Concrete washout bin

Abstract

A concrete washout bin system (1) comprising: a bin body (3) to, at least in part, define an interior volume (5), wherein the interior volume (5) is configured to receive concrete (7); at least one ejector element (9); and at least one actuator (11), wherein the at least one actuator (11) is configured to actuate the at least one ejector element (9) from a first position (13) towards a second position (15) into the interior volume (5) to release, at least in part, concrete (7) from the interior volume (5).

Description

"Concrete washout bin"Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a concrete washout bin configured to collect concrete waste and spillage washout water. The present disclosure also relates to a bin to collect materials.Background

[0002] Concrete is a common material used for construction. This can involve transportation of concrete to a worksite with concrete trucks whereby concrete pumps or other machinery (such as concrete kibbles) assist delivery and pouring of concrete in situ.

[0003] Such machinery needs to be cleaned before storage to prevent residual concrete permanently setting on the machinery that can inhibit future use of the equipment. This can include washing the equipment with water to remove concrete from surfaces of the equipment. To minimise environmental damage and contamination of a worksite, a concrete washout bin (also known as a concrete washout tray) can be used to collect the waste concrete and water. This waste can then be allowed to set (e.g. dry) before disposal of the remaining concrete.

[0004] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

[0005] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.Summary

[0006] There is disclosed a concrete washout bin system comprising: a bin body with a bin base to, at least in part, define an interior volume, wherein the interior volume is configured to receive concrete supported by the bin base; at least one ejector element; and at least one actuator, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to actuate the at least one ejector element from a first position towards a second position into the interior volume to release, at least in part, concrete from the interior volume. The at least one ejector element is configured to substantially push the concrete supported by the bin base.

[0007] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, the interior volume of the bin body is bounded by: a front wall; an end wall opposing the front wall, wherein the end wall includes a selectively openable gate, wherein in an opened configuration the selectively openable gate enables passage for the concrete to exit from the interior volume; a pair of opposing first and second side walls extending between the front wall and the end wall; and the bin base, wherein the front wall, end wall, first and second side walls extend, at least in part, from the bin base, wherein a bin body opening, opposing the bin base, enables concrete to be received into the interior volume.

[0008] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, actuation from the first position towards the second position is substantially in a horizontal direction from the front wall towards the end wall.

[0009] In some examples, the actuation from the first position to the second position slides the concrete substantially along the bin base to, at least in part, exit from the interior volume.

[0010] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, the pair of first and second side walls are, at least in part, tapered relative to each other, wherein a first relative distance between the first and second side walls progressively increases in a first direction from the front wall to the end wall.

[0011] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, the pair of first and second side walls are, at least in part, tapered relative to each other, wherein a second relativedistance between the first and second side walls progressively increases in a second direction from the bin base to the bin body opening.

[0012] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, a depth distance between the bin body opening and the bin base progressively increases in a first direction from the front wall to the end wall.

[0013] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, wherein the bin base includes a downward slope from the front wall to the end wall, wherein the downward slope is configured to assist the concrete to slide out of the interior volume under a weight of the concrete.

[0014] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, the at least one ejector element, at the first position, is proximal to a first wall of the bin body and in the second position is, at least in part, distal to the first wall to release the concrete in a direction, at least in part, towards the end wall.

[0015] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, wherein the at least one ejector element has a first ejector surface, wherein in the first position, the at least one ejector surface and the bin base are at an angle between 90 degrees and 135 degrees, wherein the at least one ejector surface faces, at least in part, towards the end wall and the bin opening. In some further examples, the angle between the first ejector surface and the bin base is approximately 100 degrees.

[0016] In some examples, the concrete washout bin system further comprising a pivot to pivotally connect the at least one ejector element relative to the bin body, and wherein to actuate the ejector element from the first position and the second position comprises, at least in part, movement around the pivot.

[0017] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, the pivot has a substantially horizontal pivot axis, and wherein the horizontal pivot axis passes above the interior volume of the bin body.

[0018] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, the ejector element is a monolithic component with one or more ejector surfaces.

[0019] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, the one or more ejector surfaces includes multi-faceted ejector surfaces with corresponding non-parallel planes.

[0020] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, at least one of the one or more ejector surfaces form an obtuse angle with the bin base.

[0021] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, the ejector element moves substantially within the interior volume between the first position and the second position.

[0022] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, the at least one actuator comprises an actuation arm, wherein the actuation arm passes through an aperture of the front wall to actuate the at least one ejector element in the bin body.

[0023] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, the at least one actuator further comprises a hydraulic cylinder, wherein the hydraulic cylinder is configured to operate the actuation arm, and wherein the hydraulic cylinder is located outside of the interior volume and, with respect to the front wall, opposite the ejector element.

[0024] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, when the at least one ejector element is in the first position, the seal is located, at least in part, between the at least one actuator and the front wall to prevent, or mitigate, concrete from flowing from the interior volume out through the aperture.

[0025] In some examples, the concrete washout bin system further comprises a restraint mechanism that is selectively configurable to restrain the at least one ejector element at the first position and to prevent movement of the at least one ejector element towards the second position .

[0026] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, the restraint mechanism is operative to restrain the at least one actuation arm.

[0027] In some examples, the concrete washout bin system further comprises at least one support beam, wherein the at least one support beam is configured to support the bin body substantially along a length of the bin body from the front wall to the end wall.

[0028] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, when in an unloaded state and without received concrete, the at least one support beam is non-linear and includes a convex bend facing the bin base at an intermediate portion along the length between the front wall and the end wall. Wherein in use with received concrete at a loaded state, a weight of the concrete applies downward forces to the bin body such that the resultant forces deform the at least one support beam to be substantially linear, and wherein the bin base is substantially planar.

