Patent Publication Number: US-10315842-B2

Title: System for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/014,992, entitled “SYSTEM FOR SECURING A LID OF A CONTAINER AGAINST ANIMAL INTRUSION”, and filed Jun. 20, 2014. The aforementioned application is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The invention relates to portable waste containers for use outdoors. Portable waste containers may be used for temporary storage of garbage, recyclable materials, or other items until the containers are emptied and the contents are transported to a centralized location. Preventing animal intrusion into the containers is important for both animal and human safety. Prior art containers do not provide portable systems that prevent animal intrusion while being operable by both humans and mechanical means. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, a system for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion is provided. The system includes a first notched arm including a first notch, the first notched arm coupled to the container about a first pivot, a first catch coupled to the lid at a location corresponding to the first notched arm and configured to hook the notch to maintain the lid in a closed position, and a first release lever coupled to the first notched arm and protruding outside the container for releasing the first notched arm from the first catch such that the lid may move to an opened position. 
     In another embodiment, a system for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion is provided. The system includes a first notched arm and a second notched arm, each mechanically coupled to the container about a first pivot and a second pivot, respectively. The system further includes a first catch and a second catch, each fixed to the lid at a location corresponding to the first and second notched arms, respectively, and configured to hook the notch of the respective notched arm, thereby securing the lid in the closed position. Finally, the system includes a first release lever and a second release lever, each mechanically coupled to first notched arm and second notched arm, respectively, wherein first and second release levers protrude outside the container and are configured to release the lid when pressed. 
     In yet another embodiment, a system for unsecuring a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion is provided. The system includes a mechanism for securing the lid in a closed position, and a first and second release lever each mechanically coupled to the mechanism and protruding outside the container and configured to release the container lid when pressed. The system further includes a mechanical claw configured to grasp the container for lifting and tilting to empty the container contents into a garbage truck, wherein the mechanical claw is configured to press the first and second release levers to unsecure the container lid upon grasping the container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of a system for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion. 
         FIG. 2  shows the system of  FIG. 1  and a mechanical claw, in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  shows one embodiment of a system for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion. 
         FIG. 4  shows one embodiment of a catch plate from a system for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion. 
         FIG. 5  shows one embodiment of a notched arm from a system for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion. 
         FIG. 6  shows one embodiment of a mechanism for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion with the lid in an open position. 
         FIG. 7  shows a side view of the lid of  FIG. 6 , in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  shows the mechanism of  FIG. 6  with the lid in a partially closed position. 
         FIG. 9  shows the mechanism of  FIG. 6  with the lid in a fully closed position. 
         FIG. 10  shows one embodiment of a mechanism for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion with a notched arm in a lid-securing orientation. 
         FIG. 11  shows the mechanism of  FIG. 10  with release lever pressed down to rotate the notched arm away from the lid-securing orientation. 
         FIG. 12  shows one embodiment of a mechanism for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion with two notched arms. 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a release lever of  FIG. 12 , in an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  shows the release lever of  FIG. 13  in exemplary detail. 
         FIG. 15  depicts a mechanical claw for automatically releasing a lid of a container while grasping the container. 
         FIG. 16  depicts the mechanical claw of  FIG. 15  from a side perspective. 
         FIG. 17  depicts one embodiment of a system for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion. 
         FIG. 18  depicts one embodiment of a mechanism for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Containers that are used to store waste outdoors may be temporarily located along a curbside or street for pickup. At other times, the container may be stored away from the street requiring it to be easily portable. While outdoors, the container may require features to prevent animal intrusion. Embodiments of the system described herein include one or more of a container, a lid, and a lid-locking device that are sturdy enough to prevent animal intrusion while being lightweight enough to remain easily portable. Embodiments of the present disclosure require a human user to perform two operations simultaneously to open the container lid, one with each hand, making it unlikely for an animal to perform. The lid-locking device is designed to automatically lock upon closing of the lid, to not be operable by animals, and to not unlock upon tipping over or tilting of the container. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure include a lid-locking device that may be operated by both humans and mechanical means. A mechanical claw described herein is designed specifically to grasp and lift the container without crushing the container and to automatically unlock the lid upon grasping the container. Two levers are simultaneously depressed by the mechanical claw on opposite sides of the container making it unlikely to be performed by an animal. This enables a garbage truck equipped with the mechanical claw to automatically unlock the container lid while lifting and tilting the container, allowing the lid to swing open due to gravity, and emptying the container contents into the garbage truck. 
