Biasing Means Patents (Class 220/264)
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Patent number: 8556118Abstract: The moving mechanism has a first stationary-side gear part and a second stationary-side gear part provided on a support body side; a movable-side gear part and a pinion gear provided on a supported part of a movable body; and a guide device positioned so that the movable-side gear part engages with the first stationary-side gear part and the pinion gear engages with the second stationary-side gear part. The first stationary-side gear part is formed along an arc of a virtual circle, and has teeth oriented toward a center side of this virtual circle; the second stationary-side gear part is provided adjacent to this first stationary-side gear part on the center side of the aforementioned virtual circle, is formed along an arc of a separate virtual circle from this virtual circle, and has teeth oriented toward a center side of this separate virtual circle.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Tsuyoshi Hamaguchi
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Patent number: 8550282Abstract: A gravity-responsive system for securing or restraining the lid or lids of dumping containers in their on-the-ground position and releasing the lid or lids when the container is lifted to its overhead dump position includes a pivotally mounted over-center swingarm that is connected via a connecting link to a lid-restraining bail. When the dumping container is substantially in its on-the-ground position, the bail is rotated to a lid-securing or restraining position in which the lid or lids cannot be opened fully. As the dumping container is lifted toward and to is overhead dump position, the swing-arm rotates in response to gravity to move the bail toward and to a lid-release position to allow the lid or lids to swing away from their closed position to allow the dumping of the contents into the trash truck.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventors: Anthony Canova Libhart, Charles Carter Patterson
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Publication number: 20130248532Abstract: Certain embodiments of a trash can include a cap with a lid and an actuator. The actuator can extend outwardly from the cap at a downward angle. The actuator can be configured to maintain the lid in a closed position when a locking portion of the actuator is engaged with a securement portion of the lid. The lid can be rotationally biased toward an open position and the actuator can be configured to release the lid from the closed position upon an input of force on the actuator. The range of effective angles for the input force can enable a user of the trash can to easily open the lid by contacting the actuator with from a wide variety of angles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: SIMPLEHUMAN, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
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Patent number: 8528769Abstract: A lift apparatus and method include, in a structure with a lid, a lift arm connected with the lid and with a lift pivot. A movement arm with a flexible connection with a first end and a second end is provided where the first end of the flexible connection is connected with the lift arm and where the second end of the flexible connection is connected with the movement arm. And an actuator is connected with the movement arm for selected movement of the arm and thus the lid.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Inventor: Daniel J. McKenna
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Patent number: 8439218Abstract: A container has a base plate, front, rear and side walls. A chamber is defined between the walls. A lid is pivotably coupled to the rear wall. A pivot bar is attached to the lid. A long extent is attached to the lid and a short extent. An actuator housing with a trolley is movable between top and bottom positions. A spring urges the trolley to the top position. A pedal coupled to the trolley is adapted to be depressed by a user to move the trolley to the bottom position. A connector has an interior end attached to the trolley. The connector has an exterior end attached to the short extent of the pivot bar. In this manner the depression the pedal will move the connector to raise the lid. Also in this manner the release of the pedal will cause the spring to lower the lid.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Gerald W. Watts
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Publication number: 20130105486Abstract: Described is a system for controlling the operation of a trash can lid that includes a shell for receiving trash, a lid assembly that covers a portion of the shell, and an actuator assembly that independently controls the rate in which the lid assembly moves with respect to the shell. Also provided is a system for improving the operation of a trash can that includes a lid assembly for covering a portion of a shell, an actuator assembly, a base assembly, and a hydraulic component. The hydraulic component controls the rate in which a portion of the lid assembly moves with respect to the shell. The system further includes an adjustable volume of space that is formed between the base assembly and the removable liner when the removable liner is coupled to the base assembly. The adjustable volume of space can be used to store deodorizers, insecticides, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: TRAMONTINA USA, INC.Inventors: Mars MASHBURN, Tim TOBOLA, Trent VEAZEY
