Biased Patents (Class 220/326)
  • Patent number: 9101086
    Abstract: Access Panels for electronic devices are disclosed herein. An example electronic device disclosed herein includes a housing having an opening to access a card holder and an access panel coupled to the housing to cover the opening. The access panel slides and rotates relative to the housing when the access panel moves between an open position to allow access to the opening and a closed position to cover the opening. A first biasing element has a first end attached to the access panel and a second end attached to the housing and biases the access panel laterally relative to the housing. A second biasing element is coupled to the access panel to cause the access panel to rotate in a first rotational direction relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Li Huang, Timothy Herbert Kyowski, James Infanti
  • Patent number: 9061580
    Abstract: A hollow body (1) comprises an accessory module (2) fastened to the wall (13) thereof by being inserted by sliding into a slide (12) formed in said wall. The module (2) comprises a housing (20) and two flat and flexible wings (23) that extend from the housing in opposite directions, the distant edges (24) of said wings extending substantially parallel and being inserted respectively into the opposite grooves (14) of the slide, and the module also comprises at least one flexible fin (25) that extends from the housing, said fin (25) being shaped so that it is bent elastically during the sliding insertion of the module (2) into the slide (12) and so that its end (26) is facing a stop member (151) of the slide when the fin is not bent and is situated beyond the end of said slide in the direction of sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS RESEARCH (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Stéphane Philippe Pascal Gardien, Nicolas Le Clec'h, Laurent Guyotte
  • Patent number: 9038843
    Abstract: A food container includes a glass container, a lid and a protective sleeve. The sleeve covers at least a portion of the side walls and bottom surface of the glass container. The lid has a perimeter that is absent of features directly securing the lid to the container. The lid has a receiving feature which is engaged by a latch on the protective sleeve when the latch is moved from an open position to a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Lifefactory, Inc.
    Inventor: Daren Edward Joy
  • Patent number: 8985385
    Abstract: A protective case which includes two mating case components and a liner extending between a peripheral area for mating engagement to ensure a relatively sealed relationship when the case components are closed. A latch face is a single elongated element on the front and has two spaced interlocking components to cooperate with hooks in the opposite case component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Pelican Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Parker, John Hoven, Kevin Deighton
  • Patent number: 8973770
    Abstract: A pressure cooker cover comprises a cover (1) and a float valve (2), wherein a seal ring (7) is installed in the inner edge of the cover while hooks (8) are installed in the two side edges of the cover. A push-pull device (9) which can move the hooks back and forth is mounted in the ends of the hooks. The push-pull device comprises a rotating base (9-1) arranged in the middle portion of the cover, a rotating shaft (9-2) and a locking piece (9-3) which is coupled with the rotating shaft (9-2). Sliding chutes (9-31) are provided at the two sides of the locking piece. Guide columns (8-1) which are slidingly matched with the sliding chutes are set at two ends of the hooks (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventors: Zhigang He, Zhibin Huang
  • Patent number: 8967414
    Abstract: A drinking mug includes a lid affixed at the mouth of the mug. The lid includes fluid openings between a bottom portion of the lid and sidewalls of the lid about the circumference of the lid to permit drinking from any position along the circumference. The lid has a gasket that seals the mug closed when the lid is threaded to a closed position. When the lid is partially unscrewed, the gasket opens, permitting liquid to be consumed from the beverage container through the fluid openings in the lid. The lid includes a ramp-shaped cam and the mug includes a pivotable latch that engages the cam that prevents the lid from being unscrewed from the mug. The latch has a push button that releases the latch from the cam to permit removal of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Thermos L.L.C.