       FIG. 1  shows a system  100  for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion. System  100  includes a container  105  oriented in a preferred (upright) orientation with a lid  130  on top. Lid  130  covers an opening  185  of container  105 . Container  105  includes at least one hinge  145  that joins lid  130  and container  105 , allowing lid  130  to pivot between an open position and a closed position. In an embodiment, hinge  145  is protected from damage by a supporting material, such as plastic or metal, which is not shown in  FIG. 1  for clarity of illustration. The supporting material prevents an animal from prying open the lid at the hinges. Lid  130  includes a catch  140  fixed thereto, and container  105  includes a notched arm  110  mounted inside container  105 . When lid  130  is closed, notched arm  110  hooks catch  140  thereby securing lid  130  in the closed position. System  100  further includes a guard that protects notched arm (see  FIG. 2 ). The guard is not shown in  FIG. 1  for clarity of illustration to enable viewing of notched arm  110 . 
     A first release lever  150  protrudes outside container  105  through a gap  155 . First release lever  150  is mechanically coupled to notched arm  110  (see, for example  FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 ). Pressing first release lever  150  causes notched arm  110  to release from catch  140 , thereby releasing lid  130  for opening. A flange  165  mounts along a rim of container  105  surrounding an opening  185 . Flange  165  prevents access to an interface between lid  130  and container  105  when lid  130  is in the closed position. Flange  165  is partially shown in  FIG. 1  for clarity of illustration to enable viewing of other components, but flange  165  may be configured to completely overlap the opening between container  105  and lid  130 . Supports made from metal strips or bars, such as a support  175 , may be mounted on lid  130  or container  105  to provide additional strength. Additional supports may be mounted to lid  130  and container  105  without departing from the scope hereof. System  100  may include a second release lever  152 . Second release lever connects to notched arm  110  (see  FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 ). 
       FIG. 2  shows a system  200  for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion.  FIG. 2  includes system  100  of  FIG. 1  and a mechanical claw  290  and is best viewed together with  FIG. 1  and the following description. Container  105  is configured to be grasped by mechanical claw  290  in a location that overlaps second release lever  152  (see  FIG. 1 ). Second release lever is configured to be pressed inward by mechanical claw  290  to release lid  130  for opening. 
     Mechanical claw  290  may attach to a garbage truck for the purpose of lifting and tilting container  105  to dump the contents into the garbage truck.  FIGS. 15 and 16  show a mechanical claw in exemplary detail. Second release lever  152  is configured to be automatically pressed when mechanical claw  290  grasps container  105 , thereby releasing lid  130  to swing open due to gravity when container  105  is tilted upside down. After returning container  105  to the ground, mechanical claw  290  releases container  105  and second release lever  152  so that lid  130  may be secured closed. 
     System  200  further includes a guard  286  that protects notched arm  110 , and all mechanisms coupled to notched arm  110 , from obstruction or damage due to contact with contents inside container  105 . Guard  286  includes a first port  288  to permit entry of catch  140 . Guard  286  may include a tapered end, opposite first port  288 , shaped to prevent contents of container  105  from getting caught beneath guard  286  when container  105  is tilted for emptying. A second port (not shown) is located on a side of guard  286  for first release lever  150  to extend outside container  105 . Likewise, a third port (not shown) is located on a side of guard  286  for second release lever  152  to extend outside container  105 . Guard  286  and the lid-locking mechanism protected inside guard  286 , including notched arm  110 , may be located on the outside of container  105  without departing from the scope hereof (see, for example,  FIG. 17 ). 
       FIG. 3  shows a system  300  for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion, which is similar to system  100  of  FIG. 1 . System  300  includes container  305 , lid  330 , flange  365  and second release lever  352 , which are similar to container  105 , lid  130 , flange  165 , and second release lever  152  of  FIG. 1 , respectively. A first release lever may be located on a side of container  305  and beneath lid  330  such that the lever is not in view in  FIG. 3 . System  300  also includes a third release lever  353 , located opposite second release lever  352 . The purpose of third release lever  353  is to pivot a second notched arm (see, for example,  FIGS. 12 and 18 ). Second and third release levers  352 ,  353  are configured to be simultaneously pressed by mechanical means, such as mechanical claw  290  of  FIG. 2  or mechanical claw  1500  of  FIGS. 15 and 16 , to rotate one or more notched arms for releasing lid  330 . 
