Hinged Closure Patents (Class 220/263)
  • Patent number: 11891244
    Abstract: A garbage can provided with an airtight means for preventing odor leakage is provided. In the garbage can, garbage odors may be prevented from leaking into a gap between a cover for opening and closing an inlet for garbage of the garbage can in a casement method and an upper cap provided with the inlet for garbage formed thereon, and also the cover is automatically sealed and opened by the airtight means only by using a pressurizing panel used to open and close the cover without any additional operation, thereby providing convenience of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignees: JANIBELL, INC.
    Inventor: Kwang Ok Chang
  • Patent number: 11771272
    Abstract: A container for dispensing product includes a housing having an interior space. A rigid flip top assembly is disposed on the housing, and includes a lever, a lid, and a flange. The lid covers a dispensing orifice when in a closed position. The lever has a first end and a second end, and the lid is connected to the flange at a hinge proximate the second end. The lever longitudinally extends over a fulcrum. When a force is applied to the lever proximate the first end, the lever pivots at the fulcrum about a pivot axis, and the second end of the lever moves the lid from the closed position toward an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Eliot Rolfs, Jeremy Thaddeus Gauger, Maggie VanderHeiden Berger, Amanda Ann Gantz, Heidi Ellen Gehrke
  • Patent number: 11697535
    Abstract: Described is closing cap for a container comprising a lateral wall extending about an axis, a separation line being provided on the lateral wall to define a retaining ring, which comprises a retaining portion which extends up to a free edge of the retaining ring and is configured to engage internally with a ring for locking a neck of the container in such a way as to remain anchored to the neck, and a closing element removably engageable with the neck, so as to open or close the container rotating the closing element about the axis. The separation line is circumferentially interrupted to define in the lateral wall a joining zone in which the retaining ring and the closing element are joined. The cap comprises in addition an incision line, which is also provided on the lateral wall to define, in association with the separation line at least a first connecting band and a second connecting band for connecting together the joining zone and the retaining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA
    Inventors: Alessandro Falzoni, Paolo Vitali
  • Patent number: 11505372
    Abstract: A closure that is retainable with a container is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Berry Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Bloom, Kenneth S. Bloom, Andrew Kreinbrink
  • Patent number: 11466749
    Abstract: An exemplary shock absorber includes a damper tube, a damper piston, a piston shaft, and at least two different surface treatments. The damper tube includes an interior surface. The damper piston includes a piston surface that engages the interior surface. The piston shaft couples with the damper piston and includes a shaft surface that engages a fourth surface. The at least two different surface treatments are disposed on at least one of the interior surface and the shaft surface and create a corresponding plurality of coefficients of friction with at least one of the piston surface and the fourth surface respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Wittenschlaeger
  • Patent number: 11338966
    Abstract: A disposable container is disclosed that includes a lid, a frontward facing sidewall portion, a rearward facing sidewall portion that is opposite the frontward facing sidewall portion, a first foldable sidewall portion, a second foldable sidewall portion that is opposite the first foldable sidewall portion, a pedal, wherein the pedal is rotatably coupled to the frontward facing portion, a hinge mechanism, wherein the hinge mechanism is rotatably coupled to the lid and the rearward facing sidewall portion, and two or more lines that each have a first line end and a second line end, wherein the first line end of each of the two or more lines is coupled to the pedal and the second line end of each of the two or more lines is coupled to the hinge mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Dominguez
  • Patent number: 11279555
    Abstract: Various embodiments of receptacle assemblies, such as trash cans, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the receptacle assembly includes a body portion with an interior space. The receptacle assembly can include a lid portion configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The receptacle assembly can include a pedal portion operably connected with the lid such that moving the pedal portion moves the lid portion between the open position and the closed position. The receptacle assembly can include a motion damper configured to dampen motion of the lid portion. The motion damper can be positioned near a front of the body portion and/or above a front portion of the pedal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Di-Fong Chang, Zachary Rapoport, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 10865019
    Abstract: A container (2) includes a container body (10) having a base (12), a sidewall (14), and a body extension portion (16), the body extension portion terminates at a body extension outer surface; a lid (40) connected to the container body and that is pivotable to move the container between a closed position and an open position, the lid comprising a cover portion (42) and a lid extension portion (44) extending therefrom and terminating at a lid extension outer surface, the lid extension portion having an underside. The body extension outer surface and the lid extension outer surface are generally co-planar when the container is in the closed position. The body extension portion hits n window (24) configured to provide access to the underside when the container is in the closed position to enable a user to apply upward pressure on the underside to move the container from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: CSP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: William Abrams, Kasey Myers, Ethan Ross Perdue
