Biasing Means Patents (Class 220/264)
  • Patent number: 11958656
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to storage boxes commonly used to organize and store items such as school-related supplies that may be carried by a student. The storage boxes generally include a lid and a base. The base optionally includes a divider which provides for two or more storage portions within an interior of the base, while also acting as a functional grip on the outside of the box. A latch mechanism is provided which securely latches the lid and base together in a closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: IdeaStream Consumer Products, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis Taylor, Daniel Perella, Matthew Hanson
  • Patent number: 11858695
    Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus has a lid and latch assembly configured for one-handed operation. The apparatus also includes a hinge assembly that separates when over-rotated but that reengages upon closing of the lid onto the main body of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Jeremy Livingston Miller, Arjen David Kat
  • Patent number: 11773631
    Abstract: A cover opening-closing device comprises a rod, a casing in which at least a portion of the rod is stored, a lock unit, an interlock mechanism, and a connection unit. The lock unit can rotate about a central axis line between a lock position, in which locking with the cover is possible, and a release position, in which locking is not possible. The interlock mechanism is configured so that the rotation of the lock unit and the displacement of the rod are interlocked. The connection unit is configured so as to connect the lock unit to the casing and to restrict displacement of the lock unit in the direction of the central axis line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: CHUO HATSUJO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshio Kuwayama, Hiroki Tanaka, Takashi Tomoto
  • Patent number: 11623797
    Abstract: A beverage container closure or lid adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be opened by pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the button is released. Thus, the user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container. The beverage container closure includes an actuating lever configured to press the button when a user applies a force to the lever. By utilizing the mechanical advantage provided by the lever, a user is able to selectively open and close the stopper using a relatively low amount of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Pacific Market International, LLC
    Inventor: Sarah Danger George
  • Patent number: 11480300
    Abstract: A refueling adapter for an alternative fuel vehicle includes a first filling port that is fluidly coupled to an inlet nozzle of a fuel tank of the alternative fuel vehicle. The first filling port is configured to fit an inlet nozzle of a first dispensing type. A second filling port fluidly coupled to a dispenser nozzle of an alternative fuel dispenser. The second filling port is configured to fit a dispenser nozzle of a second dispensing type, the second dispensing type being different from the first dispensing type. An adapter controller is configured to communicate with a vehicle fueling system of the alternative fuel vehicle and a valve providing a fluid connection between the first filling port and the second filling port and is operated by the adapter controller to selectively open and close the fluid connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Patzer
  • Patent number: 11483941
    Abstract: A pivoting assembly for an electronic device, being a clickable-open and clickable-shut cover or shield with click-step positioning includes a pivoting shaft extending along an imaginary axis, an inner movable member, an intermediate movable member, and an outer stationary member concentrically surrounding the imaginary axis. First positioning structures and first engaging structures are connected to one of the inner movable member and the intermediate movable member and a number of second positioning structures and second engaging structures are also so connected. When the pivoting shaft is rotated in an opening direction, the first positioning structures compress and slide across the first engaging structures. When the pivoting shaft is rotated in a closing direction, the second positioning structures compress and slide across the second engaging structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: AMBIT MICROSYSTEMS (SHANGHAI) LTD.