     System  300  further includes a first wheel, such as first wheel  395 , and a second wheel, which is not in view in  FIG. 3 . First wheel  395  and second wheel provide portability to system  300 . Weight-saving features of system  300  include parts made from thinner material, a narrower profile guard, and cutaway sections. An example of a catch plate with cutaway material for a lightweight design is shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an exemplary catch plate  400  for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion. Catch plate  400  includes a first catch  440  and a second catch  442 . First and second catch  440 ,  442 , which are examples of catch  140  of  FIG. 1 , are intended to catch two notched arms (see, for example,  FIGS. 12 and 18 ). Catch plate  400  is fixed to the underside of a lid  430 , which is an example of lid  130  of  FIG. 1 . Catch plate  400  is fixed to lid  430  by bolts or rivets for example.  FIG. 4  shows four exemplary rivets  445  used to fix catch plate  400  to lid  430 . Note the shape of catch plate  400 , which includes a first cutaway section  447 , a second cutaway section  448  located between first catch  440  and second catch  442 , and a third cutaway section  449 . The cutaway sections  447 ,  448 ,  449  are shaped to reduce weight of catch plate  400 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an exemplary notched arm  601  from a system for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion, such as system  100  of  FIG. 1  or system  300  of  FIG. 3 , for example. Notched arm  500  includes an arm  510  with a notch  515 , a protrusion  517 , and an angled end  525 . A pivot hole  520  provides a hole for a pivot that may be formed by a rod, pin, dowel, or bolt, for example for pivoting notched arm  500 .  FIG. 5  includes exemplary dimensions in inches for one embodiment of notched arm  500 . For example, arm  510  is 1.250 inches wide and 7.560 inches long, notch  515  is 0.380 inch wide, and angled end  525  has a forty-five degree angle with respect to a long edge of arm  510 . Arm  510  is, for example, made from material, such as steel or aluminum, which is 0.105 inch thick. However, it should be appreciated that arm  510  may be made from alternate materials with sufficient strength, such as plastic, wood, composites, etc. Pivot hole  520  passes through notched arm  500  and is 0.531 inch in diameter, for example. Specific dimensions of notched arm  500  may vary from those shown in  FIG. 5  without departing from the scope hereof. 
       FIG. 6  shows a schematic drawing of an exemplary mechanism  600  for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion. Mechanism  600  includes a container  605  and a lid  630  in an open position.  FIGS. 6-9  illustrate lid  630  from different perspectives or in different positions, and are best viewed together with the following description. Fixed to lid  630  is a catch  640 , which is an example of catch  140  of  FIG. 1 . Catch  640  may be a bar, hook, eyelet, or any other configuration capable of interconnecting with notch  615  of notched arm  601  for securing lid  630  in the closed position. One embodiment of catch  640  is an eyelet (see  FIG. 7 ). 
       FIG. 7  is a side view  700  of lid  630  and catch  640 , orthogonal to the view of  FIG. 6 , which shows an opening  745  that passes through catch  640 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , notched arm  601  includes an upper portion  610  above pivot  620  and a lower portion  627  below pivot  620 . Lower portion  627  may be fixed to upper portion  610  by bolts, rivets, or welding for example. A first release lever  650 , which is mechanically coupled to upper portion  610  of notched arm  601 , protrudes outside container  605  through a first gap  655 ( 1 ). First gap  655 ( 1 ) is appropriately sized to enable motion of first release lever  650  while preventing animal access inside container  605 . In an embodiment, upper portion  610 , lower portion  627  and release lever  650  may be made from a single piece of material, such as a machined piece of aluminum. 
     Lower portion  627  is configured to mechanically couple with a second release lever  652  for rotating notched arm  601  about pivot  620 . Second release lever  652  is an example of second release lever  152  of  FIG. 1  intended for pressing by mechanical means, such as mechanical claw  290  of  FIG. 2  or mechanical claw  1500  of  FIGS. 15 and 16 . Note that mechanical coupling between notched arm  601  and first and second release levers  650 ,  652  may be created by weld, by bolts secured with nuts, by brackets, by one or more screws threaded through tapped holes, or by one or more rivets, or any similar device, without departing from the scope thereof.  FIG. 6  shows a bracket  654  as one embodiment of mechanical coupling between second release lever  652  and notched arm  601 . Second release lever  652  protrudes outside container  605  through a second gap  655 ( 2 ). 
