Patent Publication Number: US-11396763-B2

Title: Gravity-actuated latch mechanism

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications entitled “GRAVITY-ACTUATED LATCH MECHANISM,” Ser. No. 62/558,149, filed Sep. 13, 2017, and this application is a continuation-in-part of the earlier U.S. Utility patent application entitled “GRAVITY-ACTUATED LATCH MECHANISM,” Ser. No. 14/835,262, filed Aug. 25, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications “Gravity-Actuated Latch Mechanism,” Ser. No. 62/042,047, filed 26 Aug. 2014, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications “Gravity-Actuated Latch Mechanism,” Ser. No. 62/109,886, filed 30 Jan. 2015, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to latch mechanisms for containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gravity-actuated latch mechanism for selectively restricting access to a container. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Food and food-containing refuse generated by humans often attract the attention of animals. Animals have a keen sense of smell and can easily detect food which has been discarded in containers left outdoors such as refuse bins and storage lockers. Once food has been discovered in such areas, the animals often return to these outdoor containers in the hope of finding additional food. 
     Animals in pursuit of a readily available source of food are problematic to human populated areas. For example, animals sometimes enter homes, garages, or even vehicles in search of food where they inflict significant property damage. Furthermore, animals entering human inhabited areas can become injured or killed by moving vehicles, electrical lines, and other human accoutrements. Still further, these animals can lose their wariness towards humans, making them a potential threat to humans. Thus, to protect people, property, and the animals themselves, it is desirable to inhibit animals from accessing containers in which refuse and food are stored. 
     Various attempts have been made to prevent animals from getting into outdoor refuse containers and food storage lockers. For example, refuse containers are sometimes stored inside sturdy locked buildings, in roofed chain link enclosures, and so forth. Unfortunately, food refuse in an enclosure still gives off orders that attract wildlife. Thus, it is critical that such an enclosure be locked and that the enclosure is sufficiently sturdy to dissuade a clever and persistent intruder. 
     In addition, or alternatively, refuse containers may be outfitted with a latch system to prevent an animal from opening the container. Some latch systems can be problematic, however, because they can be difficult for a user to manipulate. Furthermore, some latch systems typically require the user to unlatch and subsequently re-engage the latch after use. If the latch is not re-engaged the container is not protected from animal access. Additionally, some latch systems can still be opened by animals, such as raccoons, through luck, persistence, or cleverness, or by bears through force or turning the refuse containers completely upside-down. 
     Another approach is to build the container using heavy, reinforcing components designed to inhibit animals from physically damaging the container in order to gain access. These reinforcing components can make the container undesirably heavy and unwieldy to move. In addition, these heavy, reinforcing components can cause premature damage, such as failure of the container hinges after repeated use. Furthermore, such reinforced containers may be unnecessary in regions having only small animals, such as raccoons, squirrels, and the like that are unable to physically damage a conventional container. 
     In an effort to control costs associated with refuse collection, many municipalities are implementing “fully-automated collection” techniques. Fully-automated collection involves the use of a truck with an automated, mechanical gripping arm to lift a specially-designed container from the curbside, dump the container contents into the truck, and return the container to the curbside. Such a system typically requires only one person to operate because the truck driver controls the gripping arm from the cab of the truck. In contrast, traditional collection systems require one or two laborers and a driver to collect refuse. 
     Fully-automated collection relies on the cooperation of the residents to place the refuse containers in the proper location and position for collection. Unless the resident places the refuse container in the proper location at the moment that the truck approaches, a container without a latch system is vulnerable to animals while the container awaits refuse collection. Additionally, the container is vulnerable to weather conditions, such as high winds, that can potentially knock over the container causing the refuse to at least partially dump out. A container with a latch system is also problematic because when the container is placed in the proper location, it must be unlatched so that the contents of the container will be successfully emptied. Accordingly, a container with a disengaged latch system is also vulnerable to animals while the container awaits refuse collection. Alternatively, the refuse vehicle operator may exit the truck to disengage the latch system. However, such a procedure is undesirably inconvenient and time consuming. A container using heavy, reinforcing components may be difficult for a resident to place in the proper location and may not conform with the size, shape, and weight requirements needed to safely function with the automated, mechanical arm. 
