Patent Publication Number: US-11661272-B2

Title: Easy open container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of application U.S. application Ser. No. 15/265,475, filed Sep. 14, 2016, titled “EASY OPEN CONTAINER” by Sam Hon, which claims the benefit of prior application U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/220,810, filed Sep. 18, 2015, titled “EASY OPEN CONTAINER” by Sam Hon, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to storage containers, and more specifically to containers for storage and disposal of waste. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     The trash can, or garbage can, is a familiar and necessary item in almost every household. The role of the trash can is to work in tandem with a garbage bag to provide a temporary receptacle for trash/garbage. A typical trash can is lined with a garbage bag, which prevents garbage from staining or otherwise soiling the trash can. Because the trash can is only a temporary retainer for garbage, once the garbage bag is full, the garbage bag needs to be removed. 
     With many trash cans, a full garbage bag is removed by pulling up on the bag and lifting the bag out of the trash can in a substantially vertical motion through an opening at the top of the trash can. One of the main problems of having to lift a full garbage bag vertically is that the weight of the contents stored in the bag can make it difficult to lift the bag out of the top opening. Another problem occurs when the contents within a full garbage bag push outward horizontally causing friction and a vacuum seal, creating a suction force, between the garbage bag and the trash can, both of which may act as opposing forces to the force applied by a user when attempting to remove the garbage bag. Thus, gravity, friction, and suction forces can make it difficult to pull out a full garbage bag. In some cases, trying to remove the garbage bag while fighting these opposing forces can lead to injury to the user or cause the garbage bag to rip, creating a mess and causing frustration. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of certain embodiments of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     In general, certain embodiments of the present invention provide a container including a cover, a base, and a body. The body includes one or more spine structures coupled to the cover and the base. The body further includes one or more door panels coupled to one or more of the following: the cover, the base, and the one or more spine structures. The one or more door panels may open and allow substantially lateral access to the interior of the container. The cover may be coupled to the one or more spine structures by a hinge mechanism. The one or more door panels may be coupled by hinge mechanisms to one or more of the following: the cover, the base, and the one or more spine structures. 
     The one or more door panels may be secured in a closed position by a latch mechanism. The container comprises a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the latch mechanism is not released. In the second mode, the latch mechanism is released. The first mode and the second mode may operate concurrently and can be accessed separately via different mechanisms. 
     The container may further comprise a pedal including a first pedal mechanism and a second pedal mechanism. Activation of the first pedal mechanism causes the container to operate in the first mode and activation of the second pedal mechanism causes the container to operate in the second mode. 
     In other embodiments, the cover may also be secured in a closed position by the latch mechanism. The cover may include an opening for insertion of material. The cover may further comprise a lid that covers the opening. The lid may be mechanically opened via one or more rods that are activated by a pedal. 
     The container may further comprise a switch mechanism to alternate between the first mode and the second mode. The latch mechanism may comprise a door rod coupled to a first door panel in a vertical orientation. The door rod may move upward and downward on a vertical axis. The latch mechanism may further comprise one or more door hooks coupled to the door rod, and one or more door pins coupled to a second door panel. The one or more door hooks may attach to the one or more corresponding door pins to secure the first door panel and the second door panel in a closed position. The latch mechanism may further comprise a cover hook coupled to the first door panel, which attaches to a cover pin of the cover to secure the upper cover in a closed position. 
     The container may further comprise a pedal coupled to the base, a floor rod coupled to the pedal, a connector pin coupled to the pedal, and a vertical pin coupled to the switch mechanism. The vertical pin moves upward and downward on a vertical axis. In the first mode, activation of the pedal causes the floor rod to mechanically open the lid. In the second mode, activation of the pedal causes the connector pin to engage the vertical pin in an upward vertical motion to engage the door rod in an upward vertical motion to cause: (1) the one or more door hooks to detach from the one or more corresponding door pins to allow the first door panel and the second door panel to open; and (2) the cover hook to detach from the cover pin to allow the upper cover to open. 
     In another aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, a method for operating a container is provided. The method comprises alternating between a first mode and a second mode in the container that comprises a cover, a base, and a body including one or more spine structures and one or more door panels. 
     In the first mode a user may access a first mechanism to open a lid of the cover to access an opening to insert material. In the second mode the user may access a second mechanism to open the one or more door panels, wherein the opening of one or more door panels provides substantially lateral access to the interior of the container. 
     The first mode and the second mode may operate concurrently and can be accessed separately via different mechanisms. In one aspect, the container further comprises a pedal including a first pedal mechanism and a second pedal mechanism, wherein the first pedal mechanism corresponds to the first mechanism and the second pedal mechanism corresponds to the second mechanism. 
     In another aspect, alternating between the first mode and the second mode includes activating a switch mechanism. The cover and the one or more door panels are secured in a closed position by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism may comprise a door rod coupled to a first door panel in a vertical orientation. The door rod may move upward and downward on a vertical axis. The latch mechanism may further comprise one or more door hooks coupled to the door rod and one or more door pins coupled to a second door panel. The one or more door hooks attaches to the one or more corresponding door pins to secure the first door panel and the second door panel in a closed position. The latch mechanism may further comprise a cover hook coupled to the first door panel. The cover hook attaches to a cover pin of the cover to secure the upper cover in a closed position. 
