Abstract:
A refuse container comprising a lower member having lower side walls, upper wall sections, a hinge for pivotally mounting the upper wall sections one to the other such that the upper wall sections may be opened and closed, at least one section fastener for securing the upper wall sections together in a closed position, and a wall securing device that provides support for coupling the upper wall sections to the lower side walls. The present invention allows both of the upper walls sections to be releasably attached to the lower side walls using a combination of annular protrusions and recesses, and at least one section fastener that couples the upper wall sections to each other, thereby allowing easy access to the contents of the container such that a trash liner may be easily removed and the refuse container may be easily cleaned.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a refuse container, and more particularly to a container that facilitates the removal of trash from the refuse container. 
         [0003]    2. Relevant Background 
         [0004]    When utilizing a refuse container with a trash liner contained within it, a person must lift the trash liner above the container, which lends itself to strain on the person lifting, and the potential for the trash liner to rip or tear due to the stress put on the trash liner while being lifted, thus releasing unwanted trash outside of the trash liner and perhaps onto the person lifting the trash liner. Many times, the trash liner adheres to the sidewalls of the refuse container making it difficult to lift the trash liner out of the refuse container. When this occurs, a person may need to lift the trash liner while holding down the refuse container with his or her legs, or another person may need to hold the refuse container while the trash liner is lifted up. Often, the trash liner will be removed from the refuse container before it is completely filled in order to avoid trash liner breakage and strain, thus failing to utilize the trash liner to its fullest capacity. 
         [0005]    Similar problems exist when emptying a refuse container without a trash liner. In this instance, the entire refuse container must be turned upside down to empty it. 
         [0006]    Additionally, it is sometimes difficult to clean a refuse container because it is often hard to reach the bottom of the refuse container. 
         [0007]    It is therefore desirable to provide an improved container which overcomes most, if not all, of the preceding problems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present invention is directed to a refuse container that satisfies these needs. Operationally, when emptying the contents, the trash liner is unattached from the upper wall sections, then the upper wall sections are opened thus permitting easy access to the trash liner and allowing its removal by simply lifting the trash liner above the lower side walls. 
         [0009]    The present invention comprises: (i) a lower member that comprises a bottom portion, lower side walls that are coupled to a perimeter of the bottom portion, the lower side walls defining a substantially vertical axis that extends upwardly from the bottom portion, and wall edges at an upper end of the lower side walls form a lower wall rim, (ii) upper wall sections comprising a first upper wall section and a second upper wall section, the upper wall sections each having a vertical hinged edge on a first side and a vertical seamed edge on a second, opposite side, (iii) wall edges at an upper end of the upper wall sections form an upper wall rim that defines an open top, (iv) a hinge for pivotally mounting the first upper wall section and the second upper wall section at the vertical hinged edges such that the first upper wall section and the second upper wall section are moveable in a first direction toward an open position and in a second, opposite direction toward a closed position, (v) at least one section fastener for securing the first upper wall section and the second upper wall section in a closed position, and (vi) a wall securing device providing support for coupling the upper wall sections to the lower side walls. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the wall securing device comprises: (i) an annular wall recess along an outer surface of the lower side walls, the annular wall recess forming a lower side wall concave groove, (ii) a first annular section protrusion along an inner surface of the first upper wall section, (iii) a second annular section protrusion along an inner surface of the second upper wall section, the second annular section protrusion being positioned symmetrically with the first annular section protrusion, and (iv) the first annular section protrusion and the second annular section protrusion have a shape and size that is the same as each other, and that is complementary to a shape and size of the annular wall recess such that the annular wall recess is capable of receiving the first annular section protrusion when the first upper wall section is closed, and capable of receiving the second annular section protrusion when the second upper wall section is closed, thereby providing coupling support between the lower side walls and the upper wall sections. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the wall securing device comprises: (i) an annular wall protrusion along an outer surface of the lower side walls, (ii) a first annular section recess along an inner surface of the first upper wall section, the first annular section recess forming a first section concave groove, (iii) a second annular section recess along an inner surface of the second upper wall section, the second annular section recess forming a second section concave groove, and (iv) the first annular section recess and the second annular section recess having a shape and size that is the same as each other, and that is complementary to a shape and size of the annular wall protrusion such that the first annular section recess and the second annular section recess are capable of receiving the annular wall protrusion when in closed positions, thus providing coupling support between the lower side walls and the first upper wall section, and between the lower side walls and the second upper wall section. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the hinge comprises: (i) a plurality of first aligned section hinge knuckles coupled to the vertical hinged edge of the first upper wall section, the first aligned section hinge knuckles being substantially tubular in shape, (ii) a plurality of second aligned section hinge knuckles coupled to the vertical hinged edge of the second upper wall section, the second aligned section hinge knuckles being substantially tubular in shape, the first aligned section hinge knuckles and the second aligned section hinge knuckles fitting end-to-end between, and in axial alignment with, each other, (iii) a rigid pivot mounting rod extending vertically along an inside of the first aligned section hinge knuckles and along an inside of the second aligned section hinge knuckles thus coupling the rigid pivot mounting rod with the upper wall sections the rigid pivot mounting rod being slidably supported by the first aligned section hinge knuckles and the second aligned section hinge knuckles, and (iv) a rod fastener that couples the rigid pivot mounting rod to the lower side walls thereby providing support to prevent the lower side walls from disengaging from the upper walls sections. The rod fastener may comprise a single rod receiving element coupled to the lower side walls, the single rod receiving element comprising (i) a single vertically oriented opening that has a size and shape that is complementary to the rigid pivot mounting rod such that the single vertically oriented opening is capable of receiving the rigid pivot mounting rod, (ii) a single pin entry hole on a first side, and a single pin exit hole on a second, opposing side, (ii) a rod cavity extending through the rigid pivot mounting rod and (iii) a single cotter pin that extends transversely through the single pin entry hole, through the rod cavity, and through the single pin exit hole thereby coupling the rigid pivot mounting rod to the lower side walls and providing support to prevent the lower side walls from disengaging from the upper walls sections. 
         [0013]    Generally, the hinge comprises vertically oriented interleaving knuckles, and a rigid pivot mounting rod extending vertically along an inside of the knuckles, the rigid pivot mounting rod slidably supported by the knuckles. However, in other embodiments, the hinge may be any flexible device that allows the upper wall sections to be pivotably opened and closed. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the section fastener comprises a first cooperating wall latch member that is coupled to an outer portion of the first upper wall section, and a second cooperating wall latch member that is coupled to an outer portion of the second upper wall section. The second cooperating wall latch member being capable of releasably attaching to the first cooperating wall latch member thereby securing the upper wall sections together in a closed position. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, the first upper wall section and the second upper wall section have a shape that is substantially similar to a shape of the lower side walls. In one embodiment, the lower side walls are cylindrical in shape. In other embodiments, the lower side walls have a shape that is other than cylindrical. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, the first upper wall section and the second upper wall section have a shape that is substantially similar to a shape of the lower side walls, and the upper wall sections and the lower side walls are tapered such that a circumference of the upper wall rim is larger than a circumference of the bottom portion. In another embodiment, the first upper wall section and the second upper wall section have a shape that is substantially similar to a shape of the lower side walls, and a circumference of the upper wall rim is the same as a circumference of the bottom portion. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the present invention further comprises an optional top lid that is releasably attachable to the upper wall rim such that the top lid protects against intrusion by animals and contains odor when attached. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the top lid has at least one top lid handle for removably attaching the top lid to the upper wall sections. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, the upper wall sections have at least one upper wall handle to aid in gripping and to facilitate dragging, lifting, pushing and pulling. 
