Key Controlled Patents (Class 220/210)
  • Publication number: 20110010251
    Abstract: A method, a container, and a computer-implemented container for selecting products and/or services as presents are disclosed. A locked container (120) is provided that is adapted to receive information about products and/or services as presents for a person associated with the container. The person inputs (130) into the locked container information about products and/or services as presents for the person. The locked container may be a box having a rectangular housing having an aperture formed in a surface with access provided to the interior of the housing by a lid, where the lid and the remainder of the housing are coupled together by a hinge. Alternatively, the locked container may be a computer-implemented container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Christine Elizabeth Silva
  • Publication number: 20100301044
    Abstract: A locking mechanism installed or manufactured within any style of Cap or Plug for any and all diameters of pipes being loaded with explosives or any other materials, being transported or stored to ensure safety and eliminate theft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Terrell Sprecher
  • Patent number: 7797972
    Abstract: A security device for engaging a threaded element includes an inner body configured to engage the threaded element and an outer body operatively coupled to the inner body. A pin is operatively coupled to the inner body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position such that the outer body moves relative to the inner body when the pin is disposed in the retracted position and the outer body and the inner body are operatively coupled for simultaneous movement when the pin is disposed in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Flow Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
  • Publication number: 20100187232
    Abstract: A locking cap for closing the oil fill opening of the crank case in a motorcycle engine. The cap has only three major members. A first member has an upper grip portion and a lower portion with openings located in the lower portion for holding ball bearings. A second member is located within the first member and is rotatably coupled to the first member. A lock mechanism attached to the first and second members rotates the second member relative to the first member as the lock mechanism is operated to urge the ball bearings to move through the openings in the first member as the second member is rotated in a first direction relative to the first member. A third member attached to the second member provides support for a dip stick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Kurt Carl Fogle
  • Patent number: 7743935
    Abstract: A self locking enclosure and method of self locking an enclosure which provides an enclosure having a hingedly coupled lid which locks by operation of a latch which allows a first occurrence of the lid in the closed condition and subsequent operation of the lid to the open condition and which locks upon the second occurrence of the lid in the closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Randy R. Maid
  • Patent number: 7688201
    Abstract: A removable cap for fuel tanks of vehicles includes a gripping portion and a locking portion, operatively set between which is a key-operated locking device. In the closing condition of the device, a rotation movement imparted manually upon the gripping portion is not transferred to the locking portion, while in the opening condition of the device a rotation movement imparted manually upon the first part is transferred to the clamping portion. In the closing condition at least one component of the locking device is rotatable together with the gripping portion, and switching with the key of the locking device between the conditions of closing and opening causes an angular movement of the component with respect to the gripping portion, between a first pre-defined angular position and a second pre-defined angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ELTEK S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Nebbia, Paolo Colombo, Domenico Cantarelli
  • Patent number: 7624889
    Abstract: A cap for selective attachment with a threaded opening includes an outer cover and an inner portion, the inner portion lying at least partially within the outer cover and having threads engageable with the threaded opening and a set of circumferentially-spaced teeth arranged to selectively receive torque from manual rotation of the outer cover. A slider in constant driving engagement with the outer cover is selectively engageable with the teeth of the inner portion to transmit torque from the outer cover to the inner portion. An actuator is provided to actuate the slider into and out of engagement with the teeth of the inner portion. A lock is provided accessible from outside the outer cover and being coupled to the actuator. A locked state of the cap is one in which the slider is removed from engagement with the teeth of the inner portion by the lock and actuator and an unlocked state of the cap is one in which the slider is engaged with the teeth of the inner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert Daniel Tharp, Michael Joseph Holz
  • Patent number: 7588158
    Abstract: The ergonomic handle for a fuel cap pivotably engages to a top surface of the cap and is movable between a stowage position lying against part of the top surface of the cap and engaging against and activating a locking mechanism of the cap upon pivoting into such stowage position, and an upright functional position where the handle is pivoted to a position perpendicular to the cap. The handle comprises a planar, substantially A-shaped base section having a cutout therein overlying a lock of the locking mechanism of the cap and a horizontally disposed top rounded graspable grip section including indentations on an underside thereof for fingers and extended terminal end thumb tabs to aid in applying torque to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Burstein, Steven A. Huber, Katie Strausser, John P. Thornton, Matthew T. Ware
  • Patent number: 7569777
    Abstract: A thermostat is provided that includes a lock disposed in a sub-base, which includes a cam coupled to the lock to permit rotation of the cam between an unlocked and a locked position. The cam includes an offset portion that is configured to rotate over a vertical retaining portion of the thermostat housing, to retain the thermostat housing to the sub-base. The cam further includes an outwardly extending portion, wherein the outwardly extending portion is configured to rotate adjacent to a door that is pivotally coupled to the thermostat housing. When the cam is in the locking position, pivoting of the door is impeded by the outwardly extending portion of the cam, to resist pivotal movement of the door and thereby inhibit access to one or more input means or controls of the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Christina M. Gillam
  • Patent number: 7565999
    Abstract: A display and dispensing device for lottery-type tickets or the like that is securable to prevent the dispensing of the tickets when desired. The device includes a housing of box-like configuration having an open rear end, a door pivotally attached to the housing open end and a security shield pivotally attached to the door and being alternatively located in an open condition allowing said lottery tickets to be dispensed and a closed condition blocking the dispensing of said tickets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Owner Revolutions Inc.