  • Patent number: 10660463
    Abstract: A lid for use with a beverage container. The lid has a body with a drink opening, a drink opening stopper operable to transition between a closed position and an opened position, and a lock actuator manually rotatable between a locking position preventing the drink opening stopper from transitioning from the closed position to the opened position when the lock actuator is in the locking position and an unlocking position permitting the drink opening stopper to transition from the closed position to the opened position when the lock actuator is in the unlocking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Pacific Market International, LLC
    Inventor: Randy Sims
  • Patent number: 10543982
    Abstract: A waste receptacle is provided herein having a linkage assembly extending from a foot operated actuator near a lower end of the waste receptacle body to the lid at an upper end of the body. In accordance with one form, the foot operated actuator may be configured to pivot about a pivot point internal to the waste receptacle housing such that the foot operated actuator and corresponding linkage does not penetrate or otherwise require a slot or opening in the body of the waste receptacle for operation. The linkage assembly may also include one or more shock absorbing portions intermediate the lid and the foot operated actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Magnuson Group Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Kral, Daniel J. Merkle
  • Patent number: 10486900
    Abstract: A waste disposal system having an isolated top chamber with a guiding structure, a chute, or a pair of parabolic top door members to guide a falling object to fall towards a center vertical axis of the waste disposal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: 1316 LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. McConnell
  • Patent number: 10377564
    Abstract: A deodorizing waste receptacle for disposal of soiled adult diapers includes a housing. The housing comprises an annular wall that is coupled to and extends upwardly from a bottom to define both a top and an internal space. A funnel is coupled to the housing and positioned in the internal space. A drawer is insertable into a lower chamber of the housing through an opening in the housing. A lid is reversibly and sealably couplable to the top to cover an aperture. An actuator is coupled to the housing positioned to motivate the lid between a closed to an open configuration. A plunger, which is coupled to the lid, is configured to compressibly motivate a soiled diaper through the funnel into the drawer. Deodorizers and dispensers are positioned in the housing to absorb and mask, respectively, odiferous gasses generated by soiled diapers positioned in the internal space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Alice Campbell
  • Patent number: 10233018
    Abstract: A trash collector, including a bucket 1 and a lid 4, which covers the bucket and is fastened pivotally in the area of an upper brim of the bucket, in order to pivot it upwards to open the trash collector. A pedal arrangement 3, 20 is arranged in the area of a base of the bucket, and a lever arrangement 8, 12 connects the pedal arrangement to the lid in order to pivot open the lid by a motion of the pedal arrangement. The lid is embodied in several parts and has at least two lid sections 5, which are each pivotable about as separate axis 30, 30?, and a frame element 6, which is provided detachably and/or pivotally in the area of the upper brim of the bucket and to which the lid sections 5 are fastened in a pivotal fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ROTHO KUNSTSTOFF AG
    Inventors: Christian Thoma, Bruno Meier
  • Patent number: 10221011
    Abstract: A bear-resistant waste disposal container comprises a bin, a handle, and a lid rotatably connected to the handle. A bin collar surrounds an upper perimeter of the bin, and a lid collar surrounds an outer perimeter of the lid. A picket extends upwardly from inside the bin, through an aperture in the lid, and through an aperture in a lid frame. A carabiner or other locking device is removably insertable through an opening in the upper portion of the picket to lock the lid in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: RS Welding and Fabrication LLC
    Inventor: James Rollin Stone
  • Patent number: 10207842
    Abstract: An animated toy box assembly for stimulating a child to put away toys includes a box that may contain toys. A lid is hingedly coupled to the box such that the lid selectively closes the box. A pair of eyes is coupled to the lid to resemble monster eyes. An interaction unit is coupled to the box and the interaction unit selectively emits audible sound. The interaction unit detects motion thereby detecting when toys are positioned in the box. Moreover, the interaction unit emits the audible sound when the interaction unit detects motion. In this way the interaction unit stimulates a child to place toys in the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventors: Sara Sullivan, Chris Mikhelotti
  • Patent number: 10151526
    Abstract: A storage assembly for an appliance, such as a refrigerator appliance, is generally provided herein. The storage assembly may include a bracket attached to the appliance and a storage bin rotatably mounted to the bracket. The storage bin may rotate about a rotation axis, such as between a home position and a distal position angularly spaced apart from the home position when mounted to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Madan Gopal Reddy Pathapati, Bagawathkumar Chellappan, Louis A. Wantland
  • Patent number: 10086997