         [0020]    In an alternative embodiment, a wheel assembly is coupled to an underside of the bottom portion thereby facilitating movement by allowing the present invention to be rolled, and a tilt handle is coupled to the top lid to facilitate tilting and rolling the container on the wheel assembly. 
         [0021]    In an alternative embodiment, the hinge comprises: (i) a spine wall coupled to a portion of the lower side walls and extending upwardly therefrom to align with the upper wall rim, vertical edges of the spine wall forming a first spine side on a first side and a second spine side on a second, opposing side, (ii) a plurality of first aligned spine hinge knuckles coupled to, and extending outwardly from, the first spine side, the first aligned spine hinge knuckles being substantially tubular in shape, (iii) a plurality of second aligned spine hinge knuckles coupled to, and extending outwardly from, the second spine side, the second aligned spine hinge knuckles being substantially tubular in shape, (iv) a plurality of first aligned section hinge knuckles coupled to the vertical hinged edge of the first upper wall section, the first aligned section hinge knuckles being substantially tubular in shape, the first aligned section hinge knuckles fitting end-to-end between, and in axial alignment with, the first aligned spine hinge knuckles, (v) a plurality of second aligned section hinge knuckles coupled to the vertical hinged edge of the second upper wall section, the second aligned section hinge knuckles being substantially tubular in shape, the second aligned section hinge knuckles fitting end-to-end between, and in axial alignment, with the second aligned spine hinge knuckles, (vi) a first rigid pivot mounting rod extending vertically along an inside of the first aligned spine hinge knuckles and the first aligned section hinge knuckles, the first rigid pivot mounting rod slidably supported by the first aligned spine hinge knuckles and the first aligned section hinge knuckles, (vii) a first rod fastener that couples the first rigid pivot mounting rod to the lower side walls thereby providing support to prevent the lower side walls from disengaging from the upper walls sections, (viii) a second rigid pivot mounting rod extending vertically along an inside of the second aligned spine hinge knuckles and the second aligned section hinge knuckles, the second rigid pivot mounting rod slidably supported by the second aligned spine hinge knuckles and the second aligned section hinge knuckles, and (ix) a second rod fastener that couples the second rigid pivot mounting rod to the lower side walls thereby providing support to prevent the lower side walls from disengaging from the upper walls sections. 
         [0022]    The first rod fastener may comprise a first rod receiving element coupled to the lower side walls, the first rod receiving element comprising (i) a first vertically oriented opening that has a size and shape that is complementary to the first rigid pivot mounting rod such that the first vertically oriented opening is capable of receiving the first rigid pivot mounting rod, (ii) a first pin entry hole on a first side, and a first pin exit hole on a second, opposing side, (ii) a first rod cavity extending through the first rigid pivot mounting rod, and (iii) a first cotter pin that extends transversely through the first pin entry hole, through the first rod cavity, and through the first pin exit hole thereby coupling the first rigid pivot mounting rod to the lower side walls and providing support to prevent the lower side walls from disengaging from the upper walls sections. 
         [0023]    The second rod fastener may comprise a second rod receiving element coupled to the lower side walls, the second rod receiving element comprising (i) a second vertically oriented opening that has a size and shape that is complementary to the second rigid pivot mounting rod such that the second vertically oriented opening is capable of receiving the second rigid pivot mounting rod, (ii) a second pin entry hole on a first side, and a second pin exit hole on a second, opposing side, (ii) a second rod cavity extending through the second rigid pivot mounting rod, and (iii) a second cotter pin that extends transversely through the second pin entry hole, through the second rod cavity, and through the second pin exit hole thereby coupling the second rigid pivot mounting rod to the lower side walls and providing support to prevent the lower side walls from disengaging from the upper walls sections. 
         [0024]    A method of the present invention is also presented. In one embodiment, the method comprises (i) providing a lower member comprising a bottom portion coupled to lower side walls, providing an upper wall, wherein the upper wall has multiple sections, each section being vertically mounted at a hinged edge such that the sections are moveable in a first direction toward an open position and in a second, opposite direction toward a closed position, (ii) using a section fastener for securing the sections to each other in a closed position, and (iii) using a wall securing device to provide support for coupling the upper wall sections to the lower side walls. 
       REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE DRAWINGS 
       [0025]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 # 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 18 
                 Substantially vertical axis 
               
