Spring-based Container Latch and Related Systems and Methods

Abstract

A spring device for use with a container latch is provided. The spring device includes first and second arms, each connected to a middle portion, each of the first and second arms have an attachment structure positioned at a distal end thereof. A spring portion is connected to the middle portion and extends away from the middle portion, wherein the spring portion has an arch shape, wherein the spring portion is not co-planar with either of the first and second arms. An attachment sleeve is positioned at a terminating end of the spring portion, the terminating end positioned is substantially proximate to the distal ends of each of the first and second arms, wherein the attachment sleeve is movable relative to the first and second arms.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to container latches and more particularly is related to a spring-based container latch and related systems and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Sterilization cases are used in the medical field to hold medical instruments within sterilization trays. The medical instruments, when contaminated, are run through a sterilizer while held within the sterilization case. Sterilization cases are frequently used in settings where space is limited and compact and easy-to-use items come in handy. In this regard, sterilization cases with easy-to-use parts may be desired to heighten the efficiency of sterilizing medical instruments.

A sterilization tray usually comprises a base container with an open top for holding surgical instruments or other articles. The open top of the base container may be closed by a cover which engages over the top of the container. Preferably, the cover and/or the base container are perforated so that steam can circulate through the closed container. To prevent the cover from becoming disengaged from the base container during handling, means are usually provided for releasably securing the cover to that container.

Conventionally, the securing means often consist of at least one latch which is usually mounted to one of the base container and cover and which is movable between a locked position wherein the latch engages over the other of the base container and cover, and an unlocked position wherein the latch is released from the other of the base container and cover. One such prior latch in widespread use consists of a rolled metal bracket hinged to the edge of the cover and a rolled metal hook pivotally connected to the bracket at a location thereon spaced from the bracket hinge. To lock the cover, the hook is swung down so that the hook engages a hole or projection in the base container and then the bracket is swung down to a stable over center position against the cover so that tension is applied to the hook whereupon the hook remains tightly engaged to the base container.

While these conventional securing means have some advantages, they have many drawbacks. Specifically, the container cover must be rigidly attached to the container when the securing means are engaged together, and therefore there is no flexibility within the securing means. Further, latching the securing means can sometimes be difficult to latch and release, or they can be prone to releasing engagement unexpectedly.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide spring device for use with a container latch. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The spring device includes at least one arm connected to a middle portion, the at least one arm having an attachment structure positioned at a distal end thereof. A spring portion is connected to the middle portion and extends away from the middle portion, wherein the spring portion has an arch shape, wherein the spring portion is not co-planar with the at least one arm. An attachment sleeve is positioned at a terminating end of the spring portion, the terminating end positioned is substantially proximate to the distal end of the at least one arm, wherein the attachment sleeve is movable relative to the at least one arm.

The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods of latching a container lid to a container. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: providing a container and a lid, wherein the lid is sized to cover an opening of the container; and latching the lid to the container using a latching system, the latching system having: a spring structure comprising: a first arm and a second arm, each connected to a middle portion, each of the first and second arms is affixed to the lid at a distal end of each of the first and second arms; a spring portion connected to the middle portion and extending away from the middle portion, wherein the spring portion has an arch shape, wherein the spring portion is not co-planar with either of the first and second arms; and an attachment sleeve positioned at a terminating end of the spring portion, the terminating end positioned substantially proximate to the distal ends of each of the first and second arms, wherein the attachment sleeve is movable relative to the first and second arms; the latch system further having: a flap connected to the spring structure with a hinge, wherein the hinge is at least partially positioned through the attachment sleeve; and a locking protrusion, wherein the locking protrusion is affixed to the sidewall of the container, wherein the flap is engagable with the locking protrusion.