    Inventor: Marvin Lane
  • Publication number: 20150008224
    Abstract: A reclosable elastomeric fastener and method for sealing storage and serving containers using same. The fastener consists of two complementary elastomeric profiles, having male and female interlocking elements, which extend around the periphery of the lid and container components of a storage receptacle. The reclosable fastener forms a water-resistant seal when the male and female elements of the complementary profiles are mutually occluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Robert J. Friedland
  • Patent number: 8915393
    Abstract: A child resistant container (10) has a container cavity (20) for the receipt of one or more items to be stored therein. The container cavity (20) is defined by a pair of lids (14, 16) which are hingedly connected to one another. Primary lock means (50) includes a first lock assembly on one lid (14, 16) which engages with a second lock assembly on the other lid (14, 16). A primary lock actuation includes an externally open topped pocket (60) formed in the body of said one lid (14, 16). The pocket (60) has a pocket side wall (62) which is resiliently deflectable from a lock position to an unlock position. The pocket (60) is shaped and sized to permit a finger of an operative to enter the pocket (60) to effect deflection of the pocket side wall (62) to its unlock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Archimedes Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Hayton, Philip Walsh, Tom Walker, Christopher Althorpe
  • Patent number: 8910819
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a latching mechanism/device is provided, as well as a method of maintaining a closed position between opposing first and second portions of a container. The latching mechanism includes a latch attached to the first portion and a latch keeper integrally molded to the second portion. The latch keeper includes an elongated keeper slot and a recessed pocket formed in the keeper slot, such that when at least a portion of the latch is received within the recessed pocket, the container is closed and/or sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Joseph Seiders
  • Patent number: 8887949
    Abstract: A foldable food container includes a container body which is made of silicone material and formed with a receiving chamber and an upper open end, and a cover which is engaged on the top peripheral edge cover. A reinforced frame is built in a top peripheral edge of the open end of the container body, and on the top peripheral edge is provided at least one elastic nip portion. The reinforced frame is located below the peripheral edge of the cover, and a peripheral edge of the cover is engaged in the at least one nip portion of the top peripheral edge and pushed against the top peripheral edge of the container body by the nip portion, so that the open end of the contain body is sealed with the cover in an airtight manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald Tuan
  • Patent number: 8881930
    Abstract: A refuse container has a container assembly. The container assembly has a bin defining a cavity, a lid, a telescopingly extensible handle assembly, a locking mechanism, a pair of wheels, and a pair of bottom handles. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin at a pivot point, has a generally horizontal lid axis of rotation, and is movable relative to the bin between an open position providing access to the cavity and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity. The extensible handle assembly is located adjacent the pivot point and is movable from a lower retracted position to an upper extended position above an upper surface of the lid. The locking mechanism maintains the lid in the closed position and is located opposite the extensible handle assembly. The wheels are located at the bottom of the refuse container. The bottom handles are located on opposing sides of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ORBIS Corporation
    Inventor: Joachim Banik
  • Patent number: 8870014
    Abstract: A mask box having a buckling structure includes a base, a cover and a plurality of buckling elements. The base is configured to support a mask and has a plurality of troughs. The cover covers the base and has a plurality of pivotal portions. The buckling elements are positioned to correspond to the troughs. Each buckling element includes an engaging block and an elastic arm connected to the pivotal portion. The engaging block moves away from the periphery of the cover when the engaging block is subjected to an external force. The engaging block is buckled into the trough via an elastic restoring force of the at least one elastic arm when the external force is removed. By this arrangement, the assembly of the buckling elements is simplified and its product cost is reduced. Further, the present invention conforms to the requirements for environmental protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Gudeng Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Lin, Kuan-Lun Pan
  • Patent number: 8870021