    Inventor: Jian-Feng Xiao
  • Patent number: 11439122
    Abstract: A pet water bottle includes a shell, a triggering member, a transmission member and a first sealing member. A cavity for water storage is formed inside the shell, a first recessed region is formed on an outer surface of the shell, and a first through hole communicating with the cavity is arranged on an inner wall of the first recessed region; the first sealing member is arranged in the cavity, at least part of the transmission member is fixed inside the cavity, and the first sealing member is fixed onto the transmission member; the first through hole is in contact with and fully covered by the first sealing member; at least part of the triggering member is fixed outside the shell, and the triggering member and the transmission member are spaced apart from each other; the triggering member is capable of moving in a direction close to the transmission member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Mimeng Network Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chong Zhang, Lin Jin, Tao Tong
  • Patent number: 11407584
    Abstract: An inductive cover assembly is configured to connect a can body of a trash can. A side of the can body is provided with an assembly groove extending downward. The inductive cover assembly includes an insert, and an inductive ring and a cover that are hinged to the insert. The assembly groove and the insert are pluggably connected, so as to allow the inductive cover assembly detachably arranged on the can body. Therefore, there is no need to remove the inductive cover assembly during the replacement of trash bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: EKO GROUP LTD
    Inventor: Yizhi Chen
  • Patent number: 11192692
    Abstract: A handle structure includes a handgrip body and at least one rotating body. The rotating body is pivotally connected to the handgrip body, the rotating body is used to pivotally connect a first object, and when rotating, the rotating body drives the handgrip body to move toward the first object for reducing the height of the handle structure. Therefore, the handle structure can make a handgrip body moved out toward a direction distant from the first object when used, and can make the handgrip body moved in toward a direction of the first object when not in use for reducing the height of the handgrip body so as to operate and use easily and prevent collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventor: Ting-Jui Wang
  • Patent number: 10434950
    Abstract: A double opening storage device includes two opening and closing mechanisms that open and close a lid leftward and rightward relative to a box body. Each opening and closing mechanism include: a shaft member disposed so as to be coaxial with a rotation shaft; a support member that supports the shaft member so as to rotate the shaft member; an urging member that generates urging force for rotating the shaft member relative to the support member in an opening direction; and a locking device that holds the lid in a closed state against the urging force, and cancels, by an opening operation, holding of the lid. The shaft member and the support member include opposing surfaces, respectively, which are spaced from each other in the lid closed state, and projections, respectively, which interfere with each other while the lid is shifting from the closed state to a predetermined opened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasufumi Ike, Yu Hishida, Yoshinori Noda
  • Patent number: 10308428
    Abstract: Lift rod assemblies for waste receptacles having pedal-operated lids are provided. Such lift rod assemblies can include a first end configured to couple to the pedal and a distal second end configured to couple to the lid, and a spring configured to dampen a force in excess of a predetermined force threshold applied to the pedal by the user and transferred to the elongated lift rod assembly. Waste receptacles including such lift rod assemblies are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC
    Inventors: Gary DeCarr, Jacob Connelly
  • Patent number: 10294023
    Abstract: A device for rotating a cover of a trash can opens the cover so that a predetermined space is exposed, or closes the cover onto the frame so that the predetermined space is disconnected with the outside. The device includes an external force applying part rotated by first external force based on a fixed rotating shaft; and a mediating part which mediates the external force, interconnected to a rotation of the external force applying part by the external force to make the cover open. The cover closes by weight of the cover when the external force is released, in which when the standing of the cover is limited by second external force, the mediating part is transformed by the rotation of the external force applying part by the external force and prevents the external force from being transmitted to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Janibell, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang-Ok Chang
  • Patent number: 10124746
