Including Integrally Formed Structure To Retain Closure In Closed Position Patents (Class 220/833)
  • Publication number: 20110181008
    Abstract: A container includes a peripheral wall having a first side, a second side, and a third side formed from a single sheet of metal material. The sheet of metal material has opposite first and second connecting ends. A plastic connector is connected to the first connecting end and the second connecting end of the sheet metal, and a plastic bottom is connected with a bottom end of the peripheral wall. Another aspect provides a container that includes a sheet of metal having a louver formed therein and a plastic structure having opposing surfaces that define a receiving space therebetween. At least one of the surfaces has a projection thereon and the louver are received within the receiving space. An edge of the louver engages with the projection to prevent the louver from being removed from the receiving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: The Stanley Works Israel Ltd.
    Inventors: MARK BENSMAN, Yosi Sabbag, Iftach Galler
  • Patent number: 7963421
    Abstract: A hinged lid for a food container is provided. The lid structure includes a rim with an attached cover member. The lid structure also includes a mounting structure for mounting the lid structure to a food container. A tamper evidence latch is provided to releasably secure the rim in a closed configuration overlying the open end of the food container. The rim engages an upper rolled lip of the food container sidewall when the lid structure is in a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Huhtamaki, Inc.
    Inventors: George Zeiler, Gregory L. Webb
  • Publication number: 20110095040
    Abstract: The theft proof lid according to the invention provides a lockable lid for a container, in particular, a standard 200-300 gallon grease bin used by most rendering and bio-fuel companies. The theft proof lid keeps thieves from stealing the bin contents. The lid is permanently installed onto the bin. A dual locking feature of the lid allows for easy pumping or dumping of the bin. First, locking pins for locking and unlocking the front corners of the lid are provided. A front half of the lid is foldable relative to a rear half of the lid, so that the front half may be unlocked and opened for pumping out the contents of the bin. A center locking bar is provided to lock the rear half of the lid from being opened. The locking bar is removed when the bin is to be lifted and dumped, allowing the lid to swing open on a back lid hinge, particularly when the lid is in a folded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Donald R. ONKEN, JR., Joseph D. ONKEN
  • Patent number: 7922021
    Abstract: A closure for a container comprises a base and a top cover. The base comprises a flange trap, a seal lock, and an opening. The top cover comprises a seal boss, a seal lock, a flange boss, and a top surface. The flange trap and flange boss secure the closure to a container when the closure is in a closed position. The seal locks are positioned to engage one another when the closure is in the closed position. The seal boss extends into the container when the closure is in the closed position to help prevent sauce or other liquid from leaking out of the container. A method for using a closure for a container and a container combination provides a closure and a container and arranges the closure so that the container is within the opening of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventor: Craig A. Golden
  • Publication number: 20110073610
    Abstract: A package comprises a latch including first and second legs and an actuating portion. The first and second legs are joined at an angle. The actuator portion of the first leg is positioned to be displaced generally laterally to displace the second leg generally longitudinally to release the latch. In another embodiment the package has base wells on the inside surface. A generally flat marginal sealing surface encircles the first and second base wells. The wells of the base and/or lid are covered with a cover sheet to close them. Still another embodiment is a child-resistant container comprising a shell, two drawers, a stop, and a latch. The drawers are prevented from sliding apart past a limit of travel when one drawer is open sufficiently to provide access to its contents and the other drawer is not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Herve Pichot, Bruce Rabinne
  • Publication number: 20110056976
    Abstract: A tamper-resistance container structure is disclosed, where the top edge of main body has a ring of lip and the cover piece has a ring of groove to mesh in with the lip when closing the cover to the body; a fold-closing piece has a plurality of ridge-tabs that can be wedged into corresponding notches on the cover piece, locking the closure of the container, allowing sticker strip or product labels to be applied over the junction of the fold-closing piece over the cover piece, creating a tamper-resistance mechanism that is desirable for merchants and consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Yu Wen Chen
  • Publication number: 20110042402
