Patent attributes
The invention relates to locking devices, more particularly, gravity actuated locking devices, e.g., for waste containers. The locking device is designed to be fixed to a container and contains a gravity operated locking mechanism and a locking unit that couples the gravity operated locking mechanism to a locking bar. The locking bar allows the lid of the container to be blocked or opened depending upon the relative position of the locking bar to the lid. In the blocked position, the locking bar sits over the lid and does not allow it to be opened. In the opened position, the locking bar is removed from the lid and allows the lid to be opened. When in the container is in the upright position, the parts of the locking device cooperate to block the locking bar from being moved from the blocked position. However, when the container is tilted forward, e.g. for emptying the content of the container, gravity, acting on the parts of the locking device, allows the locking bar to be moved to the opened position.