    Abstract: The automobile lid device capable of opening and closing an opening of an automobile interior component includes a lid body configured to open and close the opening by being attached to and detached from the opening; a first engaging claw arranged at a periphery edge of the lid body, the first engaging claw having an outwardly downward inclination section; and a second engaging claw arranged at a periphery edge of the opening having an inwardly upward inclination section. Faces of the outwardly downward inclination section and the inwardly upward inclination section are engaged as being mutually contacted such that the outwardly downward inclination section crawls under a lower face of the inwardly upward inclination section when the lid body is attached to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: KASAI KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Junichi Kubo
  • Patent number: 9814337
    Abstract: Bag holding devices are presented including: a base having an inclined housing portion and a raised planar portion; a spring-loaded clamping element disposed along the raised planar portion and pivotally coupled with the planar portion; and a retractable reel disposed within the inclined housing portion. In some embodiments, devices further include: a mating groove disposed along an outer edge of the inclined housing portion; and a bowl having a mating portion that mates with the mating groove. In some embodiments, devices further include: a mating groove disposed along an outer edge of the inclined housing portion; and an accessory having a mating portion that mates with the mating groove, where in the accessory is any of: a novelty item, a promotional item, and a message plaque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Michael Bert James Loewenberg
    Inventor: Michael Bert James Loewenberg
  • Patent number: 9669995
    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 may utilize pedals that can be replaced with a hand actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: 1908 BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: William Hess, Kristen Hess
  • Patent number: 9655378
    Abstract: A heated air popcorn popper and related methods of popping popcorn in which unpopped kernels are retained in a heating zone and are prevented from being expelled before they have been exposed to a heated air stream for sufficient time to result in popping of the kernels. The popcorn popper can have a popping portion including a retention mechanism capable of moving in response to physical contact with popped kernels that experience a dramatic volumetric increase in size following popping. As the number of popped kernels within the popping portion increases, the level of the popped kernels rises until they physically contact the retention mechanism, whereby the retention mechanism is forced to transition from a covering disposition to an open disposition in which popped kernels are allowed to exit the heating zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: National Presto Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth Rooney, Michael R. Berge
  • Patent number: 9597991
    Abstract: A cupholder assembly includes an outer housing and an inner carriage movably disposed within the outer housing. The inner carriage defines at least one cup well. A first door and a second door are movable between closed positions, which block the inner carriage, and open positions, which allow access to the inner carriage. A biasing member is configured to one of: bias the inner carriage away from the outer housing, and rotate one of the first door and the second door. Opening one of the first door and the second door releases the biasing member and allows at least a portion of the inner carriage to move upward relative to the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Douglas J. Amick
  • Patent number: 9593498
    Abstract: A system is provided for automatically opening and closing a two-part longitudinally hinged longitudinal cover for a swim spa. The automatic swim spa cover opening and closing system is characterized by a longitudinal support that spans between and along longitudinal ends of the two cover parts, first and second drive mechanisms disposed on opposite longitudinal ends of the swim spa, a first drive arm operatively connected to and between the first drive mechanism and a first end of the longitudinal support, and a second drive arm operatively connected to and between the second drive mechanism and a second end of the longitudinal support. The drive mechanisms each include a hydraulic cylinder operating configured drive gearing that operates configured drive arm gearing. The drive and arm gearing provide a two-stage operation of the drive arm to separately pivot the two cover parts for opening and closing the two-part swim spa cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Justin Wyrick
  • Patent number: 9551551
    Abstract: A lens cover for a firearm scope comprises a lens ring configured to mount to a lens, a cover bracket pivotally mounted to the lens ring, and a cover membrane disposed upon a portion of the lens ring and a portion of the cover bracket. When the cover bracket is in a closed position, the cover membrane creates a seal against the lens ring. The lens ring comprises an elastomeric material so as to enable mounting of the lens ring to lenses of differing diameters. The cover bracket includes a plurality of opposing mounting holes for selectively mounting the cover bracket to the adjustable lens ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: APPLIED MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC
    Inventor: Anthony Ilacqua
  • Patent number: 9321403
    Abstract: An overhead console assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of interchangeable storage bin modules each defining at least receivers and a differently sized or shaped storage bin or holder. An overhead console is provided, defining a storage cavity adapted to receive the plurality of storage bin modules. The assembly further includes pins including a first end adapted to be received in the overhead console and a second end adapted to be received in one of the receivers. Each of the interchangeable storage bin module differently sized or shaped storage spaces is independently configured to hold a different item. One of the pin first ends includes a gear for interfacing with a dampener. Another of the pin first ends is associated with a biasing member adapted to apply a closing force to a one of the interchangeable storage bins held in the overhead console storage cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Marc David Nedelman
  • Patent number: 9309049
    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: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: 1908 BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: William Hess, Kristen Hess
  • Patent number: 9272668
    Abstract: A temporal engaging portion is provided at a bin. Therefore, by engaging a bin-side arm with a bin-side engaging portion and temporally engaging a panel-side arm with the temporal engaging portion after elastically deforming the panel-side arm, a torsion spring can be set to the bin before the bin is coupled with a panel. The bin set with the torsion spring is inserted into a recess of the panel. During rotation of the bin toward a closed position, a temporal engagement of the panel-side arm with the temporal engaging portion is released, and upon being released, the panel-side arm is elastically sprung-back to be finally engaged with the panel-side engaging portion. As a result, by only coupling the bin set with the torsion spring with the panel, the bin and the torsion spring can be coupled with the panel so that coupling work is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: KOJIMA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenta Suzuki, Tomohiro Miura
  • Patent number: 9233793
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for easily and simply lifting and holding open residential size trash containers thereby allowing the user the use of both hands for hoisting and dumping the trash without having to touch the lid with bare or both hands. The device also holds the lid in an open position without having to rest the lid against a wall or abutment or having the lid completely flip to the back side of the receptacle through the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Original Design Products, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Jackson, John Christie
  • Patent number: 9174583
    Abstract: A container for a vehicle interior has a base body in which at least one compartment is formed and a lid for at least partially closing the compartment and movable between a closed position and an open position. An actuator biases the lid into the open position and a latch can retain it in the closed position. A first brake associated with the actuator retards movement of the lid during movement of the lid from the closed into the opened position. A second brake further retards movement of the lid in only a limited end portion of its movement into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: GRAMMER AG
    Inventor: Stefan Kuhn
  • Patent number: 9038842
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage compartment comprising a storage space, a cover flap (3) covering the opening (5) of the storage space, said flap releasing the opening (5) in an opened position and closing it in a closed position, and a mechanism (4) for opening and closing the cover flap, wherein the mechanism comprises a first coupling rod (40) that is mounted on a first pivot rotatably about a first axis (41) in the storage space and comprises a second pivot spaced from the first pivot, and a lever (30) arranged rigidly on the cover flap is mounted on the second pivot rotatably about a second axis (42). According to the invention, a gear wheel section (33) that is in engagement with a further rotatably mounted gear wheel (44) is present on the cover flap, wherein the gear wheel is also arranged on the coupling rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Doll
  • Patent number: 8960490
    Abstract: A lid assembly including a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover member including a top surface and a side surface extending from the top surface, wherein the top surface includes an aperture providing access to contents of the container; an actuating member attached to the cover member and positionable between closed and open positions to close and open the aperture, wherein depressing the actuating member opens the aperture and releasing the actuating member closes the aperture; and a locking member provided on the actuating member, the locking member positionable to lock the actuating member in either the closed or open position to maintain the aperture in either the closed or open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Leedsworld, Inc.