     Affixed to notched arm  601  is a spring  660 . Spring  660  may be an extension spring, as is depicted in  FIG. 6 . However, the drawing is not intended to limit the scope of the spring, but merely to illustrate one potential type of spring. Other types of appropriate springs include leaf springs, compression springs, and torsional springs. A stay  670  is shown attached to one end of spring  660 . Stay  670  may be a fixed rigid body or a rigid body with one or more degrees of freedom (see, for example, stay  1070  of  FIG. 10 ). Stay  670  may be positioned next to the notched arm  601  as depicted in  FIG. 6 , or it may be located in a different position in order to provide an effective spring system, depending on the type of spring and other design considerations. In an embodiment, spring  660  is an extension spring that acts to pull notched arm  601  into the lid-securing orientation, as depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8  shows mechanism  800 , which is an example of mechanism  600  of  FIG. 6  with lid  630  in a partially closed position. In the partially closed position, catch  640  is aligned to contact notched arm  601  along angled end  625 . The force of catch  640 , from the weight of lid  630 , applied to angled end  625 , causes notched arm  601  to rotate about pivot  620 . Spring  660  counteracts rotation of notched arm  601  but is configured appropriately to enable rotation of notched arm  601  due to the weight of lid  630 . As lid  630  is further closed, catch  640  moves past angled end  625  to notch  615 . The force of spring  660  counter rotates notched arm  601  to the lid-securing orientation, causing catch  640  to hook with notch  615 . 
       FIG. 9  shows mechanism  900 , which is an example of mechanism  600  of  FIG. 6  with lid  630  in a fully closed position. Here, catch  640  includes an eyelet with an opening (see  FIG. 7 ), which is hooked to notch  615  of notched arm  601 . Notched arm  601  is in the lid-securing orientation, thereby maintaining lid  630  in the closed position. A human user may unlock and open lid  630  by pressing first release lever  650  down with one hand, to rotate notched arm  601  and free catch  640 , while simultaneously lifting lid  630  with the other hand. Alternatively, a mechanical means, such as mechanical claw  290  of  FIG. 2  or mechanical claw  1500  of  FIGS. 15 and 16 , presses second release lever  652  while grasping container  605  to rotate notched arm  601  and free catch  640  to release lid  630 . Second release lever  652  is configured to be pressed inward, for example. 
     Mechanisms  600 ,  800  and  900  of  FIGS. 6, 8 and 9 , respectively, may include a guard, such as guard  286  of  FIG. 1  for example, to protect the lid-locking mechanism, including notched arm  601 , from obstruction or damage due to contact with contents inside container  605 . In an embodiment, guard  286  is located outside container  605  to protect the lid-locking mechanism mounted on an outside surface of container  605  (see, for example,  FIG. 17 ). 
       FIG. 10  shows a mechanism  1000  for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion with a notched arm  1010  in a lid-securing orientation. For clarity of illustration, dashed lines indicate portions of components located behind another component and therefore hidden from view from the perspective of  FIG. 10 . Notched arm  1010 , which is an example of notched arm  500  of  FIG. 5 , rotates about a pivot  1020 . For clarity of illustration,  FIG. 10  does not show a lid, hinge, catch, or spring as in  FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 , but mechanism  1000  may be used with a lid, hinge, catch, or spring for the purpose of securing a lid of a container in the closed position. The embodiment of mechanism  1000  depicted in  FIG. 10  does not include a lower portion of notched arm  1010 , nor a second release lever mechanically connected thereto, as with mechanism  600  shown in  FIG. 6 , but mechanism  1000  may be modified as such without departing from the scope hereof. 
       FIG. 10  shows a release lever  1050 , which is an embodiment of first release lever  150  of  FIG. 1 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , release lever  1050  is not attached to notched arm  1010 , but is instead mechanically coupled to a stay  1070 , which is an embodiment of stay  670  of  FIG. 6 . Stay  1070  rotates about a pivot  1080 . A brace  1090  mechanically couples to both stay  1070  and notched arm  1010 . Motion imparted to release lever  1050  causes stay  1070  to rotate about pivot  1080 , thereby displacing brace  1090 , which rotates notched arm  1010  about pivot  1020  into the lid-freeing orientation (see, for example,  FIG. 11 ). The lid-freeing orientation of notched arm  1010  permits freeing a container lid for example. In an embodiment, notched arm  1010  moves in a plane of motion that is constrained by a guide  1015 . Guide  1015  serves to limit motion of notched arm  1010  to within a desired range, namely from the lid-securing orientation to the lid-freeing orientation. 
       FIG. 10  also shows a first swivel lock  1001  attached to a frame  1005  via a first bar  1006 . First swivel lock  1001  swings freely in a first plane of motion, orthogonal to first bar  1006 , to remain in a consistent orientation with respect to gravity when mechanism  1000  is tilted in the first plane of motion. Frame  1005  is mounted to a container, such as container  305  of  FIG. 3 , using rivets  1097  to mechanically support mechanism  1000 . Frame  1005  includes a gap  1098  to provide a path for movement of a catch, such as catch  640  of  FIG. 6 , while the lid is being opened or closed. Upon tilting mechanism  1000  in a first direction, first swivel lock  1001  swings toward notched arm  1010  thereby blocking notched arm  1010  from pivoting to remain in the lid-securing orientation. 