     Accordingly, what is needed is a latch mechanism for restricting access to a container that is easy to use, mechanically robust, cost effective, and is compatible with fully-automated collection systems. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures, the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and: 
         FIG. 1  shows a side view of a gravity-actuated latch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  shows a top view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism; 
         FIG. 3  shows a front view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism; 
         FIG. 4  shows a front perspective view of gravity-actuated latch mechanism; 
         FIG. 5  shows a side view of a first side of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism at an initially tilted position; 
         FIG. 6  shows a side view of a second side of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism tilted at a greater angle than that shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows a front view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism when it has been tilted; 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective front view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism in an unlatched configuration; 
         FIG. 9  shows an enlarged partial view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective front view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism in a manual release configuration; 
         FIG. 11  shows a back perspective view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism in accordance with an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  shows a side view of a gravity-actuated latch mechanism in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  shows a top view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism; 
         FIG. 14A  shows a front view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism; 
         FIG. 14B  shows a front perspective view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism; 
         FIG. 15A  shows a front view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism at a tilted position; 
         FIG. 15B  shows a perspective view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism at a tilted position; 
         FIG. 16A  shows a front view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism in an inverted position; 
         FIG. 16B  shows a perspective view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism in an inverted position; 
         FIG. 17A  shows a front view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism in normal dump cycle; 
         FIG. 17B  shows a perspective view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism in normal dump cycle; 
         FIG. 18A  shows a front view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism in a return position after a normal dump cycle; 
         FIG. 18B  shows a perspective view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism in a return position after a normal dump cycle; 
         FIG. 19  shows a back perspective view of a gravity-actuated latch mechanism; 
         FIG. 20A  shows a perspective view of a gravity-actuated latch mechanism; 
         FIG. 20B  shows a perspective view of a secondary lock mechanism of a gravity-actuated latch mechanism; 
         FIG. 20C  shows an exploded view of a secondary lock mechanism of a gravity-actuated latch mechanism; 
         FIG. 21  shows a rear perspective view of a gravity-actuated latch mechanism configured to be secured within a pocket of a container according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 22  shows a front perspective view of a gravity-actuated latch mechanism configured to be secured within a pocket of a container according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the invention entail a gravity-actuated latch mechanism that may be utilized in conjunction with an enclosure, such as a container with a lid. The latch mechanism may be implemented with a refuse container, lock box, or any other container that may receive and hold items such as food, garbage, trash, recyclable items, and so forth. More particularly, the latch mechanism is configured to inhibit smaller animals such as raccoons, squirrels, dogs, and the like, from accessing the contents of the container. Furthermore, the latch mechanism is configured to resist unlatching in the instance that the container is tipped over by, for example, the wind or an animal. The latch mechanism automatically engages so that a user need not deliberately re-engage the latch after placing refuse in the container. Furthermore, the latch mechanism can be unlatched by an automated, mechanical arm of a refuse truck so that the contents of the container can be emptied during automated collection. Although the gravity-actuated latch mechanism is directed towards inhibiting access of animals to a refuse container used for automated collection, embodiments of the invention may be applied to inhibiting access of animals in general to containers. Additionally, the latch mechanism may be implemented to allow controlled access to a multitude of container designs, cupboards, gates, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 ,  FIG. 1  shows a side view of a gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20  in accordance with an embodiment.  FIG. 2  shows a top view of gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20 .  FIG. 3  shows a front view of gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20 , and  FIG. 4  shows a front perspective view of gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20 . In  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a front panel of latch mechanism  20  has been removed to better visualize the internal components (discussed below) of latch mechanism  20 . 
     In an embodiment, latch mechanism  20  includes a latch body  22  and a strike  24 . In general, latch body  22  is adapted to be secured to an inside front wall  28  of a container  26  with a top edge of latch body being mounted flush with the top edge of front wall  28 . Strike  24  is adapted to be fastened to a lid  30  that closes, or covers, an opening into container  26 . For purposes of illustration, a portion of container  26  with lid  30  is shown in  FIG. 1 . A bi-directional curved arrow  32  shows a direction of movement of lid  30  relative to front wall  28  of container  26 . That is, a hinged member (not shown) interconnects lid  30  with a back wall (not shown) of container  26  to enable movement of lid  30  relative to container  26 . 
     In embodiments, latch body  22  is adapted to be secured in a pocket  170  of a container  26 . For example, a pocket  170  may be a recess in a top surface  172  of a front wall  28  of a container  26 , as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 , wherein the pocket  170  is configured to receive the latch body  22 , such that the top edge  174  of the latch body  22  is adjacent to the top surface  172  of front wall  28 , or may be flush with the top surface  172  of front wall  28  in some embodiments. The latch body  22  may comprise a latch retainer  176  that engages a ledge (not shown) in the pocket to secure the latch body  22  within the pocket  170 , wherein the latch retainer  176  may be a spring-loaded latch retainer. The pocket  170  may further comprise an aperture  178  through an inside wall thereof, wherein a push button  180  is fitted for releasing the latch retainer  176 . When a user presses the push button  180 , the push button  180  engages the latch retainer  176  to release the latch retainer  176  such that the latch body  22  is free to be removed from the pocket  170 . 
     In such embodiments with a pocket  170 , the user is able to easily remove and replace the latch body  22  without the use of tools. It may be desirable to remove and replace the latch body  22  for cleaning, repair, or complete replacement. The pocket  170  may further act to protect the latch body  22  from dust, dirt, and other debris, thus extending the usable lifespan of the latch body  22 . Although embodiments with a pocket  170 , as described above, may comprise a spring-loaded latch retainer  176  that engages a ledge in the pocket to secure the latch body  22  within the pocket  170 , and a push button  180  for releasing the latch retainer  176 , this is not intended to be limiting. Embodiments of the present invention, wherein the container  26  comprises a pocket  170  for retaining the latch body  22 , may be secured within the pocket  170  by any means known by a person of skill in the art, such as by any of a variety of latch mechanisms, keyed, lockable, or otherwise, for example, that are suitable for securing a latch body  22  within a pocket  170  such that the latch body  22  may be easily installed or removed without the use of tools. 
