Animal-resistant resilient trash container and lid mechanism

a technology of latching mechanism and trash container, which is applied in the directions of refuse gathering, transportation and packaging, packaging, etc., can solve the problems of unfavorable attractivity of automated collection and emptying of bins, and food waste which can unfavorably attract pests and potentially dangerous animals

US20070175910A1Inactive Publication Date: 2007-08-02BEAR NECESSITIES WASTE & FOOD STORAGE
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2007-08-02
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

An animal-resistant system for a profiled plastic container has a lid hinged to the container and a latch mechanism having a plurality of radially extending latching pins supported by the lid. A rotary handle actuates the latching pins radially to engage pin receiving holes at the top edge of the container. The cam actuates the latching pins radially outward against biasing to engage the top edge and when the handle is rotated, the cam releases the latching pins to be biased inwardly to release the lid for opening to an open position. Collection equipment can engage lifting bars and remotely actuate the latch mechanism through a release linkage to the cam. An internal safety release can be incorporated into the cam to disable the cam and permit the latching pins to bias to the unlatched position.
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Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to animal resistant trash containers or bins and lids and latching mechanisms for such bins which are operable by humans but resistant to operation by non-human animals. More particularly, a plastic lid is fit with a pin-latch arrangement for coupling with the periphery of the top of a plastic bin. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many containers or bins are now available for the receipt of consumer waste and trash. Of particular concern is food waste which can unfavorably attract pests and potentially dangerous animals such as bears. Typically metal bins are used which combine rugged structures with openings and rigid lids fit with, or otherwise having, concealed latches.

[0003] To date, plastic bins have been avoided due to the ease with which a bear can crush the main receiving structure of the bin and, as a result, dislodge or otherwise bypass the lid entirely.

[0004] Further, while providing animal resistant access, automate...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0035] With reference to FIGS. 1-6, an animal-resistant trash container or bin 10 is a generally cylindrical vessel having a closed bottom 11 and an open top edge 12 fit with a lid 13 which can be manipulated between an open position (FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) to access the bin and a closed position (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) to close the top edge 12 and restrict access to the bin 10. The lid 13 and top edge 12 are constructed to resist deformation under normal deformation forces. The bin 10 need not be generally cylindrical however the shape may be dictated by methods of manufacture, economics or aesthetics.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 1, the bin 10 is preferably formed of resilient materials such as plastic including high density polyethylene (HDPE) and has a stepped structure for providing rigidity, such as three cylindrical and stacked sections 14a, 14b, 14c as shown connected continuously though annular portions 15a, 15b. With reference also to FIG. 2, typically the bin 10 is also fit with w...