[0029] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, the bin body is configured to be supported and tilted by a hook lift system of a truck, wherein the bin body is selectively separable from the hook lift system and the at least one actuator; and wherein the at least one actuator is connected to the truck.

[0030] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system, when the bin body (30) selectively separated from the hook lift system, the concrete washout bin system comprises: a first sub-assembly with the bin body (30) connected to the at least one ejector element (9); and a second sub-assembly with the at least one actuator connected to the truck.

[0031] In another example, there is provided a concrete washout bin comprising:- a bin body with a bin base to, at least in part, define an interior volume, wherein the interior volume is configured to receive concrete supported by the bin base; and at least one ejector element, wherein the at least one ejector element is configured to be actuated by at least one actuator from a first position towards a second position that is towards the interior volume to release, at least in part, concrete from the interior volume. The at least one ejector element is configured to substantially push the concrete supported by the bin base.

[0032] A bin comprising: a bin body with a bin base to, at least in part, define an interior volume, wherein the interior volume is configured to receive material supported by the bin base; and at least one ejector element, wherein the at least one ejector element is configured to be actuated by at least one actuator from a first position towards a second position that is towards the interior volume to release, at least in part, material from the interior volume, wherein the at least one ejector element is configured to substantially push the material supported by the bin base.Brief Description of Drawings

[0033] Fig. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a concrete washout bin system;

[0034] Fig. 2(a) illustrates a cross-section of part of the concrete washout bin system with an ejector element in a first position;

[0035] Fig. 2(b) illustrates another cross-section of the concrete washout bin system of Fig. 2(b);

[0036] Figs. 3(a) to 3(b) illustrate orthogonal projections of the concrete washout bin of Fig. 1;

[0037] Fig. 4(a) illustrates a front view of the concrete washout bin system of Fig. 1;

[0038] Fig. 4(b) illustrates a front view of a bin body of the concrete washout bin system of Fig. 1 and showing apertures in the front wall;

[0039] Figs. 5(a) to 5 (c) illustrate orthogonal projections of a bin body of a concrete washout bin;

[0040] Fig. 6(a) is a graphical representation of a simulation of forces applied to an originally straight beam of the concrete washout bin illustrating beam bending;

[0041] Fig. 6(b) is a graphical representation of a modified beam of the concreate washout bin with a preformed bend upwards near a centre of the beam;

[0042] Fig. 6(c) is a graphical representation of the modified beam of Fig. 6(b) with a load wherein the beam is substantially straight;

[0043] Fig. 7(a) illustrates a cross-section side view of part of the concrete washout bin with concrete wherein the ejector element is in a first position; and

[0044] Fig. 7(b) illustrates a cross-section side view of Fig. 7(a) wherein the ejector element is moved to a second position to eject the concrete.Description of Embodiments

[0045] Overview

[0046] Fig. 1 illustrates a concrete washout bin system 1 in accordance with one example. The concrete washout bin includes a bin body 3 that defines an interior volume 5, wherein the interior volume is configured to receive concrete 7 (including concrete washout waste water). At least one ejector element 9 is provided that is actuated by an actuator 11. The actuator 11 is configured to selectively move the ejector element 9 from a first position 13 (as illustrated in Fig. 1) to a second position 15 (as illustrated in Fig. 7(b)) into the interior volume 5. This releases, at least in part, the concrete 7 from the interior volume 5.

[0047] The interior volume 5 of the bin body 3 is bounded by a front wall 31, end wall 33 opposing the front wall 31, and a pair of opposing side walls 35, 37 extending therebetween. These walls 31, 33, 35, 37 in turn extend up from a bin base 39.

[0048] A bin body opening 41, opposing the bin base 39, enables concrete to be received into the interior volume 5. The end wall 33 includes a selectively openable gate 34, wherein in a closed configuration enables concrete 7 to collect in the interior volume 5.

[0049] The selectively openable gate 34, in an opened configuration, enables passage for the concrete 7 to exit from a rear of the interior volume 5. This can be assisted by actuation of the ejector element 9 located proximal to the front wall 31. Movement of the ejector element 9 from the first position 13 towards the second position 15 includes motion that is, at least in part, in a direction towards the end wall 33 that operatively pushes partially, or fully, set concrete 7 out of the opened rear of the bin body 3. In some examples, actuation from the first position 13 towards the second position 15 is substantially in a horizontal direction from the front wall towards the end wall 33.

[0050] The concrete washout bin system 1 advantageously provides a means to collect waste concrete and washout whilst also providing a mechanism to release the set concrete from the washout bin system 1 in a controlled and safe manner.

[0051] In some examples of the concrete washout bin system 1, the system includes the bin 1 along with part of the truck such as the lift hoist 72 and hook lift support structure 73. Thehook lift support structure 73 is selectively configurable to lift, support, and tilt an attached bin 1. In addition, the hook lift support structure 73 is configured to be selectively separable from the bin 1. In some examples, the actuators 11 are connected to the hook lift support structure 73. The actuators 11 can also be selectively decoupled from the bin 1 when the bin 1 is separated from the truck.

[0052] Components of an example of the concrete washout bin system 1 will now be described in detail.

