Water Lid solves a problem that of which many people will be familiar if they use a wheelie bin(s) for their rubbish and recycling collection.
Where I live, we have 3 differently coloured plastic wheelie bins in which to place our segregated rubbish. These bins are all of the same dimensions, with only their colours identifying their contents.
Their design really falls down when it comes to being able to withstand even a modest amount of wind, and in any kind of storm they are quite hopeless, as the lids blow open causing them to eventually tumble around spilling their contents everywhere.
Many people solve this problem by placing a brick or other similar weighted object on the bin lid, but I have a better solution.
I would make the lids hollow and capable of being filled with water. A gallon of water weighs more than ten pounds, (twice the weight of a brick) and would be much easier to add via a simple funnel and kettle process for a less able person than adding a brick. A simple drain plug would enable easy emptying when required.
Result - no more wheelie bins tumbling over when the wind catches their flimsy lightweight lids!-- xenzag, Feb 29 2020 Mass at the top will make it more unstable; the mass is needed at the base, to lower the C of G.
The water idea is good, tho.-- 8th of 7, Feb 29 2020 The problem is the wind lifting the lid, not moving closed bins.-- Voice, Feb 29 2020 How about a latch?-- MaxwellBuchanan, Feb 29 2020 Some bin lids have a hinge at one side connecting the lid to the bin.-- sninctown, Feb 29 2020 // The problem is the wind lifting the lid, not moving closed bins. //
Is it ? What is the failure mode ?
The lid would lift when there is a pressure difference between the interior and exterior, but as soon as the lid lifts slightly the pressure can equalize. However, if the lid is orientated with the hinge away from the wind, the wind can then get underneath and push the lid further ...
If the lid is open, there will be turbulence which may increase the tendency to toppling.
This is in contrast to the force applied to the planar faces of the bin, facing the wind.
Without research in a wind tunnel, it is difficult to identify which effect is responsible. There seems to be a dearth of objective data in this field.
A fin on the side of the lid opposite the hinge, causing the whole assembly to "weathercock", suggests itself as a possible solution.-- 8th of 7, Feb 29 2020 //How about a latch?// Oh go on then. I'll be ready in a few minutes.-- pocmloc, Feb 29 2020 The lid design is for the mechanized truck. It more about getting time to where there is no money.-- wjt, Feb 29 2020 Were both the lid and container double-sided one could fill both with water thus increasing the overall mass, making the container quite wind resistant. Alternately you could stand there with the garden hose and simply fill the container to the top with water. This would keep both the container and the trash truck clean.-- whatrock, Feb 29 2020 Regardless of making the bin top heavy, without a brick on the lid, they topple over. With a brick on the lid, they don’t, so to me that proves that a bit of extra weight on top generates stability. As far as I am concerned a chimpanzee could design better than the wheelie bins that exist in general use in the U.K. Lids that don’t blow open in the wind would be a start and filling them with water would prevent that. Mine currently has a brick on it and is stable in a strong wind. My next door neighbour’s bin (with no brick) has blown over and is wedged against his gate at the end of his drive way, with its contents of two black bags of material ready to be torn open and scattered forth. He doesn’t like the look of a brick on his bin! (We had a conversation on bin stability - this is important stuff. Ha)-- xenzag, Mar 01 2020 The human race eh, a lot of money in systems that don't really need to exist.-- wjt, Mar 01 2020 // We had a conversation on bin stability //
What a thrilling life you must lead. Who knew, huh ?-- 8th of 7, Mar 01 2020 We also discussed roof tile moss accumulation. You probably snack on that so may be getting hungry now.-- xenzag, Mar 01 2020 Our understanding is that moss is a vegetable, and even the default preparation process (repeated deep-frying in lard) cannot render it even remotely attractive as a foodstuff.
As to the discussion, when did this occur ? It would be broadcast live on every TV channel on your planet, shirley ?
Was there a "Half-time show" ? How many billions did you rake in for selling the advertising ?
Coming soon to network TV, a 192 part epic series that makes Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings and the Star Wars franchise fade into the background - "Xenzag and neighbour discuss the quality of the mail delivery service, and how much better or worse it is recently" ....-- 8th of 7, Mar 01 2020 It’s true. The ability to see a reliable delivery of chimney lining jubilee clips has declined markedly in the years since the GPO was privatised. Incidentally your offer to be spoon fed on sawdust marinated in bat guano has been accepted and an agent is on his way. Yes. We know where you live. We really do. Open wide!-- xenzag, Mar 01 2020 We accept your offer with delight....
<Aside>
Hey Sturton, want some free food ? Uber Eats have got the address wrong....
</Aside>-- 8th of 7, Mar 01 2020 random, halfbakery