Container lids

Abstract

The apparatus is a cover for a container. The apparatus includes a frame to mount on a container. The frame is substantially shaped to match an opening of the container. In addition, the apparatus includes a beam extending longitudinally from a first end of the frame to a second end of the frame. The first end is opposite the second end. The beam is disposed approximately along a central axis of the frame. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a first panel to extend from a first side of the frame to the beam. Additionally, the apparatus includes a second panel to extend from a second side of the frame to the beam. The first panel is to overlap the second panel. A region of overlap is supported by the beam.

Description

CONTAINER LIDSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONThis application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 665,720, filed June 28, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0001] Containers are used to collect and contain various content which may include garbage, debris, liquids and other types of content. The containers may be part of a vehicle, such as a truck, or may be standalone containers that may be dropped off at a site and picked up at a later time after loading or unloading. For example, a container may be configured to be delivered and removed via specialized trucks which allow the container to roll on and off the truck. Such trucks may include a tilting bed, a winch system, and / or hooks in order to facilitate loading and unloading the container from the truck. Alternatively, some containers may be delivered and removed with a crane that may be included on a specialized truck or a separate crane located at loading and unloading sites.

[0002] Containers may also include lids to keep the contents from falling out, such as during transport, or to restrict access when valuable contents such as copper or other metals are stored therein. The container lid may also be installed to comply with environmental regulations in some areas where storm water exposure is a concern, to secure the contents from theft, to reduce unauthorized dumping into the container, and to otherwise protect against unwanted or unauthorized access to the container or its contents. Containers may include varying sizes, such as different widths for different applications. For example, local regulations may put limits on a container size due tospace limitations or traffic rules.SUMMARY

[0003] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame to mount on a container, wherein the frame is substantially shaped to match an opening of the container. The apparatus also includes a beam extending longitudinally from a first end of the frame to a second end of the frame. The first end is opposite the second end. The beam is disposed approximately along a central axis of the frame. In addition, the apparatus includes a first panel to extend from a first side of the frame to the beam. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a second panel to extend from a second side of the frame to the beam. The first panel is to overlap the second panel. A region of overlap is supported by the beam.

[0004] The frame may be substantially rectangular to match a rectangular opening.

[0005] The apparatus may further include a first track disposed along the first side of the frame. The first track may be to mount to the container. In addition, the apparatus may include a second track disposed along the second side of the frame. The second track may be to mount to the container. The first track and the second track may allow the frame to slide between a first position to cover the opening and a second position to provide access to the opening.

[0006] The apparatus may include a drive mechanism to move the frame between the first position and the second position.

[0007] The first panel and the second panel may include an alignment mechanism to align the first panel and the second panel in the region of overlap.

[0008] The apparatus may include a fastener to secure the first panel and the second panel to the beam.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of an apparatus to cover a container opening;

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example of a frame of the apparatus shown in figure 1 ;

[0012] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an example of a panel of the apparatus shown in figure 1 ;

[0013] Figure 3B is a perspective view of an example of another panel of the apparatus shown in figure 1 ; and

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another example of an apparatus to cover a container opening.

[0015] Figure 5 is a cross section view of the example of an apparatus shown in figure 4 to cover an opening of a container about the line 5-5;

[0016] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an example of a panel;

[0017] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another example of a panel; and

[0018] Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example of a method of installing an apparatus on a container to cover an opening.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation (e.g. “top”, “bottom”, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “low”, “high”, etc.) may be for illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components will, in practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than those described or shown.

[0020] Containers are used to collect and contain various content which may include garbage, debris, liquids, and other types of content. Containers may have an opening on the top to receive and remove the content. These openings may have lids to keep the contents from falling out, such as during transport, or to restrict access when valuable contents such as copper or other metals are stored therein. Container lids may also be installed to comply with environmental regulations in some areas where storm water exposure is a concern, to secure the contents from theft, to reduce unauthorized dumping into the container, and to otherwise protect against unwanted or unauthorized access to the container or its contents.

[0021] Although there are some standard sizes of containers, the containers come in various sizes with openings that may also vary in size to accommodate different applications. For example, smaller containers may be used in confined locations for maneuverability and larger containers may be used in spaces to allow for larger loads. Furthermore, containers are often used to transport contents along roads, rail, or other means of transportation. Accordingly, the dimension of the containers may be limited due to regulations associated with the intended use of the container. Furthermore, the regulations, such as limits to a dimension of the container, may vary between jurisdictions resulting in the manufacture of containers of varying dimensions, such as widths, to accommodate roads or other infrastructure.