[0053] Bin body

[0054] The bin body 3 is configurable to hold concrete and waste water. The bin body 3 may be constructed with one or more of the following considerations:Ability to substantially seal the walls and the bin base to prevent concrete and waste water from flowing out of the interior volume 5.Strength to contain weight of concrete in the bin body 3. This includes lifting and transporting a bin body filled with concrete from a worksite to a disposal site.Features to enable selective release of concrete. This includes a gate to provide a path for the concrete to open and an ejector mechanism.Structure to reduce friction or adhesion of concrete to the walls and bin base.Paint or other surface coating to surfaces of the bin body to minimise bonding / adhesion to the concrete. This can also reduce corrosion of the bin body 3 and improve visual aesthetics of the concrete washout bin system 1.Some examples of the bin body 3 are constructed of stainless steel that is less likely to result in a bond (or high degree of bond) between the concrete and bin body 3. This can be comparted with other materials such as mild steel or quenched and tempered steel.In some examples, the bin body 3 may include a designed degree of flex or flexibility that can promote demolding of the concrete and the bin body 3 as the vehicle carrying the bin body 3 vibrates during transportation on a road.

[0055] Tapered construction

[0056] Figs. 1 and 3(a) to 3(c) illustrate the concrete washout bin system 1. Figs. 5(a) to 5(c) illustrate a schematic of a bin body 3 with dimensions exaggerated for illustrative purposes and are not to scale.

[0057] In some examples, the bin body 3 has a tapered construction to facilitate release of the concrete from the bin body by reducing friction or adhesion. Referring to the top view of Fig. 5(a), this can include the pair of first and second side walls 35, 37 that are, at least in part, tapered relative to each other. This can include a configuration where a first relative distance 43, 43’ progressively increases in a first direction 45 from the front wall 31 to the end wall 33. This configuration can aid in the concrete 7 to move out of the interior volume 5 in the first direction 45 toward the end wall 33 when the openable gate 34 is opened. In particular, once the concrete 7 has been partially, move in direction 45 by the ejector element 9, the concrete (if set) will no longer be in contact with the side wall 37, 37 and thus reducing friction. This contrasts with an alternative construction with first and second side walls 35, 37 that are parallel which can result in friction between the concrete 7 and the side walls 35, 37 even if the concrete 7 is partially moved out of the interior volume 5 by the ejector element 9.

[0058] In some examples, the first and second side walls (35, 37) are, at least in part, tapered relative to each other in a second direction 49 as illustrated in Fig 5(b). A second relative distance 47, 47’ between the first and second side walls 35, 37 progressively increases in the second direction 49. The second direction 49 is in a direction from the bin base 39 to the bin body opening 41 and is substantially perpendicular to the first direction 45. This allows concrete 7, in particular set concrete, to move upwards that can break adhesion or friction with the first and second side walls 35, 37. This additional degree of movement also facilitates easier movement of the set concrete in case of surface imperfections on the surfaces of the bin body 3. Such imperfections can include welding, rivets, or imperfections in the material itself (e.g. a rolled metal plate that is not perfectly flat).

[0059] In some examples, a depth distance 51, 51’ of the bin body 3, being the distance between the bin body opening 41 and the bin base 39, progressively increases in the first direction 45 from the front wall 31 to the rear wall 33.

[0060] In further examples, the bin base 39 is configured to slope downwards, at least in part, in the first direction 45 from the front wall 31 to the rear wall 33. This slope, when the bin body 3 is in the resting configuration to receive concrete 7, can assist the concrete to exit the interior volume 5 as the gradient of the bin base 39 biases the concrete 7 to slide towards the rear wall 33 and selectively openable gate 34. This may reduce the requirement, or extent, of tilting the concrete washout bin system 1 when the operator wishes to remove the concrete 7 from the interior volume 5.

[0061] It is to be appreciated that in some examples, the downward slope of the bin base 39 may be sufficient (in conjunction with selective actuation of the ejector element 9) to release the concrete from the bin body 3 without additional tilting of the bin body 3. That is the downward slope can assist the concrete to slide out of the interior volume 5 under the own weight of the concrete. This may enable ejection of the concrete 7 from the interior volume 5 of the bin body 3 without tilting of the bin body 3.

[0062] In other examples, the ejector element 9 may be used to initial move the concrete 7 slightly so that the concrete breaks free from adhesion with the bin body 3. This is followed by a relatively minor tilting of the bin body 3 for slow and controlled release of the concrete from the interior volume 5.

[0063] The bin body 3 may be constructed from high-strength and impact-resistant material, such as a metal or metal alloy. This can include iron, steel, aluminium alloy, etc. This can include walls constructed from stamped, forged, or cast materials. This can also include components of the bin body 3 that is assembled by welding, fastening, etc. The bin body 3 may be supported by one or more reinforcement ribs.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 4(b) the front wall 31 of the bin body 3 may include one or more apertures 63. The apertures enable an actuation arm 61 or other linkage between the actuator 11 (located outside the bin body 3) and the ejector element 9 that will be discussed in a separate section below.

[0065] Selective openable gate 34

[0066] Referring to Figs. 1 and 3(a) and 3(c), a selectively openable gate 34 is provided at the end wall 31. In this example, the openable gate 34 in the closed configuration forms substantially the entire end wall 31. Hinges 36 may provide a coupling between side wall 37 and the gate 34 to enable the gate to swing open and provide passage for the concrete 7 to exit the interior volume 5. A latch 38 enables the selectively openable gate 34 to be selectively secured to the side wall 35 to form the end wall 31.

[0067] It is to be appreciated that alternative examples and methods of configuring an openable gate 34 can be used. This can include providing hinges between the gate 34 and the bin base 39 and having latches at both side walls 35, 37 to secure the gate 34. In yet other examples, the selectively openable gate 34 may be a removable gate 34 whereby the gate 34 is separated from the remainder of the concrete washout bin system 1 to enable concrete 7 to exit the interior volume 5.