     In an embodiment, an alignment post  34  extending outwardly from latch body  22  is directed through an opening  36  extending through front wall  28 . Another fastener (not shown) may extend through another opening (not shown) in front wall  28  and secure to, for example, a threaded opening (not shown) in latch body  22 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of fasteners and fastening techniques may be implemented to secure latch body  22  to front wall  28  of container  26 . Similarly, strike  24  may be fastened to lid  30  utilizing a variety of fasteners and fastening techniques known to those skilled in the art. 
     Latch body  22  functions cooperatively with strike  24  so that lid  30  is secured to front wall  28  of container  26  to inhibit intrusion into container  26 , as will be discussed in greater detail below. In addition, latch mechanism  20  can be readily actuated by a gravity effect when the gripping arm of an automated collection refuse pickup vehicle picks up and tilts container  26  to disengage strike  24  from latch body  22 , as will also be discussed in greater detail below. 
     Referring more particularly to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , multiple components of latch mechanism  20  reside within a housing  38  of latch body  22 , with strike  24  extending out of the top of housing  38 . The components of latch mechanism generally include a catch  40 , a lever  42 , a disc member  44  housed in a cavity  45 , a manual open actuator  46 , and a latch actuation ball  48  housed in an elongated passage  50  within housing  38 . 
     Catch  40  includes a first end  52  and a second end  54 . A hook  56  is located at first end  52  of catch  40  and is adapted to engage with strike  24 . A mating surface  58  is located at second end  54  of catch  40  and is adapted to at least partially engage with lever  42  (discussed below). When actuated, catch  40  is adapted to selectively pivot, or rotate, about a pivot axis  60  to release hook  56  from engagement with strike  24 . Lever  42  includes a pivot body  64  and a lever arm  66  extending from pivot body  64 . Lever  42  is adapted to selectively pivot, or rotate, about another pivot axis  68 . Lever arm  66  extends through a slot  70  in a wall  72  enclosing elongated passage  50  so that a distal end  74  of lever arm  66  resides in elongated passage  50 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  show latch mechanism  20  in a latched configuration  76 . More particularly, latch actuation ball  48  resides at the bottom of elongated passage  50  in a reservoir portion  78  of passage  50  when latch mechanism  20  is upright due to the effect of gravity. Distal end  74  of lever arm  66  is oriented approximately horizontal so that a latching surface  80  extending outwardly from pivot body  64  of lever  42  abuts, latches to, or otherwise engages with mating surface  58  at second end  54  of catch  40 . The engagement between latching surface  80  of lever  42  and mating surface  58  of catch  40  largely prevents catch  40  from pivoting about pivot point  60  so that hook  56  remains engaged with strike  24 . 
     Disc member  44  is implemented as an adjunct to the engagement capability between latching surface  80  of lever  42  and mating surface  58  of catch  40 . In particular, when latch mechanism  20  is in latched configuration  76 , disc member  44  within cavity  45  is located within a notch  82  (visible in  FIG. 7 ) formed in pivot body  64 . The engagement of disc member  44  with notch  82  further prevents lever  42  from rotating or pivoting about pivot axis  68 , and thereby preventing catch  40  from pivoting about pivot point  60 . 
     The combined locking mechanisms of latching surface  80  of lever  42  with mating surface  58  of catch  40 , and the further inclusion of disc member  44  engaged with pivot body of lever  42  via notch  82  enables the locked retention of lid  30  to container  26 . Furthermore, should container  26  be knocked over by wind or by an animal, or should container  26  be subjected to vibratory stimulus, the combined locking mechanisms are largely capable of retaining lid  30  locked to container  26 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a side view of a first side of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20  at an initially tilted position  84 . Latch mechanism  20  is illustrated with a portion of housing  38  removed so as to better visualize some of the internal components of mechanism  20 . Referring briefly to  FIG. 3 , the portion of housing  38  removed in  FIG. 5  is at the right side of the illustration of  FIG. 3 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , container  26  (shown in ghost form), with the attached latch mechanism  20 , has been picked up by a refuse truck (not shown) and is beginning to be tipped in order to empty container  26 . It should be recalled that latch mechanism  20  is mounted to inside front wall  28  of container  26 , i.e., the inside of container  26  at the front from which the refuse truck picks up container  26 . Accordingly, the refuse truck would be located on the left side of latch mechanism  20  in accordance with  FIG. 5 . At a tilt of, for example, approximately forty-five degrees, disc member  44  rolls from it rest position  86  engaged with notch  82  ( FIG. 7 ) in pivot body  64  of lever  42  within cavity  45  to a disengaged position  88 . Rest position  86  is represented in ghost form by a circle having a white perimeter. 