               
                 20 
                 Lower member 
               
               
                 22 
                 Bottom portion 
               
               
                 24 
                 Lower side walls 
               
               
                 25 
                 Lower wall rim 
               
               
                 26 
                 Upper wall sections 
               
               
                 28 
                 First upper wall section 
               
               
                 30 
                 Second upper wall section 
               
               
                 32 
                 Vertical hinged edge 
               
               
                 34 
                 Vertical seamed edge 
               
               
                 36 
                 Upper wall rim 
               
               
                 40 
                 Hinge 
               
               
                 42 
                 First aligned section hinge knuckles 
               
               
                 44 
                 Second aligned section hinge knuckles 
               
               
                 46 
                 Rigid pivot mounting rod 
               
               
                 48 
                 Rod cavity 
               
               
                 50 
                 Spine wall 
               
               
                 52 
                 Bolts 
               
               
                 54 
                 First spine side 
               
               
                 56 
                 Second spine side 
               
               
                 58 
                 First aligned spine hinge knuckles 
               
               
                 60 
                 Second aligned spine hinge knuckles 
               
               
                 61 
                 First rigid pivot mounting rod 
               
               
                 62 
                 Second rigid pivot mounting rod 
               
               
                 63 
                 First rod fastener 
               
               
                 64 
                 Second rod fastener 
               
               
                 68 
                 First aligned section hinge knuckles 
               
               
                 69 
                 Second aligned section hinge knuckles 
               
               
                 70 
                 Annular wall recess 
               
               
                 72 
                 First annular section protrusion 
               
               
                 74 
                 Second annular section protrusion 
               
               
                 76 
                 First annular section recess 
               
               
                 78 
                 Second annular section recess 
               
               
                 80 
                 Annular wall protrusion 
               
               
                 82 
                 Section fastener 
               
               
                 83 
                 First cooperating wall latch member 
               
               
                 84 
                 Second cooperating wall latch member 
               
               
                 86 
                 Top lid 
               
               
                 87 
                 Top lid handle 
               
               
                 88 
                 Tilt handle 
               
               
                 90 
                 Rod fastener 
               
               
                 94 
                 Wheel assembly 
               
               
                 96 
                 Bottom portion indentation 
               
               
                 98 
                 First rod cavity 
               
               
                 99 
                 Second rod cavity 
               
               
                 100 
                 First cooperating lid latch member 
               
               
                 102 
                 Second cooperating lid latch member 
               
               
                 103 
                 Upper wall rim protrusion 
               
               
                 106 
                 Upper wall handle 
               
               
                 110 
                 Single rod receiving element 
               
               
                 111 
                 Single vertically oriented opening 
               
               
                 112 
                 Single cotter pin 
               
               
                 114 
                 Single pin entry hole 
               
               
                 116 
                 Single pin exit hole 
               
               
                 120 
                 First rod receiving element 
               
               
                 121 
                 First vertically oriented opening 
               
               
                 122 
                 First cotter pin 
               
               
                 124 
                 First pin entry hole 
               
               
                 126 
                 First pin exit hole 
               
               
                 130 
                 Second rod receiving element 
               
               
                 131 
                 Second vertically oriented opening 
               
               
                 132 
                 Second cotter pin 
               
               
                 134 
                 Second pin entry hole 
               
               
                 136 
                 Second pin exit hole 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the trash receptacle with a single hinge in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the trash receptacle of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the trash receptacle with a single hinge and wall members in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a perspective exploded view of the trash receptacle of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the trash receptacle with the lower member having a protrusion and the upper wall sections having a recess in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the trash receptacle having a square shape in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the trash receptacle with a wheel assembly in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the trash receptacle with an attached spine in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the trash receptacle of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the trash receptacle with an attached spine and wall members in an open position in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is a perspective exploded view of the trash receptacle of  FIG. 10 . 
       