The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing container latching system. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The container latching system comprises a container and a lid sized to fit over an opening within the container. A latch system is engagable between a sidewall of the container and the lid. The latch system has a spring structure which comprises a first arm and a second arm, each connected to a middle portion, each of the first and second arms is affixed to the lid at a distal end of each of the first and second arms, a spring portion connected to the middle portion and extending away from the middle portion, wherein the spring portion has an arch shape, wherein the spring portion is not co-planar with either of the first and second arms, and an attachment sleeve positioned at a terminating end of the spring portion, the terminating end positioned substantially proximate to the distal ends of each of the first and second arms, wherein the attachment sleeve is movable relative to the first and second arms. A flap is connected to the spring structure with a hinge, wherein the hinge is at least partially positioned through the attachment sleeve. And, a locking protrusion is affixed to the sidewall of the container, wherein the flap is engagable with the locking protrusion.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustration of a spring device for use with a latch container, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustration of the spring device of FIG. 1 shown abutting a container lid, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustration of the spring device of FIG. 1 in an unloaded position, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a side view illustration of the spring device of FIG. 1 in a loaded position, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustration of the spring device of FIG. 1 in use with a latch system, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the spring device of FIG. 1 in use with a latch system on a container and container lid, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view illustration of the spring device of FIG. 1 in use with a latch system on a container and container lid, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the spring device of FIG. 1 in use with a latch system on a container and container lid in a loaded position, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a front view illustration of the spring device of FIG. 1 in use with a latch system on a container and container lid, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of latching a container lid to a container, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustration of a spring device for use with a latch container, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the spring device of FIG. 11 in use with a latch system on a container and container lid in a loaded position, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustration of a spring device 10 for use with a latch container, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The spring device 10 for use with a container latch, which may be referred to herein as ‘device 10’ includes a first arm 22 and a second arm 24, each connected to a middle portion 30. Each of the first and second arms 22, 24 has an attachment structure 26 positioned at a distal end 28 thereof, respectively. A spring portion 40 is connected to the middle portion 30 and extends away from the middle portion 30, wherein the spring portion 40 has an arch shape. The spring portion 40 is not co-planar with either of the first and second arms 22, 24. An attachment sleeve 50 is positioned at a terminating end 42 of the spring portion 40, the terminating end positioned substantially proximate to the distal ends 28 of each of the first and second arms 22, 24 wherein the attachment sleeve 50 is movable relative to the first and second arms 22, 24.

The device 10 may be used with a latch system or latching device on a container, such as a container that requires a latch to retain a lid on the container. The device 10 may provide the latch with a biasable or spring-biased movement, such that the device 10 moves a part of the latch, such as a lock-engaging portion of the latch, towards a natural position. The natural position may be the position of the latch when there are no external forces acting on the device 10. In comparison, a biased position may be a position of the latch when the device 10 is being acted upon by an external force, such as when a user of the latch moves the latch to a locked or engaged position. The device 10 discussed herein is disclosed relative to a medical sterilization container, however the device 10 may be used on other types of containers.

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustration of the spring device 10 of FIG. 1 shown abutting a container lid 12, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The container lid 12 may be used with a container 14 for holding medical instruments and implements before, during, and after a medical sterilization process. The sterilization process may sterilize the instruments with a sterilization material, such as water, steam, or another well-known sterilization material that penetrate through the container 14 via a plurality of holes to sterilize the instruments contained inside. The instruments may remain within the container 14 after the sterilization process and during a subsequent medical procedure. The container 14 may efficiently and conveniently hold the medical instruments for a medical practitioner during a procedure. The container 14 may utilize the lid 12 that can be placed on an opening of the container 14 and removed therefrom to control access to the medical instruments within the container 14.

Relative to FIGS. 1-2, the first arm 22 and a second arm 24 of the device 10 may be connected to a middle portion 30. Together, the first and second arms 22, 24 and the middle portion 30 may provide the substantial outline or footprint of a portion of the device 10. For example, the first and second arms 22, 24 may be positioned along exterior or outer portions of the device 10 with the middle portion 30 positioned along a perpendicular edge. In this orientation, the spring portion 40 may be positioned between the first and second arms 22, 24 and the middle portion 30. While the device 10 is disclosed and depicted as being formed from substantially flat materials that are biasable, such as biasable metals or plastics, the device 10 may include a variety of shapes, sizes, and other configurations.

