One current approach to handling waste on-board an aircraft involves provision of a waste trolley, such as described in FR2659634 having a dedicated waste receptacle box therein. In GB2349852 a trolley having a removable top portion is provided to allow access to the waste receptacle box contained therein. In another approach a plastic bag supported in a cardboard box is inserted into a trolley for use as a waste receptacle. However, such receptacles are bulky and awkward to store and handle in confined spaces. The provision of a dedicated waste trolley clearly adds to the load carried by the aircraft or vehicle and also requires that space be provided to accommodate it when stowed.

The invention addresses these problems.

Statements of Invention According to the invention there is provided a container device comprising: a container having a mouth, and a frame having engagement means for engaging the inside of a trolley, and a rim for engaging the container around its mouth so that the container is suspended from its mouth.

By virtue of the fact that the container device comprises a container and a frame with means for engaging both the container and the trolley enables the trolley to be used for both conventional known uses and also for waste collection.

In one embodiment the container comprises a bag.

In another embodiment the engagement means comprises engagement members for engaging support members inside a trolley.

In a further embodiment the engagement members are for engaging trolley rails.

In one embodiment the frame comprises opposed engagement members for engaging opposed sides of the trolley.

In another embodiment the frame comprises at least one pair of transversely aligned engagement members.

In a further embodiment the engagement members comprise lugs.

In one embodiment the engagement members comprise transversely protruding lugs.

In another embodiment the device comprises front and rear engagement members.

In a further embodiment the front and rear engagement members are located on the rim for engaging the trolley at different levels.

In one embodiment the container mouth has apertures for engaging protrusions on the rim.

In another embodiment the container mouth is engaged with the rim by adhesive or glue.

In a further embodiment the container mouth is resilient to enable it to be engaged with the rim by stretching it over the rim.

In one embodiment the frame comprises a hinge joint enabling it to be folded over on itself for closure of the container.

In another embodiment the hinge joint comprises aligned narrowed portions of the frame.

In a further embodiment the narrowed portions of the frame are configured to enable folding of the frame under the application of pressure by hand.

In one embodiment the frame comprises a strengthening reinforcement near the hinge joint.

In another embodiment the frame comprises a fastening means for retaining the frame in the closed state.

In a further embodiment the fastening means comprises an aligned plug and socket.

In one embodiment the plug tapers inwardly from a base to a top end.

In another embodiment the frame comprises a sealing means configured to seal around the periphery of the frame.

In a further embodiment the sealing means comprises a corresponding ridge and groove.

In one embodiment the seal is an air-tight seal.

In another embodiment the frame comprises a plurality of apertures which are in registry when the frame is closed when the frame is closed to enable insertion of a tie to lock the container.

In one embodiment the device further comprises a tamper evident security tag which can engage corresponding apertures when the frame is closed.

In a further embodiment the container device comprises a support stand comprising feet for engaging a trolley and a support for engaging the frame.

In one embodiment the stand comprises legs to enable the frame to be positioned at a separation of a supporting surface.

In another embodiment the stand comprises cross members connecting the upstanding legs.

In a further embodiment the container comprises a base layer of shock absorbing material.

In one embodiment the container comprises a blister pad layer.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a frame comprising engagement means for engaging the inside of trolley, and a rim for engaging a container around its mouth.

Description of Invention The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig. 1 (a) and 1 (b) are perspective views of a container device of the invention being installed in a trolley and in place in a trolley; Fig. 2 (a), 2 (b) and 2 (c) are perspective views of the frame of the container device of Figs. 1 (a) and 1 (b) in the open state, being folded and in the closed state respectively.

Figs. 3 (a) and 3 (b) are plan views from top and the side respectively of the frame of Figs. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the container device is supported on a support stand; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a container device of an alternative embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 is a detailed view of an alternative engagement means for engaging the container device with the inside of a trolley; Figs. 7 (a) and 7 (b) are plan views from the top and side respectively of a frame of an alternative embodiment; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the frame of Fig. 7 (a) along the line I-I ; Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the frame of Fig. 7 (a) along the line 11-11 ;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the frame of Fig. 7 (a) along the line III- III ; and, Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the frame of Fig. 7 (a) along the line IV- IV; Referring to the drawings, and initially Figs. 1 to 3 a conventional aircraft food trolley 30 comprises a closed top 31, an open front side 32 and multiple pairs of runners 33 for holding food trays. A container device 1 of the invention comprises a frame 2 and a container 3 and is configured for use in a conventional trolley 30. The frame comprises means for engaging the inside of a trolley and for engaging the container 3 around its mouth 11 so that the container is suspended from its mouth.

