EP2485967A1

EP2485967A1 - Storage receptacle

Info

Publication number: EP2485967A1
Application number: EP10822327A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Olov Mattsson
Original assignee: Conscia AB
Current assignee: Conscia AB
Priority date: 2009-10-07
Filing date: 2010-10-07
Publication date: 2012-08-15
Also published as: SE0950736A1; EP2485967A4; WO2011043730A1; SE534287C2

Abstract

A storage receptacle comprising at least four side walls and upper connecting means and lower connecting means. The upper connecting means comprises at least one protrusion located at one side wall of the storage receptacle, wherein said at least one protrusion is adapted to protrude over an upper rim of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of another corresponding storage receptacle. The lower connecting means comprises first engaging means located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion and second engaging means located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion, wherein said first engaging means of the storage receptacle and said second engaging means of the other corresponding storage receptacle are adapted to engage with each other. Joint lifting of said storage receptacle and the other corresponding storage receptacle by lifting in any of said storage receptacle and the other corresponding storage receptacle is enabled. A storage receptacle system comprising at least two storage receptacles as described above for joint lifting of said at least two storage receptacles by lifting in any of said at least two storage receptacles.

Description

STORAGE RECEPTACLE

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a storage receptacle as well as a storage receptacle system.

Background Art

Waste management is an area that has rendered a large interest during the last decades due to the environmental problem that are caused by the waste. In order to decrease the environmental impact from waste, recycling of waste is performed. In addition, waste recycling enables that the valuable resources of the waste are maintained.

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a strategy where the responsibility for managing the product when it, at the end of its lifetime, is considered waste is put on the producer. By implementing EPR, waste management and recycling become even more concerned. In order to enable waste recycling, there have been introduced automatic separation techniques for separating different fractions of waste from each other when different wastes initially are mixed. However, it has in many cases been considered more efficient to let the consumer divide the waste into different fractions already when the consumer disposes the product. This has raised the demand for equipment and procedures for handling the fractions efficient from when the product is considered waste until the waste is recycled or disposed.

Much effort has been devoted to the large scale handling of the fractions of waste, i.e. from collecting the waste at the consumers to use of the recycled materials of the waste or disposing the waste. The handling of waste on the small scale, i.e. initially collecting waste in different fractions when a product is considered waste and transferring the waste to a waste bin from which the waste is collected at the consumers or in a public place, has received much less interest.

Equipment for handling fractions of waste on the small scale are disclosed in FR 2 806 065 and FR 2 681 842. FR 2 806 065 discloses a box for collecting different types of household refuse, which is divided into compartments and has a removable base allowing the different types of refuse to be discharged into separate columns in a refuse bin. FR 2 681 842 discloses an indoor waste bin for selective sorting consisting of different modular compartments that can be positioned together by male and female securing means and thereby the indoor waste bin can be adapted to several arrangements. However, there still exists a need for a waste receptacle that enables easy handling of fractions of waste on the location of collecting the waste as well as easy transfer of the fractions of waste to a waste bin.

Summary of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle that enables easy handling of different fractions, such as fractions of waste. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle that enables easy handling of fractions of waste on the location of collecting the waste. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle that enables easy handling of fractions of waste from the location of collecting the waste to a waste bin. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle that enables easy transfer of fractions of waste from the location of collecting the waste to a waste bin. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle that is easy to manufacture. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle that is possible to manufacturing at a low cost. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle that is cost effective to manufacture.

These and further objects are achieved by a storage receptacle comprising at least four side walls and upper connecting means and lower connecting means, wherein

the upper connecting means comprises at least one protrusion located at one side wall of the storage receptacle, wherein said at least one

protrusion is adapted to protrude over an upper rim of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of another corresponding storage receptacle; and

the lower connecting means comprises first engaging means located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion and second engaging means located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion, wherein said first engaging means of the storage receptacle and said second engaging means of the other corresponding storage receptacle are adapted to engage with each other,

wherein one of said engaging means comprises at least one projection and the other engaging means comprises at least one recess, which is closed both in the direction towards the upper rim or the protrusion and in the direction opposite the direction towards the upper rim or the protrusion, and said at least one projection of one of the storage receptacle and the other corresponding storage receptacle is adapted to mate with said at least one recess of the other of the storage receptacle and the other corresponding storage receptacle; or

said first engaging means comprises at least one projection and said second engaging means comprises at least one recess, which is closed in the direction towards the upper rim and open in the direction opposite the direction towards the upper rim, and said at least one projection is adapted to mate with said at least one recess of the other corresponding storage receptacle; or

both of said engaging means each comprises at least one shoulder, the at least one shoulder located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion is located at a lower level than the at least one shoulder located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion, and the at least one shoulder located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion of the storage receptacle and the at least one shoulder located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of the other corresponding storage receptacle are adapted to bear against each other,

for joint lifting of said storage receptacle and the other corresponding storage receptacle by lifting in any of said storage receptacle and the other corresponding storage receptacle.

The above and further objects are also achieved by a storage receptacle system comprising at least two storage receptacles, wherein each storage receptacle comprises at least four side walls and upper connecting means and lower connecting means for connecting one storage receptacle to at least one other storage receptacle, wherein the upper connecting means comprises at least one protrusion located at one side wall of each storage receptacle, wherein said at least one protrusion of said one storage receptacle protrudes over an upper rim of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said at least one other storage receptacle; and

the lower connecting means comprises first engaging means located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion of each storage receptacle and second engaging means located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of each storage receptacle, wherein said first engaging means of said one storage receptacle engage with said second engaging means of said one other storage receptacle,

wherein, on each storage receptacle, one of said engaging means comprises at least one projection and the other engaging means comprises at least one recess, which is closed both in the direction towards the upper rim or the protrusion and in the direction opposite the direction towards the upper rim or the protrusion, and said at least one projection of one of said one storage receptacle and said one other storage receptacle mates with said at least one recess of the other of said one storage receptacle and said one other storage receptacle; or

on each storage receptacle, said first engaging means comprises at least one projection and said second engaging means comprises at least one recess, which is closed in the direction towards the upper rim and open in the direction opposite the direction towards the upper rim, and said at least one projection of said one storage receptacle mates with said at least one recess of said one other storage receptacle; or,

on each storage receptacle, both of said engaging means each comprises at least one shoulder and the at least one shoulder located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion is located at a lower level than the at least one shoulder located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion, and the at least one shoulder located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said one storage receptacle bears against the at least one shoulder located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said at least one other storage receptacle,

for joint lifting of said at least two storage receptacles by lifting in any of said at least two storage receptacles.

The above and further objects are also achieved by a storage receptacle as defined in the above storage receptacle system.