    Abstract: A cushioned garbage container includes a main body, a linkage mechanism and a cushion element. The main body has a barrel body and a cover body, the barrel body has a first block having a receiving portion and a second block, and the receiving portion has a receiving space and a positioning portion located in the receiving space. The linkage mechanism is disposed on the barrel body and is comovable with the cover body, the linkage mechanism has a stamping member, a propping rod connected to the stamping member, and a driving member disposed on the propping rod and located in the receiving space. The cushion element is detachably disposed in the receiving space, has a fixed portion having a positioning assembly and a movable portion, the positioning assembly is restrictedly engaged with the positioning portion, and the movable portion is engaged with the driving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Shek
  • Patent number: 9976337
    Abstract: An actuator opens and closes a lid on a bulk storage container. The actuator may be activated remotely using a remote control. When actuated, the actuator will lift the lid so that it is clear of the structure, and will then rotate the lid in a horizontal plan about a vertical axis until the lid is rotated to uncover the opening. The axis of rotation is located near the perimeter of the opening, so that very little of the lid remains over the opening when in the open position. To close the lid from the open position, the remote control may then in be used to actuate the closing process. The closing process works in reverse of the opening process. Therefore, during closing, the lid will rotate back to its original orientation over the hole and then lower into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: David Alan Kirchhoff
  • Patent number: 9944460
    Abstract: A container is provided. The container comprises a cover, a base, and a body, which includes one or more spine structures and one or more door panels which may open and allow substantially lateral access to the interior of the container. The one or more door panels may be secured in a closed position by a latch mechanism. In a first mode, the latch mechanism is not released. In a second mode, the latch mechanism is released. The first mode and the second mode may operate concurrently and can be accessed separately via different mechanisms. A switch mechanism may alternate between the first mode and the second mode. Alternatively, a pedal includes a first pedal mechanism corresponding to the first mode and a second pedal mechanism corresponding to the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Panaseeall LLC
    Inventor: Sam Hon
  • Patent number: 9862542
    Abstract: Described is a system for controlling the operation of a trash can lid that includes a shell for receiving trash, a lid assembly that covers a portion of the shell, and an actuator assembly that independently controls the rate in which the lid assembly moves with respect to the shell. Also provided is a system for improving the operation of a trash can that includes a lid assembly for covering a portion of a shell, an actuator assembly, a base assembly, and a hydraulic component. The hydraulic component controls the rate in which a portion of the lid assembly moves with respect to the shell. The system further includes an adjustable volume of space that is formed between the base assembly and the removable liner when the removable liner is coupled to the base assembly. The adjustable volume of space can be used to store deodorizers, insecticides, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Tramontina USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Mars Mashburn, Tim Tobola, Trent Veazey
  • Patent number: 9809239
    Abstract: A trolley for collecting waste includes: wheels, a steering handle, and a housing with a bottomwall and a sidewall extending vertically from the bottomwall, wherein the housing forms a waste chamber, wherein the sidewall comprises an opening, wherein a flap is connected by a first bearing to the sidewall of the housing, such that the flap is pivotable about a horizontal flap axis between a closing position and an opening position. The flap in its closing position closes the opening of the sidewall, and the flap in its opening position opens the opening in the sidewall, wherein the handle is connected by a second bearing to the housing, such that the handle is pivotable about a handle axis between a first handle position and a second handle position, and the handle is linked to the flap by a mechanical linkage, such that pivoting the handle from its second handle position to its first handle position results in a pivoting of the flap from its opening position to its closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Reiss, Nicolas Jourdan, Ralf Schliwa, Donald De Gutz, Gabriel Ribeiro Reis, Denise Renata Passos Ikuno, Liana Maki Shintate, Tadeu Kendy de Oliveira Omae, Lucas Marques Otsuka, Lucas Neumann De Antonio
  • Patent number: 9783212
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inlet closure system for covering an inlet formed in an upper region of a container body The container body may a storage region of a hopper, a hopper vehicle such as a hopper railway wagon or other storage devices. The inlet closure system comprises at least one closure member arranged substantially above the inlet and moveable between a first closed configuration in which the inlet is substantially closed and a second fully open configuration in which the inlet is substantially open, and at least one actuator mounted on an end wall of the container body for moving the closure member. The actuator remains below an upper edge of the end wall when the closure member is in the second fully open configuration. The actuator is arranged in use to act upon the at least one closure member via a linkage, which linkage is arranged for pivotal motion relative to the end wall about a point substantially midway between the side walls. The linkage may comprise a first link and a second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Drax Power Limited
    Inventors: Richard Peter Gibney, Stephen John Jones, Jonathan James Barlow
  • Patent number: 9783211