Referring to Figs. 3 (a) and 3 (b) the frame 2 comprises a rim having a top 4 and depending inner wall 5 and outer wall 6 defining a substantially inverted U-shaped form. The frame has a substantially oblong form which is suitable for engaging the inside of the trolley and the rim of the container 3. The frame comprises outwardly projecting lugs 7,8, 9 and 10. There is a pair of rearward lugs 7 and 8 and a pair of forward lugs 9 and 10. Each pair of lugs is transversely aligned and configured to engage the frame 2 with trolley runners 33 on opposed sides of the trolley to support the device 1 in the trolley 30. The forward lugs 9 and 10 are located nearer to centre of the longitudinal side edges of the frame than the rearward lugs 7 and 8. Due to the oblong form of the frame the rearward lugs have a longer transverse extent than the forward lugs. The distance between the ends of the lugs and longitudinal axis of the frame is substantially the same. The lugs are integral with the frame.

The frame 2 comprises hinge joints 12 comprising a pair of transversely aligned narrowed portions 13 of the frame. The hinge joints 12 are located substantially at the centre of the longitudinal sides of the frame and enable the frame to be folded

over on itself to close the container 3. The narrowed portions 13 are configured to allow folding at the hinge under the application of pressure by the hand of the user.

The frame 2 comprises reinforcements 14 near the narrowed portions 13 to strengthen and support it in use. The reinforcements 14 comprise transverse wall portions which act as stops when force is exerted downwardly on the frame in use.

Under the effect of downward forces the reinforcements abut against each other and the hinge joint 12 is supported.

The frame 2 comprises fastening means comprising a fastening plug 15 and fastening socket 16. When the frame is folded over on itself at the hinge joints 12 the plug 15 is received in the socket 16.

The frame 2 further comprises an edge sealing means comprising a recessed groove 22 and a corresponding ridge 23 formed on the top 4 of the frame. The raised ridge 23 is dimensioned to fit tightly in the groove 22 and to provide an air-tight seal when the frame is folded about the hinge joint and the ridge inserted into the groove. Such an arrangement prevents liquids from leaking from the sealed container and also prevents odours from escaping. The provision of such a sealing means enables use of the container for contaminated substances for example to seal sick bags or other contaminated waste.

The frame further comprises through holes 17 spaced apart at intervals and located such that they are in registry when the frame is closed to facilitate locking of the frame a tie through corresponding through holes. This arrangement enables the container to be locked with a tamper evident security tag by an authorised user, the security tag being engaged with corresponding through holes. In the embodiment shown two pairs of transversely aligned front and rear through holes 17 are provided.

In use, the container device 1 is inserted into the trolley 30 as shown in Figs. 1 (a) and l (b). The lugs 7,8, 9, and 10 of the frame 2 are engaged with runners 33 of the

conventional airline trolley 30. In this case, the rearward lugs 7 and 8 which in use are positioned near the inside rear wall of the trolley 30 are arranged to engage with the third set of runners 33 while the forward lugs 9 and 10 which in use are located near the opening 32 of the trolley are arranged to engage with runners at a lower level. Thus a user is presented with a sloping receptacle mouth for ease of insertion of waste. Clearly the angle at which the container mouth is arranged may be increased or decreased as required by engaging the lugs with the trolley at a different level.

It is also possible to have the rearward and forward lugs engaging the same runner in which case the mouth of the container rests substantially parallel to that runner.

As noted previously the forward lugs 9 and 10 are located nearer to the centre of the frame than the rearward lugs 7 and 8 such an arrangement allows the user to pull the container device 1 forwards on the trolley runners 33 to locate forward pair of lugs 9 and 10 near the open front of the trolley 33. At this position the front portion of the mouth 11 of the device extends out beyond the open front 32 of the trolley to provide the user with ease of access to the mouth. The container device 1 is pushed back into the trolley for transportation and storage.

In an alternative embodiment the frame may comprise further pairs of intermediate lugs (not shown), located between the forward lugs and hinge joint 12 and/or between the hinge joint 12 and the rearward lugs. In use, the frame can be positioned such that the intermediate lugs engage the trolley near the front 32 thereof and the portion of the mouth of the device located to the front of these lugs extends out of the front 32 of the trolley to enable access thereto. A frame having intermediate lugs is suitable for use with a full-size trolley of the type having an internal trolley support member. The trolley internal support member comprises a cross bar or panel which runs between the side walls of the trolley and across the open side of the trolley between the top and base. The cross bar or panel limits

access to a container device accommodated below it. The provision of intermediate lugs allows for the container device to be pulled forwards and outwards beyond the cross bar or cross member to enable ease of access to the container.

Depending on the size of the trolley and requirements two or more container devices may be inserted one above the other in the trolley to provide separate receptacles to allow the waste to be sorted for recycling. Four container devices may be accommodated in a full-size trolley with two in the top and two in bottom enabling further sorting of waste.