     A second swivel lock  1002  swings freely behind release lever  1050  in a second plane of motion about a second bar  1007 , which is rigidly attached to guide  1015 . Second swivel lock  1002  remains in a consistent orientation with respect to gravity when mechanism  1000  is tilted in the second plane of motion. Upon tilting a container in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, the second swivel lock  1002  swings to block notched arm  1010  from pivoting to remain in the lid-securing orientation. 
     Notched arm  1010  includes a protrusion  1017 , which is an example of protrusion  517  of  FIG. 5 . Protrusion  1017  is configured to contact first swivel lock  1001  when notched arm  1010  pivots away from the lid-securing orientation and the container is tilted in a first direction (see for example  FIG. 11 ). 
       FIG. 11  shows mechanism  1100 , which is an example of mechanism  1000  of  FIG. 10 , with release lever  1050  pressed downward to rotate notched arm  1010  away from the lid-securing orientation. For clarity of illustration, dashed lines indicate portions of components located behind another component and therefore hidden from view from the perspective of  FIG. 11 . With respect to  FIG. 10 , stay  1070  is rotated about pivot  1080 , brace  1090  is displaced, and notched arm  1010  is rotated. Note that protrusion  1017  is shown in contact with first swivel lock  1001  in  FIG. 11 . 
     Mechanisms  1000  and  1100  of  FIGS. 10 and 11 , respectively, may include a guard, such as guard  286  of  FIG. 2  that protects notched arm  1010  and all associated lid-locking components. Guard  286  provides protection from obstruction or damage due to contact with container contents, if located inside the container. If located outside the container, guard  286  provides protection from external hazards including animals. 
       FIG. 12  shows a mechanism  1200  for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion. Mechanism  1200  has two notched arms for securing a lid of a container, specifically a first notched arm  1210  and a second notched arm  1211 . For clarity of illustration,  FIG. 12  does not show a lid, hinge or catch, as in  FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 , but mechanism  1200  may be used with a lid, hinge, or catch, for the purpose of securing a lid of a container in the closed position. For further clarity of illustration, dashed lines are used to show portions of components located behind other components, from the perspective of  FIG. 12 , and therefore hidden from view.  FIG. 12  includes exemplary dimensions for system  1200  in inches, including an overall height of 8.0 inches and an overall width of 13.0 inches, according to one embodiment. 
     First notched arm  1210  is mechanically connected to a frame  1205  with a first pivot  1220 , and second notched arm  1211  is mechanically connected to frame  1205  with a second pivot  1221 . Frame  1205 , which is an example of frame  1005  of  FIG. 10 , is mounted to a container with rivets  1297 , for example. First notched arm  1210  and second notched arm  1211  move in a plane of motion within a range that is constrained by a first guide  1215  and a second guide  1216 , respectively. A first release lever  1250  is rigidly attached to a stay  1270 , which is an embodiment of stay  1070  of  FIG. 10 . Dashed lines illustrate portions of first release lever  1250  located behind another component from the perspective of  FIG. 12 . For example, attachment of first release lever  1250  is illustrated behind stay  1270  with dashed lines. Similarly, a portion of first release lever  1250  is located behind first notched arm  1210 , as illustrated with dashed lines in  FIG. 12 . First release lever  1250  includes a bend  1251  configured to bend a portion of first release lever  1250  for passing behind frame  1205 , which is also illustrated with dashed lines in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a perspective view  1300  of a release lever  1350 , which is an example of first release lever  1250  of  FIG. 12 . Release lever  1350  is mechanically coupled to stay  1370 , which is an example of stay  1270  of  FIG. 12 . A bend  1351  provides proper alignment of release lever  1350  for protruding outside a container, such as container  105  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a side view  1400  of the release lever of  FIG. 13  that includes dimensions in inches and angles in degrees. For example, a first portion of release lever  1350  forms a ninety degree angle from stay  1370 , a second portion bends downward at a thirty-five degree angle from the first portion, and a third portion bends downward at a five degree angle below the first portion. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 12 , stay  1270  rotates about a third pivot  1280 . A first brace  1290  mechanically couples to a first side of stay  1270  and to first notched arm  1210 , and a second brace  1291  mechanically couples to a first side of stay  1270  and to second notched arm  1211 . Motion imparted to the first release lever  1250  causes stay  1270  to rotate about third pivot  1280 , thereby displacing both first and second braces  1290 ,  1291 . The brace displacements rotate first notched arm  1210  and second notched arm  1211  about first pivot  1220  and second pivot  1221 , respectively. Downward motion imparted to first release lever  1250  rotates first and second notched arms  1210 ,  1211  into the lid-freeing orientation, permitting a container lid, such as lid  330  of container  305 , to be opened. 