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Patent number: 8418869Abstract: A receptacle having a lid which has a pair of dampers configured to slow the movement of the lid from an open position toward a closed position. The dampers are provided at opposite ends of a pedal connected to the receptacle body at opposite lateral positions relative to a side of the receptacle body. The receptacle includes an air filtration device mounted in its lid which guides air through the filter device during the downward motion of the lid. The receptacle also includes at least one damper which provides dampening forces against the motion of the lid in both opening and closing directions. The receptacle also includes an anti-sliding device which increases the receptacle's resistance to sliding across a floor when a user steps on a pedal to actuate the lid.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
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Patent number: 8393489Abstract: Waste disposal device includes a container, a lid, and a rotation mechanism that rotates a waste-containing member when present in the container. A slide mechanism enables opening movement of the lid to cause the rotation mechanism to rotate the waste-containing member or prevent the rotation mechanism from rotating the waste-containing member depending on its setting. A foot pedal assembly includes a foot pedal and a spring, and causes both opening of the lid when the foot pedal is depressed and closure of the lid when the pressing force is removed. The spring is moved against its bias upon depression of the foot pedal and returns to its original state when the pressing force is removed to cause closure of the lid and rotation of the waste-containing member. The device may be used for medical waste from hospitals, doctors' offices, home health care personnel and facilities, nursing homes, and biohazard laboratories.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Inventor: David M Stravitz
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Patent number: 8381933Abstract: A garbage bin includes a bin body, a bin head, an inducting window, a garbage inlet disposed on the bin head, a bin cover disposed on the garbage inlet, an upright shaft and a driving unit for making the upright shaft rotate. The upright shaft is connected to the driving unit, and the bin cover is connected to the upright shaft, in which the connecting point is not at the center of the bin cover. The advantages of the invention is that the rotating shaft of the bin cover is the upright shaft on the bin head, so when the bin cover rotates about the upright shaft, the bin cover opens horizontally about the upright shaft, so that the driving force is small, the energy consumption is low, and a user's hand is prevented from touching by the bin cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiangqun Chen
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Patent number: 8376162Abstract: A water stop structure is mounted to a water jar. A main body includes a depression bar device, a resiliency device, and a water stop member. The depression bar device includes a movable depression bar that is releasably connectable to a hanger formed on the main body. The resiliency device includes a rod that maintains the depression bar in position with a first resilient element. A second resilient element maintains the rod in position to have the water stop member blocking a water passage of the main body. When the depression bar is depressed to travel through a first stroke, the depression bar disengages from the hanger to form an opening therebetween for easy hanging and use of the water jar. When the depression bar travels through a second stroke, the rod drives the water stop member away from the water passage to allow a user to drink water.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Universal Trim Supply Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shih-Sheng Yang
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Patent number: 8372328Abstract: An apparatus for opening sealed packaging, including three parts, a pouring nozzle having a flange, a cylindrical cutting element and a screwcap. According to this invention, all three parts of the apparatus are produced in one piece as a semi-finished product. The teeth of the cutting element protrude into the pouring nozzle, while the screwcap is held on the flat edge of the cutting element. The three parts are connected to one another via predetermined breaking point bridges. This invention reduces the production costs and simplifies the assembly and the systems which are required for this purpose.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Deltona Innovations AGInventor: Werner Fritz Dubach
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Patent number: 8360258Abstract: A beverage container closure or lid that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Pacific Market International, LLCInventors: Tyler Sean Gilbert, Randy Sims
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Patent number: 8356724Abstract: An expansion tank (28) comprising a passage (34) with a an inlet aperture (34a) for liquid replenishment of the expansion tank (28), a cover (32) which in a non-fitted state leaves the passage (34) clear and in a fitted state closes the passage (34), and a first expansion chamber (29) for receiving liquid which circulates in a first system (A). The expansion tank (28) includes a second expansion chamber (30) for receiving liquid which circulates in a second system (B) and said passage (34) divides, at a distance from the inlet aperture (34a), into a first branch (34b) which leads liquid to the first expansion chamber (29) and a second branch (34c) which leads liquid to the second expansion chamber (30).Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Scania CV ABInventors: Zoltan Kardos, Erik Söderberg