     The container may further comprise a pedal coupled to the base, a floor rod coupled to the pedal, a connector pin coupled to the pedal, and a vertical pin coupled to the switch mechanism. The vertical pin moves upward and downward on a vertical axis. In the first mode, activation of the pedal causes the floor rod to mechanically open the lid. In the second mode, activation of the pedal causes the connector pin to engage the vertical pin in an upward vertical motion to engage the door rod in an upward vertical motion to cause: (1) the one or more door hooks to detach from the one or more corresponding door pins to allow the first door panel and the second door panel to open; and (2) the cover hook to detach from the cover pin to allow the upper cover to open. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particular embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG.  1    depicts an example of a container in a closed position, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    depicts a particular example of a container in an opened position, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    depicts a particular example of a container upper cover and lid in opened position, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    depicts another example of a container in an opened position, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  5 A  depicts a particular example of a switch mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  5 B  depicts a particular example of a switch mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  5 C  depicts another example of a switch mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  6 A  depicts a particular example of a cover hook mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  6 B  depicts another example of a cover hook mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  6 C  depicts another example of a cover hook mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    depicts a particular example of a container with a lid in opened position, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS.  8 A,  8 B, and  8 C  depict an example of a pedal mechanism, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  depict an example of a lever and wheel mechanism, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG.  10    illustrates a process flowchart corresponding to an example method for operating an embodiment of a container, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to some specific examples of the invention including the best modes contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     For example, the structure and mechanisms of the present invention will be described in the context of particular materials. However, it should be noted that the structure and mechanisms of the present invention may consists of a variety of different materials. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Particular example embodiments of the present invention may be implemented without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known structures, mechanisms, and materials have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without changing the meaning of the description, so long as all occurrences of the “first contact” are renamed consistently and all occurrences of the second contact are renamed consistently. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the claims. As used in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in accordance with a determination” or “in response to detecting,” that a stated condition precedent is true, depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined [that a stated condition precedent is true]” or “if [a stated condition precedent is true]” or “when [a stated condition precedent is true]” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “in accordance with a determination” or “upon detecting” or “in response to detecting” that the stated condition precedent is true, depending on the context. 
     As used herein, the terms “garbage” and “trash” are used interchangeably. Also as used herein, the terms “can,” (noun) “receptacle,” and “bin” are all used interchangeably. As used herein, movement, motion, direction, or access refer to movement along a horizontal axis and a vertical axis, wherein the horizontal axis is parallel to the ground and vertical axis is perpendicular to the ground. As used herein, movement, motion, direction, or access in a “substantially horizontal” or “substantially lateral” direction refers to movement, motion, direction, or access where the horizontal component is greater or equal to the vertical component. As used herein, movement, motion, direction, or access in a “substantially vertical” direction refers to movement, motion, direction, or access where the vertical component is greater or equal to the horizontal component. In cases where both components are the same, either term could refer to the movement. 
     As used herein, “fully opening” a container refers to all the door panels and/or cover of a container to open, thereby releasing the garbage bag and/or exposing the garbage bag for removal. As used herein, the term “full open mode” can refer to a state in which the container is capable of fully opening via a subsequent action by a user. For example, if a container has switched into a fully open mode, then a subsequent stepping of a pedal, which would normally only open a lid on the cover, causes the container to fully open. As used herein, the term “regular mode” refers to a mode in which a user action, such as stepping on the pedal, just causes the lid on the container to open. 
     Various techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes be described in singular form for clarity. However, it should be noted that some embodiments include multiple iterations of a structure or multiple instantiations of a mechanism unless noted otherwise. For example, a system uses a processor in a variety of contexts where mechanisms are controlled automatically, electronically, or wirelessly. However, it will be appreciated that a system can use multiple processors while remaining within the scope of the present invention unless otherwise noted. Furthermore, the techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes describe a connection between two entities. It should be noted that a connection between two entities does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection, as a variety of other entities may reside between the two entities. For example, a processor may be connected to memory, but it will be appreciated that a variety of bridges and controllers may reside between the processor and memory. Consequently, a connection does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection unless otherwise noted. 
     Overview 
     According to various embodiments, a container is provided including an upper cover, and lower base, and a body that can open to allow substantially lateral access to the interior of the container and effortless removal of its contents. In some embodiments, the body includes one or more non-moving spine structures and one or more door panels that can open to allow substantially lateral access to the interior of the container. According to certain embodiments, the one or more door panels are coupled to one or more of the following: the upper cover, the lower base, or the one or more spine structures. 
     EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     According to various embodiments, the container includes an upper cover, a lower base, and a body. The body consists of one or more spine structure connecting the upper cover and the lower base. The body further consists of one or more door panels that can open and provide substantially lateral access to the interior of the container. In some embodiments, the upper cover, the lower base, and body can be made of materials or a combination of materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubber, bamboo, recycled plastic, metal, or any other material or combination of materials that provides the desired strength, flexibility, durability, weight, water resistance, or other desired physical characteristic. 
     According to various embodiments, the upper cover may include an opening for insertion of any material, such as garbage. In other embodiments the opening in the upper cover may be covered by a lid that can open and close. In some embodiments, the lid may either entirely cover the opening or partially cover the opening. In some embodiments, the lid may be separate or coupled to the upper cover. In some embodiments, the lid is opened and closed mechanically, such as by mechanisms involving pedals, levers, rods, etc. In some embodiments, the upper cover may be attached to the spine structure by a hinge mechanism so that it will open and close. In some embodiments, the upper cover may be secured in a closed position by a locking mechanism, such as a hook. In some embodiments, the upper cover may be opened and closed mechanically, such as by mechanisms involving pedals, levers, rods, etc. In other embodiments, the upper cover may include hooks to latch onto the handles of a garbage bag to support and stabilize the garbage bag, as well as assist in closing the garbage bag when the upper cover is opened by pulling the handles upward with its opening motion. 