    Abstract: The invention relates to a covering system for covering an inlet formed in a hopper wagon body of a hopper wagon, whereby the covering system comprises a cover that is configured to close the inlet when it is arranged in a closed position and open the inlet when it arranged in an open position and hinge means that is configured to mount the cover on the hopper wagon body such that the cover is hinged to an outer portion the hopper wagon body, adjacent the inlet and the cover is rotatable in a substantially vertical plane between the closed position and the open position. The hinge means may be configured to mount the cover in spaced relation above the inlet such that there is a gap space between the cover and the inlet when the cover is arranged in at least the closed position. The gap space may be formed between a hinged edge region of the cover and an adjacent edge of the inlet. The cover may comprise a single leaf door. The cover may comprise a double leaf door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Drax Power Limited
    Inventors: Richard Peter Gibney, Stephen John Jones, Jonathan James Barlow
  • Patent number: 9764893
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and system for monitoring the closure state of a hatch. A pressure sensor is positioned between the upper sealing ring of the hatch lid and the lower sealing ring of the flange, adjacent to or within the pressure gasket. In the open position, force sensor detects little force between the upper and lower sealing rings, in the closed position, the sensors detects an increase in force, but in the closed and latched position, the force sensor detects much higher force between the upper and lower sealing rings. The force sensor is electrically coupled to a monitor unit that communicates the force readings (either as raw or processed data) to remote locations such as data/processing remote centers, clouds, or portable devices. Cry-out alarms may be employed to alert operators when a hatch is open or not securely latched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Aubrey Dare Westmoreland, III
  • Patent number: 9718616
    Abstract: A dumpster lid stop bracket to limit travel of a lid pivotably mounted to a dumpster body by a hinge pin is provided. The stop bracket includes an elongated bar having a first straight section, a bent section continuously connected to the first straight section, and a second straight section continuously connected to the bent section, a spring clip slidably mounted to the elongated bar and having a pair of openings to receive the first and second straight sections of the elongated bar. Space within the spring clip and first and second straight sections permit the dumpster's hinge pin to extend therethrough. Pivotal movement of the lid to an open position permits the elongated bar's bent section to contact a side wall of the dumpster body and both the first and second straight sections to contact the lid, thereby enabling the stop bracket to limit travel of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Allen Deming, John J. Salas
  • Patent number: 9662802
    Abstract: An improved drum for a lorry-based concrete mixer is described. The drum comprises a drum body having an edge defining an aperture for permitting access to a drum body interior and a manhole cover hingedly attached to the drum body, the manhole cover being movable from an aperture dosed position, in which the aperture is sealed, to an aperture open position, in which the aperture is open and the drum body interior may be accessed. The drum further comprises at least one locking mechanism adapted to lock the manhole cover In the aperture dosed position, an edge of the manhole cover being trapped between the/each locking mechanism and the drum edge in the aperture closed position. The at least one locking mechanism is adapted to support the manhole cover in a retained position between the aperture dosed position and the aperture open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Brinsley Mcfarlane
  • Patent number: 9662973
    Abstract: A motor vehicle filler inlet compartment lid arrangement is disclosed. A filler inlet compartment lid is mounted so that it can swivel around a lid axis relative to a vehicle body. A filler module with at least one filler passage for filling up the motor vehicle is joined with the filler inlet compartment lid so that it can swivel relative to the vehicle body between a use and non-use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Heiko Betzen, Markus Frommann
  • Patent number: 9573759
    Abstract: A trash can with a lid can include a lock for the lid. The lock can include a latch that cooperates with the trash container body to lock the lid over the opening of the body. The latch can be configured to slide with respect to the edge of the opening of the body from an unlocked position to a locked position. This latch can be integrated into, built into or self contained in the lid. The trash can can also include a pedal actuator for opening the lid. The trash can can also include a damping mechanism mounted to the body of the trash can with a mounting plate. The mounting plate can be made from a material that is harder than the material used for the body of the trash can. Additionally, the trash can can have wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 9527638
    Abstract: A storage container includes an inflow hole and an outflow hole through which cold air flows, and deodorizing filters for removing odorous materials are mounted in the inflow hole and the outflow hole. Therefore, when foods containing odor-causing materials are put in the storage container to be stored in a storage compartment, the odor-causing materials are prevented from spreading inside the storage compartment, thereby fundamentally removing odors from the storage compartment. In addition, the cold air of the storage compartment continuously flows in and out of the storage container through the inflow hole and the outflow hole, and therefore foods stored in the storage container may be kept fresh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chae Hyun Yoo, Wan Ku Kang, Jong Ho Lee, Dae Yun Kim, Jea Won Lee, Jee Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 9511720