    
    
       [0037]    It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawing, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways within the scope of the present invention. For example, a plurality of materials of construction may be employed, both currently known or that later become known. It is to be understood that the present invention includes construction utilizing metric measurements. Also, it is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description, and not of limitation. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 11 , a refuse container comprises a lower member  20  that comprises a bottom portion  22  and lower side walls  24  that are coupled to a perimeter of the bottom portion  22 , upper wall sections  26  comprising a first upper wall section  28  and a second upper wall section  30 , a hinge  40  for pivotally mounting the first upper wall section  28  and the second upper wall section  30 , at least one section fastener  82  for securing the first upper wall section  28  to the second upper wall section  30  when in a closed position, and a wall securing device for providing support for coupling the upper wall sections  26  to the lower side walls  24 . 
         [0039]      FIGS. 1 through 4  show the preferred embodiment. The lower side walls  24  define a substantially vertical axis  18  extending upwardly from the bottom portion  22 . Wall edges at an upper end of the lower side walls  24  form a lower wall rim  25 . Wall edges at an upper end of the upper wall sections  26  form an upper wall rim  36  that defines an open top. The first upper wall section  28  and the second upper wall section  30  may have a shape that is substantially similar to a shape of the lower side walls  24 . In the preferred embodiment, the lower side walls  24  and upper wall sections  26  are tapered such that a circumference of the upper wall rim  36  is larger than a circumference of the bottom portion  22 . In an alternative embodiment the lower side walls  24  and upper wall sections  26  are vertical such that a circumference of the upper wall rim  36  is the same as a circumference of the bottom portion  22 . In the preferred embodiment, the bottom portion  22  is circular in shape. In alternative embodiments, the bottom portion  22  may be any conventional geometric shape including without limitation rectangular, square, octagonal, and hexagonal. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom portion  22  is made of plastic. In alternative embodiments, the bottom portion  22  may be made of any other material sufficient to serve its purpose of supporting a trash liner including without limitation metal. 
         [0040]    The diameter of the bottom portion  22  may be about 45 cm (approximately 18 inches). In the preferred embodiment, the bottom portion  22  is molded with the lower side walls  24 . The lower side walls  24  may extend upwardly about 18 cm (approximately 7 inches). The bottom portion  22  and the lower side walls  24  provide an area for retaining liquid and solid materials that may have spilled and leaked through the trash liner. 
         [0041]    In the preferred embodiment, as best shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the wall securing device comprises an annular wall recess  70  along an outer surface of the lower side walls  24  forming a lower side wall concave groove, a first annular section protrusion  72  along an inner surface of the first upper wall section  28 , and a second annular section protrusion  74  along an inner surface of the second upper wall section  30 . The second annular section protrusion  74  may be positioned symmetrically with the first annular section protrusion  72 . A lower edge of the annular wall recess  70  may be about 13 cm (approximately 5 inches) from the bottom portion  22 , and an upper edge of the annular wall recess  70  may be about 15.5 cm (approximately 6 inches) from the bottom portion  22 . The first annular section protrusion  72  and the second annular section protrusion  74  may each have a shape and size that is the same as each other, and that is complementary to a shape and size of, the annular wall recess  70  such that the annular wall recess  70  is capable of receiving the first annular section protrusion  72  when the first upper wall section  28  is closed, and capable of receiving the second annular section protrusion  74  when the second upper wall section  30  is closed, thereby providing coupling support between the lower side walls  24  and the upper wall sections  26 . In the preferred embodiment, the upper wall sections  26  extend downwardly about 15.5 cm (approximately 6 inches) below the lower edge of the annular wall recess  70 . In an alternative embodiment, the lower peripheral edge of the upper wall sections  26  extends to the bottom portion  22 . In other alternative embodiments, the upper wall sections  26  extend less than about 15.5 cm (approximately 6 inches) beyond the lower edge of the annular wall recess  70 . 