    Inventor: Craig A. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7549552
    Abstract: A storage container comprises: a container main body having an opening through which a stored object is placed in or taken out; a lid which fits the opening; a latch mechanism provided on the lid, the latch mechanism having a rotating body rotatably supported by the lid and a pair of longitudinally slidable latch arms operably connected to the rotating body; and a lock mechanism which locks the rotating body when the lid is bolted by the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Hasegawa, Hiroshi Mimura
  • Publication number: 20090152277
    Abstract: A safety dish forms a secure food container and has a dish for holding food, a cover for enclosing the dish and food, and a lock mechanism for securing the cover to the dish to prevent unauthorized access to the food and/or tampering with the food. A key or correct input of a combination is required to access the food contents of the container. The safety dish preferably includes a handle and is formed from dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Nelson Todd Williamson
  • Publication number: 20080302794
    Abstract: The present invention is a security closure for enclosing an opening of a container includes a security lid having openings for lock tabs on the container. The lock tabs mate with openings on the combination lid by inserting and rotating the container. Lock dials are used to maintain the security lid and the container in a closed relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Richard John Wagner, Sandra Gurnard
  • Publication number: 20080237232
    Abstract: A closure for a container, such as for luggage or for a bag, has a split rail disposed around the mouth frame and a train of links that rides on and secures the rail halves together, and a tunnel for storage of the train when opening the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Cohn, Paul D. Lantz
  • Patent number: 7413095
    Abstract: A device for closing, connecting and/or locking including a driving element and a driven element having a threaded end. The driven element is at least partially positioned within the driving element. An axial anchoring structure axially anchors the driving element to the driven element while allowing rotation of the driving element and the driven element. A rotational anchoring structure anchors the driving element to the driven element for unitary rotation in a first rotation direction, only up to a limited tightening torque. The rotational anchoring structure allows the free rotation of the driving element in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. A locking structure locks the driving element with driven element for unitary rotation in the second rotation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Elesa S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Bertani, Michele Girino
  • Publication number: 20080190926
    Abstract: A removable cap for fuel tanks of vehicles includes a gripping portion and a locking portion, operatively set between which is a key-operated locking device. In the closing condition of the device, a rotation movement imparted manually upon the gripping portion is not transferred to the locking portion, while in the opening condition of the device a rotation movement imparted manually upon the first part is transferred to the clamping portion. In the closing condition at least one component of the locking device is rotatable together with the gripping portion, and switching with the key of the locking device between the conditions of closing and opening causes an angular movement of the component with respect to the gripping portion, between a first pre-defined angular position and a second pre-defined angular position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: ELTEK S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabio Nebbia, Paolo Colombo, Domenico Cantarelli
  • Patent number: 7357009
    Abstract: A quarter turn slide lock assembly having a base, a cover, a slider, a rotator, springs and washers. The base includes a channel for the slider to move between extended and retracted positions. The slider includes internal and exterior cam follower surfaces. The rotator has a hex head for 90° rotation by a special tool and a cam arm for engaging the internal cam follower surface of the slider. The external cam follower surface is biased by an abutting surface on an object to be locked and the springs bias the slider in an opposite direction to an interference fit with the object. The base includes a smooth, slanted outer surface to avoid snags and the washers reinforce the slide lock so that rivets used to attach the slide lock to an object to be locked are strongly secured. The cover snap fits to the base for a simple and reliable slide lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome A. Maloney, Albert McGovern
  • Patent number: 7350653
    Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member, an intermediate member and an outer member that cooperate to lock the device on a bottle neck. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The intermediate member slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle. The intermediate member includes a plurality of upwardly extending arms with inwardly projecting teeth that engage outwardly extending teeth on the inner member to lock the inner and intermediate members together. A key unlocks and rotates a rotatable member to separate the intermediate and inner members to unlock the device. Upon rotation of the cover cap, camming surfaces on the rotatable member engage the upwardly extending arms to move them radially outward to disengage them from the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7350654
    Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member, an intermediate member and an outer member that cooperate to lock the device on a bottle neck. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The intermediate member slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle. The intermediate member includes a plurality of upwardly extending arms with inwardly projecting teeth that engage outwardly extending teeth on the inner member to lock the inner and intermediate members together. A key unlocks and rotates a rotatable member to separate the intermediate and inner members to unlock the device. Upon rotation of the cover cap, camming surfaces on the rotatable member engage the upwardly extending arms to move them radially outward to disengage them from the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7350652
    Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member, an intermediate member and an outer member that cooperate to lock the device on a bottle neck. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The intermediate member slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle. The intermediate member includes a plurality of upwardly extending arms with inwardly projecting teeth that engage outwardly extending teeth on the inner member to lock the inner and intermediate members together. A key unlocks and rotates a rotatable member to separate the intermediate and inner members to unlock the device. Upon rotation of the cover cap, camming surfaces on the rotatable member engage the upwardly extending arms to move them radially outward to disengage them from the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7350655
    Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member, an intermediate member and an outer member that cooperate to lock the device on a bottle neck. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The intermediate member slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle. The intermediate member includes a plurality of upwardly extending arms with inwardly projecting teeth that engage outwardly extending teeth on the inner member to lock the inner and intermediate members together. A key unlocks and rotates a rotatable member to separate the intermediate and inner members to unlock the device. Upon rotation of the cover cap, camming surfaces on the rotatable member engage the upwardly extending arms to move them radially outward to disengage them from the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7322218
    Abstract: A tank cap for closing a fuel supply port of a fuel tank is provided on its upper surface with a key hole and a cover for covering the key hole. The cover opens and closes the key hole by making the cover swing via a support shaft. Finger catch concave portions are formed at least on both sides of the cover in an axial direction of the support shaft, and each of the finger catch concave portions is structured such that it is possible to insert a finger thereinto and to pinch both side edges in the axial direction of the cover by the inserted finger. Further, a leading end portion of the cover is preferably formed in a tapered shape in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihiro Yonemura, Hidetaka Kawamura, Yu Shibuta
  • Patent number: 7287404
    Abstract: A security device for engaging an threaded element includes an inner body configured to engage the threaded element and an outer body operatively coupled to the inner body. A lock is configured to engage the outer body and is operable such that the outer body moves with the inner body when the lock is in an extended configuration and freely rotates relative to the inner body when the lock is in a retracted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Flow Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Nickeas, Martin Nickeas
  • Patent number: 7100783
    Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member, an intermediate member and an outer member that cooperate to lock the device on a bottle neck. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The intermediate member slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle. The intermediate member includes a plurality of upwardly extending arms with inwardly projecting teeth that engage outwardly extending teeth on the inner member to lock the inner and intermediate members together. A key unlocks and rotates a rotatable member to separate the intermediate and inner members to unlock the device. Upon rotation of the cover cap, camming surfaces on the rotatable member engage the upwardly extending arms to move them radially outward to disengage them from the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7100784
    Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member, an intermediate member and an outer member that cooperate to lock the device on a bottle neck. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The intermediate member slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle. The intermediate member includes a plurality of upwardly extending arms with inwardly projecting teeth that engage outwardly extending teeth on the inner member to lock the inner and intermediate members together. A key unlocks and rotates a rotatable member to separate the intermediate and inner members to unlock the device. Upon rotation of the cover cap, camming surfaces on the rotatable member engage the upwardly extending arms to move them radially outward to disengage them from the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7007523
    Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member, an outer member and a cap member that cooperate to lock the bottle security device on the neck of a bottle. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers that are adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The cap member and the outer member are connected to form an enclosure therebetween which houses a locking mechanism. The outer sleeve member of the device slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle neck. Pins are connected to the inner member and extend into the locking mechanism to lock the inner and outer members together when the inner member is inserted in the outer member. A magnetic key is used to separate the two pieces and release the security device from the bottle. The key attracts a portion of the locking mechanism to disengage the mechanism from the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7004340
    Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member, an intermediate member and an outer member that cooperate to lock the device on a bottle neck. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The intermediate member slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle. The intermediate member includes a plurality of upwardly extending arms with inwardly projecting teeth that engage outwardly extending teeth on the inner member to lock the inner and intermediate members together. A key unlocks and rotates a rotatable member to separate the intermediate and inner members to unlock the device. Upon rotation of the cover cap, camming surfaces on the rotatable member engage the upwardly extending arms to move them radially outward to disengage them from the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis D. Belden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6935527