    Inventors: Alison Carlile, Mindy Hoffmann, Jaime Morgan
  • Patent number: 8943952
    Abstract: A brewer, system, and method of use for producing and dispensing a beverage. The apparatus, system, and method of use includes a receiver for receiving a brewing substance container. The receiver receives the container, positions it for infusion with heated water, and then positions the container for removal from the receiver. The present apparatus, system, and method minimizes the drive mechanisms associated with the apparatus and improves the control and reliability of the apparatus. The apparatus facilitates collection and dispensing of beverage produced in the receiver and removal of the brewing substance container from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher W. Rahn, James I. Miller
  • Patent number: 8919593
    Abstract: A lid assembly includes a lid, which defines openings and a guide channel, and a body slidably engaging the lid and defining protrusions that correspond with the openings. A resiliently deformable member of the body is guided within the guide channel of the lid. The body is movable between a first position in which the openings and protrusions are aligned to block fluid flow and a second position in which the openings and protrusions are misaligned to allow fluid flow through the lid. The body is biased in the direction of the first position by the resiliently deformable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventors: Russell Sinacori, Douglas Ramsey
  • Patent number: 8915358
    Abstract: A moist wipes dispenser has a top attached to a bottom along a hinge. The top is adapted to pivot about the hinge's axis of rotation. The top is adapted to assume a closed position and a dispensing position. In one embodiment, the top can assume a warning position adapted to warn a user that the top is not shut. The top is urged to the warning position if the top is angularly disposed in a red zone that extends between the closed position and the warning position. The warning position is angularly displaced from the closed position by at least five degrees. In another embodiment, the hinge includes a pin integrally molded with the top or bottom, and an open knuckle integrally molded with the other of the top and bottom. The hinge is adapted to urge the top into closed and dispensing positions in selected angular ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kroy D. Johnson, Linda J. Van Dyke, Robert Schlaupitz
  • Patent number: 8887950
    Abstract: A case for a cosmetic or body hygiene product comprises a body having a bottom and a free edge 2B and containing a dish 5 containing a solid, pasty or pulverulent product, and a lid 3 mounted pivotably on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Chanel Parfums Beaute
    Inventors: Christian Salciarini, Olivier Perrin, Sylvie Legastelois
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8844746
    Abstract: Closures having an integrated over center latching assembly including an end wall, a skirt wall depending from the end wall, an outlet opening associated with the end wall and an over center latching assembly are disclosed. The over center latching assembly includes a link pivotally coupled to the closure at a first pivot point, a lever pivotally coupled to the link at a second pivot point, a closing member pivotally coupled to the closure at a third pivot point and pivotally coupled to the lever at a forth pivot point and a biasing spring coupled between the first pivot point and the fourth pivot point. The link and the lever are configured to move the over center latching assembly between a first position and a second position and the closing member is configured to close the outlet opening when the over center latching assembly is moved to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Runway Blue, LLC
    Inventors: David O. Meyers, Steven M. Sorensen, Kim Sorensen
  • Publication number: 20140271403
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure system for a holder for a reaction vessel in an automatic analysis apparatus. The closure system comprises a lid secured movably on a retainer element, wherein the lid closes an opening of the holder in a closed position and opens it in an open position. The closure system further comprises a restoring element, which is designed in such a way that, depending on the position of the lid, it exerts a restoring force in the direction of the closed position or of the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS DIAGNOSTICS GMBH
    Inventor: Hugo Wilmes
  • Patent number: 8833588
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a foot operated latch and linkage means permitting hands-free access to a waste or recycling container. The latch includes a kick plate which is interlocked with a foot pedal whereby displacement of the kick plate permits release of the foot pedal to move from a latched position to an unlatched position, which pedal movement engages a linkage which opens a user access door in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Haul-All Equipment Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Spahmann, C. Kelly Phillip, John Jansen
  • Publication number: 20140246434
    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: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 8820573
