base; and the receptacle further includes a locking means to lock the outer shell in position over the base. Preferably, the bellmouth formation of the channel forms the opening of the inner receptacle. Preferably, the channel is formed of first and second sections, an end of the second section forming a ligature-proof bellmouth formation. Preferably, the channel further includes a rounded corner at the apex of the first and second sections. Preferably, the base includes a recess in which to receive the inner receptacle. Preferably, the base includes a locating means to receive and align the outer shell and the base. Preferably, the outer shell is connectable to the base. Preferably, the base includes a hollow recess. Preferably, the base further includes a weighting means. Preferably, the weighting means is a casing which is shaped complimentary to the hollow recess. Preferably, the weighting means comprises a fluid material located at the hollow recess of the base. Preferably, the base is securable to a floor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a receptacle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a side cross-section view of the receptacle of figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a second receptacle, showing a two-part outer shell; Figure 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a third receptacle, showing an alternate structural design of the opening and channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a bin 2 which comprises a hollow outer shell 4 upstanding from a base 6 which is secured to the floor. The shell 4 is secured to the base 6 in use. As such, the bin 2 cannot ordinarily be lifted off the ground in order to be used as a weapon or barricade. In an alternative embodiment, the bin 2 is designed to be secured to vertical wall. Ideally, any wall fastening mechanism is anti-tamper proof in that it provides no exposed features which could be used for disconnection. As the receptacle 8 is located inside the outer shell 4, so not being accessible to unauthorised personnel, the receptacle 8 can be lined with a removable and replaceable bin liner (not shown) to maintain a high level of hygiene. To gain authorised access to the inner receptable 8, in order to empty the bin liner, the shell 4 can be unsecured from the base 6 using a specialist tool or key, to allow the shell 4 to be lifted off the base 6. Once the receptacle 8 has been emptied, and the bin liner replaced, the shell 4 can be placed back over the base 6 and secured using the same tool. The securement process of attaching the shell 4 to the base 6 and the removal process will be explained later on. The base 6 has a generally cylindrical profile and is of a generally hollow construction, the reason for which will be explained later on. The top surface 10 of the base 6 is recessed and shaped to accommodate the base of the receptacle 8. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 and 4, the top surface has a generally circular profile in order to receive the circular base of receptacle 8. The wall portion 12 of the base 6 has a generally conical profile, such that the diameter of the top surface 10 is smaller than the bottom surface (not shown) of the base 6. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the wall portion 12 may be perpendicular to the base, thus the diameter of the top and bottom surfaces of the base 6 are equal. The bottom surface (not shown) of base 6 has a plurality of downwardly extending legs 14. Each leg 14 is equally spaced apart to provide stability when in use. The legs 14 extend outwardly and radially from the centre of the base 6. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the base 6 has three legs 14 which are elliptical in shape. It can be appreciated that in further embodiments not shown, the geometry, number and height of legs 14 may vary. For example, a suitable alternative leg geometry may include, without limitation, a rectilinear leg. At least one of the legs 14 further includes a handle 16, which extends outwardly from the base of the leg 14, perpendicular to the base 6. The handle 16 is used to engage / disengage the base 6 to the shell 4 in the securement and removal process. In use, the leg which includes the handle 16 is aligned with the front of the bin 2. The handle 16 abuts and outwardly extends from one end of a lower edge 18 of the shell 4 when in use. The lower edge 18 is upwardly recessed from the base of the shell 4, the height of the edge 18 corresponds to the shape of the handle 16.1 n use, the edge 18 provides access to the handle 16 to engage and disengage the base 6 to and from the shell 4. Vertically adjacent to the handle 16 is a locking aperture 20. In use, this is designed to receive the pin (not shown) of a corresponding locking mechanism 22 located at the base of the shell 4. The locking mechanism 22 will be explained in further detail later on. In the embodiment shown in the figures, a strike-plate 24 is located around the aperture 20. Located on the wall portion 12 of the base 6 and generally centrally between each leg 14 is a protrusion 26, which horizontally extends from the wall portion 12. In use, the protrusion 26 serves as one component in a coupling mechanism between the shell 4 and the base 6. In the embodiment shown in the figures, there are three protrusions 26, each of which have an L-shaped construction, designed for use in a bayonet-style coupling mechanism. In use, each of the protrusions 26 shown in figure 3 receives a corresponding flange (not shown) which extends horizontally from the internal periphery of the base of the shell 4. When in an engaged state, the flanges abut the protrusions 26, thus being held in position. An aperture 28 extends through the protrusion 26. Vertically adjacent to the aperture 28 is a recess 30 which extends inwardly and vertically along the height of the wall portion 12. In use, the aperture 28 can receive a securing means (not shown) to enable the base to be secured to a floor. A suitable securing means may include, without limitation a bolt. Additional weight can also be added to the base 6 to prevent the bin 2 from being picked up, in the case that the bin is not otherwise secured to the floor. This is enabled through a recess (not shown) located on the bottom surface of the base 6. The recess is shaped to receive a casing 32. The casing 32 has an externally protruding flange 34 which extends radially from the external periphery of the base of the casing 32. The flange 34 is shaped to compliment the space between each of the legs 14. The flange 34 further includes an aperture 36 which corresponds with the aperture 28. In use, a securing means is located through the aperture 28 and 36 to secure the casing 32 to the base 6. The internal body (not shown) of the casing 32 is hollow and is accessed through an aperture located on the bottom surface of the casing 32. In use, the body is filled with a weighting means. Suitable weighting means may include, without limitation, water or sand. Once filled with a suitable weighting means, the aperture is sealed using a sealing means. Suitable sealing means may include, without limitation, a bung. A suitable bung is described in the Applicant’s previous patent, GB2598786. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the bottom surface of the base 6 may include an aperture, which provides an opening into the hollow internal portion (not shown) of the base 6. In this embodiment, the hollow internal portion forms an in-situ container for a suitable weighting means, which can subsequently be sealing via a suitable sealing means. A weighted plate (not shown) can then be located on the bottom surface of the base 6 and subsequently secured through a suitable securing means located through apertures on the plate which correspond to apertures 28. As can be seen in figure 1, the outer profile of the bin is shaped to be ligature-proof, being designed entirely with curved surfaces and edges having no surface feature which could provide securement of a ligature. The top end of the bin 2 is provided with an opening 38 for delivery of waste products and rubbish into the outer shell 4, to then fall into the receptacle 8. The peripheral edge of the opening 38 is curved to not provide any rim which could allow a ligature. Internally, the opening 38 extends into a downwardly angled channel or chute 40, extending into the shell 4. The size and dimensions of the opening 38, together with the length of angle of the channel 40, are carefully selected to not allow an arm of person inserted into the opening to be twisted or bent sufficiently to cause injury. The size of the opening would, though preferably be sufficient to receive a two-litre water bottle, for example. The distal end of the channel 40, opposed to opening 38, has a bellmouth formation 42 so not to provide an accessible peripheral edge or rim against which a ligature could be secured. The top section 44 of the bellmouth 42 extends to the inside top surface of the shell 4. The bottom section 46 of the bellmouth 42 is extended further so that the rim 48 cannot be reached by anything pushed into the channel 40 for the purpose of attempting to form a ligature. Further, as the channel 40 is angled downwardly, the extended lower bellmouth section 46 is angled downwardly and towards the front of the shell 4 to further prevent its accessibility. In an alternative embodiment, the lower bellmouth extension 46 may extend to the inside surface of the front wall of the shell 4. The fact that the extension 46 is angled towards the front of the shell 4, it does not obstruct any rubbish from falling into the receptacle 8. Located at the base of the shell 4, vertically adjacent to the lower edge 18 and distally opposed to the opening 38 is a recess 50. The recess 50 extends inwardly towards the base 6. Centrally located at the deepest point of recess 50 is an aperture (not clearly shown in figure 2). In use, the recess houses the locking mechanism 22. The locking mechanism is secured to the recess 50 via a securing means. A suitable securing means may include, without limitation, an adhesive. The aperture is shaped to receive the pin (not shown) of locking mechanism 22 and aligns with aperture 20 when the shell 4 and base 6 are secured together. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the locking mechanism 22 is a push lock mechanism. To engage the lock 22, a key (not shown) is inserted into a key receiving recess on the lock 22 (not clearly shown in the figures) at a first position. When rotated to a second position, said key can be removed and the mechanism 22 is then pressed inwardly, against an internal spring bias (not shown). This causes the pin to extend from the mechanism 22, through the aperture of the recess 50, where the end of the pin is housed in aperture 20, securing the shell 4 to the base 6. When the shell 4 is secured to the base 6, the handle 16 is vertically aligned with the recess 50. To disengage the lock 22, the key is rotated from the second position back to the first position, causing the mechanism 22 to extend outwardly, returning to its original position. The pin returns from the aperture 20, back into the housing of the lock 22, allowing the shell 4 to be removed from the base 6. When disengaged from the shell 4, the handle 16 of the base 6 is aligned at an angle to the recess 50. In practice, the base 6 is first secured to the floor in the desired location using a suitable securing means, such as for example a bolt, located through apertures 28 (as seen in figure 3) into the floor. The internal receptacle 8 is then placed on the top surface 10 of the base 6. The shell 4 is then placed over the base 6, such that the handle 16 is located in the lower edge 18, aligned at an angle to the recess 50 and the base of shell 4 sits flush with the legs 14, covering said legs. In this position, the internal flanges (not shown) of the base of shell 4 are located adjacent to the protrusions 26. The shell 4 is then rotated, such that the handle 16 vertically aligns with the recess 50 and the locking mechanism 22. When the shell 4 is rotated, the internal flanges of the shell 4 engage and subsequently abut with the protrusions 26, thus securing the shell 4 to the base 6. The lock 22 is then engaged as previously described, locking the shell 4 to the base 6. This prevents the bin from being picked up or its contents being tampered with. In practice, to unlock and subsequently remove the shell 4 from the base 6, the lock 22 is first disengaged as previously described. The shell 4 is then rotated in the opposite direction, such that the handle 16 is back to being aligned at an angle to the recess 50. The shell 4 can then be lifted away from the base 6, allowing access to the internal receptacle 8 and its contents. Further embodiments of the invention are shown in Figures 3 and 4. Each embodiment has included the same base and internal receptacle as described in the previous embodiments, however the key differences will be explained herein. Figure 3 shows a bin 52, which includes an outer shell with a two-part construction. The bin 52 includes an outer shell 54 which is comprised of a first hollow outer shell 54A secured to a second hollow outer shell 54B. The first hollow outer shell 54A forms the top end of the bin 52. The second hollow outer shell 54B houses the inner receptacle 8. The outer shells 54A and 54B further include corresponding inwardly and radially extending flanges 56 located on base (shown in Figure 4) of shell 54A and the top surface 58 of shell 54B. When placed together, said flanges 56 are secured together through a suitable securing means to form the single hollow outer shell 54. Suitable securing means may include, without limitation, a plurality of bolts (not shown) located through corresponding apertures (not shown) located through the flanges 56. The apertures and flanges 56 can only be accessed when the shell 54 is disengaged from the base 6. Figure 4 shows a bin 60 which also shows an outer shell with a two-part construction, the only difference between this bin 60 and the previous embodiments is an alternate structural design of the channel or chute which extends from an opening 62. The opening 62 internally extends into a downwardly angled channel or chute 64. The channel 64 is comprised of a first channel section 64A located adjacent to opening 62, which extends at a first angle 66 into a second channel section 64B. The section 64B extends downwardly at a second angle 68 into the inner receptacle 8. An inner surface 69 is formed by the walls of the channel 64 as a result of angles 66 and 68. The surface 69 produces a downward slope or rounded corner at the apex where the sections 64A and 64B meet. As a result, the surface 69 prevents the formation of a ligature. The distal end of section 64B has a bellmouth formation 70 and is opposed to and generally perpendicular to opening 62. Whilst the embodiments described relate a bin, it is envisaged that the ligature-proof opening could be adapted to other receptacles for holding items placed through an opening, such as, for example but without limitation, a post box.