[0068] Ejector

[0069] The ejector element 9 will now be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2(a) to 2(b), and 7(a) to 7(b). Figs. 2(a) and 2(b) illustrated the cross-sections at the front of the concrete washout bin system 1.

[0070] The ejector element 9, in the first position 13 is located proximal to the front wall 31. Thus the usable interior volume 5 is, in part, bound by surfaces 21 of the ejector element 9.The concrete washout bin system 1 is configured to be filled with concrete and washout water when the ejector element 9 is in this first position.

[0071] When the ejector element 9 is actuated towards the second position 15 (illustrated in Fig. 7(b)), the ejector element 9 is moved, at least in part, distal to the first wall 31. This movement may include moving the ejector element substantially within the interior volume to displace the concrete 7. This has the effect of pushing concrete 7 in a direction (at least in part) towards the end wall 55. This aids in releasing the concrete 7 from the walls 31, 35, 37 of the bin body 3.

[0072] Referring to the example in Figs. 2(a) and 2(b), the ejector element 9 has at least one first ejector surface 21 that forms an angle 53 with the bin base 39 when in the first position 13. In this first position, the first ejector surface 21 faces, at least in part, towards the end wall 33 and the bin opening 41. In some examples, the angle 53 (in the first position 13) is between 90 degrees and 135 degrees. In some examples, the angle 53 in the first position 13 is between 90 degrees and 120 degrees. In yet further examples, the angle 53 in the first position 13 is between 95 degrees and 115 degrees. In yet further examples, the angle 53 in the first position 13 is between 100 degrees and 110 degrees. In yet another example, the angle 53 in the first position 13 is approximately 100 degrees. It can be advantageous to have at least one of the first ejector surface(s) 21 with the angle 53 in the first position at, or close to, 90 degrees so that when the first ejector surface 21 moves to the second position 15, the ejector element 9 substantially (and predominately) pushes the concrete 7 away from the front wall (31)

[0073] In some examples, the angle 53 in the first position 13 of at least one of the first ejector surface 21 includes a slight obtuse angle. Such a slight obtuse angle, or slope, of the ejector element 9 can aid in release of the concrete from the bin body and / or ejector surface 21 when actuating the ejector element 9 from the first to second position. In particular, the concrete 7 is free to move towards the end wall 33 (because the selectively openable gate 34 is open) and the concrete 7 is free to move upwards towards the bin opening 41 (because the top of the bin body 3 is open). This can facilitate easier movement of the concrete to exit the bin body 3 during the ejection process.

[0074] In the illustrated example of Fig. 2(a), the ejector element 9 may include multifaceted ejector surfaces 21’ , 21’ ’ . Such multi-faceted ej ector surfaces 21’ , 21’ ’ have corresponding non-parallel planes. These additional facets form a plurality of ejector surfaces to assist in distributing force between the ejector element 9 and the concrete at different directions a corresponding components of force. For example, the ejector surface 21’ can be effective at lifting the concrete in the second direction 49, whilst ejector surface 21” may be more effective at pushing the concrete 7 in the first direction 45.

[0075] In some examples, the at least one ejector element 9 is a monolithic component 55 that may span substantially across the front wall 31. This single monolithic component 55, byhaving ejector surfaces 21, 21’, 21” that span across the area of the front wall 31 can assist in distributing force to the concrete 7 when the ejector element 9 is actuated.

[0076] It is to be appreciated that the ejector element 9 can be actuated to move in different ways. In some examples, the ejector element 9 is pivotally connected (via a pivot 19) relative to the bin body 3 such that the ejector element 9 moves from the first position 13 to the second position 15 with pivotal motion around the pivot 19.

[0077] In some examples, the pivot 19 is provided substantially above the interior volume 5 of the bin body 3 to prevent or reduce contamination of the pivot from concrete and washout water. This can include a substantially horizontal pivot axis 20 that passes above the interior volume 5 of the bin body 3.

[0078] It is to be appreciated that pivotal motion, and respective moments, can assist in forces applied by the actuators to operate the ejector element 9. In some examples, the distance between the pivot 19 and where the actuator arm 61 acts on the ejector element 9 is selected to provide a desired moment acting on the ejector element 9 (where moment is the result of this distance multiplied by force applied by the actuator 11). Thus a larger distance can increase the moment to assist selective ejection of the concrete.

[0079] In alternative examples, the ejector element 9 may move linearly. For example, the ejector element 9 is mounted to enable linear motion (such as on rails). This can include movement substantially in the first direction 45 to eject the concrete 7.

[0080] Actuator 11

[0081] The actuator 11 may include a linear actuator. In some examples, this can include a hydraulic cylinder configured to provide linear motion. In other examples, this can include a pneumatically operated cylinder. In yet other examples, this actuator may include linear motors. In yet other examples, this can include motors or power take off operating a jackscrew.

[0082] The example illustrated in Fig. 1 includes an actuator 11 that includes an actuation arm 61 operated by a linear actuator (such as a hydraulic cylinder). One end of the actuator 11 is pivotally attached to a support structure, such as the hook lift support structure 73. Inthis example, the hydraulic cylinder is configured outside of the interior volume 5 and in front of the front wall 31. The actuation arm 61 passes through respective aperture(s) 63 at the front wall 31. This enables actuation of the at least one ejector element 9 that is located at the opposite side of the front wall 31 and in the bin body 3.