Each of the first and second arms 22, 24 may be configured or sized to be positioned in an abutting location with a part of the container, such as the container lid 12. The shape of the first and second arms 22, 24 may include a first portion of each of the first and second arms 22, 24 that extends laterally from the middle portion 30 at an angle relative to a length of the middle portion 30. The first portion of the first and second arms 22, 24 may be substantially within the same plane as the middle portion 30. The first and second arms 22, 24 may each have a bend or angled portion that extends each of the first and second arms 22, 24 from being co-planar with the middle portion 30. For instance, as is shown in FIG. 1, the distal ends 28 of each of the first and second arms 22, 24 having the attachment structure 26 may be non-coplanar with the first portion of the first and second arms 22, 24 due to the bend within the first and second arms 22, 24.

The distal ends 28 of each of the first and second arms 22, 24 may include the attachment structure 26 which may allow for attachment or fastening of the device 10 to the container lid 12. It is noted that the device 10 can be attached to other parts of the container 14 besides the lid 12, such as a sidewall 16 of the container 14. For example, the attachment structure 26 may include a hole or opening that is capable of receiving a threaded fastener there through. The threaded fastener may connect with the container lid 12 that the device 10 is positioned abutting to and retain the device 10 in a secured position on the container lid 12. Other types of attachment structure 26 may include slots, bent structures, integral connectors, or other types of devices or systems that, alone or in combination with other structures, allow attachment of the device 10 to the container lid 12. Additionally, other components such as lubricants, adhesives, interfacing materials, material coatings, or similar items may be used with the attachment structures 26.

The middle portion 30 may be positioned on a top surface of the lid 12 and both of the first and second arms 22, 24 are positioned around a corner edge of the lid 12, wherein the distal ends 28 of the first and second arms 22, 24 are connected to a side of the lid 12. The spring portion 40 is connected to the middle portion 30 in a position between the first and second arms 22, 24. While the first and second arms 22, 24 may substantially conform to the shape of the edge of the container lid 12 to which the device 10 is abutting, the spring portion 40 may rise above the container lid 12, thereby allowing the spring portion 40 space for moving when acted on by a force. The spring portion 40 may be integrally or otherwise connected to the middle portion 30 and extends away from the middle portion 30. The spring portion 40 may diverge from the planar of the middle portion and rise above the first and second arms 22, 24. An arched portion 44, having an bend or arch shape may be formed by the spring portion 40 in between where the spring portion 40 connects with the middle portion 30 and where the attachment sleeve 50 is positioned on the spring portion 40. The arched portion 44 may have any size curve, bend, or arch shape, as may be dependent on the design and use of the device 10. The parts of the spring portion 40 that abut the arched portion 44 may be substantially non-arched, as is shown in FIG. 1.

The attachment sleeve 50 is positioned at a terminating end 42 of the spring portion 40 and may be integrally connected to the spring portion 40 or non-integrally connected to the spring portion 40. The position of the attachment sleeve 50 may be close to the distal ends 28 of the first and second arms 22, 24, and the position may be changed relative to the first and second arms 22, 24. For example, as the spring portion 40 is acted upon by an exerted force, the spring portion 40 or a portion thereof, such as the arched portion, the connection with the middle portion 30, or another part of the spring portion 40, may flex or spring to allow the attachment sleeve 50 to move relative to the first and second arms 22, 24. This movement of the attachment sleeve 50 in combination with other components of the device 10, may allow the latch system with which the device 10 is used to be engaged or disengaged to control connection of the lid 12 of the container with the container body.

The spring portion 40 may include a variety of other shapes, designs, and features. For example, the arched portion 44 of the spring portion 40 may have substantially flat or planar connection portions on either side thereof. For example, the first connecting portion 46 may connect the arched portion 44 with the middle portion 30 and the second connecting portion 48 may connect the arched portion 44 with the attachment sleeve 50. The first and second connecting portions 46, 48 may be partially or substantially non-arched. The first and second connection portion 46, 48 may also include in an entirety or a portion thereof, a slot 49 that is substantially aligned with at least a portion of the length of the spring portion 40, and thus, may be substantially parallel to a length of each of the first and second arms 22, 24. The slot 49 may allow the spring portion 40 greater flexibility in bending when acted upon by an exerted force.

FIG. 3 is a side view illustration of the spring device 10 of FIG. 1 in an unloaded position, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a side view illustration of the spring device 10 of FIG. 1 in a loaded position, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to FIGS. 3-4, the unloaded position of the device 10 may be characterized as a position of the spring portion 40 where there is no external force being exerted on the spring portion 40, whereas the loaded position may be characterized as a position of the spring portion 40 where there is a force being exerted on the spring portion 40. In comparison, FIGS. 3-4 depict the spring portion 40 in different relative position as compared to the second arm 24 (the first arm 22 is not visible in FIGS. 3-4).

