Patent ID: 7810854

Claim:
A locking apparatus for a trash container having a pivotal lid, comprising: an elongate locking arm configured to extend across the top of the closed lid of a trash container in a first position and across the front wall of the trash container in second position; the arm having first and second ends, wherein at least one of the ends has a bent end portion and first and second locking flanges spaced from the end of the arm and projecting in opposite directions from the bent end portion; an elongate locking device configured for mounting on one side wall of the trash container, the locking device having first and second spaced locking formations configured to engage the first and second locking flanges, respectively, in the first and second positions of the arm; a pivot mount on the locking device between the first and second locking formations; the bent end portion being pivotally secured to the pivot mount for rotation about a pivot axis between the first and second positions; wherein, when the arm is moved to the first position, the first locking flange is moved to contact the first locking formation, allowing the first locking flange to be secured to the first locking formation by a locking member, securing the arm in place and preventing pivotal movement of the lid; and wherein, when the arm is moved to the second position, the second locking flange is moved to contact the second locking formation, allowing the second locking flange to be secured to the second locking formation by the locking member, securing the arm in place and allowing pivotal movement of the lid.