The storage receptacle of the present invention enables easy handling of different fractions, such as fractions of waste. The storage receptacle of the present invention enables easy handling of fractions of waste on the location of collecting the waste. The storage receptacle of the present invention enables easy handling of fractions of waste from the location of collecting the waste to a waste bin. The storage receptacle of the present invention enables easy transfer of fractions of waste from the location of collecting the waste to a waste bin. The storage receptacle of the present invention enables that several fractions of waste are lifted at the same time. Thereby, the storage receptacle of the present invention enables that several fractions of waste are transported from the location of collecting the waste to a waste bin. The storage receptacle of the present invention enables that several storage receptacles are lifted as one unit. The storage receptacle of the present invention enables that identical storage receptacles are lifted as one unit. The storage receptacle of the present invention enables that waste receptacles of different sizes and shapes are lifted as one unit. The storage receptacle of the present invention enables that different storage receptacles are adapted to different fractions of waste. The storage receptacle of the present invention is easy to manufacture. The storage receptacle of the present invention is possible to manufacture at a low cost. The storage receptacle of the present invention is cost effective to manufacture. The above advantages of the storage receptacle of the present invention also apply to the storage receptacle system of the present invention. In addition, the storage receptacle system of the present invention enables that each storage receptacle of the storage receptacle system is adapted to one fraction of waste. The storage receptacle system of the present invention also provides a storage system that fits in a large variety of kitchen cabinets. Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a storage receptacle according to the present invention.

Fig 2 is a cross-sectional view showing connection of one storage receptacle of an embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention to one other such storage receptacle, which already is connected to one more such storage receptacle.

Fig 3 is a cross-sectional view showing three storage receptacles of the embodiment in fig 2 placed side by side.

Fig 4 is a cross-sectional view showing jointly lifting of three storage receptacles of the embodiment in fig 2.

Fig 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a storage receptacle according to the present invention.

Fig 6 is a cross-sectional view showing connection of one storage receptacle of an embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention to one other such storage receptacle, which already is connected to one more such storage receptacle.

Fig 7 is a cross-sectional view showing three storage receptacles of the embodiment in fig 6 placed side by side.

Fig 8 is a cross-sectional view showing jointly lifting of three storage receptacles of the embodiment in fig 6.

Fig 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a storage receptacle according to the present invention.

Fig 10 is a cross-sectional view showing connection of one storage receptacle of an embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention to one other such storage receptacle, which already is connected to one more such storage receptacle.

Fig 1 1 is a cross-sectional view showing three storage receptacles of the embodiment in fig 10 placed side by side.

Fig 12 is a cross-sectional view showing jointly lifting of three storage receptacles of the embodiment in fig 10.

Fig 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a storage receptacle according to the present invention. Fig 14 is a cross-sectional view showing connection of one storage receptacle of an embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention to one other such storage receptacle, which already is connected to one more such storage receptacle.

Fig 15 is a cross-sectional view showing three storage receptacles of the embodiment in fig 14 placed side by side.

Fig 16 is a cross-sectional view showing jointly lifting of three storage receptacles of the embodiment in fig 14.

Fig 17 is a perspective view of three storage receptacles of an embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention.

Fig 18 is a perspective view of three storage receptacles of an embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention.

Fig 19 is a perspective view of three storage receptacles of an embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention.

Fig 20 is a perspective view of four storage receptacles of an embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention.

Fig 21 is a top view showing a geometrical formation of four storage receptacles of an embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention connected to each other.

Fig 22 is a top view showing a geometrical formation of three storage receptacles of two different embodiments of the storage receptacle according to the present invention connected to each other.

Fig 23 is a top view showing a geometrical formation of four storage receptacles of two different embodiments of the storage receptacle according to the present invention connected to each other.

Fig 24 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a storage receptacle according to the present invention.

Fig 25 is a cross-sectional view showing connection of one storage receptacle of an embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention to one other such storage receptacle, which already is connected to one more such storage receptacle.

Fig 26 is a cross-sectional view showing three storage receptacles of the embodiment in fig 25 placed side by side. Fig 27 is a cross-sectional view showing jointly lifting of three storage receptacles of the embodiment in fig 25.

Detailed Description of the Invention

As said above, the present invention relates to a storage receptacle (1 ) comprising at least four side walls (2) and upper connecting means (3) and lower connecting means (4),

wherein the upper connecting means (3) comprises at least one protrusion (5) located at one side wall of the storage receptacle, wherein said at least one protrusion (5) is adapted to protrude over the upper rim (6) of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5); and the lower connecting means (4) comprises engaging means (7) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) and engaging means (8) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5), wherein said engaging means (7, 8) are adapted to engage with each other.

As said above, the present invention also relates to a storage receptacle system (14) comprising at least two storage receptacles (1 ', 1 "), wherein each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 ") comprises at least four side walls (2) and upper connecting means (3) and lower connecting means (4) for connecting one storage receptacle (1 ") to at least one other storage receptacle (1 '),

wherein the upper connecting means (3) comprises at least one protrusion (5) located at one side wall of each storage receptacle, wherein said at least one protrusion (5) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") protrudes over the upper rim (6) of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of said at least one other storage receptacle (1 '); and the lower connecting means (4) comprises engaging means (7) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 ") and engaging means (8) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of each storage

receptacle (1 ', 1 "), wherein said engaging means (7) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") engage with said engaging means (8) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of said one other storage receptacle (1 ').

As said above, the present invention also relates to a storage receptacle as defined in the above storage receptacle system.

Fig 1 is also a cross-sectional view of a storage receptacle of an embodiment of a storage receptacle system according to the present invention.

Fig 2 is also a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention showing connection of one storage receptacle to one other storage receptacle, which already is connected to one more storage receptacle.

Fig 3 is also a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the storage receptacle system in fig 2 showing three storage receptacles placed side by side.

Fig 4 is also a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the storage receptacle system in fig 2 showing jointly lifting of the storage receptacle system.

Fig 5 is also a cross-sectional view of a storage receptacle of an embodiment of a storage receptacle system according to the present invention.

Fig 6 is also a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention showing connection of one storage receptacle to one other storage receptacle, which already is connected to one more storage receptacle.

Fig 7 is also a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the storage receptacle system in fig 6 showing three storage receptacles placed side by side.

Fig 8 is also a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the storage receptacle system in fig 6 showing jointly lifting of the storage receptacle system.

Fig 9 is also a cross-sectional view of a storage receptacle of an embodiment of a storage receptacle system according to the present invention. Fig 10 is also a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention showing connection of one storage receptacle to one other storage receptacle, which already is connected to one more storage receptacle.

Fig 1 1 is also a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the storage receptacle system in fig 10 showing three storage receptacles placed side by side.

Fig 12 is also a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the storage receptacle system in fig 10 showing jointly lifting of the storage receptacle system.

Fig 13 is also a cross-sectional view of a storage receptacle of an embodiment of a storage receptacle system according to the present invention.