    Abstract: A security closure system for terminating the hose-connector connected to the outlet of a storage tank whose contents are to be periodically pumped out. A first male-outlet component is provided with an outer, circumferential annual groove for reception therein of camming elements of camming arms, and has a terminal projecting tongue provided with an opening or hole for receiving a locking device, such as a padlock. The male-component is further provided with an enlarged mounting flange for mounting the male-component to a wall of the storage tank or to a bulkhead adjacent the storage tank. The security closure system also comprises a second female part, which is a female closure cap that matingly receives therein the first male-component. The closure cap has a slot for passing therethrough the tongue of the first male-component, whereby a padlock or other lock may be used for locking the cap in place over the first male-component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: R. Bruce DeMent
  • Patent number: 7891207
    Abstract: A refrigerator freezer having an ice maker positioned on a refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment door. The ice maker is arranged to prevent or manage spills from the ice maker in the event the door on which the ice maker is mounted is opened or closed when unfrozen water is present in the ice maker. Spill management embodiments for a number of fixed and movable tray ice makers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry M. Visin, Guolian Wu, Marcus R. Fischer, Michele E. Wilcox, Martin D. Lewis, Jim J. Pastryk
  • Patent number: 7891050
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a cleaning appliance includes a handle portion and a tubular wand having an open end configured to receive tools or other accessories when the cleaning appliance is in use. The handle assembly also includes a wand cap which is movable between a first position in which the wand cap covers the open end of the tubular wand and a second position in which the open end of the tubular wand is not covered by the wand cap. The wand cap is releasably connected to the handle portion or the tubular wand in a snap-fit manner. This provides an advantageous construction which reduces the risk of damage and the cost of repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventor: Sarah Helen Liddell
  • Publication number: 20110017738
    Abstract: A structure for a fuel lid section has a fuel lid supported on a vehicle body via a hinge, a vehicle body recess openably covered by the fuel lid, a fuel filling opening placed in the vehicle body recess, and a cap-less mechanism provided at the fuel filling opening and enabling fuel filling operation without requiring attachment/detachment of a fuel cap. The structure also has an electricity conduction path extending from the fuel lid to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu Sato, Shoichi Hokazono, Shinya Murabayashi
  • Patent number: 7850751
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: TM Industrial Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl A. Steiner
  • Publication number: 20100294768
    Abstract: A can end combination, a resealable beverage can, and a method of sealing a beverage can are disclosed. The can end combination may include a metal can end and a resealable closure coupled to the can end. The can end may include a center panel having an aperture formed therethrough. The closure may include a base plate and a top plate coupled to the base plate. The closure may have a sealed position in which the base plate contacts the center panel about the aperture to form at least one of a bore seal and a face seal. The closure may also have an intermediate position in which the base plate is proximate the aperture but the closure is devoid of the bore seal and the face seal. The closure may also have a fully open position in which the aperture is exposed to enable pouring liquid through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey, Sylvia Maria Farrow, Florian Christian Gregory Combe, Graham Martin Gossedge, Philip Norman Horton, Andrew Jonathan Sant
  • Publication number: 20100276439
    Abstract: A container (20) having an opening, a lid (10) pivotally mounted on the container (2) and movable to open and close the opening, a lid latch assembly (100) mounted on the lid (8), the lid latch assembly (100) and container (2) having cooperating engagement portions by which the lid (10) can be held while the opening in the container (2) is closed, the lid latch assembly (100) having a handle (114) by which the lid (10) can be manually pivoted to engage the cooperating engagement portions whilst storing energy in a spring (126) in the lid latch assembly (100), the handle (114) being manually moveable to cause the cooperating engagement portions to disengage and so allow the lid (10) to move to open the opening and an electrical solenoid (121) which can be activated to cause the cooperating engagement means to disengage under the action of the spring (126) in which energy was stored on closing the lid (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: The Haigh Engineering Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Martin Price
  • Publication number: 20100270193