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a vessel-lid combination includes a ceramic or glass vessel having an open top surrounded by a peripheral edge, a lid fabricated of a plastic material, and a seal structure. The lid is configured to attach to the open top by means of a latch or set of latches integrated with the lid, and the seal structure is configured to provide an air-tight seal between the lid and the peripheral edge of the vessel when the lid is attached to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Snapware Corporation
    Inventor: Justin Smyers
  • Patent number: 8844746
    Abstract: Closures having an integrated over center latching assembly including an end wall, a skirt wall depending from the end wall, an outlet opening associated with the end wall and an over center latching assembly are disclosed. The over center latching assembly includes a link pivotally coupled to the closure at a first pivot point, a lever pivotally coupled to the link at a second pivot point, a closing member pivotally coupled to the closure at a third pivot point and pivotally coupled to the lever at a forth pivot point and a biasing spring coupled between the first pivot point and the fourth pivot point. The link and the lever are configured to move the over center latching assembly between a first position and a second position and the closing member is configured to close the outlet opening when the over center latching assembly is moved to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Runway Blue, LLC
    Inventors: David O. Meyers, Steven M. Sorensen, Kim Sorensen
  • Patent number: 8813982
    Abstract: A cap resistant to impact forces and providing a leak-tight fitting to a container while allowing simple and quick release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Filip Dominique Hubert Van Geel, Katrien De Malsche, Rainer Scharrenberg, Gene Michael Altonen, Guy Hubert Stephane Sylvain Culeron, Neil Anthony Litten, Georgina Lindsey Clare
  • Patent number: 8794473
    Abstract: A console box includes a housing defining an article accommodating space therein and having an opening formed at a front side thereof; a cover coupled to the front side of the housing via hinge couplers disposed at opposite sides of the cover; dampers, each being disposed between each of the hinge couplers of the cover and the housing and controlling an opening speed of the cover; and a torsion spring disposed between each of the hinge couplers of the cover and the housing and elastically supporting the cover. The console box further includes a hinge cover disposed outside each of the hinge couplers of the cover and preventing the cover and the torsion spring from separating from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Nifco Korea Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Gu Kang
  • Patent number: 8770426
    Abstract: A shock-resistant and environmentally sealed container comprising a first section and a second section. A latching system for the container comprises a deflectable pin coupled to the first section of the container with a latch coupled to the second section. The latch includes a deflectable pin engaging member. When the deflectable pin engaging member is engaged with the deflectable pin, the deflectable pin absorbs relative movement between the first section and the second section of the container. Another embodiment of the container employs a latch containing a deflectable member. The latch is pivotally coupled to a latch pin that is mounted to either the first section or the second section of the container. The deflectable member is positioned between the latch pin and the latch, and the deflectable member is configured to absorb relative movement between the first section and the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Arnett, Matthew P. Thomas, Alan K. Uke
  • Patent number: 8763851
    Abstract: A door assembly is provided that includes a door, a hinge portion, a locking member and a damper member. The locking member locks the door in an opened position and the damper member provides resistance as the door moves from the opened position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Weiwei Allen Jiang, Yong Terry Wang
  • Patent number: 8757438
    Abstract: The multiple compartmented and condiment dispensing apparatus includes a housing into which a plurality of packet compartments are arranged. The packet compartments open to enable a refill packet to be inserted and loaded for use in dispensing a condiment therefrom. The packet compartments are each in fluid communication with a spout provided on a distal end of the housing. The spout includes a plurality of channels that each connects via ductwork to the packet compartments where the refill packets connect. The refill packets dispense a condiment through the respective ductwork and out a channel of the spout. Each packet compartment includes a loader door that is pivotally engaged with respect to the housing, and which can open outwardly to enable the refill packets to be inserted and removed from the respective packet compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Hector Garcia
  • Patent number: 8746487
    Abstract: A food container includes a glass container, a lid and a protective sleeve. The sleeve covers at least a portion of the side walls and bottom surface of the glass container. The lid has a perimeter that is absent of securing features for the container. The lid has a receiving feature which is engaged by a latch on the protective sleeve when the latch is moved from an open position to a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Lifefactory, Inc.
