Receptacle for side-loading waste containers
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SERVICIOS URBANOS AVANZADOS SL
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
Smart Images
Figure ES2025070771_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DESCRIPTION
[0002] Side-loading waste container receptacle
[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention generally belongs to the field of urban waste collection.
[0005] The object of the invention is a receptacle specifically designed to accommodate side-loading waste containers.
[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The collection, treatment, and recycling of household waste in urban environments currently represents a significant challenge for local councils. Generally, waste collection is carried out using garbage containers placed in various locations throughout public spaces, into which residents deposit their waste. The collection process is automated, utilizing fleets of collection vehicles equipped with mechanical means for handling the containers.
[0008] The geometry of the containers is standardized so that the brand or origin of the container does not necessarily imply incompatibility with the collection equipment. Specifically, three main types of containers are currently known: rear-loading containers, top-loading containers, and side-loading containers.
[0009] Rear-loading containers are manually loaded, meaning an operator is required to position them correctly relative to the collection vehicle. In contrast, top-loading and side-loading containers allow for fully automated collection. In both cases, the containers have securing devices that allow the collection vehicle's mechanical arms to grip them. The difference lies in the type and position of these securing devices. Top-loading containers have securing devices designed to be gripped by the collection vehicle's arms that approach the container from above. Side-loading containers, on the other hand, have securing devices designed to be gripped by the collection vehicle's arms that approach the container horizontally.More specifically, these fastening means comprise two protrusions located at opposite ends, so that the arms of the collection vehicle approach horizontally to these protrusions and hook them in order to subsequently lift the container vertically and empty it.
[0010] In this context, the problem of unpleasant odors and unsightly appearance often associated with waste containers is also well-known, particularly in densely populated and / or tourist areas. To address this issue, enclosures are now available where the containers can be housed, thus concealing them from the view of passersby. These enclosures essentially consist of four vertical walls whose height is similar to, or only slightly greater or less than, the height of the containers. The walls can be made of materials such as concrete or wooden planks. These enclosures are typically open at the top to allow access for the waste collection vehicle's arms.
[0011] Although these existing containers solve the aforementioned problem, they have the drawback of only being compatible with top-loading containers. Furthermore, they do not allow for side loading, as the height of the wall prevents access for the waste collection vehicle's arms.
[0012] In short, there is a need in this field for an improved receptacle that allows its use with side-loading containers.
[0013] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a horizontally loaded waste container receptacle comprising fundamentally a box and a lid having a particularly designed configuration described below.
[0015] a) Box
[0016] The box is configured to house a waste container; that is, it is large enough to comfortably accommodate a container inside. More specifically, the box is shaped like a parallelepiped open at the top, consisting of a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls. The walls of the box are preferably made of any suitable material such as concrete, metal, wood, fiberglass, or polyester. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the walls of the box are made of an anti-graffiti material, such as solid surface (a material made of polyester resin with certain additives) or HPL (High Pressure Laminate).
[0017] b) Lid
[0018] The lid is hinged to a horizontal edge at the top of the box's back wall and is designed to alternate between a closed horizontal position and an open vertical position. When closed, the lid seals the top opening of the box, while when open, it allows the container to be removed. Thus, when closed, the lid seals the box's interior, preventing unpleasant odors from escaping.
[0019] In addition, the lid includes a hatch for inserting waste bags. In the closed position, the hatch seals a cavity in the lid through which the waste is inserted. In the open position, the hatch no longer seals the cavity, allowing waste to be inserted.
[0020] In principle, the lid could have any configuration as long as it allowed the box to be opened and closed. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid has a first portion closer to the horizontal edge of the box's rear wall to which it is hinged, and a second portion closer to the upper front edge of the box. In this case, the hatch is located in the first portion of the lid, that is, the portion closest to the hinge, which is on the side of the box closest to the sidewalk.
[0021] Furthermore, the hatch is preferably hinged and opens inwards, being attached to a horizontal side of the lid cavity which, when the lid is closed, is in a higher position than the opposite side of the cavity. Thus, when the lid is opened, the hatch automatically closes due to gravity.
[0022] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid may have behind the hatch on its inner face a shredder or compactor to optimize the capacity of the containers, especially for waste that occupies a large volume and weighs little, such as packaging or cardboard.