[0022] A lid may be installed to secure the contents from theft, to reduce unauthorized dumping into the container, and to otherwise protect against unwanted or unauthorized access to the container or its contents. Lids for the containers are typically manufactured with the containers that are to be sold with lids. In some situations, an aftermarket lid may be installed by a user after delivery of the container. In either case, the manufacture of a lid involves manufacturing different components of varying sizes to fit on different containers of different sizes.

[0023] An apparatus is provided to cover an opening of a container. The apparatus may be assembled of standardized parts to fit a variety of containers with openings of varying dimensions. In particular, the standardized parts allow for the mass production of parts that may be carried out without modification to the manufacturing process. The parts may then be subsequently used to accommodate containers of different sizes using similar assembly processes to reduce the costs of each apparatus.

[0024] Referring to figure 1 , an apparatus 50 to cover a container opening is generally shown. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the apparatus 50 may include variations with additional features. In addition, the apparatus 50 may take different forms or dimensions. In particular, the size of the apparatus 50 is not particularly limited and may be varied depending on the size and type of container onto which the apparatus 50 is to be mounted. Furthermore, the shape of the apparatus 50 may also be modified where the shape of the container opening or the container itself is not rectangular. In the present example, the apparatus50 includes a frame 55 with sides 57-1 , 57-2 (generically, these sides are referred to herein as “side 57” and collectively they are referred to as “sides 57”) and a beam 60. The apparatus 50 also includes panels 70-1 , 70-2 (generically, these panels are referred to herein as “panel 70” and collectively they are referred to as “panels 70”).

[0025] The frame 55 is to be mounted onto a container to cover an opening of the container. In particular, the frame is generally dimensioned to match the opening of container to provide support for the panels 70 that cover and secure the opening of the container. The manner by which the frame 55 mounts to the container is not particularly limited. For example, the frame 55 may be mounted using a fastener, such as a rivet, bolt, or clips. In other examples, the frame 55 may be welded or soldered onto the container with a hinge or other opening mechanism. In further examples, the frame 55 may also be mounted using magnetic coupling or other removable securing mechanisms.

[0026] In the present example, the frame 55 is to support a plurality of panels 70 above the opening of the container. For example, the panels 70 may be secured to receiving points on the frame 55 to receive complementary features on the panels 70. Accordingly, the panels 70 are collectively to cover the opening to form a lid over the opening of the container. The material from which the frame 55 is constructed is not particularly limited. In the present example, the frame 55 is made from galvanized steel. In other examples, the frame 55 may be made from other suitable materials with the mechanical properties sufficient to support the panels 70. For example, the frame 55 may be made from stainless steel, aluminum, other metals, plastics, or other composite materials.

[0027] It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the size of the frame 55 is not particularly limited and is generally dependent on the size of the opening on the container to which the frame 55 is to be mounted. In the present example, the frame 55 is formed in a shape that complements the opening of the container to cover the opening completely. In some examples, the frame 55 may extend beyond the edges of the opening of the container, especially in examples where the opening has an irregular shape. In the present example, the frame 55 is assembled from multiple components that are fastened together, such as with fasteners or weldedconnections. In other examples, the frame 55 may be a unitary component that is machined, stamped, cut, or molded into the predetermined dimension to accommodate an specified opening size. Accordingly, the frame 55 may be available in multiple sizes to fit various types of containers. In some examples, the frame 55 also be adjustable such that it may be adjusted to an appropriate length or width to accommodate a variety of containers.

[0028] A beam 60 is connected to ends of the frame 55 and extends from one end to the other opposite end of the frame 55 in the longitudinal direction parallel to the sides 57. In the present example, the container is substantially rectangular in shape with a rectangular opening and the frame 55 is also substantially rectangular in shape. The beam 60 is disposed approximately along the central longitudinal axis of the frame 55, such that it spans the length of the opening of the container. In the present example, the beam 60 is raised above the opening of the container to allow for the panels 70 to form a slope to facilitate drainage. The beam 60 is to provide mechanical support to the frame 55. The material from which the beam 60 is constructed is not particularly limited and may include the same materials from which the frame 55 is constructed. In the present example, the beam 60 is made from galvanized steel. In other examples, the beam 60 may be made from other suitable materials. For example, the beam 60 may be made from stainless steel, aluminum, other metals, plastics, or other composite materials.