[0083] In some examples, the actuators 11 are powered hydraulically from a hydraulic system of a vehicle (such as a truck) configured to selectively carry the concrete washout bin 1. In alternative examples, the actuators 11 may be powered by a pneumatic system or electrical system of the vehicle. This advantageously reduces the burden (and cost) of a separate power system for the concrete washout bin 1. In some examples, the actuators affixed to the hook lift support structure 73 of the vehicle, so that when the bin is separated from the vehicle, the actuators remain with the vehicle. This can save costs as the actuators and associated hydraulic lines and mechanisms can be an expensive resource. Thus each bin may not need respective dedicated actuators but instead utilise the hydraulic system of the vehicle when in use. This can also enable faster loading and unloading of the bins as this can forgo connecting and disconnecting hydraulic hoses, cables, (or similar communication lines) between the hydraulic system of the truck and the bin.

[0084] In contrast, alternative examples where the actuators are affixed to the bin, the method includes connecting hydraulic, pneumatic, and / or electric lines between the vehicle and the concrete washout bin 1 to enable actuation of the actuators 11. After release of the concrete (7), these lines can be decoupled between the vehicle and the concrete washout bin 1.

[0085] A seal 67 is provided to prevent, or reduce, concrete and waste water from flowing out of the interior volume 5 via the apertures 63 at the front wall 31. This can be particularly important when the ejector element 9 is in a first position 15 when the bin 1 is configured to receive wet concrete. Thus one or more seal(s) 67 can be provided adjacent the apertures 63 to prevent or mitigate flow of concrete and water through the apertures 63.

[0086] In one example, as illustrated in Figs. 2(a) to 2(b), the seal 67 is located (at least in part) between the actuator 11 and the front wall 31. In some examples, the seal may include a rubber, or rubber-like, resilient material configured with a seal aperture to enable the actuation arm 61 to pass through, whilst having the resilience and flexibility to close, or substantially close a fluid path between the interior volume 5 and an exterior via the aperture 63. That is,even if some concrete or water flows to the aperture 63, substantive flow of such material is stopped by the seal 67.

[0087] In other examples, the concrete washout bin may utilise a seal 67 that is configured between the front wall 31 and the ejector element 9. The seal 67 may include resilient material such that when the ejector element 9 is in the first position 15 a seal is formed between the ejector element and front wall 31 to prevent, or mitigate, flow of concrete and water to the apertures 63.

[0088] Restraint mechanism 71

[0089] Referring to Fig. 1. a restraint mechanism 71 can be selectively configurable to restrain the at least one ejector element 9 at the first position 13. This effectively prevents movement of the ejector element towards the second position 15. A restraint mechanism 71 can be useful to prevent unwanted movement of the ejector element 9 as concrete and washout water is filled in the bin 1.

[0090] In some examples, the restraint mechanism 71 can include a mechanical ratchet to draw (or maintain) the at least one ejector element 9 towards the front wall 31 at the first position 13. In other examples, the restraint mechanism 71 may include a sliding bolt latch to secure the ejector element 9 at the first position. It is to be appreciated that other selectively operable latches, locks, tie rods, and fastening means could be used.

[0091] This can be particularly advantageous when the actuator 11 is not permanently attached to the bin, such as in examples where the actuator 11 remains with the vehicle when the bin is positioned at a worksite. Thus the restraint mechanism 71 keeps the ejector element closed. Even in examples where the actuator 11 is attached to the bin, the restraint mechanism 71 can be advantageous when the actuator 11 is unpowered. When the concrete bin 1 is at a worksite, it may be placed in situ on the ground for extended periods of time and without electrical and / or hydraulic power or connections. Thus the restraint mechanism 71, which can be a mechanical mechanism, can provide additional security to ensure the at least one ejector is at the first position 13.

[0092] In some examples the restraint mechanism 71 is operative to restrain the at least one actuation arm 61, which in turn controls movement of the ejector element 9. This can be advantageous to enable location of the restraint mechanism 71 outside of the interior volume 5 and thus reduces the likelihood of fouling of the restraint mechanism from concrete and waste water.

[0093] When it is desirable to move the ejector element 9 towards the second position with the actuators, the restraint mechanism 71 is released.

[0094] A-Frame 70

[0095] The concrete washout bin 1 may also include an A-frame 70 proximal to the front wall 31 of the in body 3 as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3. The A-frame 70 may be selective engaged by a hook lift hoist 72 that is typically part of a vehicle (not shown) so that the concrete washout bin 1 can be transported, tilted, placed in a worksite, and removed from a worksite.

[0096] Support beam 81

[0097] In some examples, the concrete washout bin 1 further comprises at least one support beam 81. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2(a), this can include a pair of beams 81 located underneath the bin body 3 to provide support along a length 83 of the bin body from the front wall 31 to the end wall 33. In some cases, the support beam may directly support the bin base 39. This may include resting the weight of the bin base 39 on the support beams 81. In further examples, the bin base 39 may be welded or otherwise fastened to the support beams 81.

[0098] The support beams 81 provide rigidity to the concrete washout bin 1. The structure of the support beam can include, but not limited to:A beam with an I-shaped cross-section;A beam with a T-shaped cross-section;A beam with a C-shaped cross-section;A beam with a circular cross-section (e.g. a pipe);A beam with a L-shaped cross-section (also known as an angle)A beam with a rectangular cross-section (e.g. a hollow structural section).

[0099] In some examples, the support beams 81 are substantially straight (e.g. linear).