     Cavity  45  includes a cavity region  90  displaced forward from lever  42 , i.e., displaced toward front wall  28  of container  26 . Disengaged position  88  of disc member  44  occurs when disc member  44  rolls into cavity region  90 . Cavity  45  may be slot shaped having a width that is only slightly wider than disc member  44  so that disc member  44  is largely prevented from tipping or tilting within cavity region  90 . Accordingly, in order to unlock latch mechanism  20 , disc member  44  must first roll out of notch  82 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 6  shows a side view of a second side of gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20  tilted at a greater angle than that shown in  FIG. 5 . Latch mechanism  20  is illustrated with a portion of housing  38  of latch body  22  removed so as to better visualize some of the internal components of mechanism  20 . Referring briefly to  FIG. 3 , the portion of housing  38  removed in  FIG. 5  is at the left side of the illustration of  FIG. 3 . Accordingly, the refuse truck would be located on the right side of latch mechanism  20  in accordance with  FIG. 6 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 6  shows container  26  (in ghost form) with latch mechanism  20  tilted to an unlock position  92 . At a tilt of, for example, approximately fifteen degrees beyond, or below, horizontal, latch actuation ball  48  begins to roll within elongated passage  50  due to the effect of gravity and contacts distal end  74  of lever arm  66  residing in passage  50 . That is, the refuse truck continues to move container  26  through a dump cycle creating a steeper angle so that latch actuation ball  48  is able to apply more weight to distal end  74  of lever arm  66  to positively move lever arm  66  to its stop. 
     It should be observed that a lower inner wall  94  of elongated passage  50  is approximately flat, i.e., without curves, depressions, or pockets. The approximately flat shape of lower inner wall  94  enables latch actuation ball  48  to easily roll in passage  50  when container  26  with latch mechanism  20  is tilted by the refuse truck. Additionally, an upper inner wall  96  includes a shoulder section  98  that forms a pocket  100  within elongated passage  50 . Pocket  100  faces the back and sides (see also  FIGS. 3 and 7 ) of container  26  when container  26  is in an upright position. Accordingly, if container  26  falls backward and/or on one of its sides, ball  48  is more likely to roll into and reside in pocket  100  instead of rolling in passage  50  to strike distal end  74  of lever arm  66 . Thus, lid ( FIG. 1 ) is more likely to remain locked to container  26  in the event that container  26  is blown over by wind or knocked over by an animal. 
       FIG. 7  shows a front view of gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20  when it has been tilted.  FIG. 7  generally shows latch mechanism  20  in an upright position for simplicity of illustration. However, the location of ball  48  within elongated passage  50  results when latch mechanism  20  is tilted to unlock position  92  shown in  FIG. 6 . That is, the components of latch mechanism  20  are shown as they would appear approaching an upside down position of container  26  ( FIG. 1 ) at the midpoint of a dump cycle. 
     In unlock position  92 , disc member  44  has rolled within cavity  50  out of engagement with notch  82  of pivot body  64  of lever  42 . More particularly, disc member  44  has rolled toward the front of container  26  to clear notch  82  in pivot body  64 . Lever  42  is now free to pivot about its pivot axis  68  because of the weight of latch actuation ball  48  against that portion of lever arm  66  residing in elongated passage  50 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-9 ,  FIG. 8  shows a perspective front view of gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20  in an unlatched configuration  98 , and  FIG. 9  shows an enlarged partial view of gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20  in unlatched configuration  98  shown in  FIG. 8 . With lever  42  moved to its stop position, catch  40  is now free to rotate about its pivot axis  60  so that hook  56  releases from strike  24 . Accordingly, lid  30  ( FIG. 1 ) which is secured to strike  24  is allowed to open from its own weight and/or the pressure of refuse against lid  30 . 
     With particular reference to the enlarged partial view shown in  FIG. 9 , in unlatched configuration  98 , latching surface  80  of lever  42  has moved down and out of position to allow mating surface  58  of catch  40  to move past it so as to release strike  24  ( FIG. 8 ). However, when catch  40  rotates, a ledge  100  formed at second end  54  of catch  40  engages a corresponding surface  102  on pivot body  64  of lever  42 . This engagement allows catch  40  and lever  42  to reset in the reverse order when container  26  ( FIG. 1 ) is placed back into an upright position in order to prevent jamming and to be ready for the next cycle of moving to unlatched configuration  98 . For example, when container  26  is returned to its upright position by the refuse truck, latch actuation ball  48  will return to the bottom of elongated passage  50  and strike  24  will hit catch  40  as lid  30  closes. Thus, catch  40  will pivot about pivot point  60  so that hook  56  engages with strike  24 . Concurrently, lever  42  will pivot about pivot point  68  due to the engagement of ledge  100  formed at second end  54  of catch  40  with corresponding surface  102  on pivot body  64  of lever  42 . When lever  42  pivots to its original position, disc member  44  will roll into engagement with notch  82  so that latch mechanism  20  is again placed in latched configuration  76  ( FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 10  shows a perspective front view of gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20  in a manual release configuration  104 . It is typically necessary for a user to have the ability to unlock latch mechanism  20  in order to place refuse into container  26  ( FIG. 1 ). In order to open lid  30  ( FIG. 1 ) manually, manual open actuator  46  is manipulated by the user. In an embodiment, the user could manually pull a knob (not shown) of manual open actuator  46  outwardly from an exterior of container  26  and then rotate manual open actuator  46  in a clockwise direction. The two action, pull and turn capability of manual open actuator  46  makes it difficult for a clever and persistent animal, such as a raccoon, to figure out how to manually unlock latch mechanism  20 . 