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Patent number: 8355646Abstract: Disclosed is an operations-unit angle adjusting device having an operations unit supported so as to freely move in a vertical direction and an adjusting mechanism that changes the vertical angle of the operations unit. The adjusting mechanism has a shaft part that supports the operations unit so as to freely move in the vertical direction, an operating lever that is supported so as to freely move in the vertical direction, and an opening/closing piece that operates simultaneously with vertical movements of the operating lever to perform an opening/closing operation. The opening/closing piece has an engaging part that is engaged with an engaged part provided in the apparatus main body to restrict vertical movements of the operations unit when the opening/closing piece is closed and that is disengaged from the engaged part to allow the vertical movements of the operations unit when the opening/closing piece is opened.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiharu Nishizawa
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Publication number: 20120325815Abstract: A drinking vessel and lid assembly that is adapted for selectively opening an open end of the drinking vessel. The lid is selectively couplable to the drinking vessel and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the drinking vessel and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the drinking vessel at a location where a user normally grasps the drinking vessel. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the stopper using a single hand operation without the need to remove the lid from the drinking vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Tyler Sean Gilbert, Randy Sims
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Patent number: 8333293Abstract: A waste disposal device comprises a container having a top opening. The container provides access to an inner cavity that receives a bag with opened and closed ends. A pivoting lid closes/opens access to the opening. An actuation mechanism has a user-actuated interface. A linkage connected to the interface opens/closes the lid. A pair of jaws is connected to the linkage. The jaws move between a clamped position, in which the jaws close off a portion of the bag, and an opened position, in which the jaws are separated to allow waste to reach the closed end. The jaws and the lid are actuated concurrently by a single degree of actuation on the interface, allowing the lid to open and close while the jaws move from the clamped to the opened position, and back to the clamped position. A method for disposal of a waste object is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: International Refills Company LimitedInventor: Michel Morand
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Patent number: 8308009Abstract: A pedal bin having a housing in which a waste container can be accommodated, a lid mounted at the top of the housing by a pivot pin, which lid has a lever that extends on the side of the pivot pin facing away from the lid and at this location has a sliding construction that allows a sliding movement between a relatively low position and a relatively high position in a plane transverse to the pivot pin, a movable pedal provided at the bottom of the housing as well as an operating member interacting with the sliding construction of the lid and the pedal for pivoting the lid, by depressing the pedal, between a closed position and a first open position defined by a first pivot angle with respect to the closed position, the sliding construction and the operating member being in the relatively low position and the operating member being subjected to tensile force.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Brabantia Nederlands B.V.Inventor: Josephus Arnoldus Joordens
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Patent number: 8302799Abstract: A container for installation in a vehicle has a housing and a lid mounted pivotably on the housing and connected operatively via a gear to a spring device prestressing the lid in an opening direction and supported on the housing. A cardiod control moves and locks the lid. It is in this case important that the cardiod of the cardiod control is disposed continuously on an outer circumference of a shaft having the spring device and co-operates with a movable pin arranged on the housing side.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventor: Martin Kayser
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Patent number: 8292113Abstract: A push-up device for a fuel lid includes a holder adapted to be attached to a panel under the fuel lid, a cylindrical sleeve disposed in the holder and having a plurality of elongated grooves and a plurality of short grooves alternately arranged in a vertical direction at equal intervals in an inner surface thereof, a spring member disposed in the holder, a push rod disposed in the holder to protrude outwardly from the holder and engaging the spring member, and a cam disposed between the push rod and the cylindrical sleeve. When a depressing force is applied to the push rod in a fuel lid closing state, the cam located in the shoot grooves is moved to the elongated grooves, and when the depressing force is applied to the push rod, the cam located in the elongated grooves is moved to the short grooves.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Nifco Inc.Inventor: Hiroyuki Nakaya