     In some embodiments, the door panels are coupled to the upper cover. In other embodiments, the door panels are coupled to the lower base. In still other embodiments, the door panels are coupled to one or more spine structures. In some embodiments, the door panels may be so coupled by hinge mechanisms, including spring-loaded hinges. In other embodiments, the door panels are secured in a closed position by a latch mechanism, including latches, hooks, locks, etc. In various embodiments, two door panels are attached to a spine structure by spring-loaded hinges and are held close by a latch mechanism. When the latch mechanism is released, the door panels may spring open exposing the interior of the container to allow substantially lateral access to the interior of the container. In other embodiments, the upper cover may also be attached to the spine structure by a spring-loaded hinge and held closed by a hook mechanism. In such embodiments, the upper cover may also spring open at the release of the hook mechanism, further exposing the interior of the container. 
     In some embodiments, the latch and/or hook mechanisms are locked and/or released mechanically, such as by mechanisms involving pedals, levers, rods, etc. In certain embodiments, the latch and/or hook mechanisms are released by a foot pedal or other switch. This foot pedal or switch may be the same mechanism by which the upper cover lid is opened and closed. In still further embodiments, the latch mechanism may be released electronically and/or wirelessly. In still other embodiments, the opening of the door panels may be controlled by hydraulically. 
     In some embodiments, the base may be concaved in shape so as to stabilize a trash bag or material within the container. In other embodiments, the base may include a pedal that can control the opening of the lid through mechanical means such as rotating rods and levers. In other embodiments, the base may include a pedal that releases the latch mechanism of the door panels and/or the upper cover. 
     In some embodiments, the same pedal operates the opening of the lid and the unlocking of door panels and upper cover. In such embodiments, the container may include a switch mechanism to alternate between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode of such embodiments, the pedal only activates the mechanism to open the lid for insertion of material. In the second mode of such embodiments, the pedal releases the latch mechanism to release the door panels open to provide substantially lateral access to the interior of the container. In some embodiments, the switch mechanism may be alternated by mechanically, electronically, or wirelessly. 
       FIG.  1    depicts an example of a container, in accordance with one or more embodiments. The container  100  in  FIG.  1    includes lid  102 , cover  104 , left door panel  105 , right door panel  106 , base  108 , switch  110 , pedal  112 , toggle  114 , and seal  116 . The details of the components of container  100  will be further explained below. 
       FIG.  2    depicts a particular example of the container of  FIG.  1    in an open position, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Container  100  in  FIG.  2    includes lid  102 , cover  104 , left door panel  105 , right door panel  106 , base  108 , switch  110 , pedal  112 , toggle  114 , seal  116 , lid hinge  202 , bag hook  204 , trash bag  206 , cover hook  208 , door hook  210 , door pin  212 , cover hinge  214 , switch track  216 , pedal front pin  220 , and pedal floor rod  222 . Base  108  is coupled to pedal  112  by a rail which allows the pedal to be depressed to move pedal floor rod  222  and pedal front pin  220 . The structure and mechanism of pedal floor rod  222  and pedal front pin  220  will be further described in the following figures. Trash bag  206  sits within base  108 . In certain embodiments, base  108  may contain a stabilizing rim, which may be bowl-shaped, to support the trash bag  206  when full. Trash bag  206  may also include adjustable handles to close the opening. Such handles may be connected to one or more bag hooks  204  which are coupled to cover  104 , to provide further stabilization, or assist in closing trash bag  206  when cover  104  is opened. The cover  104  also includes a cover hinge  214  which couples the cover  104  to spine (not shown). Cover hinge  214  may comprise a spring-loaded mechanism to cause cover  104  to stay in an open position when not secured by cover hook  208 . The cover  104  also includes a lid hinge  202  which couples the lid  102  to cover  104  and allows lid  102  to open and close. 
     Right door panel  106  is coupled to cover hook  208  and door hook  210 . Right door panel  106  may include one or more door hooks  210  as shown in  FIG.  2    which are connected by a vertical door latch rod  308  (not shown) that will be described in the following figures. Door pin  212  is coupled to left door panel  105 . Left door panel  105  may include one or more door pins  212  as shown in  FIG.  2   . The one or more door hooks  210  latches onto corresponding one or more door pins  212  when left door panel  105  and right door panel  106  are in the closed position. Cover hook  208  latches onto a catch  616  to secure the cover  104  in a closed position. Catch  616  is not shown and will be further described in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B . 
     Right door panel  106  also includes switch  110  which slides from position A to position B on switch track  216 . Switch  110  may include a toggle  114  to assist a user in moving switch  110  from position A to position B. In various embodiments, the shape of toggle  114  may vary to be operated by hand, foot, or other body part. Switch  110  may also include a seal  116  that moves to keep any opening sealed when the switch is moved. When switch  110  is in position A, the pedal  112  will only cause the opening and closing of lid  102  via pedal floor rod  222 . When switch  110  is in position B, the pedal  112  will release door hook  210  and cover hook  208  and cause cover  104 , left door panel  105 , and right door panel  106  to open and allow substantial lateral access to the interior of container  100 . The structure and mechanism of the switch  110  will be further described in the following figures. 
     Although various structures are described herein as coupled to either left door panel  105  and/or right door panel  106 , in various embodiments, such structures may be coupled to any of the door panels. 