[0100] In other examples, the support beams 81, at an unloaded state 85 without concrete, has a non-linear form as illustrated in Fig. 6(b) (which is schematic form of the beam 81 and not to scale). In particular, this has a convex bend 85 facing the bin base 39 (i.e. upward facing bend) at an intermediate portion 87 along of the length 83 between the front wall 31 and the end wall 33. This non-linear shape may be formed during constructions by inelastically deforming the support beams 81 such that without interference of an additional external load, the support beams 81 are permanently deformed to the non-linear form. In other examples, the support beams 81 may be formed at production with the non-linear form. This may include forging, casting, rolling, or other manufacturing techniques.

[0101] When the concrete washout bin system 1 is at a loaded state 89, the weight of concrete 7 applies downward forces to the bin body such that the resultant forces deform (at least temporarily) the at least one support beam 81 to a substantially linear form as illustrated in Fig. 6(c). This can also include the bin base 39, that is supported by the beam 81, to also have a corresponding planar surface (or have substantial linear portions between the front wall and end wall). This can be advantageous as a substantially planar bin base 39 can facilitate sliding of the set concrete out of the interior volume 5.

[0102] In some examples, as modelled on a computer, a specified amount of load includes 70000N, which represents approximately 7000kg of concrete / washout in a half-full concrete washout bin system 1 of the example. This includes having two support beams 81 that are 150 UB 18 (universal beam 150, 18 kg / m).

[0103] Simulation of load on a beam

[0104] In the simulation (as illustrated in Fig. 6(a)), a simulated force of 35000N was applied to one of the beams 81 that were originally linear (i.e. linear without external load).In this simulation, this resulted in the beam bending 91 by 11.4mm when subject to 35000N force (note the deformation in Fig. 6(a) is exaggerated for clarity and is not to scale).

[0105] Fig. 6(b) illustrates a simulated beam that has been preformed with a bend of 1 degree so that there is a 12.5mm bend upwards (i.e. slight convex that faces towards the bin base) in the intermediate portion 83 (and at approximately the mid-section / centre). Note that Fig. 6(b) is not to scale.

[0106] The simulation then includes loading 35000N to the non-linear beam 81 of Fig. 6(c). This simulation of one beam of a half-full bin results in a beam that is substantially linear (i.e. straight). If two beams are used in the bin system 1, then a load of 70000N (e.g. 7000kg of concrete) would yield similar results.

[0107] Further simulation can be used to determine resultant forces than may be used to assist removal of the concrete 7 from the interior volume 5 of the bin system 1 (in addition to forces from the ejector element and actuators).

[0108] The above-mentioned values are in accordance with one illustrative example and do not limit the scope of the features recited in the claims.

[0109] Method

[0110] A method of using the concrete washout bin will now be described. The concrete washout bin system 1 is transported to a worksite. This can involve use of a truck configured to transport hook lift bins. Such trucks include a hook lift hoist that has a hydraulically actuated arm with hook 72 to engage with a bin. Articulation of the arm with hook can enable selective tilting of the bin as well as selective lifting of the bin onto the truck or selective removal of the bin from the truck. Such arms of a hook lift hoist typically includes a bend of approximately 90 degrees.

[0111] Once at the worksite, the hook lift hoist is raised to tilt the bin 1 and to offload the bin body 3 to the ground of the worksite. Since the interior volume 5 of the bin is empty at this stage, the selectively openable gate 34 may be kept locked and closed during this step. In examples where the actuators are affixed to the bins, hydraulic hoses and / or power cables, can also be disconnected as the actuators 11 are not required.

[0112] The bin body 3 may be optionally lined with a liner. This may include polymer sheeting to provide an additional water / moisture barrier and to prevent or reduce adhesion of concrete 7 to the walls and bin base 39.

[0113] The washout bin system 1 can then be used to receive washout water and waste concrete. For example, pipes, hoses, and other equipment used for concrete construction can be washed in the bin body 3, or above the bin body, so that the waste is collected in the interior volume 5.

[0114] When the interior volume 5 is filled or the concreting work is complete, the waste concrete 7 can be allowed to set or partially set. This can be advantageous in reducing spillage or slosh of the contents of the bin during movement or transportation. Concrete set in the interior volume 5 is illustrated, in part, in Fig. 7(a).

[0115] The concrete washout bin is the removed from the worksite. This can include using a hook lift hoist to lift the bin body 3 onto the truck. The truck can then transport the bin body 3 with concrete 7 to a disposal site.

[0116] The concrete washout bin system 1 is then configured to eject the concrete 7. This can involve coupling actuators 11 (such as actuation arm 61) to the ejector element 9. In alternative examples where the actuators are affixed to the bin, this can involve connecting hydraulic hoses to the actuator 11 and / or other steps to enable operation of the actuators 11.

[0117] The selectively openable gate 34 is opened to provide a passage for the concrete 7 to exit. In some examples, the downward slope of the bin base 39 can assist the concrete to slide out of the interior volume 5 under the own weight of the concrete. In further examples, this can be assisted by the ejector element 9 pushing the concrete along the bin base 39. In some examples, the bin base 39 may be substantially horizontal (e.g.) flat when the ejector element 9 pushes the concrete out to release the concrete from the bin base.

[0118] Optionally, the bin body 3 may be tilted slightly so that gravity can, at least in part, further assist sliding of the concrete 7 from the bin body 3. However, it may be desirable to maintain a tilt to a low angle such that the concrete 7 does not slide out of the interior volume in a fast and uncontrolled manner. In some examples, the tilt may be so low such that gravitydoes not overcome the static friction between the concrete and bin body 3 (i.e. the concrete does not move when initially tilted). Optional slight tilting of the bin body 3 may be achieved by raising the hook lift hoist 72.

