Abstract: A lid assembly for a refuse container includes a plurality of lid members, a pivotal attaching mechanism, and a cam-shaped lobe integrally formed on each lid member. The lid members each include a pivoting edge, a curved edge, and a surface complementary to at least a portion of an upper surface of the container. Each lid member includes a curved inner surface bound on opposing ends thereof by the pivoting edge and the curved edge. The pivotal attaching mechanism is adapted to attach the pivoting edges to the upper surface at a predetermined distance therefrom. The cam-shaped lobes are formed on the pivoting edge of each lid member and adapted to allow a pivotal motion of each lid member relative to the container and to contact the upper surface at a predetermined angle between the complementary surfaces and the upper surface, with the predetermined angle depending upon the predetermined distance and the shape of the lobes.

Abstract: A commercial trash bin (26) is fitted with a commercial trash bin lid (22), which has an opening in the front (23). A variety of interchangeable insert plates (80, 102, 140), may be mounted onto the lid to cover the opening. An insert plate (102) may be fixedly attached to the lid to completely close the opening, such that the lid may be used as a standard commercial trash bin lid. The insert plate (102) may alternatively be hinged to the lid and be spring-biased into a closed position. A user may push on the lid to rotate it open for inserting small objects into the bin without having to lift the full lid. Insert plates (80, 140) provide separate apertures, either for recyclable bottles and cans. Chutes (150) may be provided to direct material input through the opening (23), and a rain hood (160) may be mounted onto the lid to prevent rain from entering the opening.

Abstract: A commercial trash bin assembly includes a large commercial trash bin. The commercial trash bin is fitted with a commercial trash bin lid, which has an opening in the front. A user may select from a variety of interchangeable inserts, one of which is mounted onto the lid and received into the opening. One type of insert is fixedly attached to the lid and completely closes the opening. The lid is then used as a standard commercial trash bin lid. Another type of insert is hinged to the lid and is spring-biased into a closed position, but can be opened to insert small objects through the opening without having to lift the full lid. Yet another type of insert provides separate apertures, either for recyclable bottles and cans, for example, or to more evenly distribute the recyclable materials. Arrangements may be provided inside of the commercial trash bin to segregate different recyclable materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a versatile double actuation lid assembly for commercial trash containers of the type having a main rear generally rectangular volume and a slanted front opening making a predetermined acute angle with respect to the horizontal. The front and rear sections of this lid have aligned lower edge surfaces for resting on the edges of the containers front openings. Each of the lid sections is formed of two spaced layers of plastic material. A means for pivotally actuating the lid sections together, including hinge lugs on each lid section extending towards the other, a pivot bar extending through openings in these hinge lugs, and an actuating lever for pivotally actuating the lid sections together. The clearance angle between the upper surfaces of the front and rear lid sections is sufficient so that the lid may be opened to a stable position slightly beyond the vertical while the rear lid section remains fully closed, for the deposit of small items of trash.

Abstract: Enclosed herein is a container cover for use in conjunction with a refuse container characterized by a polymeric body formed into a substantially planar sheet. The sheet has a first side having a plurality of longitudinally extended ribs spanning the greater portion length of the sheet and a second side having a plurality of latitudinally transverse ribs spanning the greater portion of the width of the sheet. Support brace receiving bosses are provided to secure the cover in a fixed open position during refuse loading. The upper surface of the container cover is characterized by an arcuate span lengthwise and width wise, while the plane of the underside of the cover is characterized by a longitudinally arcuate span. In this manner, additional stiffness and durability is built into the refuse container cover.

Abstract: A balanced lid type system for industrial trash bins includes arrangements for partially opening the lid with little effort and for permitting the lid to swing wide open when it is inverted for dumping, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,994,415 and Re. 29,494. The operative mechanism in the present balanced lid bin system includes rollers which ride on the top edge of the sides of the bin to support the lid in a substantially balanced manner, and a pair of recesses or guideways in the rear sides of the lid which engage matching pins or rollers extending laterally from the bin to guide the lid as it rotates open in the upright or balanced partially opening mode of operation. When the lid swings wide open, as it is inverted when raised by the forks of a lift garbage dump truck, the rollers remain at the end of the tracks in the lid and the lid swings fully open about this axis.