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an adjustable inclined tool box for holding tools. In addition, the user can comfortably lie on the tool box at an incline when working in a supine position. The incline of the tool box can be changed by adjusting the height of at least one height adjustable foot connected to the bottom of the tool box. An optional lip connected to the tool box and extending therefrom can be provided in order to provide a smooth transition from the back rest of the tool box to a cabinet space floor if being used for work under a cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Michael R. Eaton
  • Publication number: 20100264156
    Abstract: Packaging (1) for a food product, comprising a container (2) with an opening delimited by a surround (32) and a closure system (3) comprising a lid (31) mounted articulated relative to the container (2) and able to close off the opening. The lid is locked in the closed position by a locking plate (41) connected to the lid and an engagement rim secured to the surround. The plate pivots about an axis between a locking position with its catching portion engaged with the rim and an unlocked position. The plate pivots into the unlocked position under manual actuation, away from the catching portion, of an actuating portion towards a central axis (Z). The top face of the lid has a depression (47) opening laterally and the actuating portion of the plate is advantageously situated level with the mouth of the depression so that it can pivot thereinto and adopt the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Compagnie Gervais Danone
    Inventors: Patrick VanDamme, Frederic Bourdin, Francis Lovell
  • Publication number: 20100252559
    Abstract: A container for feminine hygiene products. The container is designed to hold feminine hygiene products and to be placed on the side of a toilet or other vertical surface. The container has a body compartment, a mounting assembly, a top lid, a hinge, and a latch. The body compartment has an open top and is sized to hold a variety of tampons. The lid is operatively connected to the body by the hinge and closes to cover the open top of the body. The hinge is biased to keep the lid in an open position. The latch releasably secures the top lid in the closed position. The mounting assembly, such as suction cups, allows the container to be secured to the side of a toilet. In that position, the container provides feminine hygiene products easily accessible to a female user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Molly Christopher Watson
  • Publication number: 20100246109
    Abstract: A cover unit to open and close an opening formed in a main body includes a cover including a hinged first end portion, a second end portion including an engagement portion provided on a side facing the opening, and a deformable portion deformable toward the main body, provided in the second end portion, a rotation stopper disposed between the cover and the opening, to inhibit the cover from rotating excessively, and a push latch unit disposed in the main body to lock and unlock the cover, including an engagement pawl to contact the engagement portion of the cover when the rotation stopper prohibits the cover from rotating further to the main body. When the second end portion is pressed while the rotation stopper prohibits the cover from rotating, the engagement portion of the cover is engaged or disengaged from the engagement pawl of the push latch unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Mitsuya MATSUBARA
  • Patent number: 7775395
    Abstract: A hinged lid for a food container is provided. The lid structure includes a rim with an attached cover member. The lid structure also includes a mounting structure for mounting the lid structure to a food container. A tamper evidence latch is provided to releasably secure the rim in a closed configuration overlying the open end of the food container. The rim engages an upper rolled lip of the food container sidewall when the lid structure is in a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Huhtamaki, Inc.
    Inventors: George Zeiler, Gregory L. Webb
  • Patent number: 7748564
    Abstract: A transfer tool has a transfer tool main body including a case and a transfer head for applying tape. It also may include a cover housing a rotating shaft configured to engage the case and enable the cover to rotate about the rotating shaft such that the transfer head is exposed when the cover is in an open position and the transfer head is covered by the cover in a closed position. The transfer tool also may includes a latching structure for latching the cover and the transfer tool main body. The latching structure may be located proximate to the rotating shaft and may include complementary concave and convex portions housed on the transfer tool main body and the cover. The cover may be latched to the transfer tool main body in the open, closed and other predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kokuyo S&T Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Kinugasa, Kinya Matsushita, Hideto Shima
  • Publication number: 20100155402