[0029] In the present example, the panels 70 are to be mounted on the sides 57 and the beam 60 of the frame 55. In the present example, the panels 70 are to extend from each side 57 of the frame 55 to the beam 60. At the connection between the panels 70 above the beam 60, the panels 70 overlap across a region that is to be supported by the beam 60. In some examples, the panels 70 may be secured to the beam 60. However, in other examples, the panels 70 may simply rest on the beam 60. In the present example, the panels 70 are prefabricated to be substantially identical in size. Accordingly, each of the panels 70 may be used as the panel 70-1 or the panel 70-2. The use of substantially identical panels 70 on both sides of the frame 55 that can be manufactured using the same process and parameters, such as on the same manufacturing line, reduces the complexity and cost of the parts manufacturing processwhile still providing flexibility on the installation of the panels on frames 55 with varying widths.

[0030] Referring to figure 2, the frame 55 with sides 57 and the beam 60 is shown in greater detail without the panels 70. As shown, the beam 60 is disposed substantially in the middle of the frame 55 along the longitudinal axis and parallel to the sides 57. In the present example, the beam 60 is disposed slightly higher above the frame 55. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the rise of the beam 60 above the frame 55 provides an incline or slope for the panels 70 as they extend across the space from the side of the frame 55 to the beam 60. This incline provides a lid structure that facilitates drainage by diverting water, snow, and ice off of the structure to reduce pooling on the panels 70. As each of the panels 70 are inclined from the side 57 of the frame 55 to the beam 60, the top portion of each panel 70 resting on the beam 60 may be bent or contoured to be parallel to a complementary panel from the opposite side as shown in figures 3A and 3B. The parallel portion may provide a region of overlap where one of the panels 70 may rest on top of the other panel 70. Furthermore, the panels 70 may include alignment mechanisms to mate with each other in the overlap region to provide better alignment of the panels. The alignment mechanism is not particularly limited and may include ribs, slots, or other features to interact with another panel or features on the beam 60.

[0031] The material from which each panel 70 is constructed is not particularly limited. In the present example, each panel 70 may be made from a plastic material, fiberglass, or other composite material for their lightweight and durable properties. For example, the panel 70 may be a plastic panel made using various forming techniques, such as injection molding or three-dimensional printing. In other examples, the panels 70 may be made from galvanized steel or other metals.

[0032] The manner by which the panels 70 are secured to the frame 55 and the beam 60 is not particularly limited and may depend various factors such as the intended application and / or the materials of the frame 55, the beam 60, and the panels 70. For example, the panels 70 may be mounted using fasteners, such as a rivet, bolt, or clips to secure the panel 70-1 , the panel 70-2, and the beam 60. In particular, a bolt may be used to pass through holes on the panels 70 and the beam 60 to secure the panels 70to the beam. In other examples, adhesives may be used. Further examples may secure the panels 70 using a friction fit at connection points on the side of the frame 55 and the beam 60.

[0033] Referring to figure 4, another example of an apparatus 50a to cover a container opening is generally shown. Like components of the apparatus 50a bear like reference to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “a”. In the present example, the apparatus 50a includes a frame 55a with sides 57a-1 , 57a-2 (generically, these sides are referred to herein as “side 57a” and collectively they are referred to as “sides 57a”) and a beam 60a. The apparatus 50a also includes panels 70a-1 , 70a-2 (generically, these panels are referred to herein as “panel 70a” and collectively they are referred to as “panels 70a”), fasteners 72a, tracks 75a-1 , 75a-2 and a drive mechanism 80a.

[0034] The tracks 75a are generally to be mounted to opposite ends of the frame 55a to engage the opening on the container at opposite ends. Accordingly, the tracks 75a may be mounted to the container and the frame 55a. The beam 60a may be mounted on the tracks 75a to be moveable along the tracks 75a. The tracks 75a are not particularly limited and may be any type of track that allows for the apparatus 50a to move between an open position to expose the opening of a container to provide access to the container and a closed position to cover the opening of the container to secure the container. In the present example, the tracks 75a may engage opposite ends on the beam 60a to allow each end of the beam 60a to move along the track. In other examples, each track 75a may engage a different portion of the frame 55a.

