Trash can assembly with locking lid

What is this patent about?

’543 is related to the field of household waste management, specifically focusing on pedal-actuated trash cans. While foot-operated lids provide a convenient, hands-free way to dispose of refuse, they are prone to accidental opening by pets or children, and can spill their contents if tipped over. The invention addresses the need for a reliable secondary security mechanism that prevents the lid from opening even when the foot pedal is depressed or the lid is manually pulled.

The underlying idea behind ’543 is a sliding mechanical interference system that physically binds the lid to the stationary frame of the container. Rather than relying on a complex internal latch, the invention uses a simple reciprocal sliding motion to bridge the gap between the moving lid and the static shell. By integrating a sliding component directly into the lid's edge, the user can manually override the pedal mechanism, ensuring the container remains sealed regardless of external force or pedal activation.

The claims of ’543 focus on a lock member assembly that creates a sandwiched configuration around a portion of the upper support frame. The assembly consists of an external slide member and an internal base member equipped with a protruding tongue. When moved into the locked position, the tongue enters a dedicated opening in the support frame, effectively trapping a horizontal section of the frame between the tongue below and the slide member above to prevent vertical movement of the lid.

In practice, the lock is operated by a slide member seated within a shallow depression on the front edge of the lid. This slide is connected through an opening in the lid to the base member and tongue underneath. When the user pushes the slide forward, the tongue extends laterally into a slot in the plastic support frame that sits just inside the metal shell. This engagement creates a rigid mechanical link that resists the upward force generated by the foot pedal's link assembly.

This approach differs from prior solutions by utilizing a dual-sided clamping effect that distributes stress across the support frame rather than relying on a simple friction fit or a fragile plastic latch. By placing the slidable lock member directly on the lid's periphery, the invention provides a visible and intuitive status indicator for the user while maintaining a low profile that does not interfere with the trash can's primary hands-free functionality when left in the unlocked position.