    Abstract: A container can have a viewing end, a rear end, a top section, and a bottom section. The bottom section can be configured such that the top and bottom sections come together at a border and be attached by a hinge along one portion of the border at the viewing end. The border can be configured such that it is higher at the rear end and lower at the viewing end. Additionally, the hinge can be tearable and the border can form a seam that makes a free rim of the top section unavailable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: PWP INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ira Maroofian, Tim Oberloier
  • Publication number: 20100155437
    Abstract: A carrier for a bulk beverage container having a spout includes a shell having walls forming a hollow interior space sized and shaped for receiving the bulk beverage container therein, an opening formed in one of the walls for passage of the spout therethrough, and a flap secured to the shell for selectively covering the opening. The flap hinges between a closed position wherein the flap covers the opening and an open position wherein the flap does not cover the opening. A gasket can be provided at the opening for closely receiving the spout to seal the opening about the spout. Fasteners, such as hook-and-loop type fasteners, can be provided for removably securing the flap in the closed and open positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Craig Broadbent, Kim Bernth
  • Publication number: 20100140285
    Abstract: Disclosed is an airtight container comprising: a container body having an opening portion and a flange formed along an outer circumference of the opening portion; and a lockable lid that is disposed to cover the opening portion of the container body and that has a locking wing at an edge, wherein the locking wing further comprises upper and lower supporting protrusions disposed on an inner surface of the locking wing at an interval that permits engagement of the flange between the upper and lower supporting protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Byung Il CHOI
  • Publication number: 20100089935
    Abstract: A container having a base and a single-hinged lid. The base has one or more walls that define an interior volume and an opening that permits access to the interior volume. The single-hinged lid is movably attached to the base and the lid at least partially covers the opening in a closed state and permits a user access to the opening in an open state. The lid is transitionable from the closed state to an open state upon the user applying a net downward force to the lid that covers the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: LAURA LYNN HEILMAN, MICHAEL SEAN FARRELL, GERALD BOYD ZINNBAUER
  • Patent number: 7694824
    Abstract: A clam shell type receptacle includes: a case assembly including a bottom case and a top case, the bottom case having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall which together form a recessed reception space, and the top case having a top wall and a peripheral wall which together form a recess, the top case being coupled to the bottom case so as to open or close the reception space; and a locking and release unit for locking the reception space in the closed state and for releasing the reception space from the locked state. The disclosed receptacle has a simplified external appearance, can be easily opened or closed, and the closed state of the reception space can be stably maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Taesung Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hae Dong Bae
  • Publication number: 20100072217
    Abstract: A container for packaging food stuffs includes a first body portion and a second body portion pivotally joined to the first body portion and moveable from a closed position to an open position for accessing an interior of the container. An anchoring engagement element is integrally joined with the first body portion when the second body portion is in the closed and open positions. A frangible engagement element is integrally joined with the second body part and locked with the anchoring engagement element when the second body portion is in the closed position. The frangible engagement element is configured to sever from the second body portion and remain in locked engagement with the anchoring engagement element when the second body portion is moved from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: PAR-PAK LTD.
    Inventors: Samir R. Parikh, Sajith Chenat
  • Patent number: 7661547
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure cap for a container, with a hinge and a lid which is intended to be tightened to the rim of a container body, and with a closure element which is movable to a temper-evident position. The closure element 34 is attached to the closure cap 14 and movable to an intermediate position in which the closure cap 14 seals against the rim 18 of the container body 12. Additionally, the closure element 34 is movable from the intermediate position to the temper-evident position in a single stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Airsec S.A.S.
    Inventor: Franck Richir
  • Publication number: 20100012538
    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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: KETER PLASTIC LTD.