[0035] In the present example, the beam 60a may be an axle configured to engage the tracks 75a at each end as described above. The beam 60a may provide a primary point of contact between the frame 55a and the tracks 75a. In some examples, the frame 55a may also engage the tracks 75a. For example, rollers may be placed at the comers of the frame 55a to facilitate movement and distribute weight along the tracks 75a.

[0036] The drive mechanism 80a is to move the frame 55a along the tracks between the open position and the closed position. In the present example, the drive mechanism is operated by a chain to rotate a wheel. The wheel is engaged with the beam 60a,which is also engaged with the track 75a. The movement of the frame 55a may be controlled by rotating the drive mechanism 80a to move the beam 60a along the track 75a in a controlled manner. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill that the drive mechanism 80a is not particularly limited. In some examples, drive mechanism 80a may include a handle for manual rotation or a motor assisted or remote operation.

[0037] Referring to figure 5, a cross section of the example apparatus 50a is shown to illustrate components. In particular, the fastener 72a is shown to secure the panels 70a to the beam 60a. The fastener 72a is not particularly limited. In the present example, the fastener 72a may be a U-shaped clip with threaded ends to secure the panels 70a to the beam 60a. The threaded ends may be secured with a nut or other suitable mechanism. In other examples, the fastener 72a may not include threaded ends and may bent either above the panels 70a or below the beam 60a to form a ring or clamp. In other examples, the fastener 72a may be a rivet or bolt passing through a drilled holes in the beam 60a and the panels 70a.

[0038] In addition, each panel 70a may include an additional fastener such as a clip 73a-1 , 73a-2 (generically, these clips are referred to herein as “clip 73a” and collectively they are referred to as “clips 73a”) to engage the side 57a of the frame 55a. In the present example, the clips 73a may be formed from the body of the panels 70a. In other examples, the clips 73a may be an additional component secured to the panels 70a with a fastening mechanism or adhesive. Accordingly, each clip 73a may further secure each panel 70a to the frame 55a to provide a secure covering that is more resistant to the elements. The clips 73a may also provide additional security for the contents of the container by preventing the panels 70a from being lifted away from the sides 57a of the frame 55a without removing the fastener 72a first. In examples where the fastener 72a is permanent or accessible from the underside of the apparatus 50a, the clips 73a may provide a secure lid for the container. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the clips 73a may be replaced with another mechanism capable of securing the panels 70a to the sides 57a. For example, the panels 70a may be secured with a clip or strap.

[0039] Referring to figure 6, another apparatus that may serve as a component of the lid to cover a container opening is generally shown. In the present example, theapparatus is a panel 70b to be placed over a frame that is to be mounted over the opening of the container. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the panel 70b may include variations with additional features, such as those previously shown in the panels 70 and 70a. In addition, the panel 70b may take different forms or dimensions. For example, the size of the panel 70b is not particularly limited and may be varied depending on the size and type of container as well as packaging standards. It is to be understood that multiple panels 70b may be used for a lid to reduce the size of the panels 70b for shipping by stacking multiple panels 70b in a package. For exemplary purposes, it may be assumed that the panel 70b is to be installed on the frame 55 previously described. The panel 70b includes a body 100b, a lip portion 105b, and a mating portion 110b.

[0040] The panel 70b is designed to cover an opening of a container. By covering the opening of the container, the panel 70b may be a component of a larger apparatus to secure the contents of the container and / or protect the contents of the container, such as from the elements. The material from which the panel 70b is constructed is not particularly limited. In the present example, each panel 70b may be made from a plastic material, fiberglass, or other composite material for their lightweight and durable properties. For example, the panel 70b may be a plastic panel made using various forming techniques, such as injection molding, thermoforming, extrusion, or three- dimensional printing. In other examples, the panels 70b may be made from galvanized steel or other metals depending on the mechanical specifications for a specific application of the panels 70b.

[0041] In the present example, the lip portion 105b is engage a side 57 of the frame 55. The lip portion 105b generally runs along an edge of the body 100b that is to be attached to the side 57. The lip portion 105b may be an angled portion against which the side 57 of the frame 55 may abut. In other examples, the lip portion 105b may be substituted with another means to engage the side 57 of the frame 55. For example, the lip portion 105b may be substituted with a recess or protrusion along the body 100b.

[0042] The mating portion 110b is formed along another edge of the body 100b to rest on the beam 60. In the present example, the mating portion 110b is disposed on the opposite edge from the lip portion 105b. Furthermore, the body 100b may include abend or curve between the lip portion 105b and the mating portion 110b to form a slope from one edge to the other in examples where the beam 60 is raised above the side 57. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the slope may facilitate drainage of water or snow from the lid.