In the unloaded position of FIG. 3, it can be seen that the arched portion 44 of the spring portion 40 rises above the second arm 24 and the second connecting portion 48 is positioned outwardly from the distal end 28 of the second arm 24. The attachment sleeve 50 is also positioned outwardly from the distal end 28 of the second arm 24. The force is exerted on the spring portion 40 commonly by pulling the attachment sleeve 50 downward relative to the distal end 28 of the second arm 24, but other forces may also be exerted on the spring portion 40 in other ways. When the force is exerted, the spring portion 40 may bend or deform slightly to allow the attachment sleeve 50 to move downward relative to the distal end 28 of the second arm 24. The specific bending or deformation of the spring portion 40 may include flexing in any portion thereof, including flexing in joints between the various portions and flexing in the portions themselves. For example, it may be common for the joint between the first connection portion 46 and the middle portion 30 to flex and the arched portion 44 to flex.

Thus, the attachment sleeve 50 may be biasable between the loaded and unloaded positions. While the specific positioning of the spring portion 40 may vary in the loaded and unloaded positions, or at a point therebetween, when the spring portion 40 is in the loaded position, the first connecting portion 48 may be substantially coplanar with each of the first and second arms 22, 24 at the distal ends 28 thereof, as is shown in FIG. 4. In contrast, when in the unloaded position, the first connecting portion 48 may not be co-coplanar with either of the first and second arms 22, 24 at the distal ends 28.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustration of the spring device 10 of FIG. 1 in use with a latch system 60, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The latch system 60 may generally include an upper latch housing 62, a flap 64, and a hinge 66 that is positioned between the upper latch housing 62 and flap 64. While the spring device 10 is visibly obstructed in FIG. 5, the upper latch housing 62 may be positioned over the middle portion and the first and second arms of the spring structure. A fastener may be connected between the upper latch housing 62 and the lid 12, wherein the fastener is positioned through the upper latch housing 62 and the distal ends of the first and second arms. The flap 64 may be pivotal on the hinge 66 and may have an opening 68 therein that has a lock contact structure 69. The lock contact structure 69 may be positioned within the opening 68 of the flap 64 and may be used to engage with a locking protrusion on the container 14 when the latch system 60 is engaged between the sidewall of the container 14 and the lid 12.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the spring device 10 of FIG. 1 in use with a latch system 60 on a container 14 and container lid 12, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a front view illustration of the spring device 10 of FIG. 1 in use with a latch system 60 on a container 14 and container lid 12, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the spring device 10 of FIG. 1 in use with a latch system 60 on a container 14 and container lid 12 in a loaded position, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a front view illustration of the spring device 10 of FIG. 1 in use with a latch system 60 on a container 14 and container lid 12, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Relative to FIGS. 6-9, the spring device 10 may be affixed to the lid 12 of the container 14 with at least one fastener 70 that is positioned through the upper latch housing 62, through the attachment structures 26, and engages with the lid 12. The upper latch housing 62 may cover, fully or partially, the device 10. Further, the upper latch housing 62 may be sized to provide sufficient space for the arched portion 44 of the spring portion 40 to move therein. The second connecting structure 48 of the spring portion 40 may extend downward from the upper latch housing 62, such that the attachment sleeve 50 is exposed below the upper latch housing 62. The hinge 66 is positioned within the attachment sleeve 50 and interfaces with the flap 64, such that the flap can pivot about the hinge 66.

As is shown in FIGS. 8-9, the flap 64 may extend proximate to the container 14 such that it is positioned near a locking protrusion 72 which is affixed to an external surface of a sidewall of the container 14. The locking protrusion 72 may include a shape, such as a concave interior, that allows the lock contact structure 69 to be retained by the locking protrusion 72. The locking protrusion 72 may include other shapes and variously-sized concave interiors for retaining the lock contact structure 69, as may be dependent on the specific design of the device 10.