Claims

1. A receptacle for receiving, inter alia, waste, the receptacle having:a hollow outer shell;an inner receptacle locatable within the outer shell; anda base; wherein:the outer shell has an opening to deliver waste into the compartment, the opening leading to a downwardly sloped channel extending into the inner receptacle, and the peripheral edge of the channel, distal to the opening, has a ligature proof bellmouth formation; andthe outer shell is locatable over the base; andthe receptacle further includes a locking means to lock the outer shell in position over the base.

2. A receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the bellmouth formation of the channel forms the opening of the inner receptacle.

3. A receptacle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the channel is formed of first and second sections, an end of the second section forming a ligature-proof bellmouth formation.

4. A receptacle according to claim 3, wherein the channel further includes a rounded corner at the apex of the first and second sections.

5. A receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base includes a recess in which to receive the inner receptacle.

6. A receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the base includes a locating means to receive and align the outer shell and the base.

7. A receptacle according to claim 6, wherein the outer shell is connectable to the base.

8. A receptacle according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the base includes a hollow recess.

9. A receptacle according to any one of claims 8 wherein the base further includes a weighting means.

10. A receptacle according to claim 9, wherein the weighting means is a casing which is shaped complimentary to the hollow recess.

11. A receptacle according to claim 10, wherein the weighting means comprises a fluid material located at the hollow recess of the base.

12. A receptacle according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the base is securable to a floor.

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