[0043] The body 100b is to be mounted on the frame 55 to extend between the side 57 and the beam 60 to cover approximately half the width of the lid. In addition, the mating portion 110b is to engage with another panel to form a region of overlap over the beam 60. In particular, the panel 70b may engage with the mating portion of the other panel which may be placed over or under the other panel. The two panels can span across the entire width of the frame 55 to cover the opening of the container. In examples with a bend, it will be understood that the panels may engage each other in the region of overlap in the substantially parallel orientation while a substantial portion of the body 100b may be sloped.

[0044] In some examples, the panel 70b may include additional features to improve the functionality of the lid and / or meet specific mechanical properties to achieve security and / or ruggedness for an application. For example, the panel 70b may include an alignment mechanism to align the panel 70b with the other panel over the beam 60. In this example, the panel 70b may include a mechanical feature, such as a track or other feature to mate with a corresponding feature on the other panel in the region of overlap. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the alignment mechanisms are not particularly limited and may include complementary male / female mating mechanisms or hermaphroditic mating mechanisms. In examples with hermaphroditic mating mechanisms, the panels 70b may be manufactured as identical pieces for installation.

[0045] In further examples, the panel 70b may include a fastener (not shown) to secure the body 100b to the beam 60. The fastener may include a formed protrusion to clip onto the beam in some examples. In other examples, the fastener may be a separate component installed on the body 100b, such as a clip or strap.

[0046] Referring to figure 7, another example of a panel 70c is shown. In the present example, the panel 70c is also to be placed over the frame 55 and mounted over the opening of the container. Like components of the panel 70c bear like referenceto their counterparts in the panel 70b, except followed by the suffix “c”. In the present example, the panel 70c includes a body 100c, a lip portion 105c, a mating portion 110c, a plurality of structural support elements 115c, and a plurality of ribs 120c.

[0047] In the present example, the structural support elements 115c are placed to increase the rigidity of the lip portion 105c. The structural support elements 115c are not particularly limited and may include a combination of connectors or ridges around the lip portion 105c to provide mechanical rigidity and stability.

[0048] The panel 70c also includes a plurality of ribs 120c disposed along the body 100c to increase the rigidity of the body 100c. In the present example, the ribs 120c run between the lip portion 105c to the mating portion 110c. In other examples, the ribs 120c may be disposed in portions of the body 100c in specific portions that may be subject to more stress. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the plurality of ribs 120c may also nest with overlapping ribs from another panel to function as an alignment mechanism.

[0049] Referring to figure 8, a flowchart of a method of covering an opening of container is generally shown at 200. In order to assist in the explanation of method 200, it will be assumed that method 200 may one exemplary way by which the apparatus 50 or its variants may be installed. Furthermore, the following discussion of method 200 may lead to a further understanding of the apparatus 50 and its components. In addition, it is to be emphasized that method 200 may not be performed in the exact sequence as shown, and various blocks may be performed in parallel rather than in sequence, or in a different sequence altogether.

[0050] Beginning at block 210, a frame 55 is to be mounted over an opening of a container. The manner by which the frame 55 is mounted onto the container is not particularly limited. For example, the frame 55 may be mounted using a fastener, such as a rivet, bolt, or clips. In other examples, the frame 55 may be welded or soldered onto the container. In further examples, the frame 55 may also be mounted using magnetic coupling or other removable securing mechanisms. The frame 55 is substantially sized to match the opening of the container.

[0051] In other examples, the frame 55 may be mounted with tracks disposed between the frame 55 and the container. The tracks may generally be mounted toopposite ends of the frame 55a to engage the opening on the container at opposite ends to move the frame 55. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the frame 55 may be part of a lid and the lid may be moved between an open position to expose the opening of a container to provide access to the container and a closed position over the opening of the container to secure the container. In examples with a track to move the frame 55, the frame 55 may be manually moved along the track or an additional drive mechanism, such as a motor or a pulley system, may be installed to facilitate the movement of the frame.

[0052] At block 220, a first panel 70-1 is to be installed onto the frame 55. In the present example, the first panel 70-1 is to extend from the side 57-1 of the frame 55 to the beam 60. The manner by which the panel 70-1 is installed is not limited. In some examples, the panel 70-1 may rest on the side 57-1 at one end and rest on the beam 60 at the other end of the panel.