In use of the device 10, the flap 64 is engagable with the locking protrusion 72 when the attachment sleeve 50 is biased towards the first and second arms 22, 24. As the flap 64 pivots on the hinge 66 toward the locking protrusion 72, the lock contact structure 69 may contact the tip of the locking protrusion 72. To move the lock contact structure 69 past the tip of the locking protrusion 72 and into the concave interior thereof, the flap 64 may be pulled or forced downwards, thereby flexing the spring portion 40 towards the locking protrusion 72 to lower the relative position of the lock contact structure 69 and the locking protrusion 72. The position where the lock contact structure 69 is proximate to the locking protrusion 72 is shown in FIGS. 6-7. Then, the flap 64 may be pivoted towards the container 14 to place the lock contact structure 69 within the concave interior of the locking protrusion 72, as is shown in FIGS. 8-9.

In comparison of FIGS. 7 and 9, it can be seen that the arched portion 44 of the spring portion 40 is lowered in FIG. 7 as it is being biased downwards, whereas it is raised in FIG. 9 when the lock contact structure 69 is positioned within the concave interior of the locking protrusion 72. Similarly, it can be seen in FIG. 9 how the locking protrusion 72 tip retains the lock contact structure 69 within the concave interior, such that the flap 64 remains in the locked position on the locking protrusion 72.

Since the device 10 is capable of being flexed with the spring portion 40, the flap 64 may be slightly movable relative to the locking protrusion 72 to allow for a reliable and well-fitting connection between the lock contact structure 69 and the locking protrusion 72. Thus, the latch assembly 60 as a whole may be successful in retaining the lid 12 on the container 14. It is noted that the device 10 used with the latch assembly 60 may provide for proper closure of the lid 12 and container 14 in various medical environments. For example, if the lid 12 is sealed to the container 14 with a gasket therebetween, the flexing within the device 10 may allow the lid 12 to slightly move relative to the container 14. Thus, if the pressure within the container 14 increases, the device 10 may allow the lid 12 to be slightly biased away from the container 14 using the flexing of the spring portion 40.

It is noted that the spring portion 40 of device 10 may be positioned in a loaded position, e.g., a fully or partially biased position, when the lid 12 is engaged with the container 14 via the device 10. During sterilization of the contents of the container 14, pressure may build within the container 14 due to the increase of temperature. As a result, the increased pressure may bias the lid 12 upwards. While a gasket or seal may be positioned between the lid 12 and the rim of the container 14, flexibility with the spring portion 40 may allow for slight displacements of the lid 12 relative to the container 14 while the device 10 is in a locked position between the lid 12 and the container 14. These slight displacements may allow for the pressure to build within the container 14 without release of the pressure, such that the interior of the container 14 can be compromised by a non-sterile environment. The ability for the lid 12 to be slightly displaced relative to the container 14 with the device 10 remaining fully latched may offer many benefits within the medical sterilization industry.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart 100 illustrating a method of latching a container lid to a container, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, portions of code, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure.

As is shown by block 102, a container and a lid are provided, wherein the lid is sized to cover an opening of the container. Latching the lid to the container using a latching system, wherein the latching system has a spring structure, which comprises: a first arm and a second, each connected to a middle portion, each of the first and second arms is affixed to the lid at a distal end of each of the first and second arms; a spring portion connected to the middle portion and extending away from the middle portion, wherein the spring portion has an arch shape, wherein the spring portion is not co-planar with either of the first and second arms; and an attachment sleeve positioned at a terminating end of the spring portion, the terminating end positioned substantially proximate to the distal ends of each of the first and second arms, wherein the attachment sleeve is movable relative to the first and second arms (block 104). A flap is connected to the spring structure with a hinge, wherein the hinge is at least partially positioned through the attachment sleeve (block 106). A locking protrusion is affixed to the sidewall of the container, wherein the flap is engagable with the locking protrusion (block 108).

The method may include a number of other steps, processes, and functions, including any disclosed relative to FIGS. 1-9 herein. For example, the spring structure may further comprise an arched area having the arched shape and a connecting portion positioned between the arched area and the attachment sleeve, wherein the connecting portion is not arched. The attachment sleeve is biased between first and second positions, wherein in the first position, the connecting portion is substantially coplanar with each of the first and second arms at the distal ends, and wherein in the second position, the connecting portion is not co-coplanar with either of the first and second arms at the distal ends. The flap may be engaged with the locking protrusion when the attachment sleeve is biased towards the first and second arms. The flap may be engaged by engaging a lock contact structure positioned within the flap with the locking protrusion. As the flap is engaged, the spring portion may be biased towards the first and second arms, thereby moving the attachment sleeve to a position below the distal ends of the first and second arms.