         [0042]    In an alternative embodiment, best shown in  FIG. 5 , the wall securing device comprises an annular wall protrusion  80  along an outer surface of the lower side walls  24 , a first annular section recess  76  along an inner surface of the first upper wall section  28  forming a first section concave groove, and a second annular section recess  78  along an inner surface of the second upper wall section  30  forming a second section concave groove. The second annular section recess  78  may be positioned symmetrically with the first annular section recess  76 . A lower edge of the annular wall protrusion  80  may be about 13 cm (approximately 5 inches) from the bottom portion  22 , and an upper edge of the annular wall protrusion  80  may be about 15.5 cm (approximately 6 inches) from the bottom portion  22 . The first annular section recess  76  and the second annular section recess  78  may each have a shape and size that is the same as each other, and that is complementary to a shape and size of the annular wall protrusion  80  such that the first annular section recess  76  and the second annular section recess  78  are capable of receiving the annular wall protrusion  80  thus securing the upper wall sections  26  to the lower side walls  24  when the upper wall sections  26  are in a closed position. 
         [0043]    In the preferred embodiment, and as best shown in  FIG. 4 , the upper wall sections  26  each have a vertical hinged edge  32  on a first side and a vertical seamed edge  34  on a second, opposite side. 
         [0044]    In the preferred embodiment, as best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the hinge  40  comprises a plurality of first aligned section hinge knuckles  42  coupled to the vertical hinged edge  32  of the first upper wall section  28 , a plurality of second aligned section hinge knuckles  44  coupled with the vertical hinged edge  32  of the second upper wall section  30 , and a rigid pivot mounting rod  46 . The first aligned section hinge knuckles  42  and the second aligned section hinge knuckles  44  may be substantially tubular in shape, and may fit end-to-end between, and in axial alignment with, each other. In the preferred embodiment, the first aligned section hinge knuckles  42  and the second aligned section hinge knuckles  44  are integrally molded to the vertical hinged edges  32 . In alternative embodiments, the first aligned section hinge knuckles  42  and the second aligned section hinge knuckles  44  may be formed by any means including without limitation bent flange elements. 
         [0045]    In the preferred embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 4 , the rigid pivot mounting rod  46  extends vertically along an inside of the first aligned section hinge knuckles  42  and an inside of the second aligned section hinge knuckles  44  thus coupling the rigid pivot mounting rod  46  with the upper wall sections  26 . The rigid pivot mounting rod  46  may be slidably supported by the first aligned section hinge knuckles  42  and the second aligned section hinge knuckles  44  thus allowing the first upper wall section  28  and the second upper wall section  30  to be moveable in a first direction toward an open position and in a second, opposite direction toward a closed position. In other embodiments, the hinge may be any flexible device that allows the upper wall sections to be pivotably opened and closed. 
         [0046]    As best shown in  FIG. 2 , a rod fastener  90  couples the rigid pivot mounting rod  46  to the lower side walls  24  thereby providing support to prevent the lower side walls  24  from disengaging from the upper walls sections  26 . In the preferred embodiment, the rod fastener  90  comprises a single rod receiving element  110  coupled to the lower side walls  24 , a rod cavity  48  in the rigid pivot mounting rod  46 , and a single cotter pin  112 . The single rod receiving element  110  may comprise a single vertically oriented opening  111  having a size and shape that is complementary to the rigid pivot mounting rod  46  such that the single vertically oriented opening  111  is capable of receiving the rigid pivot mounting rod  46 . The single rod receiving element  110  may have a single pin entry hole  114  on a first side and a single pin exit hole  116  on a second, opposing side. In the preferred embodiment, the single cotter pin  112  extends transversely through the single pin entry hole  114 , through the rod cavity  48 , and through the single pin exit hole  116 . In alternative embodiments, the rod fastener  90  may be any device capable of securing the rigid pivot mounting rod  46  to the lower side walls  24  including without limitation a nut and bolt. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are various rod fastener configurations available. 