    Inventor: Daren Joy
  • Publication number: 20140151376
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage container including a quick release valve including a lid connector, a drinking tube connector, and a quick-release apparatus, the quick-release apparatus including a push button and a release mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Joshua Clay Sprague, Elizabeth Sprague
  • Patent number: 8733566
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tamper evidence and locking means for a closure and a tamper evident closure. The tamper evidence and locking means indicate initial opening and allow relocking the closure after initial opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Creanova Universal Closures, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rod Druitt, Louis Lagler
  • Patent number: 8714394
    Abstract: A storage container set comprises multiple plastic lid elements (20, 30) and a common container element (10), the side wall (11) of which has outward-protruding locking projections (12) that have a downward-extending locking profiled section (14) at their outer ends and are provided for locking the alternatively placeable lid elements. The first lid element (30) has hinged locking clips (31) for gripping the locking projections. The second lid element (20) has a continuous peripheral edge profile (21) and a vertical profiled section (22) which embraces the locking projections (12) from outside when the second lid element (20) is placed on the container element. A profiled tongue (23) at the end of the vertical profiled section (22) resiliently engages with the locking projections (12) while temporarily and peripherally tensioning the profiled section (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: EMSA GmbH
    Inventor: Franz-Jörg Wulf
  • Publication number: 20140103050
    Abstract: A slow cooker with fastening mechanism includes a housing, handles on the side wall of the housing, and a lid, wherein a movable fastening mechanism is provided on the upper side of the lid, and each of the handles is hinged to a clamping hook and corresponds to the movable fastening mechanism, so that the clamping hook can interact with the movable fastening mechanism. The inner pot can be closed tightly by the action of the clamping hook. With two compressing parts provided on the clamping hook and the dismountable sealing ring around the lid rim, the inner pot can be closed tightly by the lid. The lid handle is fixed onto the lid via threaded connection with sealing plugs in the connection sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Zhanjiang New Nanfang Electrical Appliance Co., Lt
    Inventor: Hui LI
  • Patent number: 8678230
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a vessel-lid combination includes a glass, ceramic or metal vessel having an open top surrounded by a peripheral edge, a lid fabricated of a plastic material, and a seal structure integrated with the lid to form a unitary structure. The lid is configured to attach to the open top by means of a latch or set of latches integrated with the lid, and the seal structure is configured to provide an air-tight seal between the lid and the peripheral edge of the vessel when the lid is attached to the vessel. In one exemplary embodiment, the vessel is a container fabricated of a glass suitable for baking or oven heating applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Snapware Corporation
    Inventor: Justin Smyers
  • Publication number: 20140069926
    Abstract: A latch system includes a catch member and a sear element engaged with the catch member when the catch member is in a latch position. A swing lever is in geared engagement with the sear element. When the latch system is subjected to an acceleration event, the swing lever pivots in one direction so that the sear element pivots in the opposite direction to move the sear element out of engagement with the catch member. The latch system may further include a security mechanism that is configured to prevent the swing lever and sear element from moving in response to an acceleration event under the condition the latch system is not oriented in an upright and vertical orientation. When the latch system is returned to its upright position, the security mechanism may be configured to not interfere with the normal operation of the latch system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: NORTHLAND PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: William J. Michael, Reed A. Davis, Patrick A. Hodan
  • Patent number: 8648282
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus and method of assembling the same includes an outer shell including a base, a heating element positioned inside the outer shell, and a thermally conducting liner removably located inside the outer shell over the heating element. The liner includes an annular flange, and a first integral handle including a first latch. The apparatus and method further includes a lid configured to be placed over the liner, the lid including a sealing ring at an outer edge of the lid, and a top surface, wherein the first latch is configured to contact the top surface of the lid to secure the lid to the annular flange of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventor: Jorge Garcia
  • Patent number: 8640908
    Abstract: A slow cooker is provided which comprises a cooking body having a hollow cavity, a liner container received in the hollow cavity, a lid selectively engageable with the liner container, and a locking assembly for locking the lid with the cooking body. The locking assembly is hinged at one side of the cooking body at one end and selectively engaged with an opposite side of the cooking body at the other end, with the locking assembly being disposed above the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Midea Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guoqing Yang, Jinshui Wu, Pingtao Chen
  • Patent number: 8627976
    Abstract: A cart including a container that defines an interior space. The cart also includes a cover that is movable between an open position providing access to the interior space and a closed position inhibiting access to the interior space, and a latch that is located between the container and the cover to releasably hold the cover in the closed position. The cart further includes a hands-free mechanism that is coupled to the container and engaged with the cover to move the cover between the open position and the closed position. The hands-free mechanism is further coupled to the latch and operable to disengage the latch to permit movement of the cover to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Barry Anderson