    Inventor: Yaron Brunner
  • Publication number: 20100001014
    Abstract: The invention provides a container (40) of the type to hold fresh food or produce. Container (40) has a base (42) and a lid (44) moveable with respect to the base (42) between an open position and a closed position. The lid (44) has a first planar area (54). The base has a second planar area (56). In the closed position, the first planar area (54) and the second planar area (56) include a substantially flat area suitable for receipt of an adhesive membrane, such as a self-adhesive label. The substantially flat area includes an edge (55) of the first planar area (54) and at least part of the second planar area (56).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Maurice Joseph Paul Tabone
  • Patent number: 7591395
    Abstract: An acceleration/deceleration mechanism is installed for a lid body rotatably supported on a main body. The mechanism includes a forcing device for forcing the lid body toward an open direction, a locking device for maintaining a closed state of the lid body relative to the main body in opposition to the force of the forcing device, and an acceleration/deceleration device situated between the lid body and the main body. The acceleration/deceleration device increasing a speed of opening of the lid body at less than a prescribed angle of opening of the lid body, and decreasing the speed of opening in excess of the prescribed angle of opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Hamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20090218362
    Abstract: A package comprising an outer sleeve with an inner void having a push-release locking mechanism positioned therein, and a tray for receiving articles that is pivotally connected to the outer sleeve, in which the push-release locking mechanism includes a means for locking and a means for spring loading, each located between the tray and the outer sleeve; and a method for releasing the tray from the outer sleeve, are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Mead Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 7490730
    Abstract: A container includes a container body, a cover, a reclosable fastener, a track, and a slider. The reclosable fastener is disposed between the container body and the cover and is adapted to fasten the cover to the container. The track includes a fastener portion formed on the reclosable fastener and a ramp. The ramp extends from a first end of the reclosable fastener and is at an angle with respect to a plane defined by the first end of the reclosable fastener. The slider is movable along the track to open or close the reclosable fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Daniel Raymond Cerone, Michael W. Negus, Hollis J. Habeger
  • Publication number: 20090032545
    Abstract: A hinged lid for a food container is provided. The lid structure includes a rim with an attached cover member. The lid structure also includes a mounting structure for mounting the lid structure to a food container. A tamper evidence latch is provided to releasably secure the rim in a closed configuration overlying the open end of the food container. The rim engages an upper rolled lip of the food container sidewall when the lid structure is in a closed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: George Zeiler, Gregory L. Webb
  • Patent number: 7448513
    Abstract: A box has a floor, end walls projecting upward from the floor, side walls projecting upward from the floor and bridging the end walls, and a pair of cover halves hinged at upper edges of the side walls and each pivotal between a closed position and an open position. Respective latches on the cover halves each have an outer grip part projecting from the outer face of the respective cover half and an inner latch part projecting from an inner face of the respective cover half. The end walls have keeper formations in which the latch parts are engageable in the closed position. The latches are shiftable on the respective cover halves to disengage from the respective keeper formations. Formations on the outer faces of the side walls latchingly engage the grip parts in the open position for retaining the cover halves in the open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Fritz Schafer GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Schäfer
  • Patent number: 7437886
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a freezer compartment having an ice maker disposed within the freezer compartment for forming ice pieces and an ice storage bin removably mounted to freezer compartment door below the ice maker having an open top receptacle for receiving ice pieces from the ice maker. The ice storage bin has a movable lid assembly including a frame removably mounted to the top of the ice storage bin and two lid members mounted to the frame. At least one lid member is pivotally mounted to the frame to close the receptacle when pivoted to a generally horizontal position and to open the receptacle when pivoted to a generally vertical position. The pivotal lid member is biased to the generally horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Kuehl, Luis Antonio D. Lopes, Guolian Wu, Jocelyn Leia Pollack, Gregory R. Garavalia
  • Publication number: 20080156808
    Abstract: A container (210) for holding granular/powdered material and formed by a top wall (212), a bottom wall (214), a front wall (216), a rear wall (218), a first side wall (220), and a second side wall (222). A removable lid (D) is interiorly mounted with a scoop (32) and is hinged to a collar (300) that includes a sealing gasket (330). The collar (300) mounts to the walls of the container (210). A sealing wall 240 of the lid (D) cooperates with the gasket (330) to prevent the contents from spilling. The container (210) incorporates sealing features, a geometry for container wall junctions (50) and a junction congruent scoop (32) enabling easy access to the contents, and a strength improving receptacle (280) with indentations (290) that interlock with flex clips (310) of a J-shaped collar (300), and which accommodate wide tolerance variations between the collar (300) and receptacle (280).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: James P. Perry, Jeremy McBroom, Craig A. McCardell, David Compeau, Charles R. Schotthoefer, Frank S. Walczak, Jack E. Elder