       FIG. 12  includes a second release lever  1252  and a third release lever  1253  mechanically coupled to first notched arm  1210  and second notched arm  1211 , respectively. Second and third release levers  1252 ,  1253  are examples of second release lever  652  shown in  FIGS. 6, 8, and 9 . Second release lever  1252  is configured to be pressed inward to rotate first notched arm  1210  about pivot  1220 . Similarly, third release lever  1253  is configured to be pressed inward to rotate second notched arm  1211  about pivot  1221 . Pressing either second release lever  1252  or third release lever  1253  inward rotates both first and second notched arms  1210 ,  1211  into the lid-freeing orientation due to mechanical coupling provided by first and second braces  1290 ,  1291  and stay  1270 . Second and third release levers  1252 ,  1253  are configured to be pressed by a mechanical claw, such as mechanical claw  290  of  FIG. 2  or mechanical claw  1500  of  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
     Frame  1205  includes a first gap  1298  and a second gap  1299 . The gaps  1298 ,  1299  provide a path for movement of catches, such as first and second catch  440 ,  442  of  FIG. 4 , while the lid is being opened or closed.  FIG. 12  shows a spring  1260  mechanically coupled to stay  1270  and second notched arm  1211 . In an embodiment, spring  1260  is an extension spring with two to three pounds of force. Spring  1260  acts to return first and second notched arms  1210 ,  1211  from the lid-freeing orientation to the lid-securing orientation upon release of first, second and third release levers  1250 ,  1251 ,  1252 . Spring  1260  acts directly on second notched arm  1211  and indirectly on first notched arm  1210  via first brace  1290 . Mechanism  1200  may be protected by a guard, similar to guard  286  of  FIG. 2 , while mounted to an interior or exterior surface of a container, such as container  305  of  FIG. 3 . 
     Mechanism  1200  further includes swivel locks that swing freely to remain in a consistent orientation with respect to gravity when mechanism  1200  is tilted. Swivel locks swing freely about bars, for example. Specifically, a first swivel lock  1201  swings freely about a first bar  1206 , and a second swivel lock  1202  swings freely about a second bar  1207 , which are examples of first swivel lock  1001  and first bar  1006 , and second swivel lock  1002  and second bar  1007  of  FIG. 10 , respectively. Mechanism  1200  further includes a third swivel lock  1203  that swings freely about a third bar  1208  and a fourth swivel lock  1204  that swings freely about a fourth bar  1209 . Third bar  1208  attaches directly to frame  1205 . First bar  1206  and third bar  1208  are viewed from a cross-sectional perspective in  FIG. 12 . Fourth bar  1209  attaches to a bracket  1295 , wherein bracket  1295  is attached to frame  1205 . Second bar  1207  and fourth bar  1209  include portions that pass through second swivel lock  1202  and fourth swivel lock  1204 , respectively, as illustrated with dashed lines in  FIG. 12 . 
     Upon tilting mechanism  1200  in a first direction, first swivel lock  1201  swings toward first notched arm  1210 , thereby blocking first notched arm  1210  from pivoting to remain in the lid-securing orientation. Similarly, upon tilting mechanism  1200  in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, second swivel lock  1202  swings behind first notched arm  1210 , thereby blocking first notched arm  1210  from pivoting to remain in the lid-securing orientation. Likewise, third swivel lock  1203  swings toward second notched arm  1211  when mechanism  1200  is tilted in a third direction, opposite the first direction, thereby blocking second notched arm  1211  from pivoting to remain in the lid-securing orientation. Finally, fourth swivel lock  1204  swings behind second notched arm  1211  when mechanism  1200  is tilted in a fourth direction, opposite the second direction, thereby blocking second notched arm  1211  from pivoting to remain in the lid-securing orientation. Because first and second notched arms  1210 ,  1211  are mechanically coupled via first and second braces  1290 ,  1291  and stay  1270 , when either notched arm is secured by a swivel lock, both notched arms  1210 ,  1211  are prevented from unlocking, thereby preventing unwanted opening of the lid when the container deviates, in any direction, from a preferred (upright) orientation. 
     First notched arm  1210  includes a protrusion  1217  that serves as a lock stop for first swivel lock  1201 . Similarly, second notched arm  1211  includes a protrusion  1218  that serves as a lock stop for third swivel lock  1203 . 