  • Patent number: 8622229
    Abstract: A drink bottle with a removable lid includes an inner lid attached to the mouth of the bottle and an outer lid pivotably mounted to said inner lid. A drink spout extends from the inner lid. The outer lid may be latched into a closed position covering the drink spout. A push button can be selectively actuated to release the latched outer lid, permitting the outer lid to open to access the drink spout. The push button moves a lid slide containing a catch extension that engages a catch notch in the outer lid to latch the outer lid closed. Actuating the push button moves the catch extension out of engagement with the catch notch, thereby opening the outer lid. A push button lock selectively prevents the push button from being depressed and the lid slide from being actuated, thereby locking the outer lid in a latched and closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Thermos, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Marvin Lane
  • Patent number: 8602256
    Abstract: A quick open structure for a tool box contains a body including an upper housing, a lower housing, two retaining portions, and two bearing portions; the lower and the lower housings including a first and a second chambers individually, and the first chamber including two grooves respectively and a limiting element extending therefrom, each groove including an opening, the second chamber including a receiving member; wherein the first chamber is provided to receive a locking device and includes a pressing member and an engaging member, the pressing member includes a larger-area press portion and two side straps in response to the grooves, each side strap includes a hole to receive a returning spring, and a first and a second axial rotating portions include a first orifice and a second orifice to insert two shafts respectively, each shaft includes a resilient element, the engaging member includes a fastening block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Yao-Hung Wang
  • Patent number: 8601838
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a storage container is provided. The locking mechanism is positioned on a center post of the storage container and includes a sled, a handle or knob, a connecting mechanism, a sled arresting mechanism, and a lock. Depending upon the position of the lock, the handle can unlatch the container. When the lock is in the unlocked position, the sled arresting mechanism allows the unlatching of the container. When the lock is in the locked position, the sled arresting mechanism prevents the unlatching of the container. The locking mechanism is resistant to drill attack due to its vertical configuration and positioning of a cover on the center post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Knaack LLC
    Inventors: Wayne Hansen, Curtis J. Scadden, Robert A. Bergum, Pravin E. Lokhande
  • Patent number: 8596485
    Abstract: A latchable lunchbox container having a molded lid, a plurality of molded latch forms each pivotally supported from the molded lid, and a container closable by the molded lid. Each latch is pivotally supported by a clip fit between the molded lid and the latch. The lid molding includes at least one formation for each latch whereby an abutment will occur that will reduce the likelihood of prizing of a latch from the lid molding as a result of the latch moving upwardly about its pivot axis. Each latch provides at least one cylindrical surface to be carried in at least one click fit feature therefor thereby to provide a journalled bearing defining the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sistema Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Brendan Jon Lindsay
  • Patent number: 8579141
    Abstract: A fitting structure for two members includes a body and a lid member. The body includes an open space portion therein, a closed portion closing the open space portion, a fitting portion provided at the open space portion, and a front face. The lid member includes an elastic claw portion. A window portion is provided on the closed portion. A tip portion of the elastic claw portion is viewed through the window portion in a direction opposite to the fitting direction of the lid member to the body under a condition that the lid member is attached to the body. A fitting confirmation portion is provided at a peripheral edge portion of the window portion and indicates position of the tip portion of the elastic claw portion fitted to the fitting portion at a regular fitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Akihito Tejima, Hiroaki Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20130284743
    Abstract: A latch and catch assembly is provided to secure two or more components together in a locked or closed position. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a catch and a tensile member connected to a latch, wherein the assembly is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The catch includes a lip configured to engage a recess formed in the latch when the assembly is in the closed configuration. In a further embodiment, the latch includes a pull-tab extending from the latch, wherein the pull-tab is configured to enable the user to move the assembly between the open position and the closed position. In another embodiment, the catch has a wider proximal portion which tapers to a narrower distal portion, such that the catch has a “V”-shaped planform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Boake Paugh, Joshua R. Buesseler
  • Patent number: 8567631
    Abstract: A toolbox including a basin portion and a lid pivotally articulated thereto between an open position and a closed position, is provided. The lid includes two or more latches, each positionable between a locked position and an unlocked position, two or more biasing members, each associated with one of the latches and adapted to bias its associated latch toward its locked position, and an activation mechanism operationally connected to the latches such that operation of the activation mechanism brings all of the latches to their unlocked positions. The basin includes two or more latch-receiving arrangements, each configured to receive one of the latches when in the locked position with the lid in its closed position, thereby preventing articulation of the lid to its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Keter Plastic Ltd.
