Patent attributes
A collection bin locking assembly with a gravity-actuated release mechanism is disclosed herein. The locking assembly includes a housing attached to the body of the bin and a separate cord support structure attached to the lid. When locked, a cord spans between a first cord support structure on the housing and the separate or second cord support structure on the lid. A pendulum is disposed within the housing which, due to gravity, automatically swings between a first, resting position and a second, unlocked positioned when the collection bin is moved from an upright position to an at least partially upended position. Furthermore, the first cord support structure includes a groove and, adjacent to the groove, a smooth, outwardly curved surface. When the pendulum swings, the cord is forced out of the groove and onto the adjacent smooth, outwardly curved surface where the cord will slip off, thereby unlocking the lid.
