Steven D Dawdy

US Patent:

52247430, Jul 6, 1993

Filed:

May 6, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/879048

Inventors:

Steven Dawdy - Howell MI
Peter J. Rosewig - Dexter MI

Assignee:

E.S. Avalon Company - Whitmore Lake MI

International Classification:

E05C 314
B65G 6534

US Classification:

292228

Abstract:

A lock assembly allows selective locking of a refuse container so that it cannot be manually opened by an unauthorized user, but can be opened automatically by a refuse collection truck when the container is to be emptied. The lock assembly has a locking bar that is attached to a control bar which is pivotally mounted to the refuse container. In one embodiment, the control bar is selectively connected to a spring such that when the container is to be locked, the control bar and locking bar are connected to the spring by a lock and in order to open the container the bias of the spring must be overcome. The spring is set such that this bias is easily overcome by engagement of the coupler of a refuse collection truck. When the lock is removed, the control bar is separated from the spring and the locking bar freely rotates. In another embodiment, the locking bar is connected to a spring bias control bar by articulated connecting members.

US Patent:

52133826, May 25, 1993

Filed:

Jan 30, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/647807

Inventors:

Steven Dawdy - Howell MI
Peter J. Rosewig - Dexter MI

Assignee:

E.S. Avalon Company - Whitmore Lake MI

International Classification:

E05C 314
B65G 6534

US Classification:

292228

Abstract:

A lock assembly for selectively locking a refuse container so that it cannot be manually opened by an unauthorized user, but can be opened automatically by a refuse collection truck when the container is to be emptied. The lock assembly has a locking bar that is attached to a control bar which is pivotally mounted to the refuse container. In one embodiment, the control bar is selectively connected to a spring such that when the container is to be locked, the control bar and locking bar are connected to the spring by a lock and in order to open the container the bias of the spring must be overcome. The spring is set such that this bias is easily overcome by engagement of the coupler of a refuse collection truck. When the lock is removed, the locking bar is separated from the spring and the locking bar freely rotates. In another embodiment, the locking bar is connected to a spring control bar by articulated connecting members.