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Patent number: 8245865Abstract: A container includes a bottom and a plurality of walls that form a storage cavity. A primary lid is disposed over the storage cavity. The primary lid includes a top surface that defines a dispenser portion through which items within the storage cavity may be dispensed. A dispenser lid is pivotally attached to the primary lid. The dispenser lid has a closed position in which the dispenser lid is pivoted downwards relative to the primary lid to cover the dispenser portion and an open position in which the dispenser lid is pivoted upwards relative to the primary lid to expose the dispenser portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Nutek Disposables, Inc.Inventors: Robin Damaghi, William M. Child, Dan Allen Murray
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Patent number: 8240499Abstract: A trashcan has a hydraulic drop-deceleration mechanism including a can body, a lid, and a connection pole for push-open connection. The lid is connected to the connection pole at a top connection pole end. The connection pole is connected to the foot pedal via a lever at a bottom connection pole end. A hydraulic mechanism is for drop-deceleration. The hydraulic mechanism is connected to the connection pole by a connector. The hydraulic mechanism has a chamber filled with hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic mechanism has a gliding rod moving within the chamber. The gliding rod forms a tip at a gliding rod lower end. The mechanism has upper and lower fluid storage chambers. A piston is slidingly mounted in the hydraulic mechanism is biased in a lid open position by a spring.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Huanbang Lu
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Patent number: 8235237Abstract: Waste disposal device that receives a waste-containing member includes a container defining a waste-receiving compartment having an opening, a lid having a closed position covering the opening and an open position in which the opening is exposed, and a rotation mechanism arranged in the container to rotate the waste-containing member when present. The rotation mechanism is arranged to rotate the waste-containing member upon closure of the lid without manual handling of the lid. A foot pedal assembly includes a depressible foot pedal and a spring, and is arranged to cause both opening of the lid when the foot pedal is depressed and closure of the lid when the pressing force is removed. The spring is moved against its bias upon depression of the foot pedal and returns to its original state when the pressing force is removed to thereby cause closure of the lid and rotation of the waste-containing member.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Inventor: David M Stravitz
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Patent number: 8201704Abstract: A container system is provided with a container having a door mounted for pivotal reciprocation about a door pivot axis between opened and closed positions. The container system also has a carrier with a body receiving the container and an arm coupled to the body for pivotal reciprocation about an arm pivot axis that is oriented substantially parallel to the door pivot axis. The arm engages the door of the container, and the pivotal reciprocation of the arm reciprocates the door of the container between the opened and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Inventors: Brian Finnestad, John Japuntich, Robert Joseph Panek, Jr., Anton M. Smudde
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Patent number: 8186539Abstract: A cover device for a trash bin includes a base member, which has a first end and a second end. A compartment is formed at the first end and an opening is defined between the first and second ends of the base member through which trash can be thrown into the trash bin. A cover member includes a cover portion and a connected element. At least one elastic device includes an elastic element having a first end provided at the compartment and a second end coupled to the connected element. The cover member can be rotated between a first position and a second position. While in the second position of the cover member, the elastic element is released to lift the cover member upward, with the cover portion being completely exposed from the base member outward.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Inventor: Tsong-Yow Lin
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Patent number: 8177091Abstract: A container is disclosed. A lid is affixed to a base at a hinged connection. The base includes an enclosure, and the lid includes a catch, the catch being opposite the enclosure. A latch assembly is disposed within the enclosure and includes a button within an opening in the enclosure, a latch, and at least one spring member. The latch extends from the button into sliding relationship with an actuating member, which is configured to actuate the latch when the button is depressed. When the lid is in a closed position, the latch engages the catch. The spring member extends away from the button into sliding relationship with the base. When the button is depressed, the latch disengages the catch, and the spring member resiliently flexes as the end of the spring member slides along a portion of the base.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: L'OrealInventor: Thomas S. Kearney, II