    Abstract: A lockable filler cap assembly for fuel tanks and other fluid-holding containers. The assembly is readily adaptable to function as a normally operating non-locking filler cap and to function as a locked filler cap. The lockable filler cap assembly includes a cap having a receptacle whereby an insert may be placed and locked into the receptacle. In the locked condition, a shield on the insert covers at least a portion of the cap, thereby discouraging access to the cap for its removal and, in turn, access to the contents of the associated tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Richard E. Brock
  • 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: 6688500
    Abstract: A grout and mortar bottle for convenient handling and application of viscous flowable substances, and may include three separate sections. The dispenser section may include a variety of nozzle and orifice designs. The main section includes an area to hold quantities of grout or mortar and includes a flexible section for squeezing the contents out through the dispensing section. A rear end cap is provided for loading the bottle. The cap includes a check valve to allow air to replace the expended mortar or grout and still provide for positive pressure for forcing the contents out the dispenser. The cap may also include a handle for manipulating the bottle or hanging the bottle in an attitude that maintains the bottle ready for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Dara Cheng
  • Patent number: 6612455
    Abstract: A cap lock system for restricting access to a threaded cylindrical end of an access or security device, such as a Schrader valve. An inner lock has a threaded cavity which screws onto an externally-threaded cylindrical end of the Schrader valve. The inner lock itself is received into an open end of an outer cap which captively encloses the inner lock in a manner which allows free rotation between the inner lock and outer cap and prevents the inner lock from being unscrewed. An upper endwall of the outer cap has a keyhole leading into a recessed cavity of the inner lock, with the recessed cavity surrounded by an annular wall. A key is provided for locking and unlocking the inner lock from the Schrader valve. The key has a pivot shaft which is matingly insertable into a section of the keyhole which is configured to support radial loads similar to a journal bearing. A tab connected to a leading end of the pivot shaft is insertable through the keyhole and into the recessed cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph M. Byrne
  • Publication number: 20030146182
    Abstract: The problem of spontaneous removal of accumulated coins from a bottle kept as a coin bank. Is obviated by a lockable, slotted cap which, however, can be removed at the will of the owner when the owner deems that the savings objective has been achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Richard T. Gerke
  • Publication number: 20030127458
    Abstract: The present invention is a thermostat cover, preferably lockable and at least releaseably latchable, such that the vented base part of the thermostat case is substantially free of the cover and allowing free air flow through the vents. The invention uses at least two overhangs formed between the base and upper parts of the thermostat case as engaging ends for the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Steve Dushane, Kenneth Anderson, Richard Jung, John Staples
  • Publication number: 20030127457
    Abstract: A cap lock system for restricting access to a threaded cylindrical end of an access or security device, such as a Schrader valve. An inner lock has a threaded cavity which screws onto an externally-threaded cylindrical end of the Schrader valve. The inner lock itself is received into an open end of an outer cap which captively encloses the inner lock in a manner which allows free rotation between the inner lock and outer cap and prevents the inner lock from being unscrewed. An upper endwall of the outer cap has a keyhole leading into a recessed cavity of the inner lock, with the recessed cavity surrounded by an annular wall. A key is provided for locking and unlocking the inner lock from the Schrader valve. The key has a pivot shaft which is matingly insertable into a section of the keyhole which is configured to support radial loads similar to a journal bearing. A tab connected to a leading end of the pivot shaft is insertable through the keyhole and into the recessed cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph M. Byrne
  • Publication number: 20030106896
    Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with an inlet port to a storage system includes a cover and a locking mechanism. The cover is adapted to, in a first state, engage the inlet port to prevent access to the inlet port and in a second state, be disengaged to release the cover from the inlet port. The locking mechanism is adapted to secure the cover in the first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Curtis W. West, Curtis W. West, James A. Shurtleff, James C. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6364096
    Abstract: A security storage box for papers, such as banknotes or cheques, comprising an open-topped container and lid separate from the container and being formed to close the open top of the container. The container comprises substantially continuous peripheral container flange. This horizontal container flange is being provided with a plurality of through apertures. The lid includes a horizontal, substantially continuous peripheral lid flange formed to overly the container flange and is provided with lid hooks, formed and aligned to engage with the container flange apertures. To improve the resistance of the boxes against fraud and pilferage, the container flange around its peripheral outer edges of the side and end walls is integrally connected to a security flange extending parallel to the side and end walls in the direction of the bottom wall, the lid being provided with a cover flange being formed to overly the security flange at the side and rear end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Nationale Bank van Belgie N.V.