       FIG.  3    depicts a particular example of the container with door panels in closed position, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Container  100  includes lid  102 , cover  104 , left door panel  105 , right door panel  106 , base  108 , switch  110 , pedal  112 , cover hook  208 , one or more door hooks  210 , one or more door pins  212 , cover hinge  214 , spine  302 , one or more door hinges  304 , door latch bracket  306 , and door latch rod  308 . Spine  302  is coupled to base  108 . Spine  302  is also coupled to cover  104  by cover hinge  214 . Cover hinge  214  may comprise a spring-loaded mechanism to cause cover  104  to stay in an open position when not secured by cover hook  208 . Left door panel  105  and right door panel  106  are coupled to spine  302  by hinges  304 . Hinges  304  may comprise a spring-loaded mechanism to cause left door panel  105  and right door panel  106  to stay in an open position when not secured by door hooks  210  and door pins  212 . With left door panel  105  and right door panel  106  in closed position, one or more door hooks  210  is latched onto one or more door pins  212 . The one or more door hooks  210  is coupled by a vertical door latch rod  308 . Door latch rod  308  is coupled to right door panel  106  by door latch brackets  306 , which keep the door latch in place. Door latch brackets  306  may be coupled to right door panel  106  by welding, rivet, or screw. Door latch rod  308  extends the length of right door panel  106  and makes contact with the mechanism of switch  110  and the mechanism of cover hook  208 . In some embodiments, cover  104 , left door panel  105 , and right door panel  106  may be opened and/or closed mechanically. In further embodiments, cover  104 , left door panel  105 , and right door panel  106  may be opened and/or closed electronically and/or wirelessly. 
     In some embodiments, container  100  comprises a single door panel. In other embodiments container  100  comprises two panels as depicted in the examples above. Still in other embodiments, container  100  comprises three or for door panels. In various embodiments, having more door panels allows for partial openings of door panels in addition to a full opening. For example, in embodiments with four door panels, container  100  can have two separate/different door panel opening modes: one mode that opens 2 panels (for ease of removal of smaller objects or access the inside of the container without releasing he entire garbage bag), and another mode that opens all four door panels (for release and removal of a full garbage bag as herein described). 
     In some embodiments, container  100  is controlled electronically with sensors. For example, in some embodiments, the lid can open with a movement of a user relatively close and within a sensing range of a first sensor located on the container. In some embodiments, a second sensor located on the container (in a position far enough away that the first sensor range does not overlap with the second sensor range) controls the switching mechanism of the container such that a movement of the user within the sensing range of the second sensor causes the container to open all door panels or at least switch into a full open mode, wherein a subsequent movement by the user within the first sensor range, after the container switches into the full open mode, will cause the container to fully open (all doors open allowing substantially lateral access to the garbage bag). In some embodiments, only one sensor is used. In such embodiments, directionality of the user movement within the sensor range is used to determine function. For example, a substantially vertical movement across the sensor can cause the container lid to open. However, a substantially horizontal movement across the sensor may cause the container to switch modes, with a subsequent vertical movement across the sensor leading to fully opening the container. In such embodiments, each horizontal movement within the sensor range causes the container to switch modes between a regular mode and a fully open mode. In some embodiments, the sensors require a threshold amount of sensed movement or threshold amount of time for detected movements in order to cause the container to perform an action or switch modes. That way, sensitivity of the sensor response is somewhat reduced in order to avoid unintentionally detected movements causing the container to perform and action or switch modes. 
       FIG.  4    depicts another example of the container in an open position with door panels depicted as transparent, in accordance with one or more embodiments. In  FIG.  4   , container  100  includes cover  104 , left door panel  105 , right door panel  106 , base  108 , switch  110 , pedal  112 , cover hook  208 , one or more door hooks  210 , one or more door pins  212 , cover hinge  214 , pedal floor rod  222 , spine  302 , one or more door hinges  304 , door latch bracket  306 , door latch rod  308 , and vertical pin  402 . As previously described, spine  302  is coupled to base  108 . Spine  302  is also coupled to cover  104  by cover hinge  214 . Cover hinge  214  may comprise a spring-loaded mechanism to cause cover  104  to stay in an open position when not secured by cover hook  208 . Left door panel  105  and right door panel  106  are coupled to spine  302  by hinges  304 . One or more door hinges  304  may comprise a spring-loaded mechanism to cause left door panel  105  and right door panel  106  to stay in an open position when not secured by one or more door hooks  210  and one or more door pins  212 . 
     Vertical pin  402  is housed in switch  110 . The structure of switch  110  will be further described in  FIGS.  5 A,  5 B, and  5 C . When switch  110  is placed in position B, the use of pedal  112  will engage vertical pin  402 , which in turn will engage door latch rod  308  causing one or more door hooks  210  to lift and unlatch from one or more door pins  212 , allowing left door panel  105  to move in the directions of arrows B and right door panel  106  to move in the directions of arrow A. This mechanism will be further described in  FIGS.  5 B and  5 C . Door latch rod  308  also engages cover hook  208  to unlatch from cover  104 , allowing cover  104  to move in the directions of arrow C. This mechanism will be further described in  FIGS.  6 A,  6 B, and  6 C . 
       FIG.  5 A  depicts a particular example of a switch mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments. Switch mechanism  500  in  FIG.  5 A  includes Toggle  114 , guide track  216 , vertical pin  402 , toggle slider  502 , guide pins  504 , back brace housing  506 , and vertical pin housing  508 . These components comprise switch  110  from the previous figures. In some embodiments, switch mechanism  500  may be with  110 , as previously described. Switch mechanism  500  also includes door latch rod  308  coupled to lower door latch bumper  510 . Vertical pin  402  is encased on either side by vertical pin housing  508  in a fashion to allow vertical pin  402  to move vertically independent of vertical pin housing  508 . In this manner, vertical pin  402  may make contact with door latch rod  308  and lower door latch bumper  510 . Guide pins  504  couple the vertical pin housing  508  to back brace housing  506  and toggle slider  502  further encasing vertical pin  402 . Toggle  114  is coupled to toggle slider  502 . The toggle slider may move horizontally between the guide track  216  causing the same horizontal motion to vertical pin  402 , vertical pin housing  508 , and back brace housing  506 . 