[0053] At block 230, another panel 70-2 is to be installed onto the frame 55. The panel 70-2 is similar and / or identical to the panel 70-1 . The panel 70-2 is to extend from the side 57-2 of the frame 55 to the beam 60. The manner by which the panel 70-2 is installed is not limited and may be one of the methods described above in connection with block 220, such as resting on the side 57-2 and the beam 60. Since the panel 70-1 is already resting on the beam 60, the panel 70-2 may rest on top of the panel 70-1 to form a region of overlap over the beam 60.

[0054] Block 240 comprises adjusting the relative positions of the panel 70-1 and the panel 70-2 to accommodate the width of the frame 55. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that adjusting the relative positions of the panels 70-1 and 70-2 will adjust the region of overlap. Accordingly, the panels 70 may be used for different frame sizes such that the same manufacturing process can be used to produce panels for frames designed for different containers.

[0055] In some examples, the panel 70-1 and the panel 70-2 may be aligned in the region of overlap with an alignment mechanism as described above. Aligning the panel 70-1 and the panel 70-2 may improve the fit of the panel 70-1 and the panel 70-2 over the frame. Furthermore, the panel 70-1 and the panel 70-2 may each be secured to the frame with one or more fasteners to the beam 60 and / or a side 57 of the frame 55.

[0056] It should be recognized that features and aspects of each of the various examples provided above may be combined into further examples that also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . An apparatus comprising: a frame to mount on a container, wherein the frame is substantially shaped to match an opening of the container; a beam extending longitudinally from a first end of the frame to a second end of the frame, wherein the first end is opposite the second end, and wherein the beam is disposed approximately along a central axis of the frame; a first panel to extend from a first side of the frame to the beam; and a second panel to extend from a second side of the frame to the beam, wherein the first panel is to overlap the second panel, and wherein a region of overlap is supported by the beam.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the frame is substantially rectangular.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a first track disposed along the first end of the frame, wherein the first track is to mount to the container; and a second track disposed along the second end of the frame, wherein the second track is to mount to the container, wherein the first track and the second track allow the frame to slide between a first position to cover the opening and a second position to provide access to the opening.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a drive mechanism to move the frame between the first position and the second position.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first panel and the second panel include an alignment mechanism to align the first panel and the second panel in the region of overlap.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further including a fastener to secure the first panel and the second panel to the beam.

7. An apparatus comprising: a body to cover an opening of a container; a lip portion along a first edge of the body to engage a side of a frame, wherein the frame is to mount across the opening of the container; and a mating portion along a second edge of the body, wherein the second edge is opposite the first edge, wherein the mating portion is to rest on a beam of the frame, wherein the beam is disposed approximately along a central axis of the frame, and wherein the mating portion is to engage an additional panel to form a region of overlap on the beam.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a structural support element to increase rigidity of the lip portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 or 8, further comprising a plurality of ribs disposed along the body to increase rigidity.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the plurality of ribs run between the first edge and the second edge.11 . The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of ribs are uniformly distributed.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 7 or 8, further comprising an alignment mechanism to align the additional panel to the body in the region of overlap.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the alignment mechanism includes a plurality of ribs to engage with complementary ribs of the additional panel.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 13, further comprising a bend in the body to form a slope when mounted on the frame to facilitate drainage.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 13, further including a fastener to secure the body to the additional panel and the beam.

16. A method comprising mounting a frame to a container, wherein the frame is substantially shaped to match an opening of the container; installing a first panel extending from a first side of the frame to a beam, wherein the beam extends longitudinally from a first end of the frame to a second end of the frame, wherein the first end is opposite the second end, and wherein the beam is disposed approximately along a central axis of the frame; installing a second panel extending from a second side of the frame to the beam, wherein the first panel is to overlap the second panel, and wherein a region of overlap is supported by the beam; and adjusting relative positions of the first panel and the second panel to accommodate a width of the frame.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein mounting the frame comprises:installing a first track disposed along the first end of the frame, wherein the first track is to mount to the container; and installing a second track disposed along the second end of the frame, wherein the second track is to mount to the container, wherein the first track and the second track allow the frame to slide between a first position to cover the opening and a second position to provide access to the opening.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising installing a drive mechanism to move the frame between the first position and the second position along the first track and the second track.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, further comprising aligning the first panel and the second panel in the region of overlap.

20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising securing the first panel and the second panel to the beam.

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