Coupling assembly for releasably connecting a trash container with a fixed object

Abstract

The present invention provides for a coupling assembly for releasably connecting a trash container with a fixed object, such as a wall or cabinet. The coupling assembly acts to prevent the trash container from being easily tipped onto its side, while allowing user to easily disconnect the trash container from the fixed object. The coupling apparatus includes a first coupling connected with the fixed object a second coupling member connected with the trash container. In one form, the second coupling member includes an extended portion adapted to be received within a pocket on the first coupling member. In another form, the first and second coupling members include hook members adapted to releasably connect with each other. The trash container can also include a lid further restrict access to the inside of the trash container. A latch can also be used to selectively lock the lid in the closed position.

1 . A trash container comprising: 
 a body including at least one side extending upwardly from a bottom side;    a first coupling member adapted to connect with a fixed object;    a second coupling member adapted to connect with the at least one side of the body; and    at least one coupling link adapted to releasably connect with the first coupling member with the second coupling member.    
   
   
       2 . The trash container of  claim 1 , wherein the fixed object is a wall.  
   
   
       3 . The trash container of  claim 1 , wherein the body defines a circular cross section.  
   
   
       4 . The trash container of  claim 1 , further comprising a lid adapted to selectively close an opening of the body.  
   
   
       5 . The trash container of  claim 4 , further comprising a hinge pivotally coupling the lid with the body.  
   
   
       6 . The trash container of  claim 5 , further comprising a latch adapted to selectively lock the lid in a closed position on the body.  
   
   
       7 . The trash container of  claim 1 , wherein the first coupling member comprises: 
 a base member; and    a hook member connected with the base member.    
   
   
       8 . The trash container of  claim 7 , wherein the hook member is pivotally connected with the base member.  
   
   
       9 . The trash container of  claim 8 , wherein the base member comprises a plate adapted to connect with the fixed object with at least one screw.  
   
   
       10 . The trash container of  claim 1 , wherein the second coupling member comprises: 
 a base member; and    a hook member connected with the base member.    
   
   
       11 . The trash container of  claim 10 , wherein the hook member is pivotally connected with the base member.  
   
   
       12 . The trash container of  claim 11 , wherein the base member comprises a plate adapted to connect with the body with at least one screw.  
   
   
       13 . The trash container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one coupling link comprises: 
 a link member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the link member having a gap between the first end portion and the second end portion; and    a connector member adapted to selectively extend between the first end portion with the second end portion to close the gap; and    wherein when the gap is closed, the at least one coupling link defines a closed perimeter.    
   
   
       14 . The trash container of  claim 13 , wherein the connector member is rotatably connected with the first end portion and wherein the connector member is adapted to threadedly connect with the second end portion.  
   
   
       15 . A kit for releasably connecting a trash container to a fixed object comprising: 
 a first coupling member comprising: 
 a first base member adapted to connect with the fixed object; and  
 a first hook member connected with the first base member;  
   a second coupling member comprising: 
 a second base member adapted to connect with the trash container; and  
 a second hook member connected with the second base member; and  
   at least one coupling link adapted to releasably connect the first hook member with the second hook member.    
   
   
       16 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the first hook member is pivotally connected with the first base member, and the second hook member is pivotally connected with the second base member.  
   
   
       17 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the first base member comprises a plate adapted to connect with the fixed object with at least one screw.  
   
   
       18 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the second base member comprises a plate adapted to connect with the trash container with at least one screw.  
   
   
       19 . The kit of  claim 15 , wherein the at least one coupling link comprises: 
 a link member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the link member having a gap between the first end portion and the second end portion; and    a connector member adapted to selectively extend between the first end portion with the second end portion to close the gap; and    wherein when the gap is closed, the at least one coupling link defines a closed perimeter.    
   
   
       20 . The kit of  claim 19 , wherein the connector member is rotatably connected with the first end portion and wherein the connector member is adapted to threadedly connect with the second end portion.  
   
   
       21 . A trash container comprising: 
 a body including at least one side extending upwardly from a bottom side;    a first base member adapted to connect with the fixed object; and    a first hook member connected with the first base member;    a coupling member adapted to connect with the at least one side and adapted to releasably connect with the first hook member.    
   
   
       22 . The trash container of  claim 21 , wherein the coupling member comprises: 
 a second base member;    a second arcuate hook member connected with the second base member; and    at least one coupling link releasably connected with the second hook member and adapted to releasably connect with the first hook member.    
   
   
       23 . The trash container of  claim 22 , wherein the at least one coupling link comprises: 
 a link member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the link member having a gap between the first end portion and the second end portion; and    a connector member adapted to selectively extend between the first end portion with the second end portion to close the gap; and    wherein when the gap is closed, the at least one coupling link defines a closed perimeter.    
   
   
       24 . The trash container of  claim 23 , wherein the connector member is rotatably connected with the first end portion and wherein the connector member is adapted to threadedly connect with the second end portion.  
   
   
       25 . A trash container comprising: 
 a body including at least one side extending upwardly from a bottom side;    a first base member adapted to connect with the at least one side; and    a first hook member connected with the first base member;    a coupling member adapted to connect with the fixed object and adapted to releasably connect with the first hook member.    
   
   
       26 . The trash container of  claim 25 , wherein the coupling member comprises: 
 a second base member;    a second arcuate hook member connected with the second base member; and    at least one coupling link releasably connected with the second hook member and adapted to releasably connect with the first hook member.    
   
   
       27 . The trash container of  claim 26 , wherein the at least one coupling link comprises: 
 a link member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the link member having a gap between the first end portion and the second end portion; and    a connector member adapted to selectively extend between the first end portion with the second end portion to close the gap; and    wherein when the gap is closed, the at least one coupling link defines a closed perimeter.    
   
   
       28 . The trash container of  claim 26 , wherein the connector member is rotatably connected with the first end portion and wherein the connector member is adapted to threadedly connect with the second end portion.