       FIG.  5 B  depicts a particular example of a switch mechanism  501  in accordance with one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, switch mechanism  501  may be switch mechanism  500 . Switch mechanism  501  in  FIG.  5 B  includes right door panel  106 , base  108 , pedal  112 , guide track  216 , pedal front pin  220 , pedal floor rod  222 , door latch rod  308 , vertical pin  402 , vertical pin housing  508 , door latch bumper  510 , and pedal front pin joint  516 . The switch mechanism of  FIG.  5 A  is shown here coupled to the right door panel  106 . The toggle guide track  216  is coupled to right door panel  106  by welding, rivets, screw or similar means, allowing vertical pin  402  encased in vertical pin housing  508  to move freely in the directions of arrow A between position A and position B. Switch mechanism  501 , as depicted in  FIG.  5 B , is shown in position A. Door latch rod  308  is also coupled to right door panel  106  by brackets such as door latch bracket  306  in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , and includes lower door latch bumper  510 . Pedal  112  is coupled to base  108  by a rail, or similar means, to allow pedal to be depressed and engage pedal floor rod  222 . Pedal floor rod  222  is coupled to base  108  and includes pedal front pin joint  516 , which is coupled to pedal front pin  220 . Pedal front pin  220  is secured to base  108  by a bracket (not shown). 
       FIG.  5 C  depicts another example of switch mechanism  501  in accordance with one or more embodiments. Switch mechanism  501  in  FIG.  5 C  includes right door panel  106 , base  108 , pedal  112 , guide track  216 , pedal front pin  220 , pedal floor rod  222 , door latch rod  308 , vertical pin  402 , vertical pin housing  508 , door latch bumper  510 , and pedal front pin joint  516 . The switch mechanism of  FIG.  5 A  is shown here coupled to the right door panel  106 . The toggle guide track  216  is coupled to right door panel  106  by welding, rivets, screw or similar means, allowing vertical pin  402  encased in vertical pin housing  508  to move freely in a horizontal direction between position A and position B. Switch mechanism  501 , as depicted in  FIG.  5 C , is shown in position B. Door latch rod  308  is also coupled to right door panel  106  by brackets such as door latch bracket  306  in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , and includes lower door latch bumper  510 . Pedal  112  is coupled to base  108  by a rail, or similar means, to allow pedal to be depressed and engage pedal floor rod  222 . Pedal floor rod  222  is coupled to base  108  and includes pedal front pin joint  516 , which is coupled to pedal front pin  220 . Pedal front pin  220  is secured to base  108  by a bracket (not shown). 
     When switch mechanism  501  is in position B, vertical pin  420  is aligned vertically with pedal front pin  220  and door latch rod  308 . When pedal  112  is depressed in the directions of arrow A, pedal floor rod  222  is engaged in a rotational motion in the directions of arrow B. This rotational motion causes pedal front pin joint  516  to rotate in the directions of arrow B pushing pedal front pin  220  upwards in the direction of arrow C, which pushes vertical pin  420  upwards in the direction of arrow D, which makes contact with door latch bumper  510  to push door latch rod  308  up. The upward motion of door latch rod  308  releases door hooks  210  from door pins  212  to allow door panels  105  and  106  to be opened as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  4   . 
     When switch mechanism  501  is in position A, as shown in  FIG.  5 B , the vertical pin  402  is not aligned with pedal front pin  220  and door latch rod  308 . In position A, depressing pedal  112  will engage pedal floor rod  222 , but will not contact vertical pin  402  or door latch rod  308 . 
       FIG.  6 A  depicts a particular example of a cover hook mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments. Cover hook mechanism  600  includes cover hook  208 , door latch rod  308 , spring anchor  602 , hook hinge pin  604 , one or more hook brackets  606 , one or more spring guide nuts  608 , one or more spring guide screws  610 , top door latch bumper  612 , and hook spring  614 . Cover hook  208  is coupled to one or more hook brackets  606  by hook hinge pin  604 . Spring anchor  602  is coupled to one or more hook brackets  606  by one or more spring guide screws  610 , which are secured by one or more spring guide nuts  608 . In some embodiments, cover hook  208  is a C-shaped hook, and spring  614  is nestled within spring anchor  602  and the lower end of hook  208 , pushing downward on the lower end of hook  208 . When door latch rod  308  is lifted by way of the switch mechanism described in  FIG.  5 C , top door latch bumper  612  makes contact with the lower end of cover hook  208  to oppose the force of the spring  614  and pivot cover hook  208  along hook hinge pin  604 . 
       FIG.  6 B  depicts another example of cover hook mechanism  600  implemented in container  100 , in accordance with one or more embodiments. Cover hook mechanism  600 , as shown in  FIG.  6 B , includes cover  104 , right door panel  106 , cover hook  208 , door latch rod  308 , spring anchor  602 , hinge pin  604 , one or more hook brackets  606 , one or more spring screws  610 , top door latch bumper  612 , spring  614 , and cover hook catch  616 . Cover hook  208  is coupled to one or more hook brackets  606  by hook hinge pin  604 . Spring anchor  602  is also coupled to one or more hook brackets  606  by one or more spring guide screws  610 . One or more hook brackets  606  couple the cover hook  208  and spring anchor  602  to right door panel  106 . In some embodiments, cover hook  208  is a C-shaped hook, and spring  614  is nestled within spring anchor  602  and the lower end of hook  208 . Spring  614  pushes downward on the lower end of cover hook  208 , and forcing cover hook  208  in the upward direction of arrow B. Cover hook catch  616  is coupled to cover  104  and cover hook  208  latches on to cover hook catch  616  to secure cover  104  in a closed position, as depicted in  FIG.  6 B . 