    Inventors: Daniël De Baets, Danny Vandeputte, Renaud Van Cauwenberge
  • Patent number: 6354104
    Abstract: A lockable blood and urine sample transporter. The transporter has a thermostatically controlled cooling unit which maintains the specimens at a fixed temperature. The transporter also has a securing lock which prevents unauthorized access to the specimens contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Darrell L. Feagin
  • Publication number: 20020020706
    Abstract: Disclosed is a storage container with an internal locking mechanism. The storage container with internal locking mechanism includes a base, a roof, sidewalls extending between the base and roof, and first and second doors rotatably mounted directly or indirectly to the first and second sidewalls, respectively. The first and second doors are configured to rotate between open and closed positions. The second door includes a door surface with a recess formed therein. The recess includes a recess surface and a recess sidewall. The recess sidewall extends between the recess surface and the door surface. A recess aperture is formed through the recess surface. The internal locking mechanism further includes a tab fixedly mounted directly or indirectly to the first door. The tab includes an aperture for receiving a shackle of a lock. The tab aperture defines a centerline that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to respective planes in which the roof and base are contained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Lee Smith
  • Publication number: 20020017520
    Abstract: Disclosed is a storage container with an external locking mechanism. The storage container includes a base, a roof, sidewalls extending between the base and roof, and first and second doors rotatably mounted directly or indirectly to the first and second sidewalls, respectively. The first and second doors are configured to rotate between open and closed positions. The locking mechanism includes a tab fixedly mounted directly or indirectly to the first door. This tab includes an aperture for receiving a shackle of a lock. The tab aperture defines a centerline that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to respective planes in which the roof and base are contained. The locking mechanism also includes a container fixedly mounted directly or indirectly to the second door and configured to receive the lock. The lock container comprises a lock container base, and lock container sidewalls extending from the lock container base. A first lock container side comprises a lock container aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Lee Smith
  • Patent number: 6227405
    Abstract: An apparatus for the secure storage of used cooking grease comprises a tank, having one or more walls and a top and bottom, and a grease inlet located at the top of the tank and having upper and lower openings, with each opening at least partially spanned by one or more members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Baker Commodities, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Andreoli, Domingo Resendez
  • Patent number: 6223923
    Abstract: A safety pressure release locking gas cap is shown. The gas cap is comprised of a handle element, and a plug element. The plug element is rotatably housed in the handle element, and has external threads. A lock element is contained between the handle element and the plug element and can be used to lock the two components together. Locking arises by rotation of the lock element, for example by a key, about an axis of rotation which is a first manner of movement. The lock element has also a second manner of movement, which is axially along the axis of rotation. Movement in the second manner moves a valve from a pressure containing position to a pressure relief position. According to the present invention the movement in the first manner occurs independently from movement in the second manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph Fishman
  • Patent number: 6082564
    Abstract: A secured container closure system is provided for preventing access to the container's contents by small children while allowing ease of access to the container contents by persons of limited strength or dexterity. The system is provided with a first cap having a smooth exterior and being provided with a catch. The first cap is provided within a second cap which has an opening which allows access to the catch. Both the exterior of the first cap and the interior of the second cap are smooth to reduce torque transfer between the second cap and the first cap. A key is provided which may be extended through the opening and engaged to the catch to allow torque transfer between the second cap and first cap for either opening or closing the container. The key may be of an extended length or secured to a wall to allow greater leverage in opening or closing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Brett J. Trout
  • Patent number: 6079585