  • Patent number: 7380686
    Abstract: A case has a center support and an open top. A central wall forms first and second major chambers with an aperture there between. The case has a pair of butterfly doors forming minor chambers. Hinges couple the butterfly doors to the central support adjacent to the top. A sealing assembly is an injection molded, one piece seal formed of first and second sealing rings joined together along an intermediate extent. An annular recess is formed in the case at the open top around each major chamber. The recesses receive and support the sealing rings. Recipient regions are provided in the butterfly doors around the minor chambers for contacting the sealing rings when the butterfly doors are in the closed orientation. A handle assembly has a handle and depending components. The depending components include a projection with keyways. A recipient sleeve supports the projection. The handle assembly has keys in the aperture of the center support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Seavival, LLC
    Inventors: Brian G. Friedman, Michael A. Doyle
  • Publication number: 20080016730
    Abstract: A holder is provided comprising a first flap, a second flap, and a hinge all integrally formed from a thermoplastic material. The first flap and the second flap are connected by the hinge. The first flap includes a raised portion including at least one side wall, and a first face. The second flap includes a recessed portion including at least one side wall, and a second face. The raised portion is adapted to engage the recessed portion such that the first flap and the second flap are connected in a friction fit between the at least one side wall of the raised portion and the at least one side wall of the recessed portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Nicholas Topitzes, Jayne Martinson, Melissa Anunson
  • Patent number: 7284673
    Abstract: Locking structure for thermoformed plastic containers for food and other articles wherein the lid and the base of the containers are provided with locking means, specifically a detent and a tab. The detent, which depends from the front of the lid, has rounded ends and an inwardly extending lip disposed on its outer side. The tab, which depends from the front of the base, has an upper surface, a lower surface, and two end surfaces. The upper surface is angled toward the lower surface and the end surfaces are substantially flat. The upper surface and the inwardly extending lip are constructed and arranged with respect to each other so that when the detent is pressed into the tab the inwardly extending lip will snap into position beneath the upper surface and interlock with it to lock the lid and base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Reynolds Food Packaging LLC
    Inventors: Hollis James Habeger, Gregory L. Nelson, Richard Thomas Steichen
  • Patent number: 7210307
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a freezer compartment having an ice maker disposed within the freezer compartment for forming ice pieces and an ice storage bin removably mounted to freezer compartment door below the ice maker having an open top receptacle for receiving ice pieces from the ice maker. The ice storage bin has a movable lid assembly including a frame removably mounted to the top of the ice storage bin and two lid members mounted to the frame. At least one lid member is pivotally mounted to the frame to close the receptacle when pivoted to a generally horizontal position and to open the receptacle when pivoted to a generally vertical position. The pivotal lid member is biased to the generally horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Steven J. Kuehl, Luis Antonio D. Lopes, Guolian Wu, Jocelyn Leia Pollack, Gregory R. Garavalia
  • Patent number: 7175071
    Abstract: A secure package receptacle comprising a parallelepiped box having a flushly fitted lockable access door hingedly attached within the front of the box, a recessed handle within the access door, a lid pivotally secured and flushly fitted to the box top, the lid beveled edge fitting a coplanar beveled edge of the top, a recessed handle within the lid and a lid lock accessible from the box interior, the recessed handles having handle surrounds preventing inclement weather invasion, whereby received packages are securely retained within the interior of the box until accessed from the access door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: David E. Slagle, Jerry E. Baxtron
  • Patent number: 7004349
    Abstract: A container body with a lid hingedly joined thereto for movement about a pivot axis utilizing an elastomeric spring of generally ellipsoidal configuration extending transversely across the pivot axis and having opposed ends seated within the container body and lid, the spring folding centrally at the area of maximum thickness with the elastic deformation biasing the lid to its open position upon release of the closing force on the lid. The pivotal hinge assembly is enclosed by an integral transversely extending handle panel outward of the hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jakob Heiberg, Ian Tomas Benzon, Robert H. C. M. Daenen
  • Patent number: 6929146
    Abstract: A waste container includes a container body defining at least one opening; a door sized and configured to close off the at least one opening; a seal connected with one of the container body and the door; a hinge assembly connected between the container body and the door to permit the door to swing between a closed position covering the opening and an open position uncovering the opening, the hinge assembly including at least one hinge unit and at least one control mechanism, the at least one hinge unit having at least first and second door rotation axes and the hinge assembly including a control mechanism mechanically connected between the container body and the door to control the degree of rotation of the door about the at least first and second door rotation axes; wherein the seal is juxtaposed relative to the container body and the door to provide a fluid tight seal between the container body and the door when the door is in a closed and sealed position; and, a latching assembly mechanically connected bet