       FIG.  6 C  depicts another example of cover hook mechanism  600  implemented in container  100 , in accordance with one or more embodiments. Cover hook mechanism  600 , as shown in  FIG.  6 B , includes cover  104 , right door panel  106 , cover hook  208 , door latch rod  308 , spring anchor  602 , hinge pin  604 , one or more hook brackets  606 , one or more spring screws  620 , top door latch bumper  612 , spring  614 , and cover hook catch  616 . Cover hook  208  is coupled to hook brackets  606  by hook hinge pin  604 . Spring anchor  602  is also coupled to one or more hook brackets  606  by one or more spring guide screws  610 . One or more hook brackets  606  couple the cover hook  208  and spring anchor  602  to right door panel  106 . In some embodiments, cover hook  208  is a C-shaped hook, and spring  614  is nestled within spring anchor  602  and the lower end of hook  208 . Spring  614  pushes downward on the lower end of cover hook  208 , and forcing cover hook  208  in the upward direction of arrow C. Cover hook catch  616  is coupled to cover  104  and cover hook  208  latches on to cover hook catch  616  to secure cover  104  in a closed position. 
     When door latch rod  308  is lifted in the upward direction of arrow B by way of the switch mechanism described in  FIG.  5 C , top door latch bumper  612  makes contact with the lower end of cover hook  208  to oppose the force of spring  614 , causing cover hook  208  to pivot in the downward direction of arrow C and releasing cover hook  208  from cover hook catch  616  to allow cover  104  to be opened, as depicted in  FIG.  6 C . 
       FIG.  7    depicts a particular example of the container with a lid in an open position, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Container  100  in  FIG.  7    includes lid  102 , cover  104 , left door panel  105 , right door panel  106 , base  108 , switch  110 , pedal  112 , cover hook  208 , one or more door hooks  210 , one or more door pins  212 , cover hinge  214 , switch track  216 , pedal front pin  220 , pedal floor rod  222 , spine  302 , one or more door hinges  304 , one or more door latch brackets  306 , door latch rod  308 , and pedal spine rod  702 . Spine  302  is coupled to base  108 . Spine  302  is also coupled to cover  104  by cover hinge  214 . Cover hinge  214  may comprise a spring-loaded mechanism to cause cover  104  to stay in an open position when not secured by cover hook  208 . Left door panel  105  and right door panel  106  are coupled to spine  302  by one or more door hinges  304 . One or more door hinges  304  may comprise a spring-loaded mechanism to cause left door panel  105  and right door panel  106  to stay in an open position when not secured by one or more door hooks  210  and one or more door pins  212 . With left door panel  105  and right door panel  106  in closed position, one or more door hooks  210  are latched onto corresponding one or more door pins  212 . The one or more door hooks  210  are coupled by a vertical door latch rod  308 . Door latch rod  308  is coupled to right door panel  106  by one or more door latch brackets  306 , which keep the door latch in place. One or more door latch brackets  306  may be coupled to right door panel  106  by welding, rivet, or screw. Door latch rod  308  extends the length of right door panel  106  and makes contact with the mechanism of switch  110  and the mechanism of cover hook  208 . Right door panel  106  also includes switch  110  which slides from position A to position B on switch track  216 . 
     Further in  FIG.  7   , base  108  includes pedal  112  that is coupled by a rail, or similar means, to allow pedal to be depressed and engage pedal floor rod  222  in a rotational motion as shown in  FIGS.  5 B and  5 C . Pedal floor rod  222  is coupled to base  108  and is coupled to pedal front pin  220  as shown in  FIGS.  5 B and  5 C . The rotational motion of pedal floor rod  222  caused by depression of pedal  112  pushes pedal front pin  220  upward. Pedal floor rod  222  is further coupled to pedal spine rod  702 , which may be secured to spine  302  by bracket or similar means. The rotational motion of pedal floor rod  222  caused by depression of pedal  112  causes pedal spine rod  702  to lift upward pushing lid  102  to an open position. In some embodiments, pedal floor rod  222  and pedal spine rod  702  may a single structure. 
     In some embodiments, cover  104  and  102  may be a single structure that covers the top opening of container  100 . In some embodiments, such a single structure may be a single flat structure, similar to lid  102 , or such single structure may include a lip or rim, similar to how cover  104  and lid  102  are depicted in  FIG.  2   . In some embodiments, container  100  may be configured to open such single structure via the first mechanism and/or mode via pedal and rod mechanisms described herein and below. In some embodiments, the mechanisms associated with the first mechanism and/or position A of switch  110 , may operate to release cover hook  208  from cover hook catch  616 . In other embodiments, the latch mechanism may not include door hook  208 , cover hook catch  616 , and/or any of the components of cover hook mechanism  600 , in order to separate lid/cover functioning from the door latch mechanism. 