    Abstract: A combined storage and docking unit for attachment to the instrument panel of a motor vehicle is disclosed in which a portable electronic device such as an MP3 player or GPS navigation device can be held in a display position by clamping it between lid and storage box parts of the combined storage and docking unit. The storage box includes a trough shaped portion in which the portable electronic device can be stowed if it is not required to be used. The storage box also includes a lid hingedly connected thereto. A lid opening mechanism includes an arm fixed to a shaft. A drive cable is connected to the arm and to a spring on opposing ends. A pulley is configured to guide the drive cable from the arm to the spring, wherein the shaft is rotatably supported by a shaft bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John K. Harding, Steve David Fleming
  • Patent number: 9493302
    Abstract: Waste disposal devices and methods are provided. The device includes a housing, a lid, a bucket frame, a pair of members, and a foot pedal. The foot pedal is operatively associated with the lid and the pair of members so that the lid is in the closed position and the pair of members is in the non-use position when the foot pedal is in the upper position. Further, the foot pedal is operatively associated with the lid and the pair of members so that the lid is in the open position and the pair of members is in the use position when the foot pedal is in the lower position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC
    Inventors: John Rousso, Steve Mowers, John Cichello, Rick Corney, Michael Jackson, Vincent Valderrama
  • Patent number: 9428332
    Abstract: The present invention relates to outdoor trash containers including motifs and/or details that can be attached or detached from the base or lid of the trash container to allow for customization of the container. The present invention also includes a bag holder within the container to stabilize a trash bag within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Audrey A. Supple
  • Patent number: 9399550
    Abstract: A pedal type bin assembly (10) comprising a base (30) configured for accommodating a bin (12), a lid-bearing post (34) extending upright at a rear edge of the base and configured for supporting at a top end (36) thereof a pivotable lid (38), and a lifting mechanism (40). The lifting mechanism comprises a manipulating element (52) positioned at a front edge of the base and a leverage array (48, 50) articulated to the manipulating element, for manipulating the lid between an open and a closed position upon respective operation of the manipulating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: KETER PLASTIC LTD.
    Inventor: Efraim Haimoff
  • Patent number: 9193246
    Abstract: A universal kit attaching a universal lid thereof to a rooftop structure includes a plurality of mounts and a pair of hinge arms attached to the interior side of the universal lid, and a pair of braces for pivotally attaching distal ends of the hinge arms to the rooftop structure. Each brace has a face for pivotally engaging the mounting hole of one of the hinge arms. The kit includes a plurality of operator brackets, each operator bracket having a respective plurality of fastener holes placed to match particular mounts in the interior side of the universal lid. At least some of the mounts correspond to more than one operator bracket. In a method for attaching a universal lid, the braces are used as templates for forming holes in a rooftop structure. Upon closing the attached lid, the braces are positioned between the roof structure and the universal lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventors: Joe K. Wood, Daniel C. Fuccella, James A. Mathewson
  • Patent number: 9193307
    Abstract: An example automobile storage container includes a plurality of panels including at least a top panel, front panel, back panel, and two side panels arranged with respect to the base panel. The plurality of panels interconnect to form an enclosed storage area when all of the plurality of panels are in a closed position. The back panel and two side panels are affixed with respect to the base panel. Each of the top and front panels is separately movable into both an open position and a closed position. The top panel is pivotable with respect to the back panel to move between the open position and the closed position. The front panel is movable to slide under the base of the container to arrange the front panel in the open position. The example container includes a control device is to grab and constrain movement of the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Roach, Craig Wieland
  • Patent number: 9132786
    Abstract: An example collapsible automobile storage container includes a plurality of panels arranged with respect to a base. The plurality of panels are interconnected to form an enclosed storage area when erected. The plurality of panels are movable into both a collapsed position and an erected position. The plurality of panels include at least a top panel, a front panel, a back panel, and two side panels, the front panel movable to slide under the base of the container. The example includes a control device to grab and constrain the front panel in position to 1) swing vertically into an erected position against the side panels and base and to 2) keep the front panel from being pulled beyond a front edge of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Roach, Craig Wieland
  • Patent number: 9067731
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for easily and simply lifting and holding upon a heavy cumbersome lids, such as those found on large trash containers thereby allowing the user the use of both hands for hoisting and dumping the trash without having to hold open the lid with one hand or other body part. Furthermore, the use of an external device to lift and hold open the lid makes it easier to keep the task hygienic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Original Design Products, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Jackson
  • Patent number: 9051093