       FIG. 15  depicts a mechanical claw  1500  for automatically releasing a lid of a container while grasping the container. Mechanical claw  1500  is an example of mechanical claw  290  of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 16  depicts mechanical claw  1500  of  FIG. 15  from a side perspective.  FIGS. 15 and 16  are best viewed together with the following description. Mechanical claw  1500  includes a first arm  1501  and a second arm  1502  for simultaneously grasping a container, such as container  305  of  FIG. 3  or a container  1705  of  FIG. 17 , for example. Additional container embodiments described herein may also be used with mechanical claw  1500  without departing from the scope hereof. First and second arms  1501 ,  1502  are made of steel and mechanically coupled to a garbage truck at a first attachment  1511  and a second attachment  1512 , respectively. First and second attachments  1511 ,  1512  are hydraulically powered and move laterally to bring first and second arms  1501 ,  1502  alternatively together and apart, thereby grasping and releasing container  305 . 
     First and second arms  1501 ,  1502  include a first strap  1521  and a second strap  1522 , respectively, made of nylon for example. First and second straps  1521 ,  1522  are configured to physically contact container  305  for grasping to lift and tilt container  305  for emptying. While grasping container  305 , first and second straps  1521 ,  1522  press second release lever  352  and third release lever  353  simultaneously to release the locking mechanism thereby releasing lid  330  of container  305 . Thus, container  305  with lid  330  and release levers  352 ,  353  form a system, together with mechanical claw  1500 , for preventing animal intrusion that enables automatic opening of container  305  for emptying contents into a garbage truck. An advantage over prior art systems is that the garbage truck driver is not required to exit the truck to release lid  330  of container  305  prior to emptying container  305  contents. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , first and second straps  1521 ,  1522  are mechanically coupled to their respective arm with a stationary end and a spring-constrained end. For example, first strap  1521  is coupled to first arm  1501  by a first stationary end  1531  and a first spring-constrained end  1541 . First stationary end  1531  is held stationary to first arm  1501  by bolts, for example. First spring-constrained end  1541  is mechanically coupled to a first spring  1551  by a first fork  1561 . First fork  1561  is for example bolted to first strap  1521  and passes through a first bracket  1571  for securing first spring  1551 . First strap  1521 , first fork  1561 , and first spring  1551  are configured to enable first spring-constrained end  1541  to move against the force of first spring  1551  when container  305  is grasped with first strap  1521 . A first post  1581  and a second post  1582  are attached to first arm  1501  by weld, for example, to guide first strap  1521  to a desired orientation for grasping container  305 . First strap  1521  slides about second post  1582  as first spring-constrained end  1541  moves. A maximum pressure of first strap  1521  on container  305  is limited by the force of first spring  1551 , thereby preventing first arm  1501  from crushing container  305 . First spring  1561  may be a linear spring configured as a compression spring, as is depicted in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . However, the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the spring, but merely to illustrate one potential type of spring. Other types of appropriate springs include leaf springs, extension springs, and torsional springs. 
     Likewise, second strap  1522  is coupled to second arm  1502  by a second stationary end  1532  and a second spring-constrained end  1542 . Second stationary end  1532  is held stationary to second arm  1502  by bolts, for example. Second spring-constrained end  1542  is mechanically coupled to a second spring  1552  by a second fork  1562 . Second fork  1562  is for example bolted to second strap  1522  and passes through a second bracket  1572  for securing second spring  1552 . Second strap  1522 , second fork  1562 , and second spring  1552  are configured to enable second spring-constrained end  1542  to move against the force of second spring  1552  when container  305  is grasped with second strap  1522 . A third post  1583  and a fourth post  1584  are attached to second arm  1502  by weld, for example, to guide second strap  1522  to a desired orientation for grasping container  305 . Second strap  1522  slides about fourth post  1584  as second spring-constrained end  1542  moves. A maximum pressure of second strap  1522  on container  305  is limited by the force of second spring  1552 , thereby preventing second arm  1502  from crushing container  305 . 
     First and second arms  1501 ,  1502  further include one or more rubber bumpers  1591 ,  1592 , respectively, to prevent steel of the arms from contacting container  305 , thereby reducing potential for damage to container  305 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a portion of first strap  1521  backed with a first leather piece  1595  to prevent metal portions of first arm  1501  from damaging nylon material of first strap  1521  due to abrasion. First leather piece  1595  is fixed to first strap  1521  using bolts or rivets for example. Second strap  1522  is similarly backed with a second leather piece  1596 . 