     A spring element  106  of manual open actuator  46  has a spring end  108  in communication with disc member  44 . When the knob of manual open actuator  46  is pulled outwardly, disc member  44  moves forward and out of engagement with notch  82  in pivot body  64  so that lever  42  can be rotated. Rotating manual open actuator  46  in a clockwise direction causes a wing feature  110  of actuator  46  to push upwardly on lever arm  66  causing lever  42  to pivot so that distal end  74  of lever arm  66  moves upwardly in elongated passage  50  to its stop position. With lever  42  moved to its stop position, catch  40  is now free to rotate so that hook  56  releases from strike  24 , as discussed above. Accordingly, lid  30  ( FIG. 1 ) which is secured to strike  24  can be opened by the user in order to place material inside of container  26 . Closing lid  30  resets latch mechanism  20 , as discussed in connection with  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a back perspective view of a gravity-actuated latch mechanism  112  in accordance with an alternative embodiment. Gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20  of  FIG. 1-10  has a flat bottom. Such a flat bottom may be required for use in containers that have an inwardly extending ledge formed to facilitate pickup by a refuse truck. In general, the flat bottom of latch mechanism  20  may reside in close proximity to the inwardly extending ledge. This internal ledge serves as a shed to deflect waste smoothly as container  26  is being dumped. 
     However, when such a ledge is not present, a housing  114  of latch mechanism  112  may be suitably shaped to have a shed  116 , or sloped region, as part of housing  114  that serves to deflect waste smoothly as container  26  ( FIG. 1 ) is being dumped. Additionally, or alternatively, latch mechanism  112  may include suitably formed rib structures  118  formed on housing  114 . Rib structures  118  may be formed over and around outwardly projecting features of latch mechanism  112  to protect the features and to deflect waste as container  26  is being dumped. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12-14B ,  FIG. 12  shows a side view of a gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20  in accordance with an embodiment.  FIG. 13  shows a top view of gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20 .  FIG. 14A  shows a front view of gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20 , and  FIG. 14B  shows a front perspective view of gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20 . In  FIGS. 14A and 14B , a rear housing of latch mechanism  20  has been removed to better visualize the internal components (discussed below) of latch mechanism  20 . 
     In an embodiment, latch mechanism  20  includes a latch body  22  and a strike  24 . In general, latch body  22  is adapted to be secured to an inside front wall  28  of a container  26  with a top edge of latch body being mounted flush with the top edge of front wall  28 . Strike  24  is adapted to be fastened to a lid  30  that closes, or covers, an opening into container  26 . For purposes of illustration, a portion of container  26  with lid  30  is shown in  FIG. 12 . A bi-directional curved arrow  32  shows a direction of movement of lid  30  relative to front wall  28  of container  26 . That is, a hinged member (not shown) interconnects lid  30  with a back wall (not shown) of container  26  to enable movement of lid  30  relative to container  26 . 
     In an embodiment, a fastener (not shown) may extend through another opening (not shown) in front wall  28  and secure to, for example, a threaded opening (not shown) in latch body  22 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of fasteners and fastening techniques may be implemented to secure latch body  22  to front wall  28  of container  26 . Similarly, strike  24  may be fastened to lid  30  utilizing a variety of fasteners and fastening techniques known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, the latch mechanism  20  is drip proof. 
     Latch body  22  functions cooperatively with strike  24  so that lid  30  is secured to front wall  28  of container  26  to inhibit intrusion into container  26 , as will be discussed in greater detail below. In addition, latch mechanism  20  can be readily actuated by a gravity effect when the gripping arm of an automated collection refuse pickup vehicle picks up and tilts container  26  to disengage strike  24  from latch body  22 , as will also be discussed in greater detail below. 
     Referring more particularly to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , multiple components of latch mechanism  20  reside within a housing  38  of latch body  22 . The components of latch mechanism  20  generally include a catch  40 , a lever  42 , a secondary lock actuation member  44  housed in a first elongate passage  45 , a manual open actuator  46 , and a latch actuation member  48  housed in an elongated passage  50  within housing  38 . It will be understood that as shown, the secondary lock actuation member  44  is a secondary lock actuation ball  44  and the latch actuation member  48  is a lock actuation ball  48 . Further the secondary lock actuation member  44  and the latch actuation member  48  may be any shape. 