     When switch  110  is in position B, as shown in  FIG.  4   , the pedal  112  will cause pedal front pin  220  to engage the switch mechanism of switch  110  to release one or more door hooks  210 , as described in  FIG.  5 C , and cover hook  208 , as described in  FIG.  6 C , and cause cover  104 , left door panel  105 , and right door panel  106  to open and allow substantially lateral access to the interior of container  100 . When switch  110  is in position A, as shown in  FIG.  7   , pedal front pin  220  does not engage the switch mechanism of switch  110 , and depression of pedal  112  only causes lid  102  to open as previously described. 
     In further embodiments, container  100  may include alternate mechanisms for opening the lid and/or releasing the cover hook  208  and door hooks  210 .  FIGS.  8 A,  8 B, and  8 C  depict an example of a pedal mechanism  800 , in accordance with one or more embodiments. As depicted in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C , pedal mechanism  800  includes lid pin  801 , lid pin spring  802 , container pin  803 , container pin spring  804 , pedal pivot rail  805 , lid pedal base  806 , container pedal rail  807 , container pedal  808 , and lid pedal  809 . Pedal mechanism  800  includes a dual pedal system, which can alternate between activation of lid pedal  809  to open and close lid  102 , and container pedal  808  to release of door hook  210  and cover hook  208 . 
     In some embodiments, lid pedal  809  forms a larger pedal that sits on top of container pedal  808 . In some embodiments, lid pedal  809  may be activated by stepping down to depress lid pedal  809 . In some embodiments, lid pedal  809  is coupled to lid pedal base  806 . In some embodiments, lid pedal base  806  may further be coupled pedal floor rod  222 , which is further coupled to pedal spine rod  702 , previously described. Thus, depression of lid pedal  809  may activation of the aforementioned structures to cause lid  102  to open. In some embodiments, lid pedal  809  may be directly coupled to pedal floor rod  222 . In other embodiments, activation of lid pin  801  may cause opening of lid  102  through other mechanisms. In some embodiments, lid pedal base  806  is also coupled to lid pin  801 . In some embodiments, lid pin  801  may be coupled to pedal floor rod  222 , and depression of lid pedal  809  activates lid pin  801 . Such activation of lid pin  801  may cause pedal floor rod  222  to cause lid  102  to open, as previously described. 
     In various embodiments, lid pedal  809  includes a cavity such that when depressed, lid pedal  809  does not make contact with container pedal  808 . Thus, use of pedal  809  does not cause container pedal  808  to be depressed to cause door panels  105  and/or  106  and/or cover  104  to unlock and open, as described previously and further below. In other embodiments, lid pedal  809  and container pedal may not be configured as a single pedal system  800 . For example, lid pedal  809  and container pedal  808  may be positioned adjacently as two separate pedals. In further embodiments, lid pedal  809  and container pedal  808  may be positioned in separate portions of the container  100 , such as on different portions of base  102 . 
     In other embodiments, lid pin  801  may serve as a biasing mechanism. In some embodiments, lid pin  801  supports lid pin spring  802 , which wraps around lid pin  801 . In some embodiments, lid pin spring  802  biases lid pedal  809  to ensure that lid pedal base  806 , and consequently lid pedal  809 , returns to the starting un-depressed position and/or that lid  102  returns to the closed position. 
     In some embodiments, lid pedal  809  may be raised to expose container pedal  808 . As depicted in  FIG.  8 B , lid pedal  809  may pivot upwards around pedal pivot rail  805 . Such movement may be caused by engaging the bottom of lid pedal  809  with a user&#39;s foot and lifting upwards. In other embodiments, lid pedal  809  may be lifted through other mechanical and/or electronic means. In some embodiments, lid pedal  809  remains in upward lifted position, due to friction and/or other latch mechanism or locking mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, container pedal  808  may be activated by stepping down to depress container pedal  808 , which may pivot downward around container pedal rail  807 .  FIG.  8 C  depicts pedal mechanism  800  with lid pedal  809  in the upward position and container pedal  808  in the depressed position. In some embodiments, depression of container pedal  808  activates door latch rod  308  in an upward motion to release door hooks  210  and open door panels  105  and  106  and/or cover  104 , as previously described. In some embodiments, depression of container pedal  808  also activates container pin  803 , which forces container pin  803  in an upward motion. Such upward motion of container pin  803  may cause release of door hooks  210  and/or cover hook  208 . In some embodiments, container pin  803  may be pedal front pin  220 . In some embodiments of container  100  that include pedal mechanism  800  as herein described, switch  110  may not be included because pedal mechanism  800  eliminates the need to alternate between position A and position B. In such embodiments, pedal front pin  220  and door latch rod  308  may comprise a single structure that is activated by depression of container pedal  808 . In some embodiments, container pin  803  may be the single structure comprising of pedal front pin  220  and door latch rod  308 . 
     In some embodiments, container pin spring  804  may be coupled to container pin  803 . In some embodiments, container pin  803  supports container pin spring  804 , which wraps around container pin  803 . In some embodiments, container pin spring  804  biases container pedal  808  to ensure that container pedal  808 , returns to the starting un-depressed position. 
       FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  depict an example of a lever and wheel mechanism  900 , in accordance with one or more embodiments. In some embodiments, container  100  may include a lever and wheel mechanism  900  to enable convenient mobility of container  100 . As depicted in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B , lever and wheel mechanism  900  includes handle  901  coupled to handle pivot rail  902  and handle rod  903 , which is coupled to wheel base  904  and wheels  905 . Container  100  is outlined in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B  in order to depict placement of lever and wheel mechanism  900 .  FIG.  9 A  depicts mechanism  900  in a flat resting position. In the flat resting position, wheels  905  are even with the bottom wheel base  904  and/or do not contact the ground, such that motion of the wheels is restricted and/or prevented.  FIG.  9 B  depicts  900  in a mobile position. 