[0023] The receptacle of the invention also features the characteristic that the front wall of the box is shorter than the rear and side walls. Furthermore, the lid comprises a hinged front plate, acting as a skirt, attached to one front side of the lid. Specifically, this skirt is configured such that, when the lid is in the closed horizontal position, the front plate assumes a first vertical position essentially coplanar with the front wall of the box, thus covering a gap between an upper edge of the front wall of the box and the front side of the lid. Conversely, when the lid is in the open position, the front plate assumes a second vertical position adjacent to and essentially parallel with the lid, thereby freeing a vertical space above the box for removing the container.
[0024] The front wall height shall be sufficient to allow the collection truck's arm to approach horizontally the lug of the container housed inside the receptacle. Since the lug height on side-loading containers is approximately 100 cm to 125 cm, the front wall height shall preferably be less than 120 cm, and more preferably less than 100 cm. The front wall may have a minimum height of, for example, between 50 cm and 80 cm. The height of the side and rear walls, on the other hand, shall be greater than the height of the container. Since side-loading containers are approximately 120 cm to 190 cm high, the height of the side walls shall be between 130 cm and 200 cm.In any case, as mentioned above, the main concept of the invention is that the side and rear walls will have a height greater than the total height of the container, while the height of the side wall will be lower.
[0025] The described receptacle offers the advantage of improved aesthetics, as it conceals the container and any accumulated dirt. The use of anti-graffiti materials in its manufacture also facilitates cleaning. Overall, the receptacle's visual appeal is much more attractive to the public, thus contributing to the city's beautification. This can be particularly important in tourist areas within city centers. Furthermore, since the receptacle becomes a cleaner and more attractive piece of street furniture than the waste containers housed within it, the side walls of the box can be used to display advertising. Another advantage of the invention's receptacle is that, when in use, the container housed within it does not require a lid or dome with a filling opening for waste disposal.This represents a significant cost saving on the purchase of the containers. Maintenance costs are also reduced, as the container is protected from the elements and therefore no longer susceptible to vandalism or misuse.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receptacle further comprises a hinged mechanism connected between the housing and the faceplate, configured to control the position of the faceplate based on the degree of lid opening. This prevents the faceplate from assuming a vertical position throughout the lid's travel between the open and closed positions, thus avoiding interference with the container or the housing.
[0027] While this mechanism can be configured in different ways, it preferably comprises two interconnected bars. The first bar has one end hinged to a rear upper area of the side wall of the box and the second end hinged to an intermediate point on the front plate. The second bar has one end hinged to a front area of the lid and the second end hinged to an intermediate point on the first bar.
[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the receptacle of the invention further comprises an automatic lid opening means. This opening means may have any configuration provided it allows the lid to rotate around the hinge, alternating between the open and closed positions. For this purpose, a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder connected between the housing and the lid may be used, for example. Another alternative is the use of an electric linear actuator, which has the advantage of not requiring a compressor or hydraulic circuit, as well as being cleaner and consuming less energy. More preferably, two opening means are installed, one on each side of the housing. Additionally, gas actuators may be provided to assist in lifting the lid, propelling it to the open position using gas pressure, in order to reduce electrical consumption.
[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the receptacle of the invention may further comprise a container fill level detector installed inside the box. This detector may be fixed to an underside of the box lid, thus directly facing the container housed within the box. Naturally, when using this solution, the container does not have its own lid, so the waste stored inside is directly facing the detector. The detector may be an infrared, ultrasonic, or laser-based distance sensor oriented vertically downwards. Alternatively, the fill level detector may be a weighing scale located at the base of the box.
[0030] This configuration is advantageous because it allows you to know at any time the fill level of the container housed inside the receptacle, which facilitates adapting the collection frequency to the particular characteristics of each case.
[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the receptacle further comprises a communication medium configured to communicate with a central server. In principle, the communication medium could be of any type, including those based on 5G, 4G, 3G, radio frequency, UMTS, GSM, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth, or any other technology. The communication medium will enable the receptacle of the invention to communicate with a central server for bidirectional data transmission. For example, the communication medium can periodically send the central server the fill level of the container housed within the receptacle of the invention.
