Animal-resistant resilient trash container and lid mechanism

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.

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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] An animal resistant container or bin with a lid can be fit with a latching mechanism which securely maintains the lid to a top edge of the bin in a closed position in spite of forcible loading such as that imposed by an animal. The bin itself is resistant to permanent deformation which aids in maintaining the lid in the latched closed position. In one embodiment, the bin is a multi-tiered container of stepped tubular sections to enhance structural rigidity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the top edge of the bin is reinforced with a structure such as an increased edge section or addition of a flange. The pin receiving holes can be formed in the edge section or flange. Forces applied to the bin or lid would not normally dislodge the pins from the pin receiving holes. The lid can have a peripheral lip which surrounds the top edge to further stabilize the lid and bin.

[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the nominal diameter or extent of the periphery of the lid is slightly smaller than the nominal diameter of the top edge of the bin. Further, the periphery of the top edge can have an upstanding lip. In the closed position, the lid nests within the lip of the top edge of the bin for avoiding opportunity for an animal for gain purchase to the periphery of the lid and prying the lip off of the bin.

Problems solved by technology

Of particular concern is food waste which can unfavorably attract pests and potentially dangerous animals such as bears.

Further, while providing animal resistant access, automated collection and emptying of the bins is frustrating, often requiring manual intervention to release and enable the lid to be opened before emptying.

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