    Inventor: Yaron Brunner
  • Patent number: 8544673
    Abstract: A dual bin waste receptacle is disclosed having a bin assembly comprised of a pair of bins sharing a single divider between them. The bins are waterproof and leak proof. The tops of each respective bin has a continuous rim that a trash liner may be folded over. A complementary dual lid assembly is also provided that snaps onto the bin assembly thereby pinching both of the trash liners. The lid assembly is hinged in the middle, essentially over the divider that allows access to and trash liner removal from each side independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Sandra Polk
  • Patent number: 8534492
    Abstract: A storage system including, in an exemplary embodiment, a unitary open-topped container, and an air-tight lid system, suitable for storage of food items. The lid system includes a plastic lid including a cover portion and a plurality of lid latches connected to the lid cover portion by living hinges, and a seal gasket fitted into an inner seal channel formed in a lid peripheral region. The latches are configured for movement between extended positions in which the lid is removable from the container, and a latching position in which latch features engage a peripheral edge of the container to secure the lid and gasket in a sealed position on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Smyers, Michael E. Williams
  • Patent number: 8528772
    Abstract: A rectangular container has a child resistant lid assembly wherein the rectangular closure is provided with an opening. The child lid assembly is preferably removably mounted on the closure to close the opening and is preferably positioned during shipment and storage to be substantially planar with the closure. The side walls of the container may be tapered to facilitate nesting with a similar container. The locking mechanism on the closure engages an exterior portion of the lid, such as at least one of a plurality of teeth in a locked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Glenn H. Morris, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8523009
    Abstract: A closure for a container includes a base and a peripheral wall, which may have a rim forming an upper margin of the peripheral wall and surrounding the opening of the container. The rim may have an external protrusion formed integrally with and surrounding the rim. The closure may have an overlying closure portion overlying the opening of the container when the closure is mounted on the container and a skirt formed integrally with the overlying closure portion to surround the rim when the closure is mounted to the container. The skirt includes a first portion adjacent to and surrounding an external upper end of the rim and a second portion connected to the first portion via a connection. The second portion may extend downwardly from the first portion to surround the rim below its upper end when the closure is mounted on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Design Co., Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: David Alexander Woinarski
  • Patent number: 8522996
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a disposable bioreactor, consisting of a container and a cap, which is connectable to the same and cannot be detached without destruction. For this purpose, the cap comprises a retaining structure with a plurality of locking arms running in the lateral direction, while the locking arms are adapted to be resiliently shortened in the longitudinal direction and to be locked vertically to the longitudinal direction in the container by way of a retaining surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Jochen Beese, Sven Eikelmann
  • Patent number: 8511502
    Abstract: A litter bin includes a lid hingeably connected to a container. Opposite the hinge, a latch selectively secures the lid to the container. The latch includes a pivotably mounted latch member that has a center of gravity offset from its pivot point. The latch member also includes a catch portion that moves between a locked position and an unlocked position upon pivoting of the latch member. Because the center of gravity of the latch member is offset from the pivot point, tilting the litter bin causes pivoting of the latch member, thereby moving the catch portion from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Michael P. Wong
  • Patent number: 8495803
    Abstract: A mechanical-magnetic connecting structure for releasably connecting a first element with a second element is provided. The connecting structure consists of a module A which is firmly connected with the first element or is rotatably arranged in the first element, and a module B which is firmly connected with the second element or is rotatably arranged in the second element. The module A is rotatably guided in module B. In module A at least one magnet and in module B at least one armature or second magnet is arranged and the shape, location and polarity of the magnets or of the magnet and the armature are designed such that when rotating module A relative to module B, the magnets or magnet and armature move from a closed position with maximum magnetic attraction into an open position with weakened magnetic attraction or a magnetic repulsion of module A and module B is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Fiedler
  • Patent number: 8496133
    Abstract: A mask blank container adapted to house a mask blank with a resist film. The container comprises a container body 5 for receiving the mask blank; a cap member 6 to be put on the container body; and a fixing member 9 adapted to fix the container body and the cap member to each other when the cap member is put on the container body. The container body and the cap member have fitting portions 51 and 61 made of a resin material and fitted to each other, respectively. The fixing member comprises a first member 91 having an engaging portion 91 a to be engaged with the fitting portion of the cap member, and a second member 92 having an engaging portion 93 to be engaged with the fitting portion of the container body. A distance between the engaging portions of the first and the second members is desired to be variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Mizukoshi, Osamu Hanaoka