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Patent number: 8172105Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing pills is provided. The container has a housing with an upper end and a lower end and a plurality of compartments therein. The compartments have an open end adjacent the upper end of the housing and a lower end adjacent the lower end of the housing. The lower end of each compartment has an opening with a hinged door covering the opening. A cam having a cam surface is attached to the door so the cam rotates as the door opens and closes. A cam follower pin abuts the cam surface and the cam follower pin is constrained to move along a predefined path. The doors can be opened manually one at a time or all together by pushing downward on a centrally located handle at the top of the container. When opening all the door simultaneously the handle can be retained in the door open position by sliding two flanges beneath the handle into a slot and rotating the handle left or right. The housing is mounted to a rotatable lazy-Susan base.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventor: William G. Smith
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Patent number: 8157159Abstract: The flipping trash can is adapted especially for use in fast-food restaurants or the like. The trash can includes a pedal-operated, spring-biased lid. When the lid is opened, a tray (with trash thereon) is positioned on a tray receiving mechanism that flips the tray so that trash thereon is deposited in a trash bin. The mechanism is designed to then move the empty tray to a storage area for retrieval and reuse. A sound-emitting, electronic device may be attached to the lid and is programmed to emit the phrase “Thank You” when the lid opens. The receptacle can be designed in different configurations (animals, spaceships, autos, etc) to attract attention and enhance aesthetics.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2010Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Inventors: Sara A-Abdulrahman Al-Hadhoud, Reem Abdullah Al-Oufan, Hessa Saeed Al-Ajeel, Mona Ahmed, Rehab Al-Naki
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Patent number: 8136688Abstract: A trash can assembly is provided having an outer shell and a lid pivotally coupled to the shell for movement between an open position and a closed position. A foot pedal is operatively coupled to the lid such that pressing down on the pedal caused the lid to open. A fluid damper is mounted to dampen the downward movement of a lid. The damper engages a support surface operatively coupled to the lid such that the support surface moves in conjunction with movement of the lid as the lid moves between the open position and the closed position, and yet the fluid damper is unsecured to the support surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Test Rite Products Corp.Inventors: Judy Lee, Tony Ho
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Patent number: 8132872Abstract: A waste receptacle has an outer cabinet housing and a waste or trash bag support frame that can be moved from a position where it is at least partially within the cabinet, to a position where the support frame is extended sufficiently so it can be rotated about an upright axis to provide access to a bag held on the support frame. The support frame has an open ring on which a waste bag can be placed. The ring is spaced upwardly from the bottom of the bag support frame so that when the waste bag is full, it can be detached from the ring and dropped down for removal, rather than being lifted up through a container opening or support. The waste receptacle can have a cover that can be actuated to move from a closed position overlying the bag support frame to an open position.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Inventor: Troy Prosa
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Publication number: 20120048858Abstract: A lid structure for use with a container for storing personal care products is disclosed. The lid structure includes a lid-activation button that when pressed allows the lid top to rotate about the lid base giving a consumer access to the contents of the container. Additionally, the lid-activation button functions so that the lid top is released independent of where the lid-activation button is pressed by the consumer. To create better and more consistent opening of the lid top portion, an inner longitudinal edge of the lid-activation button may be attached to the lid bottom via a living hinge that is formed integrally with the lid base. A strengthening rib is attached to the living hinge that keeps the main body side of the living hinge immobile and encourages the button side of the living hinge to flex when the lid-activation button is depressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Timothy James Peters, Ryan Leslie Fulscher, Robert Samuel Schlaupitz, Kieron H. Tse, James Wolford, Tyson Manullang
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Publication number: 20120037637Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices, systems and methods for storing and dispensing of a trash bag from the side and/or top of a trash dispenser. More specifically, the devices, systems, and methods disclose trash dispenser that can include at least one sidewall extending vertically from a base, a first opening that can be substantially blocked by a lid, and a second opening that can be substantially blocked by a gate. The first opening can be located at the top of trash dispenser and can be for receiving and/or removing rubbish and/or trash bags. The second opening can be located on at least one sidewall of the second opening and can be for removing and/or receiving trash bags. Further, by displacing the lid and gate, substantially un-blocking the first opening and second opening, trash bags can be laterally removed from the trash dispenser and/or can be removed without being required to be lifted solely vertically.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Jeffrey J. Beyda, David Beyda
