Automatically unlocking container

摘要

A container includes an enclosure housing an interior compartment for containing waste and further defining slots on sides of the enclosure for receiving lifting forks, a lockable rear lid pivotally connected to the enclosure, and an automatic unlocking mechanism actuated by lifting forks inserted into the slots for unlocking the rear lid to enable waste to be dumped from the container. The container may also be automatically re-locked when the forks are withdrawn from the slots.

主权项

1. A container comprising:
an enclosure housing an interior compartment for containing waste and further defining slots on sides of the enclosure for receiving lifting forks; a lockable rear lid pivotally connected to the enclosure; and an automatic unlocking mechanism actuated by lifting forks inserted into the slots for unlocking the rear lid to enable waste to be dumped from the container, wherein the automatic unlocking mechanism comprises: a curved pivot plate that pivots upwardly when displaced by a lifting fork; a main linkage arm pivotally connected to the curved pivot plate; a pivot arm pivotally connected to the main linkage arm; a locking hook connected to the pivot arm, the locking hook disengaging from an underside of the rear lid to unlock the rear lid; a first stopper for limiting upward movement of the curved pivot plate and a second stopper for limiting downward movement of the curved pivot plate; and a spring disposed between an upper surface of the curved pivot plate and the first stopper.