[0032] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the receptacle further comprises an automatic locking means configured to selectively lock the hatch in the closed position. The locking means is an electromechanical mechanism configured to lock the hatch in the closed position, for example, by moving a stem, claw, or hook, activating a magnetic element, or by any other means. This automatic locking means, as described later, may be connected to a processing means to allow system operators to selectively disable specific receptacles as needed.
[0033] More preferably, the receptacle may include an identification means configured to identify the user. Thus, based on their identity, it is possible to instruct the automatic locking means to unlock the hatch. This opening control system is advantageous because it allows monitoring of who throws waste into the container, the times they do so, the frequency, preventing people from rummaging through the garbage, etc. This data can then be used for implementing civic education policies or for improving the management of the collection system. In another preferred embodiment, the receptacle of the invention further includes a processing means connected to the lid opening means, the level detection means, the communication means, the automatic hatch locking means, and the identification means to monitor its operation.The processing device can, in principle, be any device as long as it has sufficient connectivity and processing capacity to perform the tasks described in this document. For example, it could be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), or other similar device. The processing device, through the communication medium, will be able to communicate with the central server to receive commands regarding the operation of the various elements and to send data obtained by the sensors.
[0034] According to another preferred embodiment, the receptacle further comprises an energy storage means connected to the processing means to provide electrical power. The energy storage means may be, for example, a rechargeable battery housed in a suitable location inside the enclosure. One or more solar panels may also be arranged on the outer surfaces of the enclosure or lid for charging the battery, which could eliminate the need to supply electrical power to the electrical / electronic devices within the receptacle. Alternatively, it may be connected directly to the electrical grid.
[0035] In another embodiment, the receptacle may include a disinfectant / deodorant diffuser housed inside the box. This diffuser is connected to a disinfectant / deodorant reservoir located anywhere suitable inside the box and has an automatic actuation means for dispensing the disinfectant / deodorant. For example, the dispensing of disinfectant / deodorant could be programmed, injecting pulses of disinfectant / deodorant at specific times or frequencies. Alternatively, the automatic actuation means may be connected to the processing means, allowing disinfectant / deodorant dispensing commands to be sent from the central server.
[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figs. 1 a-1 e show a sequence of images of the opening of a receptacle according to the present invention.
[0037] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of various electronic components included in the receptacle of the invention.
[0038] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0039] An example of a receptacle (1) according to the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0040] As can be seen in more detail in Figs. 1a-1e, the receptacle (1) consists of a box (2) fitted with a lid (3) inside which a side-loading waste container (C) is housed.
[0041] The box (2) is essentially a rectangular parallelepiped with dimensions suitable for comfortably accommodating the container (C). Specifically, the box (2) consists of a front wall (21), a rear wall (22), and two side walls (23), and is open at the top. The front wall (21) of the box (2) in this example is 110 cm high, while the rear wall (22) is 150 cm high. The side walls (23) have a sloping upper edge between these two heights. However, this is not mandatory, as the side walls (23) could have a straight upper edge of the same height as the rear wall (22) provided the box (2) is wide enough to allow the arms (B) of the collection vehicle to pass between these side walls (23) and the sides of the container (C) inside.
[0042] The box has a lid (3) that is connected via a hinge to an upper edge of the rear wall (22) of the box (2). The lid (3) can thus alternate between a closed position, in which it covers the top of the box (2), and an open position, in which it exposes the top of the box (2). In this example, the lid (3) has a shape that conveniently facilitates the introduction of waste into the box (2). Specifically, the lid (3) has a first portion adjacent to the rear wall (22) that projects vertically from the rest of the lid (3). In a rear wall of this projecting portion of the lid (3), there is a cavity for introducing waste, in which a trapdoor (31) is arranged. For the purpose of controlling the opening process of the lid (3), the receptacle (1) also has a hinged mechanism connected between the box (2) and the front plate (32).This mechanism is configured to control the position of said front plate (32) according to a degree of opening of the lid (3), preventing it from adopting a vertical position throughout the entire path of the lid (3) between the open position and the closed position for the purpose of avoiding interference with the container (100) or with the box (2).
[0043] The hatch (31) is hinged to the upper horizontal side of the aforementioned lid cavity (3). In this example, the hatch (31) travels inside the box (2) so that, when unlocked, it opens when a user pushes it inward, for example, when inserting a garbage bag (as shown in Fig. 1a). However, when the lid (3) is opened, gravity pushes the hatch (31) back to its closed position, automatically sealing the lid cavity as shown in Figs. 1d and 1e. This is advantageous because it prevents debris from escaping through the lid cavity (3) when the lid is opened.