    Abstract: A truck box is disclosed comprising a front wall carrying a pair of spaced paddle latches and being formed with a channel extending at least between the paddle latches, a back wall, a bottom wall, opposed end walls and a top lid pivotally mounted to the back wall, all of which are interconnected to define a hollow interior. The operating rod has a first end section connected to one paddle latch, a second end section connected to the other paddle latch, and, an offset center section which is mounted by at least one rod guide within the channel formed in the front wall. The channel substantially encloses the center section of the operating rod to protect it from contact with items loaded into and unloaded from the box interior, and the rod guide(s) support the center section to prevent vibration or other contact with the front wall during operation of the vehicle within which the truck box is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Lentini
  • Patent number: 6073792
    Abstract: A cap body has a movable retaining tongue which is engageable with a portion of an access structure to retain the cap on the structure. A tongue is manipulated through a bolt, the head of which is accessible at the top surface of the cap body. A cover for the bolt head has a locking post which extends through the cap body and engages and locks the tongue against movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventors: Lucky Campbell, Rodger Calder
  • Patent number: 5911764
    Abstract: An open ended cylindrical chuck device has an inner fixing ring, an outer movable turning ring, and three movable screw threaded bars crossing the chuck device. While the turning ring is turned, the screw threads on the turning ring move three screw threaded bars to hold a bottle to be locked. A fixing pin crosses two holes which located separately on fixing ring and turning ring to stop their movement. A cylindrical cap with a regular lock locks the chuck device. Thus the bottle is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Inventor: Yu Wei Kong
  • Patent number: 5904057
    Abstract: A lockable fuel cap is provided including a closure member having a drive tooth and a removal hub. The hub includes a drive lug and moves between a lock position in which the drive lug is spaced-apart from the drive tooth and a release position in which the drive lug engages the drive tooth. An outer shell is also provided and includes an interior wall defining a guiding slot to receive the drive lug and guide movement of the removal hub between the two positions. The shell is drivingly coupled to the hub so that the member remains stationary upon rotation of the shell when the drive lug is in the lock position. The member rotates upon rotation of the shell when the drive lug is in the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: William Abney, III, Jeffery Griffin
  • Patent number: 5901869
    Abstract: A tank cap with a lock of a fuel tank comprises: a gasket member (2) for sealing a fuel supply port of the fuel tank; an locking member (3) arranged in a periphery of the fuel supply port; and a slider (4) arranged between the gasket member and the locking member. The slider (4) moves in conjunction with the gasket member, in such a manner that the locking member is prevented from moving in the transverse direction when the gasket member moves in a closing direction in which the gasket member comes close to the locking member, that the locking member is capable of moving in the transverse direction when the gasket member moves in a separating direction in which the gasket member is separate from the locking member, and that the locking member is maintained in a maintaining state in which the stopper is kept intruded into the moving passage of the locking member, even if the gasket member moves in the separating direction, when the locking member is prevented from moving in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Asahi Densi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunsuke Ohmura, Takayoshi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 5875948
    Abstract: A truck box is provided including a chest, a lid, first and second latching mechanisms, and at least one locking mechanism and release mechanism. Two locking mechanisms and two release mechanisms may be provided. The locking and release mechanisms may be configured to provide ease of opening and closing the lid from either end of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Randall C. Hansen
    Inventor: Dennis Sadler
  • Patent number: 5873481
    Abstract: A hinged access display and dispensing device for lottery-type tickets includes a housing of box-like configuration with a main door that is pivotally attached to the housing. A lock having a swing arm is secured to the main door. A slot is provided in the housing to coact with the swing arm when the main door is in the closed position to allow the main door to be locked relative to the housing. A horizontal opening is provided in the main door to allow access to tickets placed in the housing. A security door is pivotally attached to the main door to prevent removal of tickets through the horizontal opening. The security door is provided with a lip having a slot so that the swing arm may secure both the main door and the security door relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Schafer Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan B. Gruhn, Scott Williams
  • Patent number: RE36959
    Abstract: A lockable pressure-release fuel cap is provided to close a filler neck. An actuation system within the fuel cap is operable to enable a user to vent fuel vapor pressure in the filler neck in response to rotation of a key in a lock unit included in the fuel cap prior to removal of the fuel cap from the filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery Griffin