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Patent number: 8087532Abstract: A waste container includes a top chamber, a base chamber, upper and lower lids, and a drive mechanism mechanically coupling the lower lid with the upper lid. The upper lid is disposed on the top chamber and moves between a closed position covering a first opening and an open position exposing the first opening. The lower lid is disposed on the base chamber and moves between a closed position covering a second opening and an open position exposing the second opening. The drive mechanism is actuated so as to move the lower lid to the open position when the upper lid moves to the closed position from the open position. The lower lid returns to the closed position when the upper lid is in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Brown Newman, L.L.C.Inventors: Jolie Brown, Eric F. Cabahug, Benjamin F. Feldman, Rachel Katherine Newman
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Patent number: 8061554Abstract: A garbage bin in which, when the opening of a container in which garbage is placed is closed by a lid, odor emanating from the garbage does not leak to the outside from a gap between the container and the lid. The garbage bin includes an outer container, an inner container placed inside the outer container and in which garbage is placed, an openable/closable outer lid pivotally attached to the outer container and closing the opening of the outer container, and an inner lid attached to the lower surface of the outer lid and moving together with the outer lid. The lower surface of the inner lid is in intimate contact with the upper end of the inner container when the opening of the outer container is closed by the outer lid.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Add Field Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Shikano
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Publication number: 20110280694Abstract: The flipping trash can is adapted especially for use in fast-food restaurants or the like. The trash can includes a pedal-operated, spring-biased lid. When the lid is opened, a tray (with trash thereon) is positioned on a tray receiving mechanism that flips the tray so that trash thereon is deposited in a trash bin. The mechanism is designed to then move the empty tray to a storage area for retrieval and reuse. A sound-emitting, electronic device may be attached to the lid and is programmed to emit the phrase “Thank You” when the lid opens. The receptacle can be designed in different configurations (animals, spaceships, autos, etc) to attract attention and enhance aesthetics.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: SARA A-ABDULRAHMAN AL-HADHOUD, Reem Abdullah Al-Oufan, Hessa Saeed Al-Ajeel, Mona Ahmed, Rehab Al-Naki
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Patent number: 8056759Abstract: The bird carcass container includes a closed container body adapted to be mounted to a sidewall of a facility. A tubular extension or inlet extends from a side of the container body to the interior of the facility. The inlet includes an access door accessible from the facility interior so that users may deposit dead carcasses into the container body. A trap door is disposed on the bottom of the container body and selectively opened by a bracket actuator attached to the trap door. The door is maintained in a closed position by a system of counterweights. The bracket actuator is operated on by the bucket of a skid steer to open the trap door. The interior of the container includes sloping sides forming a chute towards the bottom of the container body. The rear side of the container may also include an access door.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventor: Randy Spence
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Patent number: 7992707Abstract: A storage unit is disclosed comprising a container disposed within a housing, the container having a cavity with an opening at the upper end for receiving an item. A cover comprises two or more rounded cover sections pivotally mounted between the container and the housing for movement between an open position and a closed position, the cover sections being biased toward the open position. Vertical downward movement of the container toward the bottom wall of the housing causes the cover sections to overcome the bias and rotate to the closed position. When rotating to the open position, the cover sections recede into a receiving space between the housing and container, thereby exposing the cavity, such that the outer form factor of the storage unit is no larger in the open position than in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Town & Country Linen Corp,Inventor: Lou Henry
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Patent number: 7963414Abstract: Waste disposal device adapted to receive a waste-containing member includes a container defining a waste-receiving compartment having an opening, a lid connected to the container and lid having a first, closed position covering the opening of the container and a second, open position in which the opening is exposed, and a rotation mechanism arranged in the container to rotate the waste-containing member when present in the container. The rotation mechanism is arranged to rotate the waste-containing member upon closure of the lid without manual handling of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Inventor: David M. Stravitz