[0044] More specifically, as shown in the figures, the articulated mechanism (4) comprises two bars (41, 42). A first bar (41) has one end articulated to a rear upper section of the side wall (23) of the box (2) and a second end articulated to an intermediate point on the front plate (32). A second bar (42) has one end articulated to a front section of the lid (3) and a second end articulated to an intermediate point on the first bar (41). This mechanism ensures that in intermediate positions of the lid (3), such as the one shown in Fig. 1c, the front plate (32) does not assume a vertical position, as would occur in the absence of this mechanism (4) due to gravity, but rather an inclined position that prevents it from colliding with the container (C).
[0045] The receptacle (1) in this example also has an automatic means for opening (5) the lid (3), in this specific case a pair of linear actuators fixed between the side walls (23) of the box (2) and the lid (3). In this context, a linear actuator (5) is a device that converts the rotary motion of a motor into the linear displacement of a lead screw, belt, or rack. Thus, when the actuators (5) are activated, the lid (3) is caused to alternate selectively between the closed and open positions.
[0046] The receptacle (1) also has a distance sensor (7) attached to the lid (3) and oriented vertically downwards. This distance sensor (7) will detect the height of the waste inside the container (C), information that will be very useful for managing collection tasks. This sensor (7), as well as the other electrical / electronic components of the receptacle (1), will be connected to a processing unit (11) that controls its operation. This is explained below with reference to Fig. 2.
[0047] As mentioned, the receptacle (1) of the invention has a processing means (11) that is connected to a series of electrical / electronic elements. These elements are, in this example, the lid opening means (5), the level sensor (7), a communication means (8), a hatch locking means (9), identification means (10), and an energy storage means (12).
[0048] The communication medium (8) allows communication with a remote central server (200), for example, located in a facility from which the waste collection of a city is managed.
[0049] The locking means (9) for the trapdoor (31) is an electromechanical device designed to selectively lock the trapdoor (31) in the closed position. For example, the locking means (9) may have a movable stem that, when in the closed position, engages with a hook or hole in the trapdoor (31). The stem's movement between positions may be achieved by electrical actuation from an electric motor, a magnetic means, or other means. In any case, the locking means (9) could operate autonomously based solely on the identity of the person disposing of the waste. In this case, the identification means (10) would determine the person's identity, and based on this, the locking means (9) would unlock the trapdoor (31) only if that person has permission.Alternatively, the locking means (9) could, via the processing means (11), receive commands from the central server (200) to order the locking of the trapdoor (31) when necessary. For example, it might be convenient to disable a set of receptacles (3) during a night when there is a party in a particular neighborhood, or similar.
[0050] The energy storage medium (12), finally, consists fundamentally of a battery, preferably rechargeable, which provides energy to the electrical / electronic elements of the system.
[0051] Thus, as shown in Figs. 1a-1e, the operation of the receptacle (1) of the invention is as follows. Once filled, as explained, the level sensor (7) sends a signal to the processing medium (11), which, via the communication medium (8), transmits this information to the central server (200). Based on the signals received from a plurality of receptacles (3), the waste collection system operator can plan the collection routes. When the waste collection vehicle is next to the receptacle (1), the actuators (5) are commanded to extend and open the lid (3). This can be done, for example, remotely from the vehicle itself using a signal sent via the communication medium (8).Alternatively, the receptacle (1) and the vehicle may be equipped with beacons, for example, based on Bluetooth or REID technology, so that the vehicle's proximity can be detected and the actuators (5) automatically extend to open the lid (3). Another alternative would be the manual activation of a button or similar mechanism on the receptacle (1). In either case, when the actuators (5) extend, the lid (3) opens in a controlled manner, as shown in Fig. 1c. Specifically, the mechanism (4) keeps the lid (3) in an inclined position during its movement between the open and closed positions, preventing collisions with the container (C). In the open position, the hatch (31) closes automatically simply due to gravity.Since the front wall (21) is 110 cm high, about 20 cm lower than the height of the pin (T) on the container (C), the arms (B) of the collection vehicle can extend forward to grasp the pins (T) and lift the container to empty it. Once empty, the container is returned to the box (2), and the actuators (5) are instructed to close the lid (3). The lid (3) closes automatically, and the receptacle (1) is ready to receive waste again.