Fig 14 is also a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention showing connection of one storage receptacle to one other storage receptacle, which already is connected to one more storage receptacle.

Fig 15 is also a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the storage receptacle system in fig 14 showing three storage receptacles placed side by side.

Fig 16 is also a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the storage receptacle system in fig 14 showing jointly lifting of the storage receptacle system.

Fig 17 is also a perspective view of an embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention.

Fig 18 is also a perspective view of an embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention.

Fig 19 is also a perspective view of an embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention.

Fig 20 is also a perspective view of an embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention. Fig 21 is also a top view showing a geometrical formation of an embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention.

Fig 22 is also a top view showing a geometrical formation of an embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention.

Fig 23 is also a top view showing a geometrical formation of an embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention.

Fig 24 is also a cross-sectional view of a storage receptacle of an embodiment of a storage receptacle system according to the present invention.

Fig 25 is also a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention showing connection of one storage receptacle to one other storage receptacle, which already is connected to one more storage receptacle.

Fig 26 is also a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the storage receptacle system in fig 25 showing three storage receptacles placed side by side.

Fig 27 is also a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the storage receptacle system in fig 25 showing jointly lifting of the storage receptacle system.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, one of said engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one projection (9) and the other engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one recess (10) and said at least one projection (9) is adapted to mate with said at least one recess (10); or both of said engaging means (7, 8) each comprises at least one shoulder (1 1 , 12), the at least one shoulder (1 1 ) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) is located at a lower level than the at least one shoulder (12) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) and the at least one shoulder (1 1 ) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) and the at least one shoulder (12) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) are adapted to bear against each other.

Embodiments comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess are shown in figures 1 -12 and 17-20. Embodiments comprising at least two shoulders are shown in figures 13-16.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, one of said engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one projection (9) and the other engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one recess (10), which is closed both in the direction towards the upper rim (6) or the protrusion (5) and in the direction opposite the direction towards the upper rim (6) or the protrusion (5). Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 -8 and 24-27.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, said engaging means (7) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) comprises at least one projection (9) and said engaging means (8) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) comprises at least one recess (10), which is closed in the direction towards the upper rim (6) and open in the direction opposite the direction towards the upper rim (6). Such embodiments are shown in figures 9-12 and 17-20.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the upper connecting means (3) comprises at least two protrusions (5) located at two side walls (2) of the storage receptacle and

the lower connecting means (4) comprises at least two engaging means (7) located at the two side walls having said at least two protrusions (5) and at least two engaging means (8) located at the two side walls opposite the two side walls having said at least two protrusions (5). Such embodiments are shown in figures 17-20.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the storage receptacle (1 ) is downwards tapering. Such

embodiments are shown in figures 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 17-20 and 25-27.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the storage receptacle (1 ) has lifting means (13). Such

embodiments are shown in figures 1 -20 and 24-27. In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, on each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 "), one of said engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one projection (9) and the other engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one recess (10) and said at least one projection (9) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") mates with said at least one recess (10) of said one other storage receptacle (1 '); or,

on each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 "), both of said engaging means (7, 8) each comprises at least one shoulder (1 1 , 12) and the at least one shoulder

(1 1 ) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) is located at a lower level than the at least one shoulder (12) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) and the at least one shoulder (1 1 ) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") bears against the at least one shoulder

(12) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of said at least one other storage receptacle (1 '). Embodiments comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess are shown in figures 1 -12 and 17-20. Embodiments comprising at least two shoulders are shown in figures 13-16.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, on each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 "), one of said engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one projection (9) and the other engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one recess (10), which is closed both in the direction towards the upper rim (6) or the protrusion (5) and in the direction opposite the direction towards the upper rim (6) or the protrusion (5). Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 -8 and 24-27. In such embodiments said at least one projection (9) of one of said one storage receptacle (1 ") and said one other storage receptacle (1 ') mates with said at least one recess (10) of the other of said one storage receptacle (1 ") and said one other storage receptacle (1 ').

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, on each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 "), said engaging means (7) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) comprises at least one projection (9) and said engaging means (8) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) comprises at least one recess (10), which is closed in the direction towards the upper rim (6) and open in the direction opposite the direction towards the upper rim (6). Such embodiments are shown in figures 9-12 and 17-20. In such

embodiments said at least one projection (9) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") mates with said at least one recess (10) of said one other storage receptacle (1 ').

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, on each storage receptacle (1 ' 1 "), the upper connecting means (3) comprises at least two protrusions (5) located at two side walls (2) of each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 ") and

the lower connecting means (4) comprises at least two engaging means (7) located at said two side walls having said at least two protrusions (5) and at least two engaging means (8) located at the two side walls opposite the two side walls having said at least two protrusions (5). Such embodiments are shown in figures 17-20.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, the storage receptacle system (14) comprises at least three storage receptacles (1 ', 1 ", 1 "') and the at least two protrusions (5) of said one storage (1 ") receptacle protrude over the upper rim (6) of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of at least two other storage receptacles (1 ', 1 "'). One such embodiment is shown in figure 20.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 ") is downwards tapering. Such embodiments are shown in figures 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 17-20 and 25-27.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, the at least two storage receptacles (1 ', 1 ") of the storage receptacle system (14) have the same height. Such embodiments are shown in figures 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 17-20 and 25-27. In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 ") has lifting means (13). Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 -20 and 24-27.

The storage receptacle of the present invention may be used for storing a large variety of objects.

The storage receptacle of the present invention is in particular suitable for storing waste.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the storage receptacle is a waste receptacle.

The storage receptacle system of the present invention may be used for storing a large variety of objects.

The storage receptacle system of the present invention is in particular suitable for storing waste, such as different fractions of waste.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, the storage receptacle system is a waste receptacle system and each storage receptacle of the storage receptacle system is a waste receptacle.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, said at least one protrusion of said one storage receptacle protrudes over the upper rim of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said at least one other storage receptacle when said storage receptacles are connected to each other; and

said engaging means located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said one storage receptacle engage with said engaging means located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said one other storage receptacle when said storage receptacles are connected to each other.

It is possible to connect two or more storage receptacles of the invention to each other, see figures 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 17-20 and 25-27. When connecting two storage receptacles of the invention, the at least one protrusion of a second storage receptacle (1 ") protrudes over the upper rim of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of a first storage receptacle (1 '). Thereby, it is possible to lift the second storage receptacle (1 ") by lifting the first storage receptacle (1 '). Also, when

connecting two storage receptacles, the engaging means of the second storage receptacle (1 ") engage with the engaging means of the first storage receptacle (1 '). Thereby, it is possible to lift the first storage receptacle (1 ') by lifting the second storage receptacle (1 "). Thereby, joint lifting of the two storage receptacles by lifting in any of the storage receptacles is enabled.