     Catch  40  includes a first end  52  and a second end  54 . A hook  56  is rotatably coupled to first end  52  of catch  40  and is adapted to engage with strike  24 . A mating surface  58  is located at second end  54  of catch  40  and is adapted to at least partially engage with lever  42  (discussed below). When actuated, catch  40  is adapted to selectively pivot, or rotate, about a pivot axis  60  to release hook  56  from engagement with strike  24 . Lever  42  includes a pivot body  64  and a lever arm  66  extending from pivot body  64 . Lever  42  is adapted to selectively pivot, or rotate, about another pivot axis  68 . Lever arm  66  extends through a slot  70  in a wall  72  enclosing elongated passage  50  so that a distal end  74  of lever arm  66  resides in elongated passage  50 . 
     Pivot body  64  includes a counterweight  65 . Counterweight  65  balances the weight of lever arm  66 , wherein the weight of counterweight  65  may be slightly less than, equal to, or slightly greater than the weight of lever arm  66  and still keep latch mechanism  20  from opening with a knock over of refuse container  26 . It is understood that a return spring may compensate for minor imbalances in lever arm  64  with counterweight  65 . Because of counterweight  65 , when refuse container  26  is knocked over, the resulting force towards the top of refuse container  26  does not cause the lever arm  66  to move towards the top of latch body  22 , which would open it. The center of gravity of lever  42  is approximately at the center of rotation of pivot axis  68 . Counterweight  65  also very slightly impedes the opening of latch mechanism  20  during a dump cycle but the weight of latch actuation ball  48  makes the amount of resistance from counterweight  65  irrelevant. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  show latch mechanism  20  in a latched configuration. More particularly, latch actuation ball  48  resides at the bottom of elongated passage  50  in a reservoir portion  78  of passage  50  when latch mechanism  20  is upright due to the effect of gravity. Distal end  74  of lever arm  66  is oriented approximately horizontal so that a latching surface  80  extending outwardly from pivot body  64  of lever  42  abuts, latches to, or otherwise engages with mating surface  58  at second end  54  of catch  40 . The engagement between latching surface  80  of lever  42  and mating surface  58  of catch  40  largely prevents catch  40  from pivoting about pivot point  60  so that hook  56  remains engaged with strike  24 . 
     Secondary lock actuation member  44  is implemented as part of a secondary lock mechanism  120 . Secondary lock mechanism  120  includes a secondary lock lever arm  121  having a first end  122  and a second end  123 . A pivot axis  124  is located at second end  123  of secondary lock lever arm  121 . Secondary lock mechanism  120  further includes a dampening device  130  operatively coupled to secondary lock lever arm  121  at connection  128 . Secondary lock mechanism  120  also includes a plunger  132  that travels through an elongate passage  136 . Plunger  132  includes a first end  131  and a second end  133 . Plunger  132  also includes a protrusion  134  located at second end  133 . Protrusion  134  engages an aperture  126  of secondary lock lever arm  121  to operatively coupled plunger  132  to secondary lock lever arm  121 . The elongate aperture  126  may have an elongate shape in order to translate rotational movement of secondary lock lever arm  121  about pivot axis  124  to a linear movement of plunger  132  through an elongate passage  136 . Elongate passage  136  extends into elongate passage  50 . 
     In the upright position as shown in  FIGS. 14A and 14B , secondary lock actuation member  44  engages first end  122  of secondary lock lever arm  121  to prevent rotation of secondary lock lever arm  121 . A spring is operatively coupled to secondary lock lever arm  121  and biases it to rotate and the weight of secondary lock actuation member  44  creates a force stronger than the force of the spring and therefore prevents rotation of secondary lock lever arm  121 . It will be understood that secondary lock mechanism  120  may be used in situations where large animals, such as bears, that can turn refuse container  26  upside down. 
     The combined locking mechanisms of latching surface  80  of lever  42  with mating surface  58  of catch  40 , and the further inclusion of secondary lock mechanism  120  enables the locked retention of lid  30  to container  26 . Furthermore, should container  26  be knocked over by wind or by an animal, or should container  26  be subjected to vibratory stimulus, the combined locking mechanisms are largely capable of retaining lid  30  locked to container  26 . 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  show a respective side and perspective view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20  at a tilted position.  FIGS. 16A and 16B  show a respective side and perspective view of the gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20  at an inverted position Latch mechanism  20  is illustrated with a portion of housing  38  removed so as to better visualize some of the internal components of mechanism  20 . Referring briefly to  FIG. 12 , the portion of housing  38  removed in  FIGS. 15A and 15B  is at the left side of the illustration of  FIG. 12 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 15A and 15B , container  26  (not shown), with the attached latch mechanism  20 , has been knocked over by wind or an animal. In this condition, secondary lock actuation ball  44  rolls along elongate passage  45 . The spring coupled to secondary lock lever arm  121  rotates secondary lock lever arm  121  from the position shown in  FIG. 14A  to the position shown in  FIG. 15A . Plunger  132  moves linearly within elongate passage  136  until first end  131  of plunger  132  extends into elongate passage  50 . Dampening device  130  controls the length time needed for secondary lock lever arm  121  to rotate and ultimately the time needed to move first end  131  of plunger  132  into elongate passage  50 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 16A and 16B , container  26  (not shown) with the attached latch mechanism  20 , has been further pushed into an inverted position by an animal. In this condition, first end  131  of plunger  132  is extending into elongate passage  50 . In this position, plunger  132  inhibits movement of latch actuation ball  48  through elongate passage  50 . Because latch actuation ball  48  cannot move along elongate passage  50 , lever arm  66  is never engaged by latch actuation ball  48  and cannot unlock latch mechanism  20  to release strike  24 . In other words, the lid  30  remains in a locked position with regard to refuse container  26 . 