Referring to Figs. 2 (a), 2 (b) and 2 (c) the frame is shown in the open state, while being folded and in the closed state. The frame is folded under the user application of pressure by hand to push the transverse ends of the frame upwards about the hinge joint 12. The opposite end portions of the frame are moved towards each other and the fastening means fastened. A tie may be inserted through corresponding through holes 17 to secure the folded frame ends together, this enables the container to be locked. The container may be locked with a tamper evident security tag by an authorised user if required. As shown in Fig. 2 (c) when folded over on itself and fastened the frame provides a handle for the device.

The dimensions of the container device of the invention may be varied in accordance with the size of the trolley being used, the portion of the trolley available to accommodate the container device, and the purpose for which the container device is required.

The container 3 comprises a bag manufactured of a plastics material having a rim 24 and mouth 11. The bag is dimensioned to fit tightly onto the frame and has a depth selected according to requirements for example, when used as a waste disposal receptacle the bag of the container device is deep enough to extend to the base of the trolley and be supported thereon in use. A smaller bag may be provided for receiving

contaminated waste. The bag can be transparent or opaque, as required. A transparent bag may be used for security reasons and allows for ease of inspection of the waste items contained therein, if required.

The bag 3 is connected to the frame 2, by inserting it through or around the frame and folding the top rim 24 of the bag back over the top of the frame so that the bag is engaged tightly over the frame and is suspended from the frame at its mouth 11. The bag is effectively stretched to engage it on the frame. The rim 24 of the bag is 5 to 25 per cent smaller than the frame, the bag is of a resilient material which allows for it to be stretched over the frame and secured thereto. The protruding lugs on the frame may puncture the bag when connected.

Alternatively the bag 3 may comprise holes situated near the rim 24 of the bag and located to fit over the corresponding protruding lugs of the frame to hold the bag securely in position on the frame. The bag may also be attached to the frame by other suitable means for example by adhesive or glue in which case the rim of the bag may be substantially the same size as the rim of the frame.

The frame has a substantially oblong form. The provision of a frame having rounded corners allows ease of connection with the bag 3, there are no sharp corners that might snag the material of the bag, also its ensures that the forces acting between the bag and frame are evenly spread around the mouth 11 of the bag and the periphery of the frame. The substantially oblong frame allows for connection with the bag without the bag being puckered or unevenly connected to the frame. The oblong form is advantageous form a production and assembly point of view in that the form of the frame corresponds to that of the rim and mouth of the bag.

The container device of the invention is designed to fit into the trolley substantially lining the internal periphery of the trolley so that debris is prevented from falling over the rim of the frame and into the trolley. The frame is also wide enough to

provide a convenient sized mouth 11 for receiving waste. The frame and container device are designed to make use of the space available inOside the trolley.

The container may have a base layer of shock absorbing material such as a blister pad layer.

Referring to Fig. 4 an alternative container device of the invention including a stand 18 is shown, in the drawing similar features have been assigned the same reference numerals. The stand 18 comprises vertical supports 19 connected at the base by cross members 20. In use the stand 18 may be placed on top of the trolley 30 or any other suitable supporting surface. The stand 18 comprises supports shaped to receive and hold the frame 2. Alternatively the stand 18 may comprise protruding connector members for insertion into the through holes 17 of the frame 2. In an alternative embodiment the stand may be integral with the frame.

Referring to Fig. 5 a storage device 51 of an alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated. In the drawings similar features have been assigned the same reference numerals. The storage device 51 comprises a disposable storage drawer having a frame 2 supporting a storage bag 53. When items to be stored are inserted into the storage bag it may sealed using sealing film. Storage devices 51 are stored in the trolley by engaging the lugs of the frame 2 are engaged with runners 33 of the trolley 30. The storage device 51 is used to store items such as food, linen, or headphones for example. The size of the storage bag 53 may be varied according to requirements.

Referring to Fig. 6 in an alternative embodiment the frame comprises engagement means 55 comprising top and bottom lugs 56 and 57 with a space therebetween, the lugs engage a trolley rail R above and below the rail. Provision of top and bottom lugs prevents one side of the frame from being tipped up or vertically displaced from the rail R. In the embodiment illustrated the top and bottom lugs are substantially

vertically aligned, however it will be appreciated that the top and bottom lugs may be spaced at a longitudinal separation.

Referring to Figs. 7 (a) and 7 (b) a frame 60 of an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. The frame 60 comprises a rim 61 having an inverted U-shaped form comprising a top and downwardly depending side walls as shown in Fig. 8.