FIG. 11 is a plan view illustration of a spring device 110 for use with a latch container, in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The spring device 110 for use with a container latch, which may be referred to herein as ‘device 110’ may be substantially similar to the device 10 described relative to the first exemplary embodiment, and may include any of the components, features, and functions described therein. The device 110 includes a central arm 122 connected to a middle portion 130. The central arm 122 has one or more attachment structures 126 positioned at a distal end 128 thereof. A spring portion 40 is connected to the middle portion 130 and extends away from the middle portion 130 on either side of the central arm 122. The spring portion 140 has two opposing sides 143 that each have an arch shape therein, giving the spring portion 140 an arch shape. The spring portion 140 is not co-planar with the central arm 122. An attachment sleeve 150 is positioned at a terminating end 142 of the spring portion 140, the terminating end positioned substantially proximate to the distal ends 128 of the central arm 122 wherein the attachment sleeve 150 is movable relative to the central arm 122.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the spring device 110 of FIG. 11 in use with a latch system 160 on a container 114 and container lid 112 in a loaded position, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 110 has functioning that is materially similar to the first exemplary embodiment, specifically as described relative to FIGS. 6-9, the difference being that one central arm 122 replaces the first and second arms 22, 24 and the spring portion 140 is positioned exterior of the central arm 122 as opposed to being positioned between the first and second arms 22, 24.

As is shown in FIG. 12, the spring device 110 may be affixed to the lid 112 of the container 114 with at least one fastener 170 that is positioned through the upper latch housing 162, through the attachment structures 126, and engages with the lid 112. The upper latch housing 162 may cover, fully or partially, the device 110. Further, the upper latch housing 162 may be sized to provide sufficient space for the arched portion 144 of the spring portion 140 to move therein. The second connecting structure 148 of the spring portion 140 may extend downward from the upper latch housing 162, such that the attachment sleeve 150 is exposed below the upper latch housing 162. The hinge 166 is positioned within the attachment sleeve 150 and interfaces with the flap 164, such that the flap can pivot about the hinge 166.

In use of the device 110, the flap 164 is engagable with the locking protrusion 172 when the attachment sleeve 150 is biased towards the central arm 22. As the flap 164 pivots on the hinge 166 toward the locking protrusion 172, the lock contact structure 169 may contact the tip of the locking protrusion 172. To move the lock contact structure 169 past the tip of the locking protrusion 172 and into the concave interior thereof, the flap 164 may be pulled or forced downwards, thereby flexing the spring portion 140 towards the locking protrusion 172 to lower the relative position of the lock contact structure 169 and the locking protrusion 172. The flap 164 may be pivoted towards the container 114 to place the lock contact structure 169 within the concave interior of the locking protrusion 172, as is shown in FIG. 12.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A spring device for use with a container latch, the spring device comprising:

at least one arm connected to a middle portion, the at least one arm having an attachment structure positioned at a distal end thereof, respectively;

a spring portion connected to the middle portion and extending away from the middle portion, wherein the spring portion has an arch shape, wherein the spring portion is not co-planar with the at least one arm; and

an attachment sleeve positioned at a terminating end of the spring portion, the terminating end positioned substantially proximate to the distal end of the at least one arm, wherein the attachment sleeve is movable relative to the at least one arm

2. The spring device of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm further comprises at least one of:

a central arm position interior of the spring portion; and

a first arm and a second arm, each of the first and second arms positioned exterior of the spring portion.

3. The spring device of claim 1, wherein the attached structure of the at least one arm further comprises a hole.

4. The spring device of claim 1, wherein the spring portion further comprises an arched area having the arched shape and a connecting portion positioned between the arched area and the attachment sleeve, wherein the connecting portion is not arched.

5. The spring device of claim 4, wherein the attachment sleeve is biasable between first and second positions, wherein in the first position, the connecting portion is substantially coplanar with the at least one arm at the distal end, and wherein in the second position, the connecting portion is not co-coplanar with the at least one arm at the distal end.

