Container lid lifting device

Abstract

A device for lifting a lid of a container is disclosed. The device includes a first strap, having a first and second end; a pulley, in communication with the first strap, positioned between the first and second end; a connector, attached to the first end of the first strap, that connects the first strap to the lid; a weight, attached to the second end of the first strap; a weight support piece, that holds the weight in a first position; and an actuator, coupled to the weight support piece, that displaces the weight support piece and allows the weight to move substantially downward to a second position; wherein the weight's movement causes the strap, in communication with the pulley, to exert a substantially upward pulling force on the connector, and consequently on the lid.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 ) A device for lifting a lid of a container, comprising: 
 a) a first strap, having a first and second end;    b) a pulley, in communication with the first strap, positioned between the first and second end;    c) a connector, attached to the first end of the first strap, that connects the first strap to the lid;    d) a weight, attached to the second end of the first strap;    e) a weight support piece, that holds the weight in a first position; and    f) an actuator, coupled to the weight support piece, that displaces the weight support piece and allows the weight to move substantially downward to a second position; wherein the weight's movement causes the strap, in communication with the pulley, to exert a substantially upward pulling force on the connector, and consequently on the lid.    
     
     
         2 ) the device of  claim 1 , wherein the pulley is coupled to a frame.  
     
     
         3 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pulley is a nylon rod.  
     
     
         4 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is a foot pedal.  
     
     
         5 ) The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a second strap, having a third end connected to the weight support piece and a fourth end connected to the actuator.  
     
     
         6 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein the weight support piece is a spring-loaded latch.  
     
     
         7 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is substantially hook-shaped and connects to a lip on the lid.  
     
     
         8 ) The device of  claim 1 , wherein the container is a hinged garbage container.  
     
     
         9 ) A method of lifting a lid of a container, comprising the steps of: 
 a) attaching a first end of a first strap to the lid;    b) attaching a second end of the first strap to a weight supported by a weight support device;    c) positioning the first strap on a pulley, between the first and second ends; and    d) removing the weight support device such that such that the weight moves substantially downward, which downward movement of the weight causes the strap, in communication with the pulley, to exert a substantially upward pulling force on the lid, thereby lifting the lid.    
     
     
         10 ) The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of removing the weight support device further comprises the steps of: 
 a) coupling an actuator to the weight support device; and    b) actuating the actuator.    
     
     
         11 ) The method of  claim 10 , wherein the actuator is a foot pedal.  
     
     
         12 ) The method of  claim 10 , further comprising a second strap, having a third end connected to the weight support piece and a fourth end connected to the actuator.  
     
     
         13 ) The method of  claim 9 , wherein the pulley is coupled to a frame.  
     
     
         14 ) The method of  claim 9 , wherein the pulley is a nylon rod.  
     
     
         15 ) The method of  claim 9 , wherein the weight support piece is a spring-loaded latch.  
     
     
         16 ) The method of  claim 9 , wherein the connector is substantially hook-shaped and connects to a lip on the lid.  
     
     
         17 ) The method of  claim 9 , wherein the container is a hinged garbage container.  
     
     
         18 ) A lid lifting device for lifting a lid of a container, comprising: 
 a) a base, for placing the container thereon;    b) a frame, extending from the base and above the container;    c) a linkage member, slidably mounted along the frame and extending above the container;    d) a weight, slidably mounted to the frame, coupled to one end of the linkage member, and positioned a distance above the base;    e) a coupling, coupled to another end of the linkage member, designed to be releasably coupled to the lid of the container; and    f) a switch, pivotally coupled to the frame and releasably coupled to the weight, having: 
 1) a first position that maintains the weight in the position located a distance above the base;  
 2) a second position that releases the weight to traverse downward thus pulling the linkage member so as to raise the lid of the container.  
   
     
     
         19 ) The lid lifting device of  claim 18 , further comprising an actuator, located adjacent the base and below the switch, coupled to the switch designed to be activated by a foot of a user that depresses the actuator which in turn moves the switch from the first position to the second position.  
     
     
         20 ) The lid lifting device of  claim 18 , wherein the linkage member is a strap.  
     
     
         21 ) The lid lifting device of claims  18 , further comprising a pulley, located above the container, and having the strap mounted thereon to allow the strap to rotate therearound when the weight traverses downward.