  • Patent number: 8484809
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical/magnetic connecting structure, that is to say a mechanical interlock by means of magnetic-force assistance, which is particularly suitable for closures such as those which are used on bags, rucksacks and comparable objects, wherein the connecting structure has the following features: an interlock apparatus having at least one spring interlock element which moves in a direction and is arranged in one of the connecting modules, and having a blocking piece for interlocking of the connecting modules, which blocking piece is arranged in the other connecting module, and having a movable unlocking element with a force-deflecting rising sliding surface, which is likewise arranged in the other connecting module, and a magnet armature structure having at least one magnet which is arranged in one of the connecting modules, and at least one armature which is arranged in the other connecting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Fiedler
  • Patent number: 8479944
    Abstract: An animal-resistant system for inhibiting access to refuse containers by animals is disclosed. The system comprises at least one latch mechanism, at least one actuation member, at least one shroud member, and a cover defining an opening which permits access to the actuation member. The actuation member communicates with the latch mechanism so as to move the latch mechanism between the latched and unlatched positions. In the latched position, the latch mechanism secures the container lid to the container base, substantially inhibiting access to the container. The access hole and actuation member are dimensioned and positioned on the container in a selected manner so as allow human hands access to the actuation member and unlatch the container while simultaneously inhibiting such access by animals. The shrouds are further configured to inhibit forcible entry into the container when the system is latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Compumeric Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Moore
  • Patent number: 8479949
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lid assembly for a container, in particular for liquids, comprising a lid comprising at least one fastening clamp for fastening the lid assembly to the container, wherein the at least one fastening clamp is embodied in one piece on the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: P. Henkel GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Henkel
  • Patent number: 8469212
    Abstract: There is provided a safety cap which requires manual dexterity for a cover opening operation and is difficult for an infant or the like to open a cover, in which a safety function can be released, as necessary. In the safety cap configured such that a part of an outer circumferential wall of a cap main body is formed on an inward elastically deformable operating plate, a pair of engaging means and engageable with each other are provided on a peripheral wall of a cover connected to the upper portion of the cap main body via a hinge and at the upper portion of the operating plate, respectively, and the engagement is released by elastically deforming the operating plate inward so as to open the cover, the operating plate can be fixed to the cap main body or a neck portion of the container except for the operating plate by the fixing member in the inward deformed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Goto, Shigeo Iizuka, Hiroshi Mizushima
  • Patent number: 8464889
    Abstract: A transportable pastry container comprises a modular system of portable containers which comprises a lid portion and a storage portion. The lid portion comprises a flat, rectangular lid with a handle located centrally on a top surface. The storage portion comprises a rectangular bottom surface of as well as integral side walls which extend perpendicularly upward from the sides of the bottom surface. The top edges of the side walls further comprise a plurality of fasteners which extend above the top of the walls. The bottom edges of the side walls and the sides of the lid portion are further comprised of corresponding fasteners which selectively attach or detach the lid portion to the top of a storage portion. In a preferred embodiment, one (1) side wall of each storage portion further comprises a hinged door for selective accessibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Lois Keithley, Darrin Keithley
  • Patent number: RE44387
    Abstract: A container includes a receptacle having walls, a floor, and an open side. The container includes first and second doors. At least one first latch unit is operatively associated with the first door and is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. At least one second latch unit is operatively associated with the second door and is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. A locking system for moving the first and second latch units between the latched and the unlatched positions includes a locking member movable between a first position in which the locking member moves the first latch unit of the first door from the latched to the unlatched position and a second position in which the locking member moves the second latch unit of the second door from the latched to the unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Apex Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Tobias McKay Bridges, Mikel Janitz