Similarly, when connecting three storage receptacles of the invention joint lifting of the three storage receptacles by lifting in any of the storage receptacles is enabled. For example, it is possible to connect one further storage receptacle to the two storage receptacles above by connecting a third storage receptacle (1 "') to the second storage receptacle (1 "), see figures 2- 4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 17-18 and 25-27. When connecting the third storage receptacle (1 "') to the second storage receptacle (1 "), the at least one protrusion of the third storage receptacle (1 "') protrudes over the upper rim of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of the second storage receptacle (1 "). Thereby, it is possible to lift the third storage receptacle (1 "') by lifting the first storage receptacle (1 ') or the second storage receptacle (1 "). Also when connecting the third storage receptacle (1 "') to the second storage receptacle (1 "), the engaging means of the third storage receptacle (1 "') engage with the engaging means of the second storage receptacle (1 "). Thereby, it is possible to lift the first storage receptacle (1 ') and the second storage receptacle (1 ") by lifting the third storage receptacle (1 "'). Thereby, joint lifting of the three storage receptacles by lifting in any of the storage receptacles is enabled.

Similarly, when connecting further storage receptacles of the invention joint lifting of all of the connected storage receptacles by lifting in any of the storage receptacles is enabled. This is valid regardless of in what geometrical formation the storage receptacles of the invention are connected. Joint lifting of connected storage receptacles of the invention is e.g. enabled when a protrusion of a third storage receptacle (1 "') protrudes over the upper rim of a side wall of a second storage receptacle (1 ") and a protrusion of the second storage receptacle (1 ") protrudes over the upper rim of a side wall of a first storage receptacle (1 ') (shown in figures 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 17-18 and 25-27), as well as when a protrusion of a third storage receptacle (1 "') protrudes over the upper rim of a side wall of a first storage receptacle (1 ') and a protrusion of a second storage receptacle (1 ") protrudes over the upper rim of another side wall of the first storage receptacle (1 ') (shown in figure 19). Further examples of possible geometrical formations are shown in figures 20-23.

Analogously, in the storage receptacle system of the present invention, said at least one protrusion of said one storage receptacle (1 ") protrudes over the upper rim of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said at least one other storage receptacle (1 ') for lifting of said one storage receptacle (1 ") by lifting said at least one other storage

receptacle (1 '); and

said engaging means located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said one storage receptacle (1 ") engage with said engaging means located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said one other storage receptacle (1 ') for lifting of said at least one other storage receptacle (1 ') by lifting said one storage receptacle (1 "). Thereby, joint lifting of the storage receptacle system by lifting in any of the storage receptacles of the storage receptacle system is enabled. See figures 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 17-20 and 25-27.

Joint lifting of all of the storage receptacles of the storage receptacle system of the invention by lifting in any of the storage receptacles is enabled. This is valid regardless of in what geometrical formation the storage receptacles of the storage receptacle system of the invention are connected. Examples of possible geometrical formations are shown in figures 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 17-20, 21 -23 and 25-27.

Storage receptacles of the invention may be of different sizes and shapes. Thus, storage receptacles of the invention may be customized to suit various objects to store in the storage receptacles. However, it may be advantageous to standardize the shape and also use some standardized sizes of the storage receptacle. For example, a modular system of storage receptacles may be achieved by manufacturing storage receptacles where the length of one side is a factor of the length of another storage receptacle. Thus, a flexible system of different sizes of storage receptacles is obtained. Examples of such flexible systems are shown in the figures 21 -23. By limiting the number of shapes and sizes, the manufacturing cost is reduced, in particular if the storage receptacles are produced of plastics, since then the number of costly moulding tools is limited. Also the handling, storage and transport costs may be decreased, especially if the storage receptacles are stackable. The storage receptacles of the invention may also be identical in order to further decrease the manufacturing, handling, storage and transport costs. A geometrical formation of identical storage receptacles is e.g. shown in fig 21 .

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, the storage receptacles are of different shapes. In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, the storage receptacles are of different sizes. In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, the storage receptacles are of modular sizes. The advantages of these embodiments are e.g. that a flexible system and/or low manufacturing costs are achieved according to the above reasoning. In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, the storage receptacles are identical. Thus the manufacturing, handling, storage and transport costs are further decreased.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the invention, each storage receptacle is adapted to the kind of object to be stored in each storage receptacle. In particular, in one embodiment of the waste receptacle system according to the present invention, each waste receptacle of the waste receptacle system of the present invention is adapted to the fraction of waste that is collected in each receptacle. One example of an adaption is that if the waste preferably is stored under conditions of good circulation of air, the walls of the waste receptacle may be provided with openings. The size of each waste receptacle may also be adapted to the amount of the fraction of waste that normally is generated.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the lower connecting means (4) comprises first engaging means (7) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion and second engaging means (8) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5), wherein said first engaging means (7) and second engaging means (8) are adapted to engage with each other. For reference numbers, see figures 1 , 5, 9, 13 and 24.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, one of said first and second engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one projection (9) and the other of said first and second engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one recess (10) and said at least one projection (9) is adapted to mate with said at least one recess (10); or

said first engaging means (7) comprises at least one lower shoulder (1 1 ) and said second engaging means (8) comprises at least one upper shoulder (12), wherein the at least one lower shoulder (1 1 ) is located at a lower level than the at least one upper shoulder (12) and the at least one lower shoulder (1 1 ) and the at least one upper shoulder (12) are adapted to bear against each other. Embodiments comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess are shown in figures 1 -12, 17-20 and 24-27. Embodiments comprising at least one lower shoulder and at least one upper shoulder are shown in figures 13-16.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, the lower connecting means (4) comprises first engaging means (7) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 ") and second engaging means (8) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 "), wherein said first engaging means (7) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") engage with said second engaging means (8) of said one other storage receptacle (1 '). For reference numbers, see figures 1 , 5, 9, 13 and 24.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, on each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 "), one of said first and second engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one projection (9) and the other of said first and second engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one recess (10), wherein said at least one projection (9) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") mates with said at least one recess (10) of said one other storage receptacle (1 '); or,

on each storage receptacle, said first engaging means (7) comprises at least one lower shoulder (1 1 ) and said second engaging means (8) comprises at least one upper shoulder (12) and the at least one lower shoulder (1 1 ) is located at a lower level than the at least one upper shoulder (12), wherein the at least one lower shoulder (1 1 ) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") and the at least one upper shoulder (12) of said at least one other storage receptacle (1 ') are adapted to bear against each other. Embodiments comprising at least one protrusion and at least one recess are shown in figures 1 -12, 17-20 and

24- 27. Embodiments comprising at least one lower shoulder and at least one upper shoulder are shown in figures 13-16.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion comprises an upper rim. In one embodiment of the present invention, each side wall opposite a side wall having said at least one protrusion comprises an upper rim. In one

embodiment of the present invention, each side wall comprises an upper rim.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the at least one protrusion is located at the upper rim of the side wall having said at least one protrusion. Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 -20 and 24-27.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, on each storage receptacle, the at least one protrusion is located at the upper rim of the side wall having said at least one protrusion. Such embodiments are shown in figures 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 17-20 and

25- 27.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the upper connecting means comprises at least two protrusions located at the upper rim of two side walls of the storage receptacle. Such embodiments are shown in figures 17-20.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, on each storage receptacle, the upper connecting means comprises at least two protrusions located at the upper rim of two side walls of each storage receptacle. Such embodiments are shown in figures 17-20.