    Abstract: As monitor 1 held by casing 3 is upwardly pushed, clamp 2 is rectilinearly moved toward push latch 4 in cooperation with rotation of the monitor 1, the monitor 1 is rotatable by claw section 2a disengaged from locking hole 1b, and a striker holding section 4a engages with striker 2b to be forced into the main body of the latch 4 to be in engagement locked position. As the opened monitor 1 is upwardly pushed, the clamp 2 is rectilinearly moved toward the latch 4 in cooperation with the rotation of the monitor 1, the holding section 4a placed in the locked position with the striker 2b is forced into the main body of the latch 4 to be in engagement-lock releasing position, and the released section 2a is urged and moved by spring 5 to lock the hole 1b to hold the monitor 1 in closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Tsuzuki, Masahiro Kanamaru, Jiro Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 8820561
    Abstract: In a closure for closing the orifice (13) of a neck (12), in particular the orifice of a fuel filler neck for automotive vehicles, a spring mechanism is provided which takes the form of a tightening device for drawing the closure part (14) automatically into its final closed position. The movement of the closure part (14) is controlled by a first guide slot (19). The operating lever (35), by means of which the closure part is moved, is furthermore hinged to the closure part (14) by means of a second guide slot (39), which, when an opening force is introduced via the closure part (14), blocks the movement of the closure part (14) from its closed position in the opening direction so that the closure part (14) cannot be manually opened from outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Temtec Fahrzeugtechnik Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Angelika Barbara Maria Bauer
  • Publication number: 20140238989
    Abstract: A foot operation container includes a garbage bin having a bin lid, a foot-operable pedal mounted to the garbage bin, a pedal guide arrangement mounted to the garbage bin for enabling downward and upward movement of the foot-operable pedal, and a driving arrangement connected to the bin lid and the bin lid, wherein when the foot-operable pedal is pressed by a foot of a user, the foot-operable pedal moves downward under a guidance of the pedal guide arrangement to drive the pulling thread to lift up the bin lid. A pedal cushion arrangement is also provided to provide a cushion effect to avoid the production noise when the foot-operable pedal is released from the foot of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiangqun Chen
  • Publication number: 20140209605
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a foot operated latch and linkage means permitting hands-free access to a waste or recycling container. The latch includes a kick plate which is interlocked with a foot pedal whereby displacement of the kick plate permits release of the foot pedal to move from a latched position to an unlatched position, which pedal movement engages a linkage which opens a user access door in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: HAUL-ALL EQUIPMENT LTD.
    Inventors: Peter Spahmann, C. Kelly Philipp, John Jansen
  • Patent number: 8720862
    Abstract: The apparatus is to assist in the removal of trash receptacles and or bag liners from under counter single, double, or multiple slide-out trash can cabinets. By stepping on the lever located below the trash can, the trash-can will be raised approximately one inch which will allow a person to remove the plastic trash bag (bag liner) from the rim of the trash can. It will also allow easy removal of the trash receptacle itself once it is raised by allowing a person to grasp the rim of the trash can. The unit can be retrofitted onto existing pull-out trash can cabinets or mounted in new.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Gretchen Elizabeth Ernest, Thomas Matthew Hoffmam
  • Patent number: 8720728
    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 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 8695825
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide an apparatus that includes a container configured to store and transport drilling waste, a lid coupled to the container, and at least one arm coupled to the lid and configured to lift or lower the lid when moved, wherein the at least one arm comprises a counterweight. Disclosed embodiments also provide a method of opening and closing an apparatus. The method includes moving at least one arm coupled to a lid of the apparatus to an open position, wherein the apparatus is configured to store and transport drilling waste, disposing drilling waste in the apparatus, and moving the at least on arm coupled to the lid of the apparatus to a closed position. Disclosed embodiments also provide a method of modifying a mud skip that includes coupling at least one arm to a lid of the mud skip configured to store and transport drilling waste, wherein the at least one arm comprises a counterweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: M-1 LLC
    Inventor: Kjell Magne Oksnevad
  • Patent number: 8689989
    Abstract: A drink bottle with a removable lid includes an inner lid attached to the mouth of the bottle and an outer lid pivotably mounted on the inner lid. A drink spout extends from the inner lid. The outer lid may be locked into a closed position covering the drink spout. A push button on the inner lid can be operated to release the locked outer lid, permitting the outer lid to open to permit drinking from the drink spout. The push button moves a lid slide that extends opposite to the hinge and contains an extension that engages with a notch in the upper lid to hold the upper lid closed. On actuating the push button, the lid slide is pulled toward the push button and the extension at the other end of the lid slide moves out of engagement of the outer lid, thereby opening the outer lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Thermos L.L.C.