Claims
AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Office on March 20, 2026 (20.03.2026) 1. Receptacle (1) for side-loading waste containers, characterized in that it comprises: - a box (2) configured to house a waste container (C), wherein the box (2) is in the form of a parallelepiped open at the top formed by a front wall (21), a back wall (22), and two side walls (23); - a lid (3) hinged to an upper horizontal edge of the rear wall (22) of the box (2), said lid (3) being configured to alternate between a closed horizontal position and an open vertical position, and wherein the lid (3) comprises a hatch (31) for the insertion of waste bags, characterized in that the front wall (21) of the box (2) has a lower height than the rear wall (22) and the side walls (23), and in that the lid (3) comprises a front plate (32) hinged as a skirt to a front side of said lid (3), so that, when the lid (3) is in the closed horizontal position, the front plate (32) adopts a first vertical position essentially coplanar to the front wall (21) of the box (2), thus covering a gap between an upper edge of the front wall (21) of the box (2) and the front side of the lid (3), and, when the lid (3) is in the open position, the front plate (32) adopts a second vertical position adjacent to and essentially parallel to the lid (3), thus leaving a vertical space located above the box (2) free for the removal of the container (C).
2. Receptacle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the front wall (21) of the box (2) has a height of less than 120 cm.
3. Receptacle (1) according to claim 2, wherein the front wall (21) of the box (2) has a height of less than 100 cm.
4. Receptacle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an articulated mechanism (4) connected between the box (2) and the front plate (32) configured to control the position of said front plate (32) as a function of a degree of opening of the lid (3), preventing it from adopting a vertical position throughout the travel of the lid (3) between the open position and the closed position for the purpose of avoiding interference with the container (C) or with the box (2).
5. Receptacle (1) according to claim 4, wherein the articulated mechanism (4) comprises a first bar (41) having a first end articulated to a rear upper area of the side wall (23) of the box (2) and a second end articulated to an intermediate point of the front plate (32) and a second bar (42) having a first end articulated to a front area of the lid (3) and a second end articulated to an intermediate point of the first bar (41).
6. Receptacle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an automatic means (5) for opening the lid (3).
7. Receptacle (1) according to claim 6, wherein the opening means (5) comprises at least one pneumatic cylinder, one hydraulic cylinder, or one linear actuator connected between the box (2) and the lid (3).
8. Receptacle (1) according to any of claims 6-7, further comprising at least one gas spring cooperating in the opening of the lid (3) with the automatic opening means (5).
9. Receptacle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a fill level detector (7) of the container (C) installed inside the box (2).
10. Receptacle (1) according to claim 9, wherein the container (C) fill level detector (7) is fixed to an inner face of the lid (3) of the box (2).
11. Receptacle (1) according to claim 10, wherein the container (C) fill level detector (7) is an infrared, ultrasonic or laser-based distance sensor that is vertically downward oriented.
12. Receptacle (1) according to claim 9, wherein the container fill level detector (C) is a weighing scale arranged on a base of the box (2).
13. Receptacle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a means of communication (8) configured to communicate with a central server (200).
14. Receptacle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an automatic locking means (9) configured to selectively lock the hatch (31) in the closed position.
15. Receptacle (1) according to claim 14, further comprising an identification means (10) configured to identify the user and, based on their identity, command the automatic locking means (9) to unlock the hatch (31).
16. Receptacle (1) according to claim 15, further comprising a processing means (11) connected to the lid opening means (5), the level detection means (7), the communication means (8), the automatic trapdoor locking means (9), and the identification means (10) for controlling its operation.
17. Receptacle (1) according to claim 16, further comprising an energy storage means (12) connected to the processing means (11) to provide electrical power.
18. Receptacle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a disinfectant / deodorant diffuser housed inside the box (2).
19. Receptacle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a crusher or compactor disposed behind the hatch (31) on an inner face of the lid (3) to optimize the capacity of the containers (C).
20. Receptacle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the walls (21, 22, 23) of the box (2) are made of an anti-graffiti material.