     As shown, handle  901  comprises a head portion  901 A and a tail portion  901 B. In some embodiments, handle  901  may be operated by pulling tail portion  901 B of handle  901  upward, such that handle  901  pivots around handle pivot rail  902 , as depicted in  FIG.  9 B . Such movement pushes head portion  901 A to pivot downward pushing handle rod  903  downward. This downward motion in turn causes wheel base  904  to tip downward allowing wheels  905  to contact the ground in the mobile position. In the mobile position, the container may be pushed and/or pulled via wheels  905 . 
     In some embodiments, handle  901 , handle pivot rail  902 , and handle rod  903  may be situated within spine  302 . In some embodiments, wheel base  904  and wheels  905  may be situated within base  108 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a process flowchart corresponding to an example method  1000  for operating an embodiment of a container, such as container  100 , in accordance with one or more embodiments. As previously described, a container to be operated in a manner consistent with method  1000 , such as container  100 , may comprise a cover, a base, and a body, which includes one or more spine structures and one or more door panels. 
     At step  1002 , a first mode and a second mode are alternated between. In some embodiments, the first mode and the second mode operate concurrently and can be accessed separately via different mechanisms. In various embodiments, in the first mode, a user may access a first mechanism to open a lid of the cover to access an opening to insert material, while in the second mode, the user may access a second mechanism to open the one or more door panels, wherein the opening of one or more door panels provides substantially lateral access to the interior of the container. 
     In some embodiments, alternating between the first mode and the second mode includes activating a switch mechanism, such as switch  110 . As previously described, the same pedal, such as pedal  112 , may operate the opening of the lid  102  and the unlocking of door panels  105  and  106 , and upper cover  104 . In the first mode of such embodiments, the pedal  112  only activates a first mechanism to open the lid  102  for insertion of material. In the second mode of such embodiments, the pedal activates a second mechanism which releases a latch mechanism to release the door panels open to provide substantially lateral access to the interior of the container  100 . 
     In other embodiments, container  100  may include a pedal, such as pedal which includes a first pedal mechanism, such as lid pedal  809 , and a second pedal mechanism, such as container pedal  808 . The first pedal mechanism corresponds to the first mechanism and the second pedal corresponds to the second mechanism. As previously described, alternating between the first mode and the second mode may include lifting lid pedal  809  upwards to expose and access container pedal  808  and/or lowering lid pedal  809  to cover container pedal  808 . 
     At step  1004 , the first mode has been selected and the container is operated in the first mode. In the first mode, activation of the pedal may cause the floor rod to mechanically open the lid. For example, depression of pedal  112  and/or lid pedal  809  may cause floor rod  222  to rotate and force spine rod  702  to open lid  102 . Thus, the lid of the container may be opened in this manner at step  1006  to reveal an opening in order to insert material into the container. 
     At  1007 , it is determined as to whether removal of material from the container is desired. If removal of material is not desired, method  1000  returns to step  1004  to continue operation of container in the first mode. However, if removal of material is desired, method  1000  returns to step  1002  to switch to the second mode. 
     Once the second mode has been selected, the container may be operated in the second mode at step  1008 . In some embodiments, cover  104  and door panels  105  and  106  may be secured in a closed position by the latch mechanism. As previously described and depicted in the aforementioned Figures, in various embodiments, the latch mechanism comprises a door rod coupled to a first door panel in a vertical orientation. The door rod may move upward and downward on a vertical axis. The latch mechanism also includes one or more door hooks coupled to the door rod. The latch mechanism may also include one or more door pins coupled to a second door panel, wherein the one or more door hooks attaches to the one or more corresponding door pins to secure the first door panel  105  and the second door panel  106  in a closed position. Finally, the latch mechanism may further include a cover hook coupled to the first door panel  105 , wherein the cover hook attaches to a cover pin of the cover to secure the upper cover in a closed position. 
     At step  1010 , the container doors may be opened to gain substantially lateral access to the interior of the container. As previously described, container  100  may include a pedal coupled to the base, a floor rod coupled to the pedal, a connector pin coupled to the pedal, and a vertical pin coupled to the switch mechanism. Such vertical pin may move upward and downward on a vertical axis. In the second mode, activation of the pedal, such as pedal  112 , may cause the connector pin to engage the vertical pin in an upward vertical motion to engage the door rod in an upward vertical motion. The upward motion of the door rod may then cause one or more door hooks to detach from the one or more corresponding door pins to allow the first door panel and the second door panel to open. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the upward motion of the door rod may also cause the cover hook to detach from the cover pin to allow the upper cover to open. 
     In another embodiment, operation of the container in the second mode may comprise activation of a second pedal mechanism, such as container pedal  809 . As previously described, in embodiments with a two pedal system, the switch may not be included and activation of container pedal  809  may engage the door rod and cause upward motion of the door rod without the vertical pin. 
     Thus, the doors of the container may be opened in this manner in order to allow greater access to the interior in order to remove the contents of the container as step  1012 . Once the contents of the container have been removed, the container doors may be closed at step  1014 . In some embodiments, closing the container doors  1014  may require subsequent activation of the pedal or other mechanism in order to lift the door hooks as previously described. In other embodiments, the configuration of door hooks may automatically lock together by sliding into place as the container doors are closed. Method  1000  may then return to step  1002  to alternate back to the first mode for continued operation. 
     Although many of the components and processes are described above in the singular for convenience, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that multiple components and repeated processes can also be used to practice the techniques of the present invention. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in the form and details of the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that the invention be interpreted to include all variations and equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.