     When refuse can  26  (not shown) is returned to upright position, secondary lock actuation ball  44  moves along elongate passage  45  and engages first end  122  of secondary lock lever arm  121  and rotates secondary lock lever arm  121  as gravity acts on secondary lock actuation ball  44 . The rotation of secondary lock lever arm  121  into a position shown in  FIG. 14A  results in linearly moving plunger  132  through elongate passage  136  and removing first end  131  from within elongate passage  50 . 
       FIGS. 17A and 17B  show a respective side and perspective view of latch mechanism  20  in normal dump cycle and  FIGS. 18A and 18B  show a respective side and perspective view latch mechanism in a return position after a normal dump cycle. Referring briefly to  FIG. 12 , the portion of housing  38  removed in  FIGS. 17A-18B  is at the left side of the illustration of  FIG. 12 . Accordingly, the refuse truck would be located on the right side of latch mechanism  20  in accordance with  FIG. 12  or the back of  FIG. 17A . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 17A and 17B , refuse container  26  (not shown), with the attached latch mechanism  20 , has been picked up by a refuse truck (not shown) and is tipped in order to empty container  26 . It should be recalled that latch mechanism  20  is mounted to inside front wall  28  of container  26 , i.e., the inside of container  26  at the front from which the refuse truck picks up container  26 . In other embodiments, latch mechanism  20  may be mounted on an outside wall, in a pocket and the like so long as latch mechanism  20  is operable. 
     As refuse can  26  tilts from a refuse truck, latch mechanism  20  begins to tilt. At a tilt of, for example, approximately fifteen degrees beyond, or below, horizontal, latch actuation ball  48  begins to roll within elongated passage  50  due to the effect of gravity and contacts distal end  74  of lever arm  66  residing in passage  50 . That is, the refuse truck continues to move container  26  through a dump cycle creating a steeper angle so that latch actuation ball  48  is able to apply more weight to distal end  74  of lever arm  66  to positively move lever arm  66  to its stop. 
     It should be observed that a lower inner wall (not shown) of elongated passage  50  is approximately flat, i.e., without curves, depressions, or pockets. The approximately flat shape of lower inner wall enables latch actuation ball  48  to easily roll in passage  50  when container  26  with latch mechanism  20  is tilted by the refuse truck. Because of the timing of a normal dump cycle and the shape of lower inner wall, latch actuation ball  48  rolls in elongate passage past the location of where elongate passage  136  engages elongate passage  50 . This is accomplished because dampening device  130  controls the time for secondary lock mechanism  120  to operate to extend plunger  132  into elongate passage  50 . It will be understood that dampening device  130  can ensure that rotation of secondary lock lever arm  121  takes any predetermined amount of time. In some embodiments, the time is four seconds. In other embodiments, it is more or less than four seconds. Additionally, an upper inner wall includes a shoulder section located on a portion of the housing not shown that forms a pocket  100  within elongated passage  50 . Pocket  100  faces the back and sides of container  26  when container  26  is in an upright position. Accordingly, if container  26  falls backward and/or on one of its sides, ball  48  is more likely to roll into and reside in pocket  100  instead of rolling in passage  50  to strike distal end  74  of lever arm  66 . Thus, lid  30  ( FIG. 12 ) is more likely to remain locked to container  26  in the event that container  26  is blown over by wind or knocked over by an animal. 
     Referring further to  FIGS. 17A and 17B , in the normal dump cycle; latch mechanism is moved into an unlatched configuration. In this condition, latching surface  80  of lever  42  has moved down and out of position to allow mating surface  58  of catch  40  to move past it so as to release strike  24 . This engagement allows catch  40  and lever  42  to reset in the reverse order when container  26  ( FIG. 12 ) is placed back into an upright position in order to prevent jamming and to be ready for the next cycle of moving to unlatched configuration. 
     For example, and with reference to  FIGS. 18A and 18B , when container  26  is returned to its upright position by the refuse truck, latch actuation ball  48  will return to the bottom of elongated passage  50  engaging first end  131  of plunger  132  and push plunger  132  in elongated passage  136  while secondary lock actuation ball  44  engages first end  122  of secondary lock lever arm  121  to work in conjunction with latch actuation ball  48  to move secondary lock mechanism  120  into position shown in  FIG. 14A . Lever  42  will not return until strike  24  rotates hook  56  as lid  30  closes. 