That the protrusion of the upper connecting means protrudes over the upper rim of a side wall, means that the protrusion at least partially is located above the upper rim of the side wall .

The protrusion of the upper connecting means may be any kind of protrusion, which when two storage receptacles are placed side by side protrudes over the upper rim of a side wall of a storage receptacle placed next to the side wall having the protrusion. In one embodiment, the protrusion is a protrusion protruding essentially vertically from the side wall having the protrusion. Such embodiments are shown in figures 13-16. In one

embodiment, the protrusion is a folded protrusion which when two storage receptacles are placed side by side is folded over the upper rim of a side wall of a storage receptacle placed next to the side wall having the protrusion. Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 -12, 17-20 and 24-27.

In one embodiment of the present invention, on each side wall having said at least one protrusion, said at least one protrusion is one protrusion extended along the whole inner length of the upper rim of said side wall having said at least one protrusion; or at least two protrusions of which one is located at one inner end of the upper rim of said side wall having said at least one protrusion and one other is located at the opposite inner end of the upper rim of said side wall having said at least one protrusion. Both the presence of a protrusion extended along the whole inner length of the upper rim of the side wall having the protrusion and the presence of at least two protrusions of which one is located at one inner end of the upper rim of the side wall having said at least one protrusion and one other is located at the opposite inner end of the upper rim of said side wall having said at least one protrusion may result in that one storage receptacle not will be displaced in relation to one other storage receptacle. This is due to that the protrusion extended along the whole inner length of the upper rim of the side wall having the protrusion or the two protrusions located at the inner ends of the upper rim of a the side wall of one storage receptacle abut at least one other side wall of one other storage receptacle than the side wall over which the at least one protrusion protrudes.

In one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one projection is located at the bottom edge of the side wall having said at least one protrusion and said at least one recess is located at the bottom edge of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion. Such embodiments are shown in figures 9-12 and 17-20.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one protrusion is at least one protrusion attached to the storage receptacle, e.g. by means of screws and/or snap connections. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one protrusion is at least one protrusion jointly moulded with the storage receptacle, i.e. is a portion of the storage receptacle, which protrudes from the side wall having said at least one protrusion. Preferably, the at least one protrusion is at least one protrusion jointly moulded with the storage receptacle. Embodiments having at least one protrusion jointly moulded with the storage receptacle are shown in figures 1 -20 and 24-27.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one projection is at least one projection attached to the storage receptacle, e.g. by means of screws and/or snap connections. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one projection is at least one projection jointly moulded with the storage receptacle, i.e. is a portion of the storage receptacle, which projects from the side wall having said at least one projection. Preferably, the at least one projection is at least one projection attached to the storage receptacle, e.g. by means of screws and/or snap connections.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one shoulder is at least one shoulder attached to the storage receptacle, e.g. by means of screws and/or snap connections. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one shoulder is at least one shoulder jointly moulded with the storage receptacle, i.e. is a portion of the storage receptacle, which protrudes from the side wall having said at least one shoulder. Preferably, the at least one shoulder is at least one shoulder jointly moulded with the storage receptacle. Embodiments having at least one shoulder jointly moulded with the storage receptacle are shown in figures 13-16. In one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one protrusion is at least one hook. In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the at least one hook is adapted to being hooked over the upper rim of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one hook. Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 -12, 17-20 and 24-27. In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, the at least one hook of said one storage receptacle is hooked over the upper rim of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said at least one other storage receptacle. Such embodiments are shown in figures 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 17-20 and 24-27.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage receptacle comprises at least four side walls, such as at least six side walls, such as at least eight side walls. In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage receptacle comprises four side walls. Embodiments comprising four side walls are shown in figures 1 -27.

In one embodiment of the present invention, at least two of said at least four side walls are parallel to each other in pairs of two side walls. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least four of said at least four side walls are parallel to each other in pairs of two side walls. Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 , 5, 9, 13 and 24.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper rims of at least two of said at least four side walls are parallel to each other in pairs of two side walls. In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper rims of at least four of said at least four side walls are parallel to each other in pairs of two side walls. Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 -20 and 24-27. In embodiments having parallel upper rims the storage receptacle may also be downwards tapering.

In one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one protrusion is located at one side wall of said pair of side walls and the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion is the other side wall of said pair of side walls. Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 -20 and 24-27. Consequently, in one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the storage receptacle comprises at least four side walls and upper connecting means and lower connecting means, wherein the upper rims of at least two of said at least four side walls are parallel to each other in pairs of two side walls, wherein

the upper connecting means comprises at least one protrusion located at one side wall of said pair of side walls, wherein said at least one protrusion is adapted to protrude over the upper rim of the other side wall of said pair of side walls; and

the lower connecting means comprises engaging means located at said one side wall of said pair of side walls and engaging means located at said other side wall of said pair of side walls, wherein said engaging means are adapted to engage with each other.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the storage receptacle comprises at least a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a fourth side wall and upper connecting means and lower connecting means, wherein the upper rims of at least said first side wall and said third side wall are parallel to each other, wherein

the upper connecting means comprises at least one protrusion located at the first side wall, wherein said at least one protrusion is adapted to protrude over the upper rim of the third side wall; and

the lower connecting means comprises first engaging means located at said first side wall and second engaging means located at said third side wall, wherein said first engaging means and second engaging means are adapted to engage with each other.