6. A container latching system comprising:

a container;

a lid sized to fit over an opening within the container; and

a latch system engagable between a sidewall of the container and the lid, the latch system having: a spring structure comprising: a first arm and a second arm, each connected to a middle portion, each of the first and second arms is affixed to the lid at a distal end of each of the first and second arms; a spring portion connected to the middle portion and extending away from the middle portion, wherein the spring portion has an arch shape, wherein the spring portion is not co-planar with either of the first and second arms; and an attachment sleeve positioned at a terminating end of the spring portion, the terminating end positioned substantially proximate to the distal ends of each of the first and second arms, wherein the attachment sleeve is movable relative to the first and second arms; a flap connected to the spring structure with a hinge, wherein the hinge is at least partially positioned through the attachment sleeve; and a locking protrusion, wherein the locking protrusion is affixed to the sidewall of the container, wherein the flap is engagable with the locking protrusion.

7. The container latching system of claim 6, wherein the spring portion further comprises an arched area having the arched shape and a connecting portion positioned between the arched area and the attachment sleeve, wherein the connecting portion is not arched.

8. The spring device of claim 7, wherein the attachment sleeve is biasable between first and second positions, wherein in the first position, the connecting portion is substantially coplanar with each of the first and second arms at the distal ends, and wherein in the second position, the connecting portion is not co-coplanar with either of the first and second arms at the distal ends.

9. The container latching system of claim 7, further comprising a slot formed within the arched area, wherein a length of the slot is substantially parallel to a length of each of the first and second arms.

10. The container latching system of claim 6, wherein the middle portion is positioned on a top surface of the lid and both of the first and second arms are positioned around a corner edge of the lid, wherein the distal ends of the first and second arms are connected to a side of the lid.

11. The container latching system of claim 6, wherein the spring portion is positioned between the first and second arms.

12. The container latching system of claim 6, wherein the flap is engagable with the locking protrusion when the attachment sleeve is biased towards the first and second arms.

13. The container latching system of claim 6, further comprising a lock contact structure positioned within the flap, wherein the lock contact structure engages with the locking protrusion when the latch system is engaged between the sidewall of the container and the lid.

14. The container latching system of claim 6, further comprising an upper latch housing positioned over the middle portion and the first and second arms of the spring structure.

15. The container latching system of claim 14, further comprising at least one fastener connected between the upper latch housing and the lid, wherein the at least one fastener is positioned through the upper latch housing and the distal ends of the first and second arms.

16. A method of latching a container lid to a container, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a container and a lid, wherein the lid is sized to cover an opening of the container; and

latching the lid to the container using a latching system, the latching system having:

a spring structure comprising: a first arm and a second arm, each connected to a middle portion, each of the first and second arms is affixed to the lid at a distal end of each of the first and second arms; a spring portion connected to the middle portion and extending away from the middle portion, wherein the spring portion has an arch shape, wherein the spring portion is not co-planar with either of the first and second arms; and an attachment sleeve positioned at a terminating end of the spring portion, the terminating end positioned substantially proximate to the distal ends of each of the first and second arms, wherein the attachment sleeve is movable relative to the first and second arms;

a flap connected to the spring structure with a hinge, wherein the hinge is at least partially positioned through the attachment sleeve; and

a locking protrusion, wherein the locking protrusion is affixed to the sidewall of the container, wherein the flap is engagable with the locking protrusion.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the spring structure further comprises an arched area having the arched shape and a connecting portion positioned between the arched area and the attachment sleeve, wherein the connecting portion is not arched, further comprising the step of biasing the attachment sleeve between first and second positions, wherein in the first position, the connecting portion is substantially coplanar with each of the first and second arms at the distal ends, and wherein in the second position, the connecting portion is not co-coplanar with either of the first and second arms at the distal ends.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of engaging the flap with the locking protrusion when the attachment sleeve is biased towards the first and second arms.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein engaging the flap with the locking protrusion further comprises engaging a lock contact structure positioned within the flap with the locking protrusion.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein engaging the flap with the locking protrusion further comprises biasing the spring portion towards the first and second arms, thereby moving the attachment sleeve to a position below the distal ends of the first and second arms.