    Abstract: A receptacle assembly including a body portion, a lid portion, a pedal portion, a rod, and a motion damper. The body portion includes an upper portion and a base portion and defines an interior space. The lid portion is movably engaged with the body portion and is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The pedal portion is configured to move the lid portion between the open position and the closed position. A rod extends between the lid portion and the pedal portion. The rod can also interface with the motion damper. The motion damper is positioned near the lid portion and is configured to dampen motion of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Di-Fong Chang, Joseph Sandor
  • Publication number: 20150136775
    Abstract: A waste receptacle for collecting waste with a carrier that allows for easy transport. The receptacle uses a closing system to manage odor, and an actuator system to open and close the closing system. The closing system has a clamping mechanism housed inside a body that can clamp a bag placed inside the body with the opening of the bag disposed about the clamping mechanism. The receptacle may also have a lid in which actuation of the actuator system causes the clamping mechanism to open and close simultaneously with the lid. The actuation system utilizes pedals that can be replaced with a handle actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: William Hess, Kristen Hess
  • Publication number: 20150076153
    Abstract: Waste disposal devices and methods are provided. The device includes a housing, a lid, a bucket frame, a pair of members, and a foot pedal. The foot pedal is operatively associated with the lid and the pair of members so that the lid is in the closed position and the pair of members is in the non-use position when the foot pedal is in the upper position. Further, the foot pedal is operatively associated with the lid and the pair of members so that the lid is in the open position and the pair of members is in the use position when the foot pedal is in the lower position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: John Rousso, Steve Mowers, John Cichello, Rick Corney, Michael Jackson, Vincent Valderrama
  • Patent number: 8978917
    Abstract: A waste receptacle for collecting waste with a carrier that allows for easy transport. The receptacle uses a closing system to manage odor, and an actuator system to open and close the closing system. The closing system has a clamping mechanism housed inside a body that can clamp a bag placed inside the body with the opening of the bag disposed about the clamping mechanism. The receptacle may also have a lid in which actuation of the actuator system causes the clamping mechanism to open and close simultaneously with the lid. The actuation system utilizes pedals that can be replaced with a handle actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: 1908 Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William Hess, Kristen Hess
  • Publication number: 20150068550
    Abstract: When a turning portion on the front end side of the cover is turned in one direction, a turning-portion engagement part disposed in the turning portion engages with a container main body-side engagement part so as to close the cover. When the turning portion of the cover is turned in the opposite direction, engagement between the turning-portion engagement part and the container main body-side engagement part is released. When the turning portion is kept turned in the opposite direction, a turning-portion opening-operation auxiliary portion disposed in the turning portion abuts on a container main body-side opening-operation auxiliary portion and the cover can be pressed up with a weak force by the principle of the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Arata SASAKI
  • Publication number: 20150060452
    Abstract: Containers are to be mounted with cap having structure usable without removing the cap. Cap with an openable lid of the present invention is that lid is rotated when reactive force against force added on pushing portion 3 reaches from hinge 4 to the lid 2 since radius of rotation of the hinge 4 provided at a predetermined position is smaller than radius of rotation of the pushing portion 3. Further, push button 5 is pushed in connection with opening of the lid since the pushing portion 3 is provided at the position where the pushing portion is adjacent to top edge of the push button 5 at the lid 2 being opened by the hinge 4. Thus, the force reaches the push button 5 through the pushing portion 3, and backward of the push button inclines. This makes it possible to realize a structure of discharging contents of container without removing cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Hiro-Plus also trading as Hiro-Plus Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ito
  • Publication number: 20150028032
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic tethering device and assembly method for two wheeled container lids. Container lids are held snugly under a housing enclosure lid as it opens from a closed position then back to a closed position. Two wheeled containers with hinged lids are rolled into a housing enclosure underneath a housing enclosure lid automatically tethering to the housing enclosure lid. Two wheeled containers with hinged lids are then rolled away from the housing enclosure lid automatically detaching from the tether. The elevated rolling tethering assembly for the two wheeled container lid is press fit below the outer surface of the container lid 19.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Neal Flewelling
  • Publication number: 20150001219
    Abstract: A waste receptacle for collecting waste with a carrier that allows for easy transport. The receptacle uses a closing system to manage odor, and an actuator system to open and close the closing system. The closing system has a clamping mechanism housed inside a body that can clamp a bag placed inside the body with the opening of the bag disposed about the clamping mechanism. The receptacle may also have a lid in which actuation of the actuator system causes the clamping mechanism to open and close simultaneously with the lid. The actuation system utilizes pedals that can be replaced with a handle actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: National Eco Wholesale, Inc.