Similarly, in one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, the storage receptacle system comprises at least two storage receptacles, wherein each storage receptacle comprises at least four side walls and upper connecting means and lower connecting means for connecting one storage receptacle to at least one other storage receptacle, wherein the upper rims of at least two of said at least four side walls are parallel to each other in pairs of two side walls, wherein the upper connecting means comprises at least one protrusion located at one side wall of said pair of side walls of each storage receptacle, wherein said at least one protrusion of said one storage receptacle protrudes over the upper rim of the other side wall of said pair of side walls of said at least one other storage receptacle; and

the lower connecting means comprises engaging means located at said one side wall of said pair of side walls of each storage receptacle and engaging means located at said other side wall of said pair of side walls of each storage receptacle, wherein said engaging means located at said one side wall of said pair of side walls of said one storage receptacle engage with said engaging means located at said other side wall of said pair of side walls of said one other storage receptacle.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, the storage receptacle system comprises at least two storage receptacles, wherein each storage receptacle comprises at least a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a fourth side wall and upper connecting means and lower connecting means for connecting one storage receptacle to at least one other storage receptacle, wherein the upper rims of at least said first side wall and said third side wall are parallel to each other, wherein

on each storage receptacle the upper connecting means comprises at least one protrusion located at said first side wall, wherein said at least one protrusion of said one storage receptacle protrudes over the upper rim of said third side wall of said at least one other storage receptacle; and

on each storage receptacle the lower connecting means comprises first engaging means located at said first side wall and second engaging means located at said third side wall, wherein said first engaging means located at said first side wall of said one storage receptacle engage with said second engaging means located at said third side wall of said one other storage receptacle.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper rims of at least four of said at least four side walls are parallel to each other in pairs of two side walls, wherein the upper connecting means comprises at least two protrusions of which one protrusion is located at one side wall of one of the at least two pairs of side walls and one other protrusion is located at one side wall of one other of the at least two pairs of side walls, wherein

the lower connecting means comprises at least two engaging means of which one engaging means is located at said one side wall of said one of the at least two pairs of side walls and one other engaging means is located at said one side wall of said one other of the at least two pairs of side walls and at least two engaging means of which one engaging means is located at one other side wall of said one of the at least two pairs of side walls and one other engaging means is located at one other side wall of said one other of the at least two pairs of side walls.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper rims of at least four of said at least four side walls are parallel to each other in pairs of two side walls, wherein

the upper connecting means comprises at least two protrusions of which one protrusion is located at one side wall of one of the at least two pairs of side walls and one other protrusion is located at one side wall of one other of the at least two pairs of side walls, wherein

the lower connecting means comprises at least two first engaging means of which one first engaging means is located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said one of the at least two pairs of side walls and one other first engaging means is located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said one other of the at least two pairs of side walls and wherein

the lower connecting means further comprises at least two second engaging means of which one second engaging means is located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said one of the at least two pairs of side walls and one other second engaging means is located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion of said one other of the at least two pairs of side walls.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the storage receptacle comprises at least a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a fourth side wall and upper connecting means and lower connecting means, wherein the upper rims of at least said first side wall and said third side wall are parallel to each other and the upper rims of said second side wall and said fourth side wall are parallel to each other, wherein

the upper connecting means comprises at least two protrusions of which one protrusion is located at said first side wall and one other protrusion is located at said second side wall, wherein said at least one protrusion located at said first side wall is adapted to protrude over the upper rim of the third side wall and said at least one protrusion located at said second side wall is adapted to protrude over the upper rim of said fourth side wall; and the lower connecting means comprises at least two first engaging means of which one first engaging means is located at said first side wall and one other first engaging means is located at said second side wall and at least two second engaging means of which one second engaging means is located at said third side wall and one other second engaging means is located at said fourth side wall, wherein

said first and second engaging means are adapted to engage with each other, i.e. said first engaging means located at said first side wall and said second engaging means located at said third side wall are adapted to engage with each other and said first engaging means located at said second side wall and said second engaging means located at said fourth side wall are adapted to engage with each other.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, the storage receptacle system comprises at least two storage receptacles, wherein each storage receptacle comprises at least a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a fourth side wall and upper connecting means and lower connecting means for connecting one storage receptacle to at least one other storage receptacle, wherein

on each storage receptacle the upper rims of at least said first side wall and said third side wall are parallel to each other and the upper rims of at least said second side wall and said fourth side wall are parallel to each other, wherein on each storage receptacle the upper connecting means comprises at least two protrusions of which one protrusion is located at said first side wall and one other protrusion is located at said second side wall, wherein

said at least one protrusion located at said first side wall of said one storage receptacle protrudes over the upper rim of said third side wall of said at least one other storage receptacle and said at least one protrusion located at said second side wall of said one storage receptacle protrudes over the upper rim of said fourth side wall of said at least one other storage receptacle; wherein

on each storage receptacle the lower connecting means comprises at least two first engaging means of which one first engaging means is located at said first side wall and one other first engaging means is located at said second side wall and at least two second engaging means of which one second engaging means is located at said third side wall and one other second engaging means is located at said fourth side wall, wherein

said first and second engaging means engage with each other, i.e. said first engaging means located at said first side wall of said one storage receptacle engage with said second engaging means located at said third side wall of said one other storage receptacle and said first engaging means located at said second side wall of said one storage receptacle engage with said second engaging means located at said fourth side wall of said one other storage receptacle.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the storage receptacle has lifting means. Naturally, the presence of lifting means facilitates the lifting of the storage receptacle and makes it easier to transport the storage receptacle. Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 -20 and 24-27.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, at least one of the storage receptacles has lifting means. Naturally, the presence of lifting means facilitates the lifting of the storage receptacle system and makes it easier to transport the storage receptacle system. In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, each storage receptacle has lifting means. Such

embodiments are shown in figures 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 17-20 and 25-27. The presence of lifting means on each storage receptacle implies that when combining at least two storage receptacles to a storage receptacle system, the combination of at least two storage receptacles, i.e. the storage receptacle system, may be lifted by lifting in the lifting means of any of the storage receptacles. Thus, it is possible to lift the storage receptacle system in the storage receptacle that results in that the storage receptacle system is balanced in the best way. By balancing the storage receptacle system, the storage receptacle system is kept in a substantially horizontal orientation when lifted in the lifting means. Which storage receptacle of the storage receptacle system it is best to lift in its lifting means in order to achieve the best balance depends on how the storage receptacles system is configured and the content of each storage receptacle of the storage receptacle system. The configuration of the storage receptacle system may depend on how many storage receptacles that are comprised in the storage receptacle system, the size and shape of these storage receptacles and in how these storage receptacles are geometrically connected to each other. The content of each storage receptacle of the storage receptacle system may be different in terms of the kind of object and the amount of the object stored in the storage receptacle, which will give rise to different weights of different storage receptacles. Thus, the presence of lifting means one each storage receptacle facilitates the handling of the waste receptacle system, since it makes it easier to carry the waste receptacle system.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the lifting means is at least one handle. Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 -20 and 24-27.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one handle is one handle. Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 -20 and 24-27. The use of only one handle that facilitates lifting of the storage receptacle and/or joint lifting of the storage receptacle system assures that it is possible to lift the storage receptacle and/or storage receptacle system with one hand leaving the other hand free, e.g. for opening doors. In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one handle is foldable. Such embodiments are shown in figures 1 -20 and 24-27. By a foldable handle, the handle is not an obstacle when not used for lifting the storage receptacle and/or the storage receptacle system.