The rim 61 comprises a pair of opposed transversely aligned rearward protrusions 62 and a pair of opposed transversely aligned forward protrusions 63 extending transversely outwards from the rim to engage the rim with supports on the inside of a trolley. In use the rearward protrusions are located near the rear of the trolley and the forward protrusions are located near the front 32 of the trolley.

The rim 61 comprises opposed transversely aligned hinge joints 70 comprising narrowed portions of the side walls. The hinge joints 70 are located substantially at the centre of the longitudinal sides of the frame to enable the frame to be folded onto itself to close the container device. In the embodiment described the narrowed portions are configured to allow folding under the application of pressure by the hand of the user.

The rim 61 also comprises opposed through holes 67. The through holes 67 are located such that they are in registry when the frame is closed to facilitate passing a tie therethrough to securely close the container device. The through holes 67 also enable connection with a support stand 18.

As shown in Fig. 11 the rim 61 comprises reinforcements 71 near the narrowed portions of the frame to strengthen and support the frame in use. The reinforcements 71 comprise transverse wall portions which connect the inner and outer walls of the frame on each side of the hinge joint 70. The reinforcements support the hinge joint and frame when force is exerted downwardly on the frame in use.

Referring to Figs. 7 (a), 9 and 10 the rim 61 comprises fastening means comprising a plug 66 and an opposed socket 65 for receiving the plug to fasten the container in the closed state when the frame is folded over onto itself. The plug protrudes upwardly from the top of the rim 61 and is shaped and dimensioned for correspondence with the socket 65 formed in the rim. The socket comprises a skirt which extends between the downwardly depending walls of the rim. The plug is designed to fit securely into the socket and may have a tapered form or enlarged top locking member to ensure a secure fit, it will be appreciated that the plug and socket may have any suitable form.

The frame 2,60 is manufactured of a plastics material, having suitable strength and resilience. However, it will be appreciated that the frame may be manufactured of any suitable material for example wood, cardboard, biodegradable plastics, stainless steel, Aluminium or coated stainless steel or Aluminium or outer suitable metal.

While in the embodiment described the frame comprises a substantially U-shaped form it will be appreciated that the frame may alternatively be solid in form.

Similarly the frame 18 may be manufactured of any suitable material.

It will be appreciated that the frame and container may be provided as separate components for assembly by the user or may alternatively be provided in assembled form.

In the embodiment described the container of the invention is engaged with runners on the inside of a trolley. However, it will be appreciated that the container may be engaged with any suitable support means provided on the inside of the trolley, for example, support cups or support slots recessed in the side of the trolley. In the embodiment described the protrusions have a substantially parallelopiped form however it will be appreciated that they may have any suitable form for example, a cylindrical form.

The container device of the invention has several advantages over current practice.

In its collapsed ready to use state it may be stored with ease even in confined spaces.

It is convenient to assemble. It ensures excellent hygiene as it is designed to securely fit and effectively line the internal periphery of the trolley thereby substantially sealing the waste receptacle from the trolley and preventing debris from falling over the receptacle rim and into the body of the trolley. The container device of the invention provides means for converting a food cart into a waste cart and thus avoids the requirement for additional dedicated waste trolleys.

The container device of the invention have the advantage that they can be manufactured for use with a conventional trolley or cart, there is no requirement to modify the existing carts or trolleys which are widely used in the industry.

The container device of the invention has advantages from the point of view of handling and security. The container device for waste disposal has a flexible form and is supported inside the trolley while the mouth connected to the rim of the frame protrudes out of the trolley to enable access to the container. Waste inserted into the device is supported by the trolley there is no need for the user to lift the container and waste to insert it into the trolley. The user simply exerts a force on the frame to push that in the rearward direction into the trolley to stow the container. The rearward force may be exerted on the frame by the door of the trolley. The ability to quickly and easily stow the container device and waste is particularly important from the point of view of safety and security on an aircraft or other vehicle where it may be necessary to urgently stow movable items in the event of an emergency.

Also in an aircraft or similar environment space is at a premium and the invention enables optimum use to be made of the available space in the trolley. No cardboard supports or trays are needed to support the container device of the invention or the items stored therein.

The container device of the invention provides excellent security, it is possible for the container to be closed and locked, and security tagged at the time of locking by an authorised person. The locking and security tagging arrangement provides increased security that the container is not tampered with or additional items inserted after being locked and tagged. The provision of a transparent container enables ease of inspection of the locked container for security reasons if needed.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described but may be varied in construction and detail.

It will be appreciated that any suitable form of hinge joint may be used, for example, a mechanical hinge joint. The hinge joint may be such that it is possible to reopen and re-close the container as required. In the embodiments described the frame has a substantially oblong form however, it will be appreciated that a frame of an suitable form for engaging with the inside of a trolley may be used.