    Inventor: Marvin Lane
  • Patent number: 8678219
    Abstract: A lid operation arrangement of a container includes an automatic operated unit for automatically operating a lid panel, a foot operated unit for manually operating the lid panel, and a motorized unit operatively linked with the automatic operated unit and the foot operated unit. When the motorized unit is activated by the automatic operated unit, the motorized unit is arranged for generating a torque enhancing force to move the lid panel from the opened position to the closed position and for generating a decelerating force to move the lid panel back to the closed position from the opened position in a hydraulic manner. After the lid panel is lifted up to the opened position by the foot operated unit, the motorized unit only generates the decelerating force to move the lid panel back to the closed position from the opened position in a hydraulic manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Xin Wang, Jiangqun Chen
  • Patent number: 8662337
    Abstract: A waste storage device is provided including a waste storage cassette receiving chamber for receiving a cassette rotatable within the chamber and containing tubing for enveloping waste. The device further includes a waste inlet and a throat area therebetween, wherein a releasable gripping assembly is provided in the throat area and arranged for actuation between a released configuration defining an aperture for passage of waste therethrough and a gripping configuration defining a restriction in the throat area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sangenic International Limited
    Inventors: Graham Keith Lacy, Nicholas Gerald Fitton, Benjamin Douglas Vinal Cramp, Julian Swan
  • Patent number: 8627976
    Abstract: A cart including a container that defines an interior space. The cart also includes a cover that is movable between an open position providing access to the interior space and a closed position inhibiting access to the interior space, and a latch that is located between the container and the cover to releasably hold the cover in the closed position. The cart further includes a hands-free mechanism that is coupled to the container and engaged with the cover to move the cover between the open position and the closed position. The hands-free mechanism is further coupled to the latch and operable to disengage the latch to permit movement of the cover to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Barry Anderson
  • Patent number: 8613371
    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: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John Rousso, Steve Mowers, John Cichello, Rick Corney, Michael Jackson, Vincent Valderrama
  • Patent number: 8567630
    Abstract: A receptacle having a lid which has a pair of dampers configured to slow the movement of the lid from an open position toward a closed position. The dampers are provided at opposite ends of a pedal connected to the receptacle body at opposite lateral positions relative to a side of the receptacle body. The receptacle includes an air filtration device mounted in its lid which guides air through the filter device during the downward motion of the lid. The receptacle also includes at least one damper which provides dampening forces against the motion of the lid in both opening and closing directions. The receptacle also includes an anti-sliding device which increases the receptacle's resistance to sliding across a floor when a user steps on a pedal to actuate the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: simplehuman, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 8567640
    Abstract: A portable carousel assembly for storing and facilitating access to medicine containers, such as plastic bottles commonly used for prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each medicine bottle is housed in a station that includes an aperture formed in a top plate of a rotatable receptacle. The rotatable receptacle is coupled to a stationary base. An ejection mechanism, such as a lever, cam track or ramp is operable to partially eject a selected medicine bottle from the receptacle so that it can be viewed or removed from the receptacle. The medicine bottle is maintained in the partially ejected condition by grasping means, such as flaps, gaskets, or webbing, or by operation of the cam track or ramp, so that the user need only use one hand to operate the carousel assembly and remove the medicine bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: LJC Therapy Services. Inc.
    Inventor: Connie Johnson-Lofton
  • Patent number: 8556118
    Abstract: The moving mechanism has a first stationary-side gear part and a second stationary-side gear part provided on a support body side; a movable-side gear part and a pinion gear provided on a supported part of a movable body; and a guide device positioned so that the movable-side gear part engages with the first stationary-side gear part and the pinion gear engages with the second stationary-side gear part. The first stationary-side gear part is formed along an arc of a virtual circle, and has teeth oriented toward a center side of this virtual circle; the second stationary-side gear part is provided adjacent to this first stationary-side gear part on the center side of the aforementioned virtual circle, is formed along an arc of a separate virtual circle from this virtual circle, and has teeth oriented toward a center side of this separate virtual circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Hamaguchi