In one embodiment of the storage receptacle according to the present invention, the storage receptacle has emptying means. In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, at least one of the waste receptacles has emptying means. In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, several of the waste receptacles comprised in the waste receptacle system have emptying means. In one embodiment of the storage receptacle system according to the present invention, all waste receptacles comprised in the waste receptacle system have emptying means.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage receptacle is downwards tapering. Such embodiments are shown in figures 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 17-20 and 25-27.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage receptacle is downwards tapering and the at least one projection is sufficiently short to enable piling of at least two storage receptacles, wherein a storage receptacle placed above another is partially accommodated in the storage receptacle below.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage receptacle is downwards tapering and the at least one shoulder is sufficiently short to enable piling of at least two storage receptacles, wherein a storage receptacle placed above another is partially accommodated in the storage receptacle below.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage receptacle is downwards tapering and the at least one projection is at least one projection attached to the storage receptacle. In one embodiment of the present invention the at least one projection is at least one projection attached to the storage receptacle, e.g. by means of screws and/or snap connections.

Thereby, piling of at least two storage receptacles is enabled, wherein a storage receptacle placed above another is partially accommodated in the storage receptacle below.

A waste receptacle means a waste container in which consumers initially place waste or a fraction of waste and from which waste or a fraction of waste is transferred to a waste bin.

A waste receptacle system according to the present invention may be used for fractions of waste that are to be transferred to one specific location, such as at least one waste bin located outdoors close to where the consumer stays or resides, at least one waste bin located in a refuse chamber close to where the consumer stays or resides or at least one waste bin located in a public place. A waste bin means a waste container to which consumers transfer waste or fractions of waste from one or several waste receptacles and from which waste or fractions of waste are collected by authorities or a waste handling company. A waste bin may consist of one compartment and thus be used for one fraction of waste or it may consist of several

compartments, wherein each compartment is used for one fraction of waste. The fractions of waste are normally collected from the waste bin by authorities or a waste handling company.

In one embodiment of the present invention, two or more waste receptacle systems are combined, wherein each of the waste receptacle systems is used for fractions of waste that are disposed in a location different from the location in which fractions of waste of another waste receptacle system is disposed.

Typically, one waste receptacle system is used for fractions of waste that are transferred to at least one waste bin often located outdoors close to where the consumer stays or resides or to at least one waste bin located in a refuse chamber close to where the consumer stays or resides. For example, the location where the consumer stays or resides may e.g. be a house cite, a residential area or a working place. The use of this waste receptacle system facilitates the handling of fractions that are collected in at least one waste bin located outdoors or in a refuse chamber close to where the consumer stays or reside. Thus, these fractions may easily be transported jointly to the at least one waste bin located outdoors or in a refuse chamber close to where the consumer stays or reside. These fractions of waste may e.g. be organic waste/compostable waste/food waste, waste for disposal and waste for incineration.

Typically, another waste receptacle system is used for fractions of waste that are transferred to at least one waste bin located in a public place. For example, the public place may be an area where waste bins are located in order to enable consumers staying or living in the neighborhood to leave fractions of waste in their area of residence. The use of this waste receptacle system facilitates the handling of fractions that are collected in at least one waste bin located in a public place. Thus, these fractions may easily be transported jointly to the at least one waste bin located in a public place. These fractions of waste may e.g. be different kind of materials, such as glass, plastic, metal and/or paper or different kind of packages, such as packages made of glass, plastic, metal and/or paper.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the waste receptacle system is for household waste.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the waste receptacle system is used in a household, for example in a kitchen.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the waste receptacle system is stored in a kitchen cabinet.

The protrusion of the upper connecting means, enables easy connection of one storage receptacle to one other storage receptacle.

Connection of one storage receptacle to one other is shown in figures 2-4, 6- 8, 10-12, 14-16 and 25-27. Note that in figures 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16 and 25- 27 two storage receptacles are already connected to each other (a first and a second storage receptacle) and thus the following exposition refers to the connection of a third storage receptacle to the second storage receptacle.

The connection of a third storage receptacle to a second storage receptacle, wherein the storage receptacles have projections and recesses, may be described as follows (see figures 2-4, 6-8 and 10-12): Lift the third storage receptacle, which is the storage receptacle that is to be connected to the second storage receptacle. Turn the third storage receptacle such that a side wall having a protrusion faces a side wall opposite a side wall having a protrusion of the second storage receptacle. Slide the third storage receptacle down along the second storage receptacle. If necessary, tilt the third storage receptacle such that the projection of the third storage receptacle does not entangle along the side wall of the second storage receptacle. If the storage receptacle not is downwards tapering, the projection of the third storage receptacle will mate with the recess of the second storage receptacle when the third storage receptacle is positioned next to the second storage receptacle in this way. (Then it is likely that it has been necessary to tilt the third storage receptacle when sliding it downwards along the second storage receptacle.) Thus, it is possible to lift both the third and the second storage receptacle (as well as the first storage receptacle) by lifting in any of the third and second storage receptacles (as well as the first storage receptacle).

If the storage receptacles are downwards tapering it might be that the projection of the third storage receptacle does not mate with the recess of the second storage receptacle when the third storage receptacle is positioned next to the second storage receptacle in the way described above (depending on the length of the projection). If the projection of the third storage receptacle is long enough it mates with the recess of the second storage receptacle when the third storage receptacle is positioned next to the second storage receptacle in the way described above and thus both the third and the second storage receptacles may be lifted as above.

If the storage receptacles are downwards tapering and if the projection of the third storage receptacle not is long enough to mate with the recess of the second storage receptacle due to that the tapering of the storage receptacles leaves a space between the storage receptacles when the third storage receptacle is positioned next to the second storage receptacle in the way described above, the projection will mate with the recess when lifting in any of the third and second storage receptacles. This is due to that when lifting in any of the third and second storage receptacles, gravity will imply that the storage receptacles are pushed together and thus the projection of the third storage receptacle mates with the recess of the second storage receptacle. Thus both the third and the second storage receptacles may be lifted as above. The connection of a third storage receptacle to a second storage receptacle, wherein the storage receptacles have shoulders, may be described as follows (see figures 14-16): Lift the third storage receptacle, which is the storage receptacle that is to be connected to the second storage receptacle. Turn the third storage receptacle such that a side wall having a protrusion faces a side wall opposite a side wall having a protrusion of the second storage receptacle. Slide the third storage receptacle down along the second storage receptacle. If necessary, tilt the third storage receptacle such that the first shoulder of the third storage receptacle does not entangle along the side wall of the second storage receptacle and/or the second shoulder of the second storage receptacle does not entangle along the side wall of the third storage receptacle. If the storage receptacle not is downwards tapering, the shoulder of the third storage receptacle will be positioned directly below the shoulder of the second storage receptacle when the third storage receptacle is positioned next to the second storage receptacle in this way. (Then it is likely that it has been necessary to tilt the third storage receptacle when sliding it downwards along the second storage receptacle.) Thus, the first shoulder of the third storage receptacle bears against the second shoulder of the second storage receptacle when lifting in the third storage receptacle. Thus, it is possible to lift both the third and the second storage receptacle (as well as the first storage receptacle) by lifting in any of the third and second storage receptacles (as well as the first storage receptacle).