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Patent number: 7922024Abstract: A receptacle having a lid or door can be provided with a damper configured to slow the movement of the lid or door from the open position to its closed position. As such, the lid closes in a more aesthetically pleasing manner, for example, closing slowly enough so that it does not create an excessively loud noise when it closes. Additionally, the damper can be mounted to the base of the receptacle, thereby more securely mounting the damper within the receptacle. Additionally, the damper can be arranged to allow a liner within the receptacle to be held in an elevated position for simplifying a process of inserting or removing a trash bag into the liner.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: simplehuman, LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
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Publication number: 20110056942Abstract: A waste disposal apparatus includes a lid lock mechanism for locking a lid and an upper part of a waste accommodating main body together in a coupled state, and a main body lock mechanism for locking the upper part and a lower part of the waste accommodating main body together in a coupled state. The waste disposal apparatus further includes a lid unlock mechanism in which a direction of an operation of unlocking the lid lock mechanism is different from that of an operation of opening the lid, and a main body unlock mechanism in which a direction of an operation of unlocking the main body lock mechanism is different from that of an operation of opening the upper part of the waste accommodating main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: Aprica Children's Products, Inc.Inventors: Ichiro Ohnishi, Hiroshi Nakayama
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Patent number: 7896187Abstract: A pressure retaining closure assembly has a door hingedly mounted to a pipe, vessel, or hub extending therefrom with an arcuate locking ring movably retained proximate an outer perimeter surface thereof. The locking ring is suitable to contract out of a groove in an opening in the pipe, vessel, or hub extending therefrom into an unlocking position and is suitable to expand wherein an outer portion of the locking ring extends into the groove in the opening in the pipe, vessel, or hub extending therefrom into a locking orientation. A locking ring actuator is provided having cylinder with a piston therein. The piston has a rod extending axially therefrom with a portion extending beyond the cylinder. Optionally, a bracket is mounted to the portion of the piston rod extending beyond the cylinder and a bracket is mounted proximate the bottom of the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Sypris Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Joshua Haibel
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Patent number: 7870862Abstract: A vanity case in which a lid is coupled to part of peripheral walls of its case body pivotably and a slide piece is slidably mounted in the case body such that when the slide piece is at a first position, the lid is closed against the case body and that when the slide piece has moved from the first position to a second position, the lid is open relative to the case body. Formed through adjacent part of a bottom wall of the case body to one of the peripheral walls is a slit extending along the peripheral wall such that the peripheral wall adjacent to the slit bends inwards when an inward external force is exerted on the peripheral wall, and the deformation of the peripheral wall acts as an external force on the slide piece to make the slide piece move to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Yoshida Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukitomo Yuhara, Yuzo Yoshida
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Patent number: 7870984Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding objects, preferably a telephone, in particular for use in a center arm rest and/or the center console of a vehicle, with a frame or receptacle and a reversibly closable lid which is mounted so that it may be swiveled in each case about one of the rotary axes arranged in the region of the upper closing edges of the side walls of the frame or container and lying essentially parallel to the closing edges. The lid has an opening and closing mechanism which is arranged in a function carrier frame that may be connected to the lid. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the production of a device for holding objects, in particular for use in a center arm rest and/or the center console of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbHInventors: Michael Perl, Georg Sigl
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Patent number: 7850751Abstract: Disclosed is a two or three phase separator including a centrifugal separator, a demister (if a three phase separator), and a filter contained within a housing. The filter uses an outside-in flow principle. The filter includes an inner layer or a center core that defines a hollow interior. An outer layer is positioned adjacent and surrounding the inner layer. The outer layer includes a re-enforcement layer, a first particle filter layer, a coalescer layer, and a second particle filter layer. An access cover of the separator includes a cover plug, an actuator cam, a plurality of idler cam plates, and a plurality of mechanisms. The access cover cooperates with an opening and an annular groove in the housing to close off and seal the separator.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: TM Industrial Supply, Inc.Inventor: Carl A. Steiner
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Patent number: 7832587Abstract: A pedal bin includes a container, a pedal and a pivotably mounted flap. The flap is locatable in a first position to facilitate opening of the flap in a first direction relative to the container. The flap is also locatable in a second position to facilitate opening of the flap in a second direction relative to the container. In either position, the pedal is operable to open the flap.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Kennedy Hygiene Products, LtdInventor: Gavin Lloyd West