     It is typically necessary for a user to have the ability to unlock latch mechanism  20  in order to place refuse into container  26  ( FIG. 12 ). In order to open lid  30  ( FIG. 12 ) manually, manual open actuator  46  is manipulated by the user by rotation of manual open actuator  46 . In an embodiment, a manual open shaft  34  extending outwardly from latch body  22  may be directed through an opening  36  extending through front wall  28 . A user may rotate manual open shaft  34  to then rotate manual open actuator  46  to engage lever arm  66  of lever  42  and to rotate lever arm  66  to manually rotate latch mechanism  20  into an unlatched position. In another embodiment, the user could manually pull a knob (not shown) of manual open actuator  46  outwardly from an exterior of container  26  and then rotate manual open actuator  46 . The two-action, pull and turn capability of manual open actuator  46  makes it difficult for a clever and persistent animal, such as a raccoon, to figure out how to manually unlock latch mechanism  20 . The rotation of manual open actuator  46  engages lever arm  66  of lever  42  and rotates it, thereby manually rotating latch mechanism  20  into an unlatched position. 
       FIG. 19  shows a back perspective view of a gravity-actuated latch mechanism  112  in accordance with an alternative embodiment. Gravity-actuated latch mechanism  20  of  FIG. 12-18B  has a flat bottom. Such a flat bottom may be required for use in containers that have an inwardly extending ledge formed to facilitate pickup by a refuse truck. In general, the flat bottom of latch mechanism  20  may reside in close proximity to the inwardly extending ledge. This internal ledge serves as a shed to deflect waste smoothly as container  26  is being dumped. 
     However, when such a ledge is not present, a housing  114  of latch mechanism  112  may be suitably shaped to have a shed  116 , or sloped region, as part of housing  114  that serves to deflect waste smoothly as container  26  ( FIG. 12 ) is being dumped. 
     Referring again to the drawings,  FIGS. 20A-20C  depicts another embodiment of a secondary lock mechanism  120 . Secondary lock actuation member  44  is implemented as part of secondary lock mechanism  120 . Secondary lock mechanism  120  includes a secondary lock lever arm  121  having a first end  122  and a second end  123 . A pivot axis  124  is located at second end  123  of secondary lock lever arm  121 . Secondary lock mechanism  120  further includes a dampening device  150  operatively coupled to secondary lock lever arm  121  at an aperture  152  located at pivot axis  124 . Dampening device  150  may be a rotary dampening device  150  having a rotatable gear  154  with teeth. The rotatable gear  154  with teeth engage at least one corresponding tooth located within the aperture  152 , wherein the corresponding teeth of the aperture  152  of the lever arm  121  engages teeth of the rotatable gear  154 . The dampening device  150  may include a base member  156  wherein the rotatable gear is operatively coupled to the base member  156 , wherein the base member  156  may be coupled to a housing of the gravity-latch mechanism  20 . In one embodiment of a rotary dampening device  150  may be a rotary damper that is filled with silicone oil with vanes, wherein the vanes move the silicone oil through a restriction. Oil viscosity may be utilized to provide the braking force of the damper. Various rotary dampers may be utilized dependent upon the amount of time desired to operate the dampening device, or in other words the amount of delay desired. 
     Plunger  132  includes a first end  131  and a second end  133 . Plunger  132  also includes a protrusion  134  located at second end  133 . Protrusion  134  engages an aperture  126  of secondary lock lever arm  121  to operatively coupled plunger  132  to secondary lock lever arm  121 . The elongate aperture  126  may have an elongate shape in order to translate rotational movement of secondary lock lever arm  121  about pivot axis  124  to a linear movement of plunger  132  through an elongate passage  136 . Elongate passage  136  extends into elongate passage  50 . Because of the timing of a normal dump cycle and the shape of lower inner wall, latch actuation ball  48  rolls in elongate passage past the location of where elongate passage  136  engages elongate passage  50 . This is accomplished because dampening device  150  controls the time for secondary lock mechanism  120  to operate to extend plunger  132  into elongate passage  50 . It will be understood that dampening device  150  can ensure that rotation of secondary lock lever arm  121  takes any predetermined amount of time. In some embodiments, the time is four seconds. In other embodiments, it is more or less than four seconds. 
     Embodiments described herein entail a gravity-actuated latch mechanism that may be utilized in conjunction with an enclosure, such as a container with a lid. The latch mechanism may be implemented with a refuse container, lock box, or any other container that may receive and hold items such as food, garbage, trash, recyclable items, and so forth. More particularly, the latch mechanism is configured to inhibit smaller animals such as raccoons, squirrels, dogs, and the like, from accessing the contents of the container. Furthermore, the latch mechanism includes a gravity-actuated lever and catch structural configuration that is resists unlatching in the instance that the container is tipped over by, for example, the wind or an animal. The latch mechanism automatically engages so that a user need not deliberately re-engage the latch after placing refuse in the container. Furthermore, the latch mechanism can be unlatched by an automated, mechanical arm of a refuse truck so that the contents of the container can be emptied during automated collection. 
     Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.