         [0047]    In the preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the section fastener  82  comprises a first cooperating wall latch member  83  that is coupled to an outer portion of the first upper wall section  28  and a second cooperating wall latch member  84  that is coupled to an outer portion of the second upper wall section  30 . The second cooperating wall latch member  84  may be releasably attached to the first cooperating wall latch member  83  thereby securing the upper wall sections  26  one to the other in a closed position. In the preferred embodiment, the first cooperating wall latch member  83  is a keeper and the second cooperating wall latch member  84  is a draw latch wherein the draw latch mates with the keeper. It is to be understood that the section fastener  82  may be any cooperating components capable of serving their intended purpose of holding the upper wall sections  26  together such as without limitation Velcro strips, a lever-actuated fastener, a turn-operated fastener, a slide-action fastener, a push-pull fastener, a lift-and-turn fastener, magnetic catches, and spring-loaded devices. 
         [0048]    In the preferred embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , upper wall sections  26  may have at least one upper wall handle  106  to aid in gripping the container to facilitate moving by dragging, lifting, pushing and pulling. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are various handle configurations available. 
         [0049]    In the preferred embodiment, the bottom portion  22  is flat and meets with a floor surface.  FIGS. 6 and 7  show alternative embodiments having an optional wheel assembly  94  coupled to an underside of the bottom portion  22  to facilitate movement by allowing the present invention to be rolled. The underside of the bottom portion  22  may have a bottom portion indentation  96  to allow space for the wheel assembly  94 . One skilled in the art will recognize that there are various wheel configurations available. 
         [0050]    In the preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the present invention may optionally comprise a top lid  86  that is coupled to the upper wall rim  36  such that the top lid  86  secures to the upper wall sections  26  thereby containing odor and protecting trash within from intrusion by animals. The top lid  86  may have a shape and size that is complementary to a shape and size of the upper wall sections  26  when in a closed position. The top lid  86  may have at least one top lid handle  87  for gripping and removably attaching the top lid  86  to the upper wall sections  26 . In the preferred embodiment, the top lid handle  87  is molded to the top lid  86 . In alternative embodiments, the top lid handle  87  may be any device or attachment that is capable of accomplishing its intended purpose. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show alternative embodiments having a tilt handle  88  coupled to the top lid  86  to facilitate tilting and rolling the container when the wheel assembly  94  is attached. 
         [0052]    In the preferred embodiment, referring back to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the top lid  86  is secured to the upper wall sections  26  by a first cooperating lid latch member  100  coupled to the top lid  86 , and a second cooperating lid latch member  102  coupled to an outer portion of the upper wall sections  26  wherein the top lid  86  holds to the upper wall sections  26  when the first cooperating lid latch member  100  engages with the second cooperating lid latch member  102  and the upper wall sections  26  are in a closed position. In alternative embodiments, an upper wall rim protrusion  103 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , may extend transversely at the upper wall rim  36  and be complementary to an inner perimeter of the top lid  86  such that the top lid  86  snaps over the upper wall rim protrusion  103  thus securing the top lid  86  to the upper wall rim  36 . In other embodiments, the top lid  86  may be secured by any attachment devices including without limitation tongues and grooves, clips, and strips. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are various configurations for securing the top lid  86  to the upper wall sections  26 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment with a square shape, the bottom portion indentation  96 , the wheel assembly  94 , and the top lid  86  with the top lid handle  87  and the tilt handle  88 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention with a circular shape, the bottom portion indentation  96 , the wheel assembly  94 , and the top lid  86  with the top lid handle  87  and the tilt handle  88 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 8  through  FIG. 11  show an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the hinge  40  comprises (i) a spine wall  50  coupled to a portion of the lower side walls  24 , vertical edges of the spine wall  50  forming a first spine side  54  on a first side and a second spine side  56  on a second, opposing side, (ii) a plurality of first aligned spine hinge knuckles  58  coupled to, and extending outwardly from, the first spine side  54 , (iii) a plurality of second aligned spine hinge knuckles  60  coupled to, and extending outwardly from, the second spine side  56 , (iv) a plurality of first aligned section hinge knuckles  68  coupled to the vertical hinged edge  32  of the first upper wall section  28 , (v) a plurality of second aligned section hinge knuckles  69  coupled to the vertical hinged edge  32  of the second upper wall section  30 , (vi) a first rigid pivot mounting rod  61  and (vii) a second rigid pivot mounting rod  62 . 