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Patent number: 7806285Abstract: A trash can assembly has a lid pivotably coupled to an upper end of an outer shell, and a pivoting pedal bar that is coupled to the lid via a link rod. The closing motion of the lid is dampened by counter-balancing the closing force of the lid, which can be accomplished by generating a counter-balance force against the pedal bar that is equal to or slightly less than the closing force of the lid. The counter-balance force can be made to vary during the closing motion of the lid. In addition, the entire link rod can be positioned inside the interior of the outer shell, and the pivot axis of the lid about the outer shell can also positioned inside the interior of the outer shell.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Simplehuman LLCInventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
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Patent number: 7703623Abstract: A lid device driving an opening operation of a lid body by an urging member such as a coil spring and capable of opening the lid body securely. Of a guide portion for guiding an engaging end of the urging member of the lid device, a first guide portion for guiding the engaging end in moving the lid body from a closed position to an open position is provided with an initial guide portion and a later guide portion so that the urging member releases a large urging force when the engaging end is guided by the initial guide portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignees: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsuhiro Katagiri, Masaki Ohmiya
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Patent number: 7665625Abstract: A molded container and closure latch mechanism include a top portion and bottom portion which are connected by a hinge which biases the top away from the bottom unless the latch mechanism is engaged. The latch mechanism is pivotally connected to the top. It engages a molded contoured segment on the bottom to secure the container in a closed position. Anomalies on the top surface of the latch mechanism provide a convenience to the user in locating pressure points for opening and closing the container. A separator can be used internal to the container to create two separate compartments. In one adaptation the interior surface can include raised protrusions which permit contents such as a soap bar to be raised off from the surface. Other modifications too the interior can be effected to accommodate a wide variety of products. The containers can be provided in a grouping with relative dimensions suitable to store a wide variety of personal effects.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Inventors: James L. Rothstein, Robert Z. Rothstein, Daniel J. Lewis, William A. Jaremko
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Patent number: 7625197Abstract: A preferred process for degassing a mold piece includes inserting the mold piece into an internal volume within a canister, sealing the internal volume, drawing a vacuum in the internal volume, and introducing into the internal volume a gaseous fluid suitable for degassing the mold piece.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Donnie J. Duis, Stephen R. Beaton, David C. Byram, Gregory Scott Duncan
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Patent number: 7621420Abstract: In a container with a lid including a container main body, an upper lid attached to the container main body so as to open and close a take-out port of the container main body, a plate spring for urging the upper lid in an opening direction, and a push button that can be operated between a close position, at which it is meshed with the upper lid and keeps the upper lid in a closed state against the plate spring, and an open position, at which the push button is released from the upper lid meshed therewith, a locking member is attached to the push button, the locking member being movable between a locking position, at which the locking member is meshed with the lid that is in the closed state as well as is abutted against the locking surface of the container main body as to the operating direction of the push button to thereby make it impossible for the push button to be operated to the open position, and a release position, at which the locking member is separated from the upper lid and from the locking surfacType: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignees: Uni-Charm Corporation, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Bandoh, Daisuke Miyake, Masaho Hayashi, Norikazu Shinogi, Toshihiko Uenishi
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Patent number: 7621419Abstract: A door operating mechanism is provided for rotatably switching a door relative to a base between a closed position and an open position. A sector gear is disposed in a support arm projected from the door. A rotary gear is disposed substantially in the center of the arc of the sector gear. A first gear of the base has internal teeth disposed to engage the sector gear. A second gear of the base is resiliently and displaceably disposed to engage the rotary gear. The door is rotatably disposed along a track corresponding to the first gear via engagements between the first gear and the sector gear, and engagements between the second gear and the rotary gear. A load received by the door in the closed position towards the bottom of the base is absorbed by resilient displacement of the second gear.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: NIFCO Inc.Inventor: Michihiro Fukuo