If the storage receptacles are downwards tapering it might be that the first shoulder of the third storage receptacle not is positioned directly below the second shoulder of the second storage receptacle when the third storage receptacle is positioned next to the second storage receptacle in the way described above (depending on the length of the shoulders). If the shoulders are long enough, the first shoulder of the third storage receptacle is positioned directly below the second shoulder of the second storage receptacle when the third storage receptacle is positioned next to the second storage receptacle in the way described above and thus the first shoulder of the third storage receptacle bears against the second shoulder of the second storage receptacle when lifting in the third storage receptacle. Thus, both the third and the second storage receptacles may be lifted as above.

If the storage receptacles are downwards tapering and if the shoulders not are long enough, the first shoulder of the third storage receptacle is not positioned directly below the second shoulder of the second storage receptacle due to that the tapering of the storage receptacles leaves a space between the storage receptacles when the third storage receptacle is positioned next to the second storage receptacle in the way described above. However, the first shoulder of the third storage receptacle bears against the second shoulder of the second storage receptacle when lifting in the third storage receptacle. This is due to that when lifting in any of the third and second storage receptacles, gravity will imply that the storage receptacles are pushed together and thus the first shoulder of the third storage receptacle bears against the second shoulder of the second storage receptacle when lifting in the third storage receptacle. Thus, both the third and the second storage receptacles may be lifted as above.

Claims

1 . A storage receptacle (1 ) comprising at least four side walls (2) and upper connecting means (3) and lower connecting means (4), wherein

the upper connecting means (3) comprises at least one protrusion (5) located at one side wall of the storage receptacle, wherein said at least one protrusion (5) is adapted to protrude over an upper rim (6) of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of another corresponding storage receptacle; and

the lower connecting means (4) comprises first engaging means (7) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) and second engaging means (8) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5), wherein said first engaging means (7) of the storage receptacle and said second engaging means (8) of the other corresponding storage receptacle are adapted to engage with each other, wherein one of said engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one projection (9) and the other engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one recess (10), which is closed both in the direction towards the upper rim (6) or the protrusion (5) and in the direction opposite the direction towards the upper rim (6) or the protrusion (5), and said at least one projection (9) of one of the storage receptacle and the other corresponding storage receptacle is adapted to mate with said at least one recess (10) of the other of the storage receptacle and the other corresponding storage receptacle; or

said first engaging means (7) comprises at least one projection (9) and said second engaging means (8) comprises at least one recess (10), which is closed in the direction towards the upper rim (6) and open in the direction opposite the direction towards the upper rim (6), and said at least one projection (9) is adapted to mate with said at least one recess (10) of the other corresponding storage receptacle; or

both of said engaging means (7, 8) each comprises at least one shoulder (1 1 , 12), the at least one shoulder (1 1 ) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) is located at a lower level than the at least one shoulder (12) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5), and the at least one shoulder (1 1 ) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of the storage receptacle and the at least one shoulder (12) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of the other corresponding storage receptacle are adapted to bear against each other,

2. A storage receptacle (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the upper connecting means (3) comprises at least two protrusions (5) located at two side walls (2) of the storage receptacle and

the lower connecting means (4) comprises at least two engaging means (7) located at the two side walls having said at least two protrusions (5) and at least two engaging means (8) located at the two side walls opposite the two side walls having said at least two protrusions (5).

3. A storage receptacle (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage receptacle (1 ) is downwards tapering.

4. A storage receptacle (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage receptacle has lifting means (13).

5. A storage receptacle (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage receptacle (1 ) is a waste receptacle.

6. A storage receptacle system (14) comprising at least two storage receptacles (1 ', 1 "), wherein each storage receptacle (1 ) comprises at least four side walls (2) and upper connecting means (3) and lower connecting means (4) for connecting one storage receptacle (1 ") to at least one other storage receptacle (1 '), wherein

the upper connecting means (3) comprises at least one protrusion (5) located at one side wall of each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 "), wherein said at least one protrusion (5) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") protrudes over an upper rim (6) of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of said at least one other storage receptacle (1 '); and

the lower connecting means (4) comprises first engaging means (7) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 ") and second engaging means (8) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 "), wherein said first engaging means (7) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") engage with said second engaging means (8) of said one other storage receptacle (1 '),

wherein, on each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 "), one of said engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one projection (9) and the other engaging means (7, 8) comprises at least one recess (10) , which is closed both in the direction towards the upper rim (6) or the protrusion (5) and in the direction opposite the direction towards the upper rim (6) or the protrusion (5), and said at least one projection (9) of one of said one storage receptacle (1 ") and said one other storage receptacle (1 ') mates with said at least one recess (10) of the other of said one storage receptacle (1 ") and said one other storage receptacle (1 '); or

on each storage receptacle (1 ',1 "), said first engaging means (7) comprises at least one projection (9) and said second engaging means (8) comprises at least one recess (10), which is closed in the direction towards the upper rim (6) and open in the direction opposite the direction towards the upper rim (6), and said at least one projection (9) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") mates with said at least one recess (10) of said one other storage receptacle (1 '); or,

on each storage receptacle (1 , 1 '), both of said engaging means (7, 8) each comprises at least one shoulder (1 1 , 12) and the at least one shoulder (1 1 ) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) is located at a lower level than the at least one shoulder (12) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5), and the at least one shoulder (1 1 ) located at the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") bears against the at least one shoulder (12) located at the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of said at least one other storage receptacle (1 '),

7. A storage receptacle system (14) according to claim 6, wherein, on each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 "), the upper connecting means (3) comprises at least two protrusions (5) located at two side walls of each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 ") and

the lower connecting means (4) comprises at least two engaging means (7) located at said two side walls having said at least two protrusions (5) and at least two engaging means (8) located at the two side walls opposite the two side walls having said at least two protrusions (5).

8. A storage receptacle system (14) according to claim 7, wherein the storage receptacle system (14) comprises at least three storage receptacles (1 ', 1 ", 1 "') and the at least two protrusions (5) of said one storage receptacle (1 ") protrude over the upper rim (6) of the side wall opposite the side wall having said at least one protrusion (5) of at least two other storage

receptacles (1 \ 1 "').

9. A storage receptacle system (14) according to any one of claims 6-

8, wherein each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 ") is downwards tapering.

10. A storage receptacle system (14) according to any one of claims 6-

9, wherein the at least two storage receptacles (1 ', 1 ") of the storage receptacle system have the same height.

1 1 . A storage receptacle system (14) according to any one of claims 6- 10, wherein each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 ") has lifting means (13).

12. A storage receptacle system (14) according to any one of claims 6- 1 1 , wherein the storage receptacle system (14) is a waste receptacle system and each storage receptacle (1 ', 1 ") is a waste receptacle.

13. A storage receptacle (1 ) as defined in any one of claims 6-12.