         [0056]    The spine wall  50  may have a width of about 13 cm (approximately 5 inches) and extend upwardly to align with the upper wall rim  36 . The spine wall  50  may be permanently attached and molded to the lower side walls  24 . In an alternative embodiment, the spine wall  50  extends downwardly below the lower wall rim  25  and is attached to the lower side walls  24  by nuts and bolts  52 . In other embodiments, the spine wall  50  may be attached to the lower side walls  24  by any means capable of holding the spine wall  50  and the lower side walls  24  together. 
         [0057]    The first aligned spine hinge knuckles  58  may be integrally molded to the first spine side  54 , and the second aligned spine hinge knuckles  60  may be integrally molded to the second spine side  56 . In alternative embodiments, the first aligned spine hinge knuckles  58  and the second aligned spine hinge knuckles  60  may be formed by any means including without limitation bent flange elements. 
         [0058]    As best shown in  FIG. 11 , the first aligned spine hinge knuckles  58 , the second aligned spine hinge knuckles  60 , first aligned section hinge knuckles  68  and the second aligned section hinge knuckles  69  may be substantially tubular in shape. The first aligned section hinge knuckles  68  may be capable of fitting end-to-end between, and in axial alignment with, the first aligned spine hinge knuckles  58 . The second aligned section hinge knuckles  69  may be capable of fitting end-to-end between, and in axial alignment with, the second aligned spine hinge knuckles  60 . 
         [0059]    As best shown in  FIG. 11 , a first rigid pivot mounting rod  61  extends vertically along an inside of the first aligned spine hinge knuckles  58  and the first aligned section hinge knuckles  68 . A second rigid pivot mounting rod  62  extends vertically along an inside of the second aligned spine hinge knuckles  60  and the second aligned section hinge knuckles  69 . 
         [0060]    As best shown in  FIG. 9 , a first rod fastener  63  may secure the first rigid pivot mounting rod  61 , and a second rod fastener  64  may secure the second rigid pivot mounting rod  62 , thereby preventing the lower side walls  24  from disengaging when upward force is exerted on the upper wall sections  26 . The first rod fastener  63  may comprise a first rod receiving element  120  coupled to the lower side walls  24 , a first rod cavity  98  in the first rigid pivot mounting rod  61 , and a first cotter pin  122 . The first rod receiving element  120  may comprise a first vertically oriented opening  121  having a size and shape that is complementary to the first rigid pivot mounting rod  61  such that the first vertically oriented opening  121  is capable of receiving the first rigid pivot mounting rod  61 . The first rod receiving element  120  may have a first pin entry hole  124  on a first side and a first pin exit hole  126  on a second, opposing side. In the preferred embodiment, the first cotter pin  122  extends transversely through the first pin entry hole  124 , through the first rod cavity  98 , and through the first pin exit hole  126 , thereby securely coupling the first rigid pivot mounting rod  61  to the lower side walls  24 . 
         [0061]    The second rod fastener  64  may comprise a second rod receiving element  130  coupled to the lower side walls  24 , a second rod cavity  99  in the second rigid pivot mounting rod  62 , and a second cotter pin  132 . The second rod receiving element  130  may comprise a second vertically oriented opening  131  having a size and shape that is complementary to the second rigid pivot mounting rod  62  such that the second vertically oriented opening  131  is capable of receiving the second rigid pivot mounting rod  62 . The second rod receiving element  130  may have a second pin entry hole  134  on a first side and a second pin exit hole  136  on a second, opposing side. In the preferred embodiment, the second cotter pin  132  extends transversely through the second pin entry hole  134 , through the second rod cavity  99 , and through the second pin exit hole  136 , thereby securely coupling the second rigid pivot mounting rod  62  to the lower side walls  24 . 
         [0062]    In alternative embodiments, the first rod fastener  63  may be any device capable of securing the first rigid pivot mounting rod  61  to the lower side walls  24  including without limitation a nut and bolt. In alternative embodiments, the second rod fastener  64  may be any device capable of securing the second rigid pivot mounting rod  62  to the lower side walls  24  including without limitation a nut and bolt. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are various rod fastener configurations available. 
         [0063]    It is to be understood that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the present invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0064]    The applicant intends to encompass within the language any structure presently existing or developed in the future that performs the same function. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and, not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.