       FIG. 17  shows a system  1700  for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion, which is similar to system  300  of  FIG. 3 . System  1700  includes a container  1705 , a lid  1730 , and a flange  1765  for protecting lid  1730 . Container  1705 , lid  1730 , and flange  1765  are similar to container  305 , lid  330 , and flange  365  of  FIG. 3 , respectively. System  1700  further includes a mechanism, such as a mechanism  1800  of  FIG. 18  for example, which may be protected by a guard  1786 , similar to guard  286  of  FIG. 2 , and mounted on an external surface of container  1705 .  FIGS. 17 and 18  are best viewed together with the following description. 
     System  1700  includes a first release lever  1751  and a second release lever  1752 , which are similar to second release lever  352  and third release lever  353  of  FIG. 3  and are used to release the lid from being secured in a closed position. First and second release levers  1751 ,  1752  may be pressed simultaneously by mechanical means, such as mechanical claw  1500  of  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
     Mechanical claw  1500  may grasp container  1705  such that first and second straps  1521 ,  1522  press first release lever  1751  and second release lever  1752  simultaneously to release the locking mechanism thereby releasing lid  1730 . Thus, container  1705  with lid  1730  and release levers  1751 ,  1752  form a system, together with mechanical claw  1500 , for preventing animal intrusion that enables automatic opening of container  1705  for emptying contents into a garbage truck. 
       FIG. 18  shows mechanism  1800  for securing a lid of a container to prevent animal intrusion. Mechanism  1800  is similar to mechanism  1200  of  FIG. 12  and may be configured to secure lid  1730  to container  1705  (of  FIG. 17 ). Mechanism  1800  includes a first notched arm  1810  and a second notched arm  1811 . First notched arm  1810  is mechanically connected to a frame  1805  with a first pivot  1820 , and second notched arm  1811  is mechanically connected to frame  1805  with a second pivot  1821 . Frame  1805 , which is an example of frame  1205  of  FIG. 12 , mounts to an interior or exterior container wall for supporting mechanism  1800  in position to secure the container lid. 
     A first release lever  1751  is mechanically coupled to first notched arm  1810  via a first bracket  1854 , for example. Similarly, a second release lever  1752  is mechanically coupled to second notched arm  1811  via a second bracket  1855 , for example. First and second brackets  1854 ,  1855  are examples of bracket  654  of  FIG. 6 . First and second release levers  1751 ,  1752  each include a free end that protrudes outside guard  1786  for pressing, as shown in  FIG. 17 . Pressure applied to the free end of each release lever causes a respective notched arm to rotate. For example, pressure applied to the free end of first release lever  1751  rotates first notched arm  1810  about first pivot  1820 . Similarly, pressure applied to the free end of second release lever  1752  rotates second notched arm  1811  about second pivot  1821 . A brace  1890  mechanically couples first notched arm  1810  to second notched arm  1811 . Brace  1890  is configured such that motion imparted to either release lever  1751 ,  1752 , causes both notched arms  1810 ,  1811  to rotate into the lid-freeing orientation, permitting a container lid to be opened. When freeing a lid by hand (such as lid  1730  of  FIG. 17 , for example), a user presses either first or second release lever  1751 ,  1752  with one hand and simultaneously lifts lid  1730  with the other hand, making it unlikely for an animal to perform. A spring  1860  mechanically couples first notched arm  1810  and second notched arm  1811 . Spring  1860  is for example a spring that acts to return first and second notched arms  1810 ,  1811  from the lid-freeing orientation to the lid-securing orientation upon release of first and second release levers  1751 ,  1752 . 
       FIG. 18  depicts a first swivel lock  1801  that swings freely about a first bar  1806 , and a second swivel lock  1802  that swings freely about a second bar  1807 , which are examples of first swivel lock  1201  and first bar  1206 , and second swivel lock  1202  and second bar  1207  of  FIG. 12 , respectively. First swivel lock  1801  swings due to gravity when mechanism  1800  is tilted back or forth in a first plane of motion, thus blocking first notched arm  1810  from being rotated to a lid-freeing orientation. Second swivel lock  1802  swings due to gravity when mechanism  1800  is tilted back or forth in a second plane of motion, orthogonal to the first plane of motion, thus blocking notched arm  1811  from pivoting to a lid-freeing orientation. First and second swivel locks  1801 ,  1802  maintain first and second notched arms  1810 ,  1811  in a secured orientation when mechanism  1800  is tilted in any direction from a preferred (upright) orientation. 
     Changes may be made in the above methods and systems without departing from the scope hereof. It should thus be noted that the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.