[0119] The actuator 11 can be selectively actuated to move the ejector element 9 and to enable controlled ejection of the concrete from the bin body 3. With reference to Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) that shows the sequence of the ejector element 9 moving from the first position 13 to the second position 15, this causes the concrete 7 to be pushed out of the interior volume 5. In particular, the first direction 45 towards the rear end wall 33 with the opened gate 34.

[0120] The actuation of the ejector element 9 advantageously overcomes adhesion and friction of the concrete 7 to enable the concrete to slide out of the interior volume 5 of the bin body 3. In some examples, additional tilting of the bin body 3 may be required to encourage the concrete 7 to completely depart the bin body 3.

[0121] Advantages

[0122] In the described examples of the concrete washout bin system 1, the ejector element 9 is positively actuated by selective actuation of the actuator 11 to release the concrete 7. This can be in contrast with known systems that rely on tipping the bin body that is dependent on gravity and weight of the concrete to overcome adhesion and to draw the concrete out of the bin. This can also be in contrast with known systems that have a pendulum, or pendulumlike, ejector that relies on gravity to push out the concrete when the bin body is tipped.

[0123] With mechanisms that solely rely on tipping, this may require tipping the bin body at a substantially large angle to overcome friction or other adhesion forces between the concrete and bin body. Once overcome, this can result in a sudden violent, and uncontrolled, release of the concrete. This can be a safety hazard as the concrete exiting at high velocity can result in debris being flung at the disposal site. The present disclosure that uses an ejector element that is selectively actuated by the actuator can enable safe and controlled release of concrete. This can also include the ejector element being actuated to release the concrete while the bin is substantially horizontal (i.e. not tilted by the hook lift hoist or tilt mechanism of the truck). It is to be appreciated that the presently disclosed concrete washout bin may also be tipped when releasing concrete, but the extent and angle of tipping can be reduced since the amount offorce to overcome initial static friction to separate concrete from the bin body can be provided by the actuator 11.

[0124] Variations

[0125] In some examples, the concrete washout bin includes actuators 11 that are permanently mounted to the bin body 3. That is, when the bin is in situ to receive concrete waste at a worksite, the actuators 11 remain attached to the bin body 3.

[0126] In alternative examples, the concrete washout bin has actuators 11 that can be separated from the bin body 3. These examples may have actuators 11 that are mounted to a transporting vehicle (e.g. hook lift hoist equipped truck), whereby when the bin is in situ to receive concrete waste at a worksite the actuators are not with the bin body. This can be advantageous to reduce contamination or damage of the actuators 11. Furthermore, this can reduce the number of actuators required by and operator as they can have a relatively small fleet of trucks equipped with actuators 11 whilst deploying a relatively larger fleet of bin bodies 3 at multiple worksites. In such alternatives, the ejector elements 9 are configured to be actuated by such actuators external to the bin. This may include using selectively releasable connections or couplings. Thus when the bin body 30 is selectively separated from the hook lift system, the hook lift system comprises: a first sub-assembly with the bin body 30 connected to the at least one ejector element 9; and a second sub-assembly with the at least one actuator connected to the truck.

[0127] In some examples, there is provided a bin that can be used to receive materials that includes features to enable removal or ejection of materials from the bin. This can be similar to the concrete washout bin system described above but configured to receive materials other than concrete. This may include other construction material that cures, or otherwise solidifies. For example, plaster. The material may also include a mix of materials, such as composites, or a aggregation of waste product. This there is provided a bin comprising: a bin body with a bin base to, at least in part, define an interior volume, wherein the interior volume is configured to receive material supported by the bin base. The bin also includes at least one ejector element, wherein the at least one ejector element is configured to be actuated by at least one actuator from a first position towards a second position that is towards the interior volume to release, at least in part, material from the interior volume. The at least one ejectorelement is configured to substantially push the material supported by the bin base. When ejecting material this can include pushing the material out of openable gates 34 at an end wall of the bin body 3.

[0128] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A concrete washout bin system (1) comprising:- a bin body (3) with a bin base (39) to, at least in part, define an interior volume (5), wherein the interior volume (5) is configured to receive concrete (7) supported by the bin base (39);- at least one ejector element (9); and- at least one actuator (11), wherein the at least one actuator (11) is configured to actuate the at least one ejector element (9) from a first position (13) towards a second position (15) into the interior volume (5) to release, at least in part, concrete (7) from the interior volume (5), wherein the at least one ejector element (9) is configured to substantially push the concrete (7) supported by the bin base (39).

2. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the interior volume (5) of the bin body (3) is bounded by: a front wall (31); an end wall (33) opposing the front wall (31), wherein the end wall (33) includes a selectively openable gate (34), wherein in an opened configuration the selectively openable gate (34) enables passage for the concrete (7) to exit from the interior volume (5); a pair of opposing first and second side walls (35, 37) extending between the front wall (31) and the end wall (33); and the bin base (39), wherein the front wall (31), end wall (33), first and second side walls (35, 37) extend, at least in part, from the bin base (39),wherein a bin body opening (41), opposing the bin base (39), enables concrete (7) to be received into the interior volume (5).

3. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to claim 2, wherein actuation from the first position (13) towards the second position (15) is substantially in a horizontal direction from the front wall (31) towards the end wall (33).

4. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to either claim 2 or 3, wherein the actuation from the first position (13) to the second position (15) slides the concrete (7) substantially along the bin base (39) to, at least in part, exit from the interior volume (5).

5. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the pair of first and second side walls (35, 37) are, at least in part, tapered relative to each other, wherein a first relative distance (43, 43’) between the first and second side walls (35, 37) progressively increases in a first direction (45) from the front wall (31) to the end wall (33).

6. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the pair of first and second side walls (35, 37) are, at least in part, tapered relative to each other, wherein a second relative distance (47, 47’) between the first and second side walls (35, 37) progressively increases in a second direction (49) from the bin base (39) to the bin body opening (41).

7. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein a depth distance (51, 51’) between the bin body opening (41) and the bin base (39) progressively increases in a first direction (45) from the front wall (31) to the end wall (33).

8. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the bin base (39) includes a downward slope from the front wall (31) to the end wall (33), wherein the downward slope is configured to assist the concrete (7) to slide out of the interior volume (5) under a weight of the concrete (7).

9. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to any one claims 2 to 8 wherein the at least one ejector element (9) has a first ejector surface (21), wherein in the first position (13), the first ejector surface (21) and the bin base (39) are at an angle (53) between 90degrees and 135 degrees, wherein the first ejector surface (21) faces, at least in part, towards the end wall (33) and the bin opening (41).

10. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to claim 9 wherein the angle (53) between the first ejector surface (21) and the bin base (39) is approximately 100 degrees.

11. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a pivot (19) to pivotally connect the at least one ejector element (9) relative to the bin body (3), and wherein to actuate the ejector element (9) from the first position (13) and the second position (15) comprises, at least in part, movement around the pivot (19).

12. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to claim 11, when dependent on claim 9, wherein the pivot (19) has a substantially horizontal pivot axis (20), and wherein the horizontal pivot axis (20) passes above the interior volume (5) of the bin body (3).

13. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ejector element (9) is a monolithic component (55) with one or more ejector surfaces (21, 21’, 21”).

14. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to claim 13 wherein the one or more ejector surfaces includes multi-faceted ejector surfaces (21, 21’, 21”) with corresponding non-parallel planes.

15. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein at least one or more ejector surfaces (21, 21’, 21”) form an obtuse angle with the bin base (39).

16. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ejector element (9) moves substantially within the interior volume (5) between the first position (13) and the second position (15).

17. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one actuator (11) comprises an actuation arm (61),wherein the actuation arm (61) passes through an aperture (63) of the front wall (31) to actuate the at least one ejector element (9) in the bin body (3).

18. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to claim 17 wherein the at least one actuator (11) further comprises a hydraulic cylinder (65), wherein the hydraulic cylinder (65) is configured to operate the actuation arm (61), and wherein the hydraulic cylinder (65) is located outside of the interior volume (5) and, with respect to the front wall (31), opposite the ejector element (9).

19. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to either claim 17 or 18 further comprising a seal (67), wherein when the at least one ejector element (9) is in the first position (13), the seal (67) is located, at least in part, between the at least one actuator (11) and the front wall (31) to prevent, or mitigate, concrete (7) from flowing from the interior volume (5) out through the aperture (63).

20. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising a restraint mechanism (71) that is selectively configurable to restrain the at least one ejector element (9) at the first position (13) and to prevent movement of the at least one ejector element (9) towards the second position (15).

21. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to claim 20, wherein the restraint mechanism (71) is operative to restrain the at least one actuation arm (61).

22. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising: at least one support beam (81), wherein the at least one support beam (81) is configured to support the bin body (3) substantially along a length (83) of the bin body (3) from the front wall (31) to the end wall (33).

23. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to claim 22, wherein in an unloaded state (85) of the concrete washout bin system (1) without received concrete (7), the at leastone support beam (81) is non-linear and includes a convex bend (85) facing the bin base (39) at an intermediate portion (87) along the length (83) between the front wall (31) and the end wall (33), and wherein in use with received concrete (7) at a loaded state (89), a weight of the concrete (7) applies downward forces to the bin body (3) such that the resultant forces deform the at least one support beam (81) to be substantially linear, and wherein the bin base (39) is substantially planar.

24. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bin body (3) is configured to be supported and tilted by a hook lift system of a truck, wherein the bin body (3) is , selectively separable from the hook lift system and the at least one actuator (11); and wherein the at least one actuator is connected to the truck.

25. The concrete washout bin system (1) according to claim 24, wherein when the bin body (30) selectively separated from the hook lift system, the concrete washout bin system comprises:- a first sub-assembly with the bin body (30) connected to the at least one ejector element (9); and- a second sub-assembly with the at least one actuator connected to the truck.

26. A bin (1) comprising:- a bin body (3) with a bin base (39) to, at least in part, define an interior volume (5), wherein the interior volume (5) is configured to receive material (7) supported by the bin base (39); and- at least one ejector element (9), wherein the at least one ejector element (9) is configured to be actuated by at least one actuator (11) from a first position (13) towards asecond position (15) that is towards the interior volume (5) to release, at least in part, material (7) from the interior volume (5), wherein the at least one ejector element (9) is configured to substantially push the material (7) supported by the bin base (39).

27. A bin system (1) comprising:- a bin body (3) with a bin base (39) to, at least in part, define an interior volume (5), wherein the interior volume (5) is configured to receive material supported by the bin base (39);- at least one ejector element (9); and- at least one actuator (11), wherein the at least one actuator (11) is configured to actuate the at least one ejector element (9) from a first position (13) towards a second position (15) into the interior volume (5) to release, at least in part, material (7) from the interior volume (5), wherein the at least one ejector element (9) is configured to substantially push the material (7) supported by the bin base (39).

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