    Inventors: William Hess, Kristen Hess
  • Publication number: 20140374300
    Abstract: A trash receptacle device is disclosed that is a trash or storage bin, and that resembles an animal and makes noises to attract and entertain children. The trash receptacle device comprises a housing component with a hollow cavity, a removable trash receptacle component that is inserted into the hollow cavity, and a hinged lid secured to the housing component. Typically, the housing component is shaped to resemble an animal, and the hinged lid is shaped to resemble an animal head. The hinged lid can be controlled by a step pedal component, which can be shaped to resemble a paw or foot of an animal. Additionally, the trash receptacle device can comprise a sound box component and at least one speaker in communication with the hinged lid, such that the sound box component plays a recording of an animal sound when the hinged lid is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Adan Espinosa
  • Patent number: 8910816
    Abstract: A remotely activated tank hatch system includes an upper frame and a lower frame joined by a hinge assembly. The lower frame is coupled to a collar of an opening of a tank and a hatch is coupled to the upper frame. The hinge assembly allows the upper frame to pivot the hatch between open and closed positions. The lower frame includes at least one catch to receive an edge of the hatch, when the hatch is closed. Spring members on the upper frame urge the hatch toward the upper frame so that the hatch may be swung away from the opening. Inflating a bladder positioned between the upper frame and hatch overcomes the spring pressure and urges the hatch into tight contact with the collar. The hatch system includes a remote control for inflating the bladder and for opening and closing the hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: RMC Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin McKenzie, Sal Trejo
  • Publication number: 20140346175
    Abstract: A bin is constructed to maximize the space available for its contents. The bin has an outer cylindrical shell and a cylindrical liner which fits into the shell. The side wall of the liner is composed of a number of segments which interlock to define a complete cylinder. The space between the side wall and the side wall of the shell is minimized as is the space occupied by the mechanism for opening and closing the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas G. B. Merey
  • Patent number: 8857646
    Abstract: A filter housing having a lid that is mateable with a vessel portion. An arm that is rotationally fixed relative to the housing having threads that mate with threads in a ratcheting mechanism. Rotating the ratcheting mechanism raises the lid because the ratcheting mechanism is fixed from longitudinal movement. A slot in which a pin rides is used to fix rotation, the slot has an aligned portion and an angled portion. The aligned portion is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the arm and the angled portion is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the arm. As the arm raises and the pin rides in the aligned portion of the slot, the lid raises without rotation, and as the pin rides in the angled portion the lid raises and rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Blue
  • Patent number: 8844745
    Abstract: A lid structure for use with a container for storing personal care products is disclosed. The lid structure includes a lid-activation button that when pressed allows the lid top to rotate about the lid base giving a consumer access to the contents of the container. Additionally, the lid-activation button functions so that the lid top is released independent of where the lid-activation button is pressed by the consumer. To create better and more consistent opening of the lid top portion, an inner longitudinal edge of the lid-activation button may be attached to the lid bottom via a living hinge that is formed integrally with the lid base. A strengthening rib is attached to the living hinge that keeps the main body side of the living hinge immobile and encourages the button side of the living hinge to flex when the lid-activation button is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy James Peters, Ryan Leslie Fulscher, Robert Samuel Schlaupitz, Kieron H. Tse, James Wolford, Tyson Manullang