Apparatus for securing a container and lid

Abstract

An apparatus for securing a container in a container position and for securing a lid to the container, comprises means for attaching the lid to a fixed structure such that the lid may move from a closed position engaging the container when the container is in the container position, to an open position disengaged from the container and allowing access thereto; means for biassing the lid in the closed position; and means for biassing the lid in the open position.

I claim:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for securing a lid to a container, and thereby securing said container in a container position adjacent to a fixed structure, said apparatus comprising: 
 means for attaching said lid to said fixed structure such that said lid may move from a closed position engaging said container when said container is in said container position, to an open position disengaged from said container and allowing access thereto;    means for biassing said lid in said closed position; and    means for biassing said lid in said open position.    
     
     
         2 . An apparatus for securing a lid to a container, and thereby securing said container in a container position adjacent to a substantially vertical surface, said apparatus comprising: 
 a securing arm having a pivot end and a lid end, and adapted for attachment of a lid thereto in proximity to said lid end;    a pivot bracket pivotally attached to said pivot end such that said securing arm may pivot up and down, said pivot bracket adapted for attachment to said substantially vertical surface;    a bias element acting between said securing arm and said pivot bracket such that said securing arm is biassed in a downward direction when said securing arm is in a substantially horizontal position, and such that said securing arm is biassed in an upward direction when said securing arm is raised significantly above the substantially horizontal position.    
     
     
         3 . The invention of    claim 2    wherein said pivot bracket is a u-shaped bracket and wherein said securing arm is pivotally attached thereto by a substantially horizontal pin through corresponding holes in said securing arm and in legs of said u-shaped bracket.  
     
     
         4 . The invention of    claim 3    wherein said bias element comprises an over-centering spring.  
     
     
         5 . The invention of    claim 4    wherein said over-centering spring is attached at a first end thereof to said u-shaped bracket at a point below said pin, and is attached at a second end thereof to said securing arm at a point between the lid attachment point and said pin.  
     
     
         6 . The invention of    claim 4    wherein said securing arm is adapted for attachment of a lid thereto by means of an aperture defined by said securing arm.  
     
     
         7 . The invention of    claim 4    wherein said lid end of said securing arm extends beyond the attachment point of said lid to provide a handle for raising said lid.  
     
     
         8 . The invention of    claim 4    further comprising a flexible retainer element adapted at one end for attachment to said vertical surface and at the opposite end for attachment to said securing arm, said retainer element fully extended when said securing arm is in a lowest position.