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventors: Donald E. Galbreath, Randy Sommers
  • Patent number: 6918508
    Abstract: A container for housing produce comprising a generally rectangular bottom, generally rectangular opposed first and second side and end walls extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom, and a pivot member on an upper edge of the first side wall. A lid comprising two panels is provided, each panel having first and second side edges and a hinge edge, the first side edges being detachably and pivotally secured to the pivot member. A hinge operatively connects the hinge edges of the two panels. Resilient flanges are provided on the second side edges of the panels to releasably engage shoulders formed on an upper edge of the second side wall when the lid is closed. To nest multiple containers one within another, the lid is removed from the side wall, folded 180° about its hinge, rotated 90° and placed in the bottom of the container. Another container is then placed in the container and the process is repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Philip C. Hwang
  • Patent number: 6902080
    Abstract: A lockable container particularly suitable for storing confidential documents or recyclable material has a locking system provided by an elongate tongue that projects downwardly from the underside of the front of a hinged lid and passes through a slot in the material of the upper front wall so that in the closed position of the lid the tongue lies closely behind and is shielded by an apron that extends transversely across the upper end of the front wall of the container. Holes provided in the lower end of the tongue and near the bottom of the apron are brought into alignment when the lid is closed so that the lid can be locked in the closed position by a padlock with a hasp passed through the aligned apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Busch Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig William Wayne Busch
  • Patent number: 6892897
    Abstract: A collapsible storage device comprising a resilient frame and sheet material with respect to which the frame is located. The resilient frame and sheet material form the side walls of the device and are movable between a flattened condition and an erected condition to which the resilient frame is biased. At one end of the device there is provided a base and at the other end there is provided an opening. The opening has a single closure element which has a first part attached to one side of the opening and a leading edge which can be moved about a pivotal point between a position at the said one side of the opening so that the storage device is open and a position at or in contact with the other side of the opening to close the opening. The closure element is movable with the storage device between flattened and erected conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Spin Master Limited
    Inventor: John Stewart
  • Patent number: 6886709
    Abstract: A closure apparatus comprises a collar 2 having a collar periphery and having a collar inner surface defining an opening 3, a closure 10, having a closure periphery, said closure 10 being for closing said opening 3, a bearing structure 7 being located around said collar periphery or said closure periphery, a locking ring 18 being mounted for rotation with respect to said closure 10 and said opening 3 on said bearing structure 7, so that said locking ring 18 is rotatable between a locking position for locking said closure 10 to said opening 3 and an unlocked position for permitting said closure 10 to be moved away from said opening 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: General Signal UK Limited
    Inventor: Brian Smith
  • Publication number: 20040188453
    Abstract: A door mechanism for a transportation container having a material receiving opening extending through a surface of the transportation container is disclosed. The door mechanism includes at least one substantially rigid door element to removably cover at least a portion of the material receiving opening of the transportation container. Further, the door mechanism includes at least one latching mechanism in operable communication with the door element for securing the door element over the material receiving opening and against at least a portion of an adjacent surface surrounding the material receiving opening. A transportation container is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: David Ireland
  • Publication number: 20040182872
    Abstract: The present invention provides a container having a lid hingedly connected thereto and so configured that the hinged elements cannot be separated from one another whereby the lid cannot be opened or removed from the body of the container to allow access to the contents of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Claude Lessard, Pascal Normand
  • Patent number: 6786353
    Abstract: A lid includes resilient restoring element for returning the lid to an open position, and a locking mechanism actuated by a button. The locking mechanism including a locking member able to be placed at two well defined and stable positions, namely a locked position, where the locking member cooperates with the retainer element provided on the container for locking the lid in a closed position on the container, and an unlocked position where the lid is freely driven into its open position by the restoring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Thierry Gourand
  • Patent number: RE38816
    Abstract: A dispensing cap intended to equip a reservoir containing a liquid or viscous product includes a body provided with at least one dispensing opening and a lid articulated to the body around an axis. The lid is intended to stopper the dispensing opening in the storage position. The body and the lid are made of a rigid or semirigid material. At least one gripping zone is arranged on the lid and/or the body to facilitate the opening and/or closing of the